The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1920-12-13

NEW YORK. Dec. 13.-Baseball
leaders today were enthusiastic over
the agreement reached here yesterday
by representatives of the major and
minor leagues, changing the constitu-
ton of "the national game"
The proposals agreed upon at
meeting marked by harmony must be
accepted by plenary sessions of the
leagues involved before they become
the law governing the sport. The be-
lief prevailed generally that ratifica-
ton is merely a matter of form.
The National League probably will
act upon the agreement at it's annual
meeting here tomorrow. The Ameri-
can League will pass judgment in Chi
cago on Friday. The National Asso-
citation Of Minor Leagues will hold
special meeting in Chicago on Jan. 10
to take action. The draft question is
the only important clause upon which
there is not unanimous opinion. The
smaller organizations may settle this
as they wish at their Chicago session.
The agreements between the Nation
al and American leagues designate the
title of Judge Lands as commissioner.
In outlining his duties the agreement
places upon him the task Of Investigate
AAS CAIAOA 0Po1A NohpAoA "a uPoA Liz
own initiative any act or practice, al
legged or suspected to be detrimental
to the best interests of the national
game of baseball with authority to
summon persons and to order the pro-
duction of documents" Provision is
made for imposing penalties for re-
fusal to comply with the commission
ers orders in such cases.
After Investigations the commission
er shall determine what preventive,
remedial or unitive action shall be
taken either against major leagues,
major league clubs or individuals, as
the case may be. In the event that a
major league or major league club be
found guilty of certain conduct detri-
mental to the game, the commissioner
may impose a fine not to exceed $4,000
and in the case of a club punishment
may be extnded to include temporary
deprivation of representation in joint
meetings held under the agreement.
In the case of an official or en-
ploye of major league club the pun
ishment may extend to suspension or
removal and player may be declared
by the commissioner temporarily or
permanently Ineligible to play with
any club which is a party to the agree
ment.
In cases where organizations or in
dividuals not parties to the agreement
are found guilty of conduct detriment-
al to the game the commissioner is
authorized to pursue appropriate legal
remedies.
The term of the commissioner is
fixed at seven years and he shall be
eligible to succeed himself. His salary
is fixed at $4,000 per year.
Provides for Successor
Judge Lands is officially named as
first commissioner in the agreement
and it is provided that, upon the ex-
piration of his term or in the event
that the office shall become vacant for
any reason, his successor shall be
named by vote of the majority of the
clubs composing the two major
leagues. Failing to name a commits
sioner within three months, either ma
jor league may request the president
of the United States to designate d
commissioner and the person so desig.
mated shall become the commissioner
with the same effect as provided for in
the agreement.
An advisory council is provided for
to consist of the commissioner and the
presidents of the two major leagues
In care of a division of opinion within