New-York tribune., 1917-12-20

g hne opportunity TOT theSe '''""'N
tees and those interested in their ac-
ton to get together for final thrash
ing out Of the problems.
The probable effect Of war on the
playing strength of the two major
leagues is one Of the least worries OF
the operators. If all the young stars
subject to draft should be taken and
all the others OF military age should
enlist there would still be material
available for the shaping of sixteen
clubs. In such contingency the minor
leagues would be the first forced out,
and their remnants could keep the
major spirit aglow indefinitely. The
elimination of high salsried men would
obviate the salary slashing planned.
One Of the real worries OF organized
baseball at present is the hang-fre suit
of the Federal League. The National
and American leagues as co-defendants
seem reasonably sure Of checkmating
the action for 5000, 900 damages resur-
rected by the stockholders of the Balti-
more club Of the defunct outlaw cir
cult but the bigger fish of the Gilmore
ring is another matter entirely.
Good Excuse for Delay
Heavy indemnities were promised the
Wards, Harry +. Sinclair and Edward
., Io1f no ~
hand and foot and free from all en-
tangling legal alliances. These in
IDENTITIES have not been paid. There
was good excuse for delay for time
the original suit brought by the Batll-
more people. But that suit, withdrawn
from a Philadelphia court, was dormant
for many weeks without any attempt
having been made 20 square promised
accounts with the Wards, Sinclair,
Gwinner and company.
It is hinted now that these financial
pillars of the Federal League have lent
moral support TO their one-time enc
mics, the Baltimore stockholders. AZ
any rate, the latter have not named
their original partners as co-defendants
i'm the second suit. And baseball, II IT
wins from the Baltimore people, will
still have It's settlement to make with
those favored by promised indemnitles.
In both leagues there is certain SEN
timent, though it may be in the minor
ity, TO avoid unnecessary llnen-washlng
in the public courts by amicable means.
Some few National Leaguers even coun-
selled. a few months ago, separate
settlement. Some American League club
owners believe that in the present state
g tr 81
not be aired in court. These intend to
make fight for peace at any price
during the Cincinnati meeting.
Adjudication of differences with Bal
timore citizens is easy of accomplish
ment. A major league franchise would
tickle the Oriole City much more than
5000, 600 Especially so, if the Interna
tional League is as dead as its mag
mates intimated at their annual meet
ing. The National League long coun-
selled such a move, but wished to put
the burden on its rival wished TO have
Washington's franchise switched there.
Might Switch Philadelphia Club
Recent developments in baseball
politics make il possible for one or the,
other Of the majors TO accommodate
Baltimore. There might be worse
moves than to switch one Of the Phil
sdelphia clubs to the Oriole City. Both
William f. Baker and Connie Mack are
i'm Dutch with the Quaker City fans
for selling their best players 20 rival
clubs. This is question which is
bound TO be considered seriously at the
annual meeting of the National Com
mission.
It seems a foregone conclusion that
August Hermann will be reelected
chairman of the Triumvirate. unless
his reelection is opposed by President
John X. Tener OF the National League.
a move quite unlikely. as Herrnsnn is
the president of National League
club. Garry was reported in the bad
graces Of Ban Johnson a few months
ago. But he has played politics so
skilfully as 10 reinstate himself
Garry lined up with Big Ban in the
recent fight against Tener for the joint
major leagues meeting in Chicago. In
American League circles virtue some
times has its reward.
The season of 1918 may be ban
ner one for old-timers. The Browns
have resurrected old Lefty" Leifeld.
one time Giant tanner with the Pirates
This same club seems determined TO
make the Gettysburg veteran. South.
paw Eddie Plank. recant on his re
tircment determination.