Evening star., 1918-05-24
No Discrimination Likely.

In the first place it may be consid
cred as unlikely that base ball will
be Disseminated against in favor of
the stage. If actors are regarded as
being engaged in useful occupations
In affOrding amusement for the public
in time of stress when momentary
relief from the worries and tribula-
tions incidental to the war are look
ed upon as essential will the official
attitude toward base ball which ac-
complishes this to a unsurpassed de-
gree be diametrically opposed?
When England entered the war
ban was placed on all profess
siOnal sports, including soccer foot
ball. cricket and horse racing, but
after about a year in sackcloth and
ashes the British government learned
that recreation and amusement were
those left at home to do the work
necessary for the conduct of the war
on the continent. the bars were lift
ed, and in some instances some of
the leading soccer and cricket players
were recalled from the front to re-
sumo their activities on the fields of
sport. where 1t was recognized they
would prove Of more value than in
the trenches.
1t is estimated that base ball in one
day can provide relaxation for more
people than company of good actors
can III "ethS. Auoul StpV,VpU pcOplt
attend major league games each sea-
son. and those who follow the doings
of the big leaguers in the newspa-
pers are roughly estimated at 25.-
900, 900, including the uniformed men
of Uncle Sam abroad. who derive
more enjoyment from following the
results of base ball games and other
sports in the newspapers sent to them
than from any other news.
Almost any amusement enterprise
except base ball could within a short
time adjust itself to law that would
deprive it of employees of draft age,
but big league base ball would go
under if all registrants were forced to
quit the game, as nearly 30 per cent
of it's actives are in the draft age
limit. Played only six of the twelve
months, base ball could have it's m en-
used in Il productive manner for the
other half of the year and yet con-
tinue to be of recreative value to the
public.
President Backed Sport.
President Wilson let It be known
when the United States entered
the war that he was interested in
seeing the game prevail. The lead
ers Of the sport based their plans for
this season on the assumption that
it was regarded as essential for the
entertainment of those left here 10
provide food and munitions for the
boys sent across.
Base ball is not merely a sport
| however 1t is n business in which
millions OF dollars of capital is in
| vested. and 1t is reasonable to assume
| this will be given due consideration
along with its value as a fount OF
amusement for the public when the
question of " hether it shall be discon-
| tinued is taken up.
President Minor Of the Washington
| club today said he had formulated M
| plans to have the issue decided. HI
said: "The thing of most importance
| is to win the war. II ball players arr
necessary to this end we will be glat
| to see them CO."
Manager Griffith gave II as his opin
ion that it is not the purpose Of thu
| government to disrupt a Legitimate
| business such as base ball.
| II am inclined to regard Gen. Crow
ders order as aimed at persons wht
| are eyading service or are holdinf
/ positions that could be filled just a.
| we'll by women. Base ball provide!
| an immense revenue to the nation II
| war taxes, in addition to supplying
| means Of amusement for the people
| / don't believe the order was mean
| to include legitimate business sucl
ns base bali. but If the govcrnmcn
! wants US ali. let It call US. and VI
will go. gladly"