New-York tribune., 1918-03-28

8-Czub 'Liberty League %
To Succeed International

none more so than Joseph J. Lannin.
Indeed. it was whispered yesterday that
Mr.. Lannin might consent to finance a
club in Buffalo this coming year as a
m, ans of retribution.
He had the ball park and can get
title to the franchise for song. The
franchise is no good to the syndicate,
now that all the players have escaped.
Indeed, it would be very easy to wind
up the International League in name,
rcchristen it, and give a franchise to
Lannin. Mr.. Lannin called at the
league offices yesterday afternoon
to enter the conference.
From apparently good authority it
has been learned that an eight club
circuit, to be known as the Liberty
League, will be organized to-day. Rich
mond, Baltimore. Newark, Rochester,
Providence and Toronto are all ready
to make a stand. If the Buffalo snarl
is untangled all will be we'll, for then
Montreals franchise can be transferred
to jersey City. Business men of that
city are ready to take a fier and are
said to be able to provide a park much
nearer the city than the old grounds.
The realignment of the international
circuit cities does not involve the CUES
eio'i VI CuHudy DdSeDali III New l OIk
State. Indeed, it is felt that the boon
of Sunday baseball would make an
ANA lgamation with the Eastern League
or with certain New York State League
cities all the less desirable. These lit
tie leagues, with the advantage of Sab
bath play, could very xlsily reestablish
themselves in public favor
If Buffalo fails to come to the
scratch it will be easy enough to Sc
cure substitute, it is believed-say
at Worcester, Mass. 1t was believed
all along that Richmond, Va, would
throw up the sponge. But the stock
holders of that city, at meeting the
other day, subscribed more than enough
coming season.
Lajoie Wants Freedom
Larry Lajoie, last years manager of
the champion Toronto team, ard who
recently was sold to the Brooklyn Ma
tional League club, is in the city. He
was in conference last night with
James c. McGill president of the In
dianapols club of the American AS
sociation. Lajoie has assured McGill
that he will manage Indianapolis if
in name. He will not report to Brook
lyn. Lajoie alleges unfair treatment
at the hands of the Toronto club. He
declares he should be given immunity
and be declared a free agent under
the "ten years" service rule.
81 might not have objected to berth
in Brooklyn had been consulted" said
Lajoie. "But | do not propose to be
banded about like 'bushcr.' Very
fortunately for me- | have laid by
enough money for the proverbial rainy
day, SO that l 90 not have to worry
whether l play ball or not. Certainly
do not have to go anywhere against
my wishes"
When President McCaffery of the To-
ronto club was asked the status of the
Lajoie case he replied:
81 have nothing more to do with it,
1t is up to Lajoie and Ebbets"
McGill last night was closeted with
the Toronto owners. He is very anx-
lous to secure Lajoies services as man.
ager, and is prepared to go to the Ma
tional Commission. if necessary.
On the other hand, McCatfery de-
ciares he is ready to haul the Trium-
vlrate on the carpet for an explanation
OF why McGill was allowed to tamper
Toronto club without his (McCafferv's y
permission or knowledge.
The following representatives at
tended the meeting: James r. Price
Newark; Benjamin F. Wilson, Rich
mond; Benjamin Moulton, Providence:
James j. McCatfery, Toronto: Samuel
Lichtenhein, Montreal; Charles r
Chaplin, Rochester; John Dunn and
Charles E: Knapp, Baltimore. Mr.. Nc.
Catfery also represented the defunct
bunalo club SO far as it could be repre-.