New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-01-21


erty of his owner and may be sent TO
any part Of the country TO which the
owner desires to send him. Minor
league players are thus often com
PEELED, when reporting TO their clubs In
the spring, 70 travel long distances
from their homes, and unless they are
able 10 make arrangements with their
own particular clubs. which they ere
often unable TO do, they are compelled
to do this at their own expense.
We have made three applications to
the National Board for this same re-
lief, but in every case have been re-
fused. On behalf of the major leagues,
however, the National Commission, IN
1914, conceded this point by the Fra
ternity agreement, and has enforced 1t
scrupulously ever since.
Quotes Garry Hermann
Referring TO this point, Mr.. Herr
man. in letter TO the writer, said:
ut is my judgment that, in so far
as Glass "A and A clubs are con
cerned. the travelling expenses OF
their players should be paid in full,
regardless of where they may reside,
that is TO say, at least one way, the
same as is now being done by major
league clubs, because, as have al
ready stated, it is my understanding
this had been almost the universal
practice right along.
"The illustrations which you point
out in your letter do work hardshlps
on players under the conditions
named and should not be permitted.
Mr.. Johnson in the past has declared
in positive language against prac-
tice of this kind, and am quite sure
when President Tener receives tins
correspondence, and particularly IN
SO far as IL relates to Player ----,
he will be Of the same opinion"
President Tener has stated 80 the
writer that such concession should
be granted to the player, and only
week ago he was reported in the press
10 have stated that the commission
was in sympathy with our request and
that it was perfectly fair. -.
Needs No Explanation
There is hardly anything in the
fourth request which needs explsna-
ton. By the rules of organized base
ball we are compelled 70 submit grlev-
ances Of minor league players 10 the
board. The board is supposed 10 be
neutral body, sitting IN judicial
capacity, and yet the player, one OF
the litigants before this body, Is not
permitted to know what evidence the
other litigant introduces, although THIS
litigant has free access TO the evidence
he introduces; nor is the player mott
fed of the decision except through
bulletins published in certain sporting
periodicals, which appear sometimes
Il on
Had Right to Hearing
In any event, he had right TO be
heard. and we wrote Mr.. Farrell asking
Cor a hearing. Receiving no reply, we
wrote TO eight OF the eleven members
Of the board, stating the facts and
asking for a hearing. None Of them
replied. Three weeks later we wrote
another letter, this time to every mem
Der Of the board, again asking Tor q
hearing. Four of them replied and
said the entire matter was in MI Far
rell's hands. No reply being received
from Mr.. Farrell, we were forced to
resort 10 the courts.
We brought an injunction action
against the board In the Supreme Court
of this state, and the day the papers
were served upon Mr.. Farrell the
player received wire from him stat
ing his fine and suspension were lifted.
We ask the public how such things
as this can be tolerated in free land.
Without the Fraternity this player
would have been compelled to pay an
fine or give up his profess
sion. This was not case Of an OBJ"
scure club owner overreaching a play
er, it was a case of judicial body
70. h.
tiOnal Commission violating the very
principles of justice.
Continued attempts are being made
70 obscure our issue by bringing in the
salary question. The player is pictured
as oyerpaid and deserving of little con-
sideration. IL is true some of them
draw large salaries, but many Of them
do not. The public will be surprised TO
know that there was a salary paid in
the big leagues last year Of 500 a
month Ty CObb's salary did not help
this young man to any great extent.
At any rate, this controversy has abso-
lutely nothing TO do with the salary
question, and the owners attempts TO
90 convince the public are insincere.
Serious Crisis Near
For three years we have attempted to
players, and for two years we have en-
deavored through patient. tactful petit
ton and almost SupplicatiOn to have
instituted decent method Of handling
the PLAYERS claims. la all this we have
failed utterly. The board has shown
10 appreciation of our methods. and II
has now reached point where patience
is no longer a virtue. and We must talk
in terms which are ineligible 10 this
body. We are sorry to be compelled 20
say so, but the only terms which the
board understands are those of force.
The boards hostility TO us dates from
the early part of 1914. On January 8,
1914 the officers Of the Fraternity went
to Cincinnati and made certain prelimi-
nary agreements with the National Com
mission and the National Board. The
meeting then adjourned. 20 convene in
New York the early part Of February.
A week later the .atiOnal Board sent
out contracts which contained clause
in absolute violation Of the arrange
ments made at Cincinnati. The writer
was COMPELLED, after futile correspond
ence with Mr.. Farrell in an endeavor
10 get this clause removed, 10 advise
minor league players not to sign con-
tracts.
Admit Unfairness
At the adjourned meeting which took
Mace al the Hotel Waldorf in this city
Mr. Hermann and Mr.. Johnson told
Mr.. Farrell in no uncertain terms that
he had dealt unfairly with the players
and that he must revise the clause IN
his contracts 20 conform 20 the orig,
inal agreement. Mr.. Farrell COMMENDED
that he had no power to bind the Ma
tional Association. Mr.. Johnson fInally
closed the controversy by saying; we
won't discuss the matter any further
Go ahead. Hermann; the point is con-
ceded 10 the boys"
c.. ~ 4;,.o MO have been persona