New-York tribune., 1918-03-14

reach Marlin, Tex, some time last n
KEGS and Dodgers left yesterday for
and Hot Springs, Ark, respectively
There may be kick or two left in
the game locally before the real noise
starts the middle Of next month, but
these disturbances will be of second
ary Importance, as they concern minor
l~ague affairs only. The remnants Of
the International League are to hold a
conference in this city on March 25.
At that time it will be decided whether
the circuit for which Ed. Barrow
FOUGHT so long and arduously is to
lock up shop pending peace or COM
bine with certain other territory which
is quite as badly situated financially
for an attempt at a new lease of life.
James j. McCatfery, president of the
champion Toronto club of the Inter-
national League, and Jack Dunn, of
Baltimore, are both hopeful some sort
of amalgamation may be effected. They
are of the opinion that they may in
terest backing IN Buffalo, Rochester
and Providence in a prospective new
combine that would take Worcester
and Syracuse into the circuit in
place Of Montreal and Richmond. New
ark is ready to so along if an eight
club circuit can be assured.
Doubt as to Providence
There is still some doubt as to Prov
idence. That city has been flirting with
the Eastern Association as a means of
self-protection. This alternate step
would assure membership in a COM
Fact little circuit to be operated at
minimum expenditure. 1t is said
Providence may have the Portland,
Me, franchise for the asking. Prov
idence, however, is not indispen-
sable to the McCatfery- Dunn combine
scheme, which does not look with great
disfavor on the idea OF establishing a
club at Jersey City, where Sabbath
baseball is permitted.
1t is doubtful. however, that the In
ternational League will continue as
such either in name or rank. Many
OF the clubs have already disposed OF
the best of their playing talent. The
anxiety to continue under existing
business depression is prompted by
the instinct CT self preservation.
T. Should the international League
suspend it would have no protection
of territorial rights. That point was
made clear in the refusal of the Ma
tional Commission to grant it terri
torial immunity. Hence, it is figured
a point of wisdom to operate. if even
at greatly reduced ranking, rather than
to throw the territory open to every
adventurer. international League ter
ritory, once the war is concluded, will
be a most valuable asset.
The difficulties confronting Messrs.
McCaffery and Dunn and certain other
dauntless souls of the International
League are many. They would be re-
lieved greatly by the boon of Sunday
baseball in the State of New York.
This question. which is likely to be
settled next week. may prove the real
answer as to whether or not the In
ternational League passes into men,
ory in 1918.
Charles H. Ebbets. jr, who is head
ed for Hot Springs, Ark, with the
main body of Dodgers, received word
on the eve Of departure that Outfeld-
er Hi Myers had made his peace with
the club. Myers wired from kensing
ton, Ohio, that his signed contract had
been put in the mails and that he
was about to depart for the training
camp.
Myers, last year, was one Of the
most useful players of Wilbsrt Rob-
inson's collection, and this, too, de-
spite serious injury to his shoulder
sustained early in the season. He
played in 120 games, hitting 1858.
Myers displayed mis- versatility in the
outfeld. at first, at second and at
third base. His alignment with the
club assures Uncle Robbie three ex-
perienced gardeners at least. Jimmy
Hickman and Jimmy Johnston have
IL E. Il.
spent the winter working in the New
port News Navy Yard, expected to go
out with the Dodgers from Ph;ladel-
rhia yesterday. Zach Wheat, the most
renowned outfelder of the Robins. has
not yet signed, but it is believed he
will report at Hot Springs before the
end of the week.
According to reports from Philadel-
phia, the National League baseball
club OF that city has not been assured
of the services of eight Of its most
important players. These are Out
iielders George Whitted. Cy Williams,
Gavvy Cravath and Fitzgerald, In
felders Bert Nichoff and Milton Stock,
Pitcher Chief Bender and Catcher Dill
hoefer. All but Cravath are said to
be pronounced hold outs Gavvy
usually reports for spring practice
with ms signed contract.
President William f. Baker has in
timated that no players who are un-
signed will have their expenses paid
to the training camp. The club, there
fore, seems in predicament, as Pat
Moran plans to leave for the spring
camp at St. Petersburg, Fla, Friday.
Grover Cleveland Alexander Joined
the Chicago Nationals en- route to Pas
adena. Cal, at Kansas City yesterday.
HIS baggage was checked through to
the Coast city, though he told friends
before boarding the train that he had
rot signed and would not sign unless
President Charles Weeghman guaran-
teed him the bonus of $4,000 demand
ed.