The Washington herald., 1917-02-13
HERMANN IS READY
TO EXPOSE 'FRAT'
Startling Disclosures to Be Made by
National Commission Chairman.

New York, Feb. l2-The opening skir-
mish of the 1917 baseball season VIII be
witnessed in New York and environs this
week, for the schedule meetings of the
major and big minor leagues are usually
looked upon as the first official move in
that direction,
The sched ale meetings OF the National
and American Leagues this spring bear
an unusual significance because of the
threatened strike on the part of the play
ers and the proximity of the general
mobilization in the Southern training
camps. There is. moreover, the possibility
of this country's participation in war
with European power. Each and all OF
the many new contingencies may or may
not have some direct bearing on the fu-
ture policies Of the conduct OF this great
summer sport.
If the word Of August Hermann, chair
man OF the National Commission, is TO
De relied upon, certain strange and
startling disclosures on the side may be
expected. Hermann declares that the
Fraternity propaganda of David l.. FUitz
and his lieutenants has failed. He says
the meetings here will prove II and that
when the case Is proven he will disclose
documentary evidence to show that the
whole proposed strike was tTumped up
with the view of maintaining wartime
salaries.
Il have been in communication with
Messrs- j. X. Tener and b. b. johnson.
my fellow commissioners" declared Mr..
Hermann, and l know that enough
players are now under contract to both
major leagues to make huge joke of
any attempted strike. The strike. there
fore. Is dead; but that does not mean
that it will be allowed to rest in peace"
From Herrmann's remarks it is evil
dent that the two major leagues have
hit upon some plan to strike deep at
the root of fraternalism. The National
Commission chairman intimates that
both leagues. might adopt the most con-
servative possible roster limit That,
perhaps, is one of the big walIops prom
ised. Hermann declares stoutly that
under no circumstances will any of the
forces of organized baseball tolerate any
form of peace parley with the players
union.
Hermann declares that the two major
leagues might be expected to publish the
names of their signed players during the
week.
I'm willing to announce my list" he
said. TIN sure every National League
club can show a pretty husky nine. All
but probably three can show last sea-
sons aggrcgations 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 one
week before the Cubs departure for
Pasadena, Cal A firm stand on policy,
therefore would turn to the advantage
OF those club owners who have planned
for an early start. Among these are
those in control OF the Giants and Yam
KEGS. The first squads of these teams
WI head South week from Saturday.
There is great agitation on for rule
changes that might stiffen the oTense
of the game. Thousands of suggestions
from players. fans and umpires have
been forwarded to the league offices. 1t
seems that the spit ball is doomed with
one years grace. As rule there is
always a great deal of agitation for rule
changes each year, but little action by
the joint rules committee