Evening journal., 1918-05-20
JOE Jackson MUST
CO TO ARMY CAMP
Exemption Is Denied Ball
Players Camouilaged as
Shipbuilders
DISCIPLINE FOR
OTHERS LIKELY

Incensed a. What was considered un-
fair tactics in influencing major league
ball palyers to desert their clubs for
the purpose OF entertlng shlpbullding
and munltlon plants IN an effort 10 es-
cape service in the National Army, Of
flcials OF organized baseball were in
strumental last week In obtaining a
ruling from Provost Marshal General
Crowder which prevented what
promised TO deal baseball hard blow.
Had 10 not been for General Crowder's
announcement that all such players
would not be exempted from service
except through the regular channels.
there is every reason to believe there
would have been a great influx o. not
only major league but minor league
players TO such industrial institutions.
70 was learned on good authority =
/ that more than one OF the plants have
not only offered employment 10 ball
players In order "a obtain their ser
vices in the weekly games played by
their leagues but managers have been
engaged 10 Join their teams by prOms-
ing them exemption. Il was a promise
OF this kind held out TO Joe Jackson
which induced the latter 20 leave he
/ Chicago White Sox and accept a posi-
tion with the Harlan plant in this city.
Jacksons exemption" lasted less than
a week. however, for on Saturday he
was notified by his district draft board
10 report TO his home town in Green
Vile. s. c., for service. and he Will
be sent 10 one OF the military camps
at once.
General Crowder's action was only
fair TO organized baseball. which has
entered enthusiastically into every
movement 10 aid the Government
Teams have been wrecked by losins
players in the draft and through en-.
lstment. and no complaint has beer
registered by the club owners as Ions
as the players enlisted in the army Of
navy. but 10 permit industrial plants
working on war supplies TO tempt play
ers TO desert major league teams bl
Offering them big salaries for littl
work in order that they might play ol
the industrial teams was manifestly un
fair and Official action was taken, wit
} qUck results.
n The same sort Of a promise that wa
made to Jackson was held out 10 Mer
J lin Kopp and Bob Geary, Of the Ath
letios. They notified Manager Mac
Of their intention 10 Join the Harlai
team. but they changed their minds
and intend TO remain with the Athletic
until ordered 10 report in their regula
classification. u was learned that othe
players Of major league teams hav
been considering offers from Bethlehem
steel Company teams, and the move
ment became so threatening thst Man
ager Mack and two other club owner
requested President Johnson, OF tn
American League, and presiden. Tener
OF the National League, 10 take tn
matter np with the provost marshal
/ President Tener had already done 81
In the case Of al Mamaux. the Brooklyl
pitcher. who deserted the Robins sew
eral weeks ago.
There are said Co he about 900 for
mer major and minor league player
now in the ranks Of these industria
leagues. but only a few of them hav
deserted from the ranks Of orgsnize'
baseball since the opening Of the sea
son. and many Of them are not subiec
to draft. No action has been take
. against the latter, but IL is more tha
, likely that, in view of the action OF IN
, industrial establishments In temptin
players away from organized baseball
all players with the plant teams wi
, not only be suspended, but will b
compelled 10 pay a heavy hne befor
Z being reinstated.
There is another view 10 be take
. of the deserters. The sport-loving pub
Tic Is not likely TO forget the men WI
/ tried 10 escape the draft by seeking en-
, ployment in the industrial plants bu
t. while they are compelled TO stand IN
|. brunt Of their actions, some punish
I ment should be meted out to thos
who induce players 10 desert. and N
members Of the National Commissio
now have this matter before them n
action. which will be taken tn IN
near future