New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-10-18


yesterday afternoon. The business d
from the recent world series, but M
liberations. By the rules governin
cubs of the respective major League
cf the net profits equally among Il
This windfall for the outsiders is no
The National League also is prepar-
ing to cooperate with the American
League in defence Ct the 100000 suit
for damages which the stockholders
Of the defunct Baltimore Federal
League club have reentered against
organized baseball. This suit for al
legged damages was withdrawn from a
Philadelphia court some months ago,
after it had progressed for several
days.
All parties to the suit appear TN
willing 10 discuss the new angle. IL
was limited at the time Of the with
drawal that organized baseball had
made certain monetary concessions.
Gossip has it that the terms of settle
ment have not been complied with.
Meanwhile other "peace" concessions
are held up. The Wards, of Brooklyn,
and Harry Sinclair were promised
huge indemnites for delivering over
the defunct Federal League free from
all legal entanglements. Those IN
IDENTITIES have not yet been paid be-
cause OF the attitude OF the Baltimore
stockholders.
Efforts for Settlement
Dut;nc the recent world series in
this city an effort was made by coun-
sci for the Baltimore stockholders to
effect settlement. with organized
baseball. Indeed, the National Com
mission granted an audience to rep
resentatives of the plaintiff. IL is not
improbable that yesterdays meeting OF
the National League board Of directors
developed a discussion Of the new
peace proposals Of the Baltimore peo-
pie. ~,
That something of moment 10 the
interests Of organized baseball is afoot
seems certain from the activity or the
two major leagues at this time. Before
leaving Now York Ban Johnson said
he intended TO call q special meeting
Of the American League club owners
in Chicago within the next two or
three weeks. Ban. however, excused.
this meeting as necessary because OF
his contemplated early departure Tor
France.
Several rumors which persisted
throughout the closing months or the
major league campaigns have revived
since the late world series. They are
stories that have been denied re-
peatedly, but which appear TO nave
some ground for truth, because OF the
very persistency with which they are
revived from time to time.
The story will not down that the
American League circuit is TO be
slightly remodelled before another
championship season. Washington, COS
sin saws. will not be represented in the
Johnson ring another year. Toronto IS
TO replace the capital city. Toronto, IN
spite of the war, is enjoying wonder
full prosperity in sports Of all sorts:
Napoleon Lajoie's pennant winners OF
the international League made a far
better financial showing than most OF
the major league clubs.
May Transfer Franchise
The writer was told during the world
series by a person closely identified
with American League politics that
Washington's franchise would be trans
10 n
name the succeeding city. But he did
say a story sent out from Baltimore
some few weeks ago to the effect that
Walter Johnson had been sold TO Cleye-
land was absolutely authentic. He said
such announcement would be made dur
ing the annual meeting Of the Amerl-
can League.
Another rumor has to do with the
Boston club of the National League.
James +. Gafney and his associates,
who formerly controlled the Braves and
who built Braves Field, are TO be in
control next season, it is said. The
present stockholders, who backed Percy
D. Haughton, are said TO be very tired
of their bargain. At the time Gaffney
and his business associates sold the
Braves arrangements were made by the
new owners so that the club could be
turned back for a certain considera-
ton, provided those now in control de-
sired to withdraw from baseball within
a given period. Up Boston way the
fans are certain that Gaffney will be
the big boss again before the campaign
of 1918. Gatfney's return would be
welcomed in the Hub, for he was al
ways popular there, and the team en-
joyed it's greatest success during his
administration.
II the world series proved nothing
else, il showed that baseball has not
the hold on the public it enjoyed, say,
ten years ago. Ten years back there
would have been no vacant places
either In Chicago or New York in a
world series between representatives
of these rival cities. Whether the APP
parent weaving away from the ma
tional psstime Of the public is the re-
suit of the European war the mag
mates will not express an opinion.
Balance Greatly Needed
These magnates, however, believe
the salvation of the game lies directly
in reestablishing that fine balance
which characterized the two major cir
cults some years ago. In a word, both
leagues are top-heavy. The Giants are
far too strong for anything in the
National League, yet the White Sox
won the American League pennant be
fore New York cinched that OF the