The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-12-04
NNNE)R5EN]
| SESSION
N TO-DAY
Random Shots Taken at Ban
Johnson by Two League
Presidents
BY DAVIS J. WALSH.

ny OfAV 40 u NAAoAAS
International News Service Sports Editor
HARTFORD, Conn.,, Dec. A.
Delegates to the convention of the
National Association Of Profess
sional Baseball Leagues planned to
conclude their business at today's
session and adjourn,
They still are spending some
time taking. sides on the Landis-
johnson controversy. John ]. Mar
tin, president of the Southern AS
ISOLATION, came out strong for the
commissioner and Harry Williams,
president of the Pacific Coast
League had prepared strong reso-
luton demanding that johnson re-
tract or prove alleged statements
that baseball is crooked in that cir
cult. johnson is alleged to have
done this about the time Of the late
world series scandal, involving
Johnny O'Connell and Cozy Dolan.
When the Coast League resolu
ton was read to the convention
delegates suggested that it be modi-
fled, but its purport remains the
same, No word has been heard
from johnson on this subject, al
though he has said several times
that he had conclusive proof to
back up his assertions.
The minors have spent a great
deal Of their time talking about
Lands and johnson, although the
commissioner is the employee Of the
major leagues and Johnson of the
American. which, Of course, is not
In the minor league association.
AL Tearney, president Of the
Three.I League and Of the West
0r1l League, has added fuel to
the flames about Secretary John
III. Farrell. That attack was
launched by John Conway TOOIe,
Of the international League, but
Tearney charged that Commits.
siOner Lands had Of his own &C.
cord decided that fifteen major
league ball players could be set
out on option instead of eight as
provided for in the minOr-majOr
rules.
Tearney was a johnson man dur.
ing the fight that put Lands in
office and he complained bitterly in
meeting that Farrell permitted the
Commissioner to get away with
something advantageous to the
majors.
1T Is your duty" he said, ''to
protect the interests of the minor
league" when Farrell had intimated
that when the Commissioner sent
notice of transfers to him che was
of the opinion all he could do was
p. k. them. Tearney insists the
minors have rights that cannot be
tiolated.
Absence of Branch hickey and
President Sam Breadon has put a
temporary check to talks involving
% trade for Rogers Hornsby. That
players contract has expired and
he has told friends that he will
demand 100000 for a three-year
period. The st. Louis Nationals
cannot afford to pay any such SUM.
Last season they scarcely broke
even financially. The Cubs would
offer anything within reason, which
means a huge sum, and the Giants
would open the purse strings wide
In order to obtain such a valuable
asset.
The Cardinal officials expect to be
In New York next week for the
joint meetings of the major leagues
and they will be bombarded with
HOrnsby propositions at that time.
The White SOx are also expected
to do some business then.
The minors today had before them
the proposition to reject the proposed
amendments to the minor-ma jor
agreement. They provide for ten
per cent Of sale prices in excess of
$4,000 to go to the player involved.
that fifteen men can be plated out
on option for five years and that the
major league player limit in the Off
season be increased to fifty.
All these will be rejected, although
such action may not be taken until
after the majors meet. Many Of the
minor delegates believe It the part
of wisdom to wait and see what the
big fellows do.