Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-28
| COBB AND SPEAKER
| NOT TO CARRY CASE
| TO FEDERAL COURTS

washington, Lee. zt-LH')-Intlfna-
tion that they will not seek aid from
the government in the baseball scam
dial was made tonight by Ty Cobb and
iris Speaker, former American League
baseball stars, during q fieeting visit
to this city after which they departed
for Cleveland.
The two former big league managers
met in hotel here late today with W.
H. Boyd, Cleveland attorney, who is
said to be representing Speaker. After
conference the three departed to-
gether for Cleveland at 1925.
Only guarded statements as to what
took place were given out, but it was
indicated that they would not bring
the charges of the alleged participa-
ton in betting and fixing a baseball
game before any governmental depart
ment.
II have sought no aid in the case
from any government official or de-
partment," declared Cobb.
Speaker referred newspapermen to
his attorney as his spokesman, while
Mr.. Boyd said Give me credit for
knowing that the government has
nothing to do with this case"
Neither Cobb nor Speaker would dis
cuss future plans and dismissed the
subject with the laconic announcement
that they were heaLed for Cleveland.
Suggestion that they might institute
damage suits against organized base
| ball under antitrust laws recalled the
supreme court decision of May 8, 1922,
declaring baseball was not subject to
interstate commerce commission regu-
| lation. The decision concluded litiga-
| tion brought by the Baltimore club of
| the Federal or OUTLAW" league against
| the National and American and other
organized leagues. The plaintiff won
an awarded of $4,000 triple damages
under the Sherman act in the District
Of Columbia supreme court, but the
court of appeals upset the decision,
| holding that antitrust laws could not
apply to baseball. That ruling was at
| firmed by the United States supreme
court.
A damage suit against the National
and American League heads and
against Commi Lands was sug-
gested today by Senator Harris, DEM
ocrat, Georgia, friend of Cobb's, as
one means of redress open. He be-
lieved the suit could be prosecuted out
side of antitrust laws and that the
controlling powers of baseball could be
! held responsible for destroying
Cobb's aud Speakers earning powers
as baseball players
The senator said Cobb had been
treated outrageously" and that he was
ready to assist him in any way posi-
thonobf "A ha MOI c
beyond the reach of congressional in
vestigation, although Il may have
something to say about it in the Sen
ate."
While the reason for holding the
conference here was left in as much
| mystery as what happened at the
! meeting, a number of theories were
| advanced as to why Washington was
| selected.
! One was the Capital was chosen be-
7 cause it is a central point b tween
1 Cleveland, from which Speaker jour-
neyed, and Augusta, Ga, Cobb's
home.
| Another was to the effect that the
| two big leaguers had hoped to place
their case before some governmental
! agency but upon reaching the city
|
| ton so departed for Cleveland posi-
! bly, with view of seeking redress In
| the courts.
About the time they were confer
ring, Representative Kelly, RepIhli-
| can, Pennsylvania, announced he was
| considering asking Congress or the
federal trade commission to inquire
! into the charges which were brought
by Dutch" Leonard, former De-
| troit pitcher, and made public by Is.
M. Lands, basebalrs commissioner.
Kelly said If he should ask for an
| inquiry he would desire the lyesti-
eating agency to determine the re-
lation of baseball to the antitrust
! act"
Cobb left his home at Augusta last
night.
! Cobb talked on the telephone for a
few minutes with Senator Harris of
| Georgia, a personal friend, before
leaving the city.
Afterwards, the senator said, he
had told the former Detroit manager
| that he was ready ito go the limit for
him in anything that he could do
but added that he was doubtful vi
how he could assist.
! 81 think he has been treated out
rageously" the senator continued.
/ 1--WE are proud of him in Georgia
and want to help If I can.