New-York tribune., 1921-11-30

Ruth Decision
May Hold for
Joint Meeting
Landis Ruling VIII Posi-
bly, Come After Major
Leaguers Have Gathered


cago Judge Kenesaw Mountain Lands,
commissioner Of baseball, purposes to
hand down his ruling on the status of
Babe Ruth, Bob Meusel and Bill Piercy,
the three Yankee players who insisted
on transforming for week in direct
opposition to the commissioners warn
ing, within tho next day or two. 1t is
said that Judge Landis now has before
him all three questionnaires he mailed
the recaicitrants severai weeks ago.
Chicago writer's, however, have gone
off half-cocked as TO the Landis de-
cision too many times already for the
news dispatches to create undue ex-
citement here. Indeed, in well posted
circles. which include National League
influences, there is strong belief that
Judge Lands will neither make nor
announce any decision until after the
that will be held In New York two
weeks hence.
None can anticipate the ruling of the
Judge, of course; none will attempt to.
But it is pointed out that Judge Lands
Is of a very deliberate character. Also
he is one of the country's greatest fans.
He would hesitate long to take any ac-
! tion that would injure the great Ameri-
can summer game. At the time the
Federal League brought suit to dissolve
organized baseball as trust" Judge
| Lands, who heard the arguments, re-
served his decision until such time as
the warning factions got together and
settled matters out of court.
Sentiment Now With Babe
| Directly following his break with
Judge Lands there was somewhat
strong sentiment against the cham
pion slugger Of all time. But even
| then not half of the country's fans
| tion there was arose moro from per-
| sonal resentment at his having played
| for personal gain so soon after retiring
| from the worlds series because OF an
infected elbow. The sporting world
almost without exception condemned
the rule which appeared to discrlmi-
nate against the members of champion
| teams.
Since he voluntarily gave up his
transforming campaign and apologlzed
/ publicly to Judge Lands, Ruth has won
back his position in popular favor
where he left off at the close of the
| WOTluS SeTleS. Ills buCceSS an Vauuc~
vile has even added to that popularity
Of the playing fisld. The rank and file
which pays the way of baseball is very
much for the "Ratering Babe" and this
paying public must be considered.
Students Of the politics Of baseball
believe that Commissioner Landis will
consult the wishes of the club owners
before rendering the verdict. And,
they point out, the great majority Of
magnates will not be inclined to iniure
! the fair name of the sport. 1t lis real
! lied that Ruth's magnetism on the field
has been largely responsible for the
revival of interest in baseball since
the war, and that fandom's' wishes
amount to something.
/ May Suffer Heavy Fine
Furthermore, even National League
partissns argue, tho suspension of
Ruth would be a blow at Colonels Rup-
pert and Huston, innocent parties.
Therefore, they argue, the discipline is
likely to take the form of a very heavy
fine, which Ruth will be obliged to
pay out of his winter earnings.
Ruth denies that he ever encouraged
any Of the talk one hears of a new OUT
law league. He says he is sorry for
what he has done and ready to take
his medicine, whatever it may be. Out
| side of his original attitude Of defiance
he has acted the part of honor and has