New-York tribune., 1920-02-04
Baseball
Circles Discuss
$5OO,0OO Suit
Our Purpose Not TO De-
stroy. but Build Up" Says
Col. Huston, Of Yankees
BY w. J. Macbeth

1).V w lVldCoCOI
Little was discussed in local base
ball circles yesterday but the treble
suit launched Monday afternoon by
toionels Rupert and Huston against
Ban johnson and his five American
League supporters. Even the pro
spcctivc early arrival of Babe Ruth in
our midst palcd into insignificancc as
topic.
Secretary Joe O'Brien, the only
representative of the Giants to be
found at National League headquar-
ters, had nothing 20 say for publjca-
tion. Whatever transpired at the time
referred to in the johnson letter sub
mitted in the complaint took place long
before Mr.. O'Bricn returned to this
city as an official Of the local National
League clubs. Messrs. Stoneham and
McGraw are still In Cuba, of course
Mr.. O'Brien is somewhat pcssimistic
OF the battling colonel's collecting in
fujl of the amount asked Of Ban. And
SUI ne wished the colonel's luck
No other baseball officials excent
the Yankee owners happened 10 be IN
town yesterday. John Heydlcr. presi
dent Of the National League, was some
where on Long Island on business.
Harry II. Frazee had not returned from
boston. Certain fans, however. were
apprehensive that because of the seri-
business of the latest legal develop
ments organized baseball might be
shaken to its very foundations. This
possibility they regretted deeply. de-
caring that no man or combination Of
men should be allowed to destroy
national game.
~ IS not our purpose to destroy but
10 Ol1l0 - caiJ Cnlo
when Informed of these sentiments of
certain fans.
We believe baseball needs house
cleaning; that it will go to the dogs
otherwise. 1t was not our purpose to
carry this thing to court until we
We're forced to do so to protect our
interests and our principles
We confess that organized baseball
IS confronted with the most critical
situation it ever faced. If those who
oppose us continue so stiff-necked the
present imbroglio is certain to develop
catacysm. The Federal League
Judgment is as nothing in comparison.
But organized baseball cannot saw
1T was not warned. Nor can our oppo-
nents in the American League say we
did not attempt every possible means
of amicable adjustment. The five
loyal club owners refused to meet
with us and Mr.. Johnson immediately
after the suspension Of Carl Mays TO
have the matter arbitrated That was
before any legal processes We're insti-
tuted. They were told openly that
If we were forced to seek redress out
side of organized baseball we would
employ every resource at our com
mand."
Nor Is that all" said Colonel Jacob
huppert. As late as our last annual
meeting, right in this city last Decem-
Der 10, offered to submit our differ
ences with Ban Johnson to arbitra-
tion before three American League |
club owners not vitally interested in +
the suits then pending. The PROPOSE |
ton was turned down.
Later the opposition, we believe, in
directly made overtures to have Judge I
Landls act as referee on the Carl Mays
controversy I answered that the
Yankees would agree to that if they
lthe five loyalists) would consent to
have Judge Lands also decide on Mr..
ohnson's fitness to act as league pres
ldent. That was the last | ever heard
of the suggestion.
eve so-called revolutionists. con-
cluded the colonel, "were willing to
have all the cards laid on the table
right at the annual meeting and the
issue fought out there But johnson
here with everything cooked and dried
for us. They insisted upon using the
steam roller. They were warned that
to do so would be at their peril. Now
let's see whose toes that steam roller
Is going to flatten after all"
According to rumors printed in the
press of Philadelphia, the home of the
Phillies. which is owned by Charles y
" ebb Murphy. may be absorbed by the
Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company.
If such a thing were to come to pass
Il could mean only one of two things:
That the Phillies would share. Shibe
Park in future with the Athletics or .
hat one of the Quaker City teams
Hould be moved elsewhere-presum
oly to Baltimore. 1t is known Balti- ,
more would welcome a major franchise
n settlement of its claim of S24O. 900 :
lgalnst organized baseball
Row IN - nv,xr