New-York tribune., 1918-01-02

me better, of course. Tho limit of
$4,000 a player for members of the
team joining the world championship
pennant and of $1.400 for each of
those OF the runncr-up should leave
approximately one-half the customary
pool to be split up among the other
SIX f1rst division clubs of the two
major leagues, which would give an
average CT close to $500 a man.
While the graduated scale of per-
centages for second, third and fourth
teams OF either league has not been
announced, it is known that there will
be no change in the relative division
or money among contesting clubs. Ma
11onal commission and interested play
ers. AS usual, the National Commits
sion Will deduct its 10 per cent of the
gate OF each game played Sixty per
cent OF the remaining 80 per cent. or
% per cent Of the gross of the receipts
Tor the first four games, will comprise
the pool to be divided among the first
dlvlslon teams Of the two leagues
VI the first four games the clubs
participating in the classic will re-
celve AZ per cent of the 80 per cent,
or so per cent of the gross, equally;
After the first four games the National
Commission will still take its 10 per
cent; each club will receive As per cent
of the gross.
II mas Deen suggested by those in
close touch with the situation that the
bonus form Of contract will meet with
great favor the coming season. b.
muses. have been more or less taboo
ever since the Federal League war
boosted the salary scale far beyond
the safety point. In readjusting back
to safe and sane basis, however, it
Is telt that too radical slashing of sti-
results
A dsgruntled star is a less valuable
asset than hustling player of average
ability. After chopping salaries to a
reasonable basis club owners NAV we'll
aHord to gamble with their talent and
reward effort according to final stand
ings,. because this would create a
oouole incentive for each team to fin
ish as high as possible in the cham
pionship rae.
The salary proposition will furnish
one OF the chief topics for discussion
among the magnates Of both major
leagues, who will attend the annual
meeting Of the National Commission in
Cincinnati next Monday. The overhead
expenses OF the various clubs will be
greatly increased over last year. The
price OF Observation-Disclosures. shoes
bats, balls, mitts, pads, etc.-has ad-
vanced approximately 25 per cent
Transportation has advanced consider
aoly from war taxes. Hotel rates have
risen accordingly. In the dilemma of
hlgh cost of operation comes the wal
tax tor amusements which must be
shouldered either by the public or by
the operators.
The collection Of the war tax on ad.
missions and passes is in itself a most
tlckllsh problem. 1t has been impos.
sloie so TAR to arrive at any methoc
whlch would minimize confusion. Halt
a dozen different views on the subject
nave been expressed by as many de.
partment heads. 1t was believed a short
time ago that definite advances in tariff
would be announced by the club owners
to cover this tax and that the respec.
tive clubs would settle. pro rata, fol-
each OF the admissions Of various de-
nominations. A sentiment of late has
sprung up against price raising in
these difficult times
The clubs might be content te
shoulder the tax if operating expenses
could only be minimized, particularly
as to salaries and exceptionally low
roster limits. These are points which
uust De settled DeTore 1918 contract:
are mailed. The Cincinnati meeting
therefore, promises to be one of tn,
most interesting of the winter.
According to reports from the MID
die West there is another chen on
between the St Louis and Chicago
clubs of The National League. Charles
Wesghman, who astounded the sport
ing world a short time ago by purchas
Alexander and Kllifer, is said to be
relentlessly pursuing Rogers Hornsby
shortstop Of the Cardinals. Further
more, it is said Weeghman is likely te
land the vounester
Pioneer CIuh