New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-12
SOME WALL0PS
DUE In CONFABS
OF BASEBALL MEN
Schedule Meetings To Be
Held This Week Bear I'm
usual Significance
BY W. J. MACBETH

The opening skirmish OF the 1871
baseball season will be witnessed IN
New York and onvirons tlus week, Tor
the schedule meetings Of tive major and
big minor leagues are usually looked
upon as the first official move in that
direction.
The schedule meetings 81 the Ma
tional and American leagues this
spring bear an unusual significance be-
cause Of the threatened strike on the
part Of the players and the proximity
OF the general mobilization IN the
Southern training camps. There IS,
moreover. the possibility OF TIL coun-
try's participation in war with a Eu-
ropean power. Each and ali OF the
many new contingencies may or may
not have some direct bearing on the
future policies Of the conduct OF TINS
great summer sport.
Startling Disclosures
IL the word Of August HERMANN,
chairman OF the National Comrnl sslon'
ia TO be relied upon certain strange
and startling disclosures on tt'c SIDE
NAV be expected. Hermann DECLARES
that the Fraternity propogan ia Of
David l.. Fultz and his lieutenanHs mas
failed. lie says the meetings her Will
prove il. and that when the case ~
proven no will disclose docum rntary
evidence 90 show that the whole pro-
posed strike was trumpcd up win the
view Of maintaining war time salaries,
81 have been in communication WIN
Messrs. J. X Tcner and b. =. Johnson,
~ --..--toprre y IGg.IQr
Mir. Hermann yesterday, "and / know
that enough PLAYERS are now under
contract 10 both major leagues 70 make
q huge Joke Of any attempted strike.
The strike, therefore, is dead But
that does not mean that u Will nc
allowed to rest in peace
From Herrmann's remarks, IT was
evident that tho two major leagues
had hit upon some plan TO strike deep
AT the root Of fraternaiism. The Ma
tional Commission chairman, on sat
urdav, intimated that both Leagues
might adopt the most conservative
possible roster limit. That, perhaps,
is one of the big wallops promised.
Hermann declared stoutly that under
10 circumstances, would any OF the
forces Of organized baseball tolerate
any form Of peace parlcy with the
players union
Hermann declared that the two
major leagues might be expected to
publish the names Of their signed
players during the week.
Several Husky Mines
"I'n willing to announce my list"
he said. "I'm sure every National
League club can show pretty husky
nine. All but probably three can
show a pretty husky nine All but
probably three can show last seasons
aggregations practically intact. The
American League is in even better
shape, Mr. johnson has assured me"
Hermann is Of the opinion that the
major leagues will show the strength
Of their hands not only In eligible
players, but in policy as well. on this
occasion. The schedule meetings will
fall Just ono week before the Cubs
depart for Pasadena. Cal. A firm
stand ON policy, therefore, would turn
70 the advantage Of those club owners
who have planned for an early start.
Among these are those in control OF
the Giants and Yankees. The first
squads Of these teams will head South
week from Saturday.
Aside from the near trouble with
players, the two major leagues have
an unusual lot OF business TO keep
their minds occupied several days.
There is a great agitation on for rules
changes that might stifFen the offence
Of the game. Thousands Of sugges-
tions from players, fans and umpires
have been forwarded TO the league
Offices It seems that the spitball is
doomed with one years grace. As a
rule, there is always 2 great deal Of
agitation FOR rules changes each year
but little action by the joint rules
committee.
Reform in Big Series
Il IL foregone conclusion that some
sort OF reform will be made in the
conduct Of world series games. Ban
Johnson has guaranteed the public that
admission 10 these classic struggles on
American League parks will not be
more than double the tariff for regu-
larly scheduled games during the sea-
son There is difference Of opinion
between the respective major league
heads as TO the number of games and
the division Of the pot
Mr.. Tener is sponsor Of a scheme
20 divide the spells Of the world series
in a manner that will give share 10
other clubs than the participants. He
DelieVtS, TOO, LndJ Lne series buOuiu Dc
extended. Mr.. Johnson does not favor
having any but pennant winners shar-
ing IN the players pot He, however
believes that the players share Of late
years has grown beyond the best in
terests OF the game.
johnson has several original world
series ideas he intends to spring. One
- the provision Of home for aged
players Ban would set aside a part
Of world series revenue for this char
table institution.
The minor leagues are behind the
majors TO a man in the determination
to treat In no way with the Fraternity.
Overtures TO both the great and small
lights of the promotion have been uB-
needed. Ed Barrow, president OF the
International League, says his circuit
is determined 70 pass a rule against
the employment Of Fraternity mem
beers. Contracts have not yet been sent
out BY his club owners
Tho National League schedule meet
ing will be held at the Waldorf-Astoria
tomorrow. The American League will
meet a. tho Hotel Walcott on Thurs
day. A meeting Of the National Com
mission will be held az the Waldorf on
"wednesday. The international Leagues
sChedule meeting in 70 honor Newark