New-York tribune., 1919-02-11
McCraW Back
From the West,
But Did Little
Saw Only Fletcher and Slim
Sallee; Unable to Settle
Matter Regarding Chase
By w. 7. Macbeth

Vice president-manager John J. Nc
Graw, of the Giants, who has just
returned from an ''ivory" hunt through
the wilds of Missouri and Indiana, did
not have to come back empty handed
though he failed in his main quest.
He hit for 1888 on the trip, which is
going some in any company.
McGraw failed to make any prog
ress in his negotiations for First-hase-
man Hal Chase and he learned from
personal contact of the retirement of
Southpaw Slim Sallee, on whom he
was banking heavily for the pennant
fight of 1919, but he did snare Short
stop Arthur Fletcher, the captain of
his team and million miles away
from the least of whatever quartet
may represent the New York Nationals
on the inner line the coming cam
paign.
Fletcher was more than pleased with
the terms of the contract which had
forestalled McGraw on the trip west
and had the signed papers all ready
for mailing when Mac hove in sight
Arthur is optimistic of his teams
chances against the champion Cubs
and this in spite of the fact that he
realizes fully certain obstacles still
barred the way to clear title to the
l
cinnatl Reds. These obstacles, of
course, McGraw explained in detail
to the captain.
Heavy Cold Mars Trip
The Little Napoleon had intended to
but contracted heavy cold on the
train going west and decided to beat
it back TO the big winter resort be
fore the flu had & chance to firt
with him. Consequently he saw only
| two players Fletcher, who signed, and
Slim Sallee, who refused to sign.
On the way back he dropped off in
| Cincinnati TO talk business with Garry
Herman fo, the services Of Hal Chase.
Repulsed here temporarily his batting
average dwindled from 500 to 1888
Yet he feels himself by no manner
of means struck out on the propo-
sition as yet.
The case of Chase is a somewhat
unique one. For the nonca Garry
Hermann is emulating the recipe of
his old running mate, Charles H..
Ebbetts, Of Brooklyn. Before the Flat
bush Squire would consent to the
transfer of Jake Daubert, who had
fallen out with him, to the Cincinnati
Reds he insisted that friend Jake with
draw civil suit for alleged back
salary from the courts
Chase Is now suing the Cincinnati
club for back pay and also for the
salary in full representing the term
of his suspension on charges of which
Prince Hal was exonerated after off
cial investigation by the National
League.
Holke Coming To Town
In the meantime McGraw has two
strings. 20 his bow. Walter Holke,
himself pretty able first sacker, will
come to town tomorrow or Thurst
day to talk terms with the big boss.
Holke IS very anxious to make his
peace with the local club. Also he is
anxious to find what disposition will
be made of him in case Hal Chase lines
up with the Giants. And until Chase
and the Cincinnati club patch up their
differences McGraw must of course re-
main in the dark
Contrary to reports from Lexington
McGraw was unable on his short visit
to arrange conference with Ferdie
Schupp. his star lefthander, who was
lncapacitated last year. He was in
ceso1mmunication with Schupp by wire
This lefthander has no grievance
whatever and will be in line to make
9. try for the headlines again. He be-
ilevess his arm has fully recovered all
It's old cunning and intends to be one
OF the first to report for training in
Florida.