New-York tribune., 1920-11-02
Ball Factions
Seek Support
OF the Minors
Opposing Sides in Near-War
Prepare to Engage in
Buck Passing Contest
By W. !. Macbeth

oasepall the factions into which the
major leagues have been split will each
attempt to saddle the burden on its
rival. This fact was made evident
Yesterday with the expiration of the
ultlmatum that eleven major league
club presidents sent Ban Johnson and
his loyal five" of the American
League in regard to an Endorsement
Of the Lasker plan for re-organiza-
ton.
These, eleven, comprising the eight
National League and the New York,
Chicago and Boston American League
esidents, have accepted in good faith
as an answer to this ultimatum the
counter proposals Of the five as out
lined following recent meeting of
the American League board of direc-
tors in Chicago.
"Mr. johnson and the five clubs sup
porting him, all of whom refused to
meet us in Chicago recently, have been
invited to a joint meeting in Chicago
next Monday" said President John A.
Heydler of the National League yes
terday afternoon. GAS was intimated
upon our return from Chicago, the
eleven who made a solemn covenant
for proper reorganization of. baseball
government are tolerant rather than
antagonistic to those who refused to
discuss the issue. 1t is hoped the five
will be on hand in Chicago next Mon
day.
eve have interpreted their an
nounced counter proposition as de-
sire to get together with US and to
thrash out the subject to a fitting
close. However, we are prepared for
eventualitics. We have put the broad
est construction on their announced
remedy for reform. But if they do not
care to follow up these first advances,
If they refuse to IN -ct in common coun-
Gil next week, no one can tell how wide
the breach may soon become.
Not Looking for Trouble
"The eleven are not looking for
trouble They wish to effect the best
possible solution of baseballs present
difficulties. They desire cooperation
with the others, and will weigh care
fully any suggestion that may be pre-
scnted. But they are still earnest and
determined that the best interests OF
the game must be preserved and, if
necessary, Will 60 to the extent of war
to assure thorough house cleaning OF
those in the administration who have
been at fault"
To an outsider it seems a moral GER
tainty now that Johnson and his sup
porters will meet with the three "rev-
olutionary" clubs of the American
League and the eight National League
clubs next Monday: Both sides are
making play for the sympathies of
the minor leagues. Indeed, the Ma
of the big minor family is known, may
have the last say in the impending
sQuabblc if things are not smoothed
out at Chicago.
The annual meeting of this National
Association is to convene week from
to-day at Kansas City. The eleven
major league clubs which indorsed the
Lasker plan for reorganization have
made arrangements to meet the Ma
tional Association in Kansas City next
Tuesday, At that time the plan will be
explained in minutest detail. 1t embraces
tho idea of committee not financially
interested in baseball, of nation wide re-
rutc and standing, who would ad-
minister the government Of all base
ballemajor and minor league alike.
In the counter proposal which john
son and his five supporters have
suggested can be seen a sop to the
minor league clubs or, rather, leagues.
This proposition suggests the forma-
ton of a board of nine-three each
representing the National League, the
American League and the minor leagues
One readily may see that such a board
would be rather unwieldy. Also it
would prompt continuation of the
"back-stairs" politics which has
brought the game into dsrepute.
Would Serve as Foil
In the minority the minor league
representation would serve only as Il
foil for the intrigues of the major
leagues whenever they happened to be
al variance. In times of peace and
prosperity the minors would be in the
vast minority, of course.
1t was not until the recent trouble
developed that Mr.. Johnson was solicit
Gus of the welfare of the minor leagues.
His attitude has been characterist tically
antagonistic for many yeass. He blocked
the appointment of a successor to
August Hermann, former chairman OF
the National Commission, and thereby
FASTENED the rupture of the national
peace pact which formerly bound the
major and minor leagues to harmonl-
Gus working agreement
During the joint conference between
the American and National leagues in
Chicago last winter, the National AS
sCciation was invited to send represent
atives to frame new peace agree
mont. The American League magnates,
one and all, left town before the minor
leagues committee arrived. And
though Ban Johnson lives in Chicago,
reither he nor any Of the club owners
81 his circuit put in an appearance at
any time the minor magnates were in
Chicago. 1t remained for President
John A. Heydler and certain National
League club owners to entertain the
minor delegates and soften the blow
CT what they considered a deliberate
"snub."
Since the last twelvemonth, how
ever, the minor magnate has become
much sought ally in the eyes of
the contendng parties. No doubt the
minor magnate will avail himself of
the power of his lately discovered
value. Unless the rival factions in the
majors effect an agreement next week
the National Association will decide
the issue for the time. The public must
be the last Judge. And the public, no
matter what is done, will turn down
thumbs on any policy that has not for
its object the elimination of all that
is Objectionable to the game among
magnates and officials, as we'll as dis
graced players.