Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1917-12-11
Break in Harmony Apparent
as Magnates Gather for
Grave Conferences.
MANY BIG PROBLEMS FACED
Draft, Increased Expenses,
War Tax, Among Menaces
to Be Considered.

NEW YORK, Deco. 10.-The annual
meeting of the National league of
Professional Baseball clubs, to be held
in this city tomorrow, is expected to
have most important bearing upon
future conduct OF the sport II is
doubtful If the magnates of the senior
league ever gathered to consider IL
more momentous situation than that
which confronts the association, in
conjunction with other baseball or
GaniZations. at this time.
The drafting Of players, increased
cost OF maintenance and treveling ex-
penses; legal actions arising from the
suit of the former Baltimore Federal
league club and possible decrease in
public interest, due to the war, are
some of the problems calling for at
tention. None Of the early arrivals
cared tonight TO venture an opinion
as TO the outcome of the meeting.
Many Suggestions Made.
Numerous suggestions have been
made for anticipating the unusual
, conditions likely to confront the club
owners during the season of 1918.
These include reduction of the play
ingi schedule from 1874 to 140 games
the, curtailment of each club roster
from the present 22 players TO not
more than IS, a SHORTER season, the
elimination Of the spring training trip
or at least sharp cut in the time and
money spent in the preparation for
tie annual pennant play, reduction OF
players salaries and the adoption of
wartime contracts which will permit
abrogation on short notice should con-
ditions warrant.
Break I'm Harmony.
To add to the difficulties of the
senior organization magnates there
is-some difference of opinion among
the dub owners and officers of the
major leagues as to what steps should
be taken to, meet contingencies aris
ing from the entry Of this country into
the war. This break In the working
harmony of the two big league cir
cults has become pronounced recently
and is illustrated by the uncertainty
regarding the holding of the joint
meeting set for Thursday in Chicago.
If the conference is to be held as
announced by both Garry Hermann
and Ban Johnson Of the national com
mission. II will necessitate the Ma
tional league heads leaving for Chi
cago some time tomorrow and doubt
was expressed here tonight as to
whether the business In hand could
be disposed of in time to permit their
departure, That such conference
is desira BILE is admitted on all sides
but some Of the National league off
cia!s appear to be of the opinion that
they should have more time to con-
slider their own problems before going
into joint session with the American
league club owners.
From the viewpoint Of the baseball
fan, the possibility of player trades
or deals and the collection of the gov
ernment tax are some of the outstand-
Pins. features. Several managers are
said to be planning additions to their
playing forces providing cash or ex-
change of players can bring about the
deals. How the war tax will be col
lected has not as yet been decided
upon. but 1t is generally understood 1t
will be added to the present cost OF
admission and seat charge.