New-York tribune., 1917-12-11
Plans for Next Season May
Be Deferred-Sunday
Law Would Help

The International League, which for
more than a decade has carried the
banner of organized baseball. will not
be left to the mercy Of the wolf at the
door. Financial assistance TO tide this
Class A. A. organization over the
treacherous business shoals incident to
a world war will be guaranteed to-day
by the National League magnates as
sembled in this city.
The international League was to have
held it's annual meeting yesterday at
the Imperial Hotel. 1t was found nee
essary to delay the conference for one
day because some very important per-
sonages, including the representatives
of the champion Toronto and the Bal
timore club, were delayed by the storm.
Toronto and Baltimore are two OF the
principal links OF the international
chain.
The international League magnates
number on their membership roll some
of the gamest promoters OF this protes-
sional sport. The International League
has struggled for several years against
an apparently hopeless cause. The
great majority has suffered striking
losses despite rigid economy. IL Is a
case of throwing more good money
after bad, or of locking the parks til!
after the war.
But for one fact the international
League would have closed shop year
IA 81 hat ha pf
such a prominent minor organization
would have had a depressing effect
upon the welfare Of the sport in gen
eral. And because of the possible de-
preston major league baseball now
stands ready 70 return the compliment.
Financial difficulties alone seem 20
stand in the psth Of the International
Leagues future. Finance-take it from
National League magnates in the city
is nothing over which the Barrow cir
cult should worry.
Two Cities Fall Behind
There are two cities in the Interna-
tional League circuit which have not
kept pace with their fellows, and which
have been a drag to the general pros
perity Of the combination. These are
Montreal and Richmond, the extreme
north and south wings OF the organi-
zation.
II seems more than probable that
Montreal and Richmond will be elimi-
mated though just how remains 20 be
seen. IL has been proposed that the
circuit operate without them as six
club affair. This proposition has not
met with popular approval. Il is felt
the move would cheaper the league and
therefore prove boomerang 10 the
game in general.
Sammy Liehtenheim. who owns the
Montreal club, Is one OF the very most
patriotic promoters 70 be found any
where. Profits are d secondary con
sideration with him. IL is impossible
TO freeze out Sammy. But ne might
step down il he could be shown that the
transfer Of franchise TO some other
city would be of common benefit. There
is a scheme on now TO switch the Mont
real franchise TO Syracuse. Such
switch would mean the elimination OF
Lichtenheim. IL would involve expense
which the major leagues must make
good.
Il is probable that the international
League meeting here will develop moth
ing more. tangible than an expressed
purpose 10 continue operations through
the season of 1918. Details very well
NAV be left over 10 later conference.
Meanwhile a line may be had on busi-
ness conditions.
Sunday Ball Would Help
A hope OF no meagrs size is held out
in the possibility Of Sunday baseball
in New York State next year. >unday