The Washington herald., 1918-01-22
Executive Session with
Commissioner Roper Re-
veals but Little-Mo-
guls Satisfied.

Coming to Washington for the pur-
pose of determining the axact rul-
inzs on the revenue tax as it affects
baseball, President Ban B. johnson,
of the American, and August Her
mann, of the National Commission.
are no wiser today than when they
came.
There was a conference with Com
missioner Roper during which the
baseball men wanted to know actual
ly how the revenue tax should be han
died. 1t was explained to Commits
sioner Roper that baseball was a very
different business from the theaters.
That rain checks were redeemable dur
ing a period and that is one point the
baseball moguls cannot determine.
When returns should be made. in fact.
there were a number Of details that
organized baseball did not understand
from the standpoint OF the tax officers.
Commissioner Roper, In turn refused
to rule on specific questions, but said
that II any points which were in doubt
were submitted in writing his office
would be glad to furnish the required
information.
Satisfaction was expressed by the
committee after the interview with
Commissioner Roper. The session was
an executive one and none Of those
who participated were anxious to dis
cuss Just what was accomplished. 1t
was learned, however, that the base
ball mems plan for collecting the
taxes will be submitted to the internal
revenue officers within four days.
There was quite an army of base
ball men in the Capital yesterday.
u II
companied by his secretary. W.
Harridge, after being delayed for
twelve hours by the snowstorm.
Harry Frszee, owner of the Boston
Red Sox and his chief scout. Bill
Murray, also representing the
American League, with President
Bejamin S. Minor. of the Washing
ton club and Manager Clark C.
Griffith The National League was
represented by Chairman Garry
Hermann, OF the National Com
mission, Secretary John Heydler
and Walter Hapgood, secretary of
the Boston Braves, who is on the
tax committee of the National
League
The big men of baseball discussed
the coming season and predict a
better year than last. but were only
fearful that the grade of baseball
would not be as high for the reason
that if inroads are to be made
only a few te5ms might be weaken
ed by il.
The plans for presenting the base
ball side to the Internal Revenue
once will be made at meeting
of the National and American
League comittee today. 1t is also
reported that preliminary plans will
be made upon the schedule of each
circuit although this may be left
over for the slated Dover Hall trip.
President Johnson favors a new
movement which has recently been
made by leading magnates for another
Joint conference of the club owners
In the big leagues. johnson confirms
the report that the twenty-five player
limit has been waived In the Ameri-
can League.
When Questioned in reference to
Baltimore and Toronto receiving
major league franchises. Mr.. Johnson
said: There is only one real major
league city outside of the major
leagues and that is Kansas City. The
fans there turn out Loyalty and in a large
numbers and willingly pay major
league prices when asked to do so
Only the geographical location has
prevented Kansas City from being in
cluded in the major league circuit
lop--