Evening star., 1922-01-25

ary procedure.
Rommel has the distinction of be-
ing the first player to make an appeal
over salary to the governing head of
the game. Under the regime exist
ing prior to the election of Lands as
auhos ss od Raysra rana had
mission invariably declining to in
terfere. In this instance there are
those well verSed in the lore of the
game--notably President Heydler of
the National league-who believe
on the ground that it is out'of his
Jurisdiction, and there are others
including Col. Huston, part owner of
the Yankees-who contend the COM
missioner not only has the power to
act, but that it is obligatory for him
to do so.
Contract Supports Huston.
form of contract it would seem Hus-
toms opinion is we'll founded. 1t
reads:
TN case of dispute between the
player and the club or any assignee
hereof the same shall be referred to
the national board or the commits
sioner. as the case may be, as an
umpire. and the decision shall be ac-
cepted by all parties as final
In addition to section 8, division
d OF section 2 of article 1 of the
major league agreement, which de-
fines the duties of the commissioner,
stipulates that one of the functions
of the judge shall be ito hear and
to determine finally any dispute to
which player is party, or any dis
pute concerning player, which may
be certified to him by either or any
of the disputants."
Mack's contention is not that ROM
mers work of last season was un-
satisfactory and that an increase in
salary therefore Is unmerited, but
that the 1921 receipts of the club do
not justify the board of directors Of
fering Rommel more than the terms
in the contract the pitcher rejected.
The players attitude simply is that
f he should not be compelled to work
in major league for a minor league
salary.
What Heydler Contends.
According to President Heydler, the
term dispute in the contract cannot
an argument over salary. Il believe
Judge Lands will rule that the mat
ter Of financial terms is one entirely
between the club and the player"
|Heydler saws. "Of course the i"d~e
may hold that it is a question for his
decision, but as l see ...eie Al.
Ican for action by the commissioner"
Huston. on the other hand. views
the question in this light: THE big
'gest form of dispute between player
and club Is that over salaries. There
is no doubt in my mind that section 8
in the contract form covers just such
a case as Mack and Rommel have
opened and that the Judge is called
on to act"
Regardless of his legal interpreta-
|tion of the clauses governing this
case, 1t is assured Judge Landis will
mot welcome the necessity of having
to pass on it. The minor leaguers
who have been opposed to restoration
of the draft, so firmly advocated by
the commissioner, may be expected to
inquire: You want the minor leaguers
to advance. what about a major
|1eaguer advancing? How long should
an eighth-place club hold a player
who merits more money and fame
than it can afford to pay him.
Frank Brewer is the latest of the
M tionals to accept terms for the COM
ing season. the ex-Reading slugger
having signed a contract yesterday
evening. Today Brewer is in George
Washington University hospital hav-
ing his tonsils amputated. Brewer
says he is in fine shape, except for the
condition of his throat, and expects
to make a battle for a regular berth
in the outfield this year.
Jim Shaw is reported to be baking
over his sale to Seattle and is said to be
considering a berth with some semi-pro
team in the vicinity of Pittsburgh. his
former home. Whether or not Shaw
kicks over the traces the Washington
club will not be affected. The pitch
er's sale to the Coast Leaguers was
an outright transaction. Any possi-
bic worrying will have to be done by
the Seattle folk.
The transfer, just announced. of
Sam Crane from Cincinnati to Brook
lyn elicits a chorus of cfortles from
the direction of Baltimore. Under the
circumstances this bit of gloating on
the part of an Oriole scribe is readily
understandable:
Manager Jack Dunn of the Orioles
again has chance TO sing oh, What
q Pal Was Griffith The local boss
got Jack Bentley, Alva Williams and
Turney Barber for Shortstop Sam
Crane in a trade win the Washington
magnate some years back. Later Bar
Der went to the Cubs for Jacobson
and cash, Williams faded from the
base ball picture and Bentley is now
rated as a fifty-thousand-d dollar ath-
lete. Crane, after being buffeted
about the diamond few years, was
found last season with Cincinnati.
That club has just sold him to Brook
lyn for $500. Dunn, who has been
frequently roasted of late by Griff be-
cause Of his stand on the draft, might
well inquire. Who's looney now?'"