The Bridgeport times and evening farmer. (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1918-1924, 1918-04-09

League.
Mr.. Clarity was told that the
league regretted parting company
with Hiram Abrams, owner of the
Portland franchise but couldn't see its
way clear to retain that city in the
1918 lineup. And SO he got his cash
and departed.
All of the clubs were represented
with the exception of Hartford.
Owner James T. Collins of New Haven
was unable to take part in the deliber-
atoms but c. P. Lane, Jr., of Bridge
port held his proxy. Jack Flynn con-
tinued as the Lawrence representa-
tive, although that franchise has been
transferred to Waterbury and Flynn
has assumed the managerial reins at
New London. Until such a time as
the league secures a representative
from Waterbury, Flynn will be its
representative and George P. Prest
continue In the role of New London's
representative, a task that will fall
to Flynn later on.
President Dan O'Neil was unable to
be present. He is i'll at his home in
Holyoke and has had two reverses SO
that his physicians considered 1t ex-
tremely unwise for him to venture out
yesterday. In his absence Mr.. Prest
presided but the league took cogniz-
ance of his absence by instructing
Secretary Thomas A O'Brien to write
him the regrets of the club owners
and wish him an early recovery.
In the order of business taken up
the Lawrence franchise was assigned
to Waterbury. Robert w. Emmons,
I'd, of Boston is the owner of the
baseball property but is absent in
Europe on pressing war business. He
is connected with the naval forces in
European waters and in his absence
the league will see that his interests
at Waterbury are safeguarded. Bill
Hinchman, second baseman at Law
renee last season has already been
named as manager.
When the Portland franchise situa-
ton came up for discussion Manager
Clarity pointed out that Owner
Abrams was anxious to continue in
the Eastern League and did not look
on the removal of the Lawrence fran
chise to Waterbury as a drawback to
the retention of Portland in the
league. He was willing to continue
Manager Clarity said in spite of the
disadvantage Portland would be geo.
graphically with the rest of the cities
of the league. But the club owners
told Mr.. Clarity that while they ap-
preciated Owner Abrams willingness
to continue they felt it bad policy to
have Portland in the league this sea-
son and according to the rules the
league was privileged to take over the
Portland franchise for $4,000. This
was done and a price was paid for
the Portland players. 1t was decided
to write Owner Abrams of the leagues
regret at the action taken.
Then followed the purchase of the
Portland franchise and players by the
Rhode Island Exhibition Co., which
operated the Providence club in the
disbanded International League. The
players sold by Providence to Port
land several weeks ago under a gen
tleman's agreement had already beer
turned back to Providence prior tc
the calling of the meeting and was
matter of merely exchanging checks
B. P. Moulton, president of the Rhod
Island Exhibition Co., and Manage
Eddie Eayrs, who is also vice presi
dent of the concern, were present ant
represented Providence in the deal
Because of the change in starting
time of the season this year the date
for the payment of the league due
and assessments were changed an
the time for filing the bonds of 1,50
was shifted to May /, another NOV
to meet the new situation. The bond
are required from each club to guar
antee the league that the various club
will start and finish the season an
also live up to the league rules.
Discussion of the war taxes too
up no inconsiderable time. AS a re
suit there was a compromise. In tn
case of the purchase of admissio
tickets alone without the grandstan
privilege fans will be required to pa
two cents more than the war tax. bu
when the admission and grahdstan
tickets are purchased. at the sam
time the straight war tax alone wi
be assessed. That means that til
usual IS cents admission will be 3
cents and the admission land grand
stand fee will be SIS cents. FC
those who have baseball passes an
are required to pay war tax spt
cial reel will be provided, tickets b.
ing given out with the presentation
a pass and taken up at the gate an
grandstand when accompanied by
showing of the pass.
No attempt was made to pass al
rule regarding the time of startir
games this season. The dayligl
savings law makes it possible for II
club owners to shift their startir
times to their own advantage, b.
this question was left with the val
zous clubs to settle for themselve
Heretofore no attempt mas been mat
stot govern the starting time in al
okrr-lc league cities and there appea
Ted to be no reason why any cham
SHOULD be made from the stablish,
custom at this time.
7sOwner William E. Carey of Il
Springfield club, who was the fiji
Imam in the league to boost for a ne
rating for the Eastern League, VIII
The way was opened by the death
tfe old International League, had t
satisfaction OF seeing his suggest,