New-York tribune., 1919-12-04

ShSSe Oil understanding. J. Hc dlIS1I
tion of the American League, if n
generally.
Mr.. Navin declared he held no en-<
mites in the war of injunctions and
that he had no axes to grind.
"Nor do l wish to enter into news
paper discussions" he said gravely ~
think newspaper talk has tended to fan
the flames of hostility. This fight cer-
tainly cannot be settled in the news
papers. 1t is impossible for the Amer
lean League to function properly with
the owners divided into two hostile
camps. Somehow, some way, some
means must be found to get the re-
spective combatants together and to
have the matter thrashed out to sue
cessful issue.
Advocate of Peace
"Organized baseball Is bigger than
any one man or any combination of
men. AS a rule you will find that
neither side in fight has all the right
on its side. I certainly am stanch
for the welfare of organized baseball,
and particularly for the welfare of the
American League. For that reason |
would be supremely pleased if the
eight club owners were to get together
as they should at the annual meet
ing. regardless of where it might be
held. Nothing can be accomplished
by pulling at cross purposes"
Mr.. Navin said he was extremely
pleased that the lawyers of the New
York American League club had con-
sented to an early hearing of the in
junction proceedings to prevent the
meeting called in Chicago by Presi
dent Ban Johnson in conflict with the
order of the board of directors for
the annual meeting in this city next
Wednesday. By consent of the Yankee
lawyers this case will be argued at
1915 this morning before Justice
Greenbaum in Part | of the Supreme
Court. instead of on Monday, next. the
date OF the original postponement.
eff this injunction is sustained" said
Mr.. Navln, 81 can see nothing but for
the league pres ident and the five club
owners that have not attended any of
the special meetings to come to New
York for the annual meeting on De-
cember 10.'
Mr.. Navin has been in town for four
or five days. He came here, he said,
before the development of the latest in
junction and before Mr.. Johnson had
issued his call for the annual meeting
TO be held in Chicago. He learned of
Doth incidents through the newspapers.
he said. He is here in no official capac-
ity as emissary or peace maker.
For many years it has been his Gus
,om to come to New York at this time
IF the year for his vacation. Probably
in order to sidestep chance interview
ers he has been living the retired lite
Indeed, the hotel clerks announced quite
IL. JN-r .l,pf tn1I Ily
that no such person as Frank ). Navln
was a guest of the hosiery.
Jennings to Hold Job
The owner of the Detroit Tigers de-
clared that there was no foundation
FOR the rumors which had appeared in
Western papers to the effect that the
services o. Manager Hughic Jennings
we're to be dispensed with and that Ty
Cobb would lead the Detroit cause in
1920. Mr.. Jennings was in the city
several days ago, presumably in con-
terence with Mr. Navn. But the De-
troit club president said he had not
seen his team leader.
Mr.. Navin was questioned as to
whether Messrs. August Hermann and
John A. Heydler, of the National Com
mission, had written him requesting
that he withdraw the protest against
paying the members of the New York
Yankees the share of worlds series
spoils awarded the team to finish third
in the championship race of 1919.
'There is absolutely no truth to such
story" said he most emphatically.
II received no such communication.
"Anyhow, that protest sinks into prac-
tcal nsigniticancc in comparison To
The big split that has developed" he
said.
"Therc was nothing personal in my
feelings thai prompted the protest
in the first PLACE" Navin continued.
mcnt of my players. AT the time
Carl Mays was transferred to the New
York American League club com
mittee of four. representing the Tigers.
called on me and asked me to protest
against the New York American League
club sharing in the profits of the world
series. | acted only on behalf of the
players"
From an unofficial source it was re-
ported Yesterday afternoon that Presi-
dent Ban Johnson and the five club
owners Of the American League sup
posedly supporting him would come to
New York for the annual meeting next
Wednesday regardless of the outcome
of the injunction arguments before
Justice Greenbaum to-day. From Mr
Navin's remarks it is clear they in
lrNQ 10 ,Oulc I-dSt IL tHc iNNS3| ~ &c
action goes against them.
President Navin hopes to secure the
services Of lack Coombs, late manager
of the Phillies, as a'coach for his
pitching staff The Tiger boss figures
that if this department can be strength
ened Detroit should be a very promi-
nent factor in the American League
championship struggle of 1920.
~ have arranged for Coombs to come
on to .ne annual meeting from his
Texas home to/talk terms with me-
said Mr.. Navin yesterday. "Fcr that
reason | IN anxious to learn where
the meeting will be held. Personally
it makes absolutely no difference to me
so long as Coombs can be notified in
time to be IN hand"
N.... " -,.lr E..o:cA RonAo.,