New-York tribune., 1918-12-10
Chaplin Calls
Session, of Old
international
Double Difficulties Confront
Minor Lcagucrs in Two
Reorganization Meetings

Whether or not the New Tnterna
tional League will get down to brass
tacks at once and prepare for siren
uous season on tie diamond next ycar
or await DEVELOPMENTS in the wintcr
months of grace allowed will probably
be determined when the meeting re
sumcs this afternoon at the Imperia.
Hotel.
Yesterdays session accomplished
little of moment. q 1t was devoted
chiefly to routine. matters and inc
dentals of formality, not to mention
some trit1ing financial affairs tha
cropped out during a gallant strugglc
against great odds through 1918
The magnates, who now constitute
circuit which for many years was the
most powerful of all the minors. ar
for the moment confronted with doub'c
difficulties. For though the old Inter
national League was disbanded t.
make way for the New international
League. the old is not vet dead.
Charles 7. Chaplin, of Rochester, who
is trustee for the old, admits the fact
And there is none between Maine and
California who has more minor dope
crowded into his Uranium than this
same Charles T., despite his five feet
five As executor and trustee in chief
of the old International League, Mr..
Chapin has called for a meeting to-day
Of all the club presidents of that de-
funct organization as it was constituted
the afternoon of it's disbandment. These
are supposed to gather over the re
mains at 10 O'Clock this morning for
the purpose of listening to the account
of Mr.. Chapin's stewardship.
Entangling Alliances
There are a number of entangling
financial alliances to be unravelled
from the old regime before the present
set-up Of last years circuit can proceed
with any certainty of success. 1t is be-
lieved. however, that a little caution
and Judgment will enable the craft to
make the harbor safely.
Considering the obstacles which con-
fronted them in the past five years
these minor magnates were inclined to
a very harmonious pitch, if outward
signs can be interpreted. There are
differences Of opinion. of course, as to
remedies for existing evils.
Jack Dunn, of Baltimore, is an
ardent disciple of the doctrine that
the chief handicap Of minor operation
lies in the draft. He would have draft
privileges eliminated. and declares that
unless this is done he will not operate
his Oriole plant IN 1919. Others, quite
as prominent as Dunn. believe the
elimination Of the draft would be
blow to baseball. as it would be un-
popular with the playing fraternity,
barring general opportunity for ad
vancement.
Joseph j. Lannin. to whose energy
and resources the league is indebted
for last seasons splendid fight, seemed
most enthusiastic over the prospect of
continuing the battle. Mr.. Lannin,
however, like the great majority, be-
lieve assurances should be given for
relief from existing expressions.
1t is felt on every hand that the
powers of the National Commission
should be modified; that the minors
should have representation in the
highest court Of baseball This opin-
ion, indeed. was concurred in by Con-
ME Mack, who was caller during the
morning session.
The best spirit of good fellowship
seemed to prevail among the New In
ternational League club owners and
everyone seemed satisfied that most
Of the teams that finished the season
VI Ao1C WOuiu Dc fIcduV lGA inc game
next spring. 1t is admitted that sew
eral circuit changes may result from
to-day's conference.
Salary Limit of $4,000
In his report yesterday President
Farrell recommended that salary
limit Of $4,000 month per club be
adopted. 1t is likely this suggestion
will be ratified.
Because of the fact that he is sec
retary of the National Association and
therefore overcrowdcd with work
when the minor league field is
crowded. it is possible Mr.. Farrell may
be forced to withdraw from the ex-
ecutive of the International In this
eventuality, it is said. man of wide
experience will be found to shoulder
the burden. 1t is believed that the
man in view is none other than Davi
l. Fultz, Of the Baseball Players
Fraternity.