Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-05-12

Mayor George Christopher re-
ported today both he and Horace
Stoneham. owner of the New
York Giants. have laid down
preliminary terms under which
the Giants may shift to San
Francisco next season, with the
Brooklyn Dodgers moving to Los
Angeles.
IF we are fortunate, there
may be a major league decision
in July. but it won't be an
nounced until after August 80,
Christopher told reporters.
In New York, Stoneham said:
1T is not time to even discuss
any franchise transfers" adding
that any possible move would
depend on conditions. He in
dicated he hoped to remain in
New York. everything else be-
ing equal"
Walter O'Malley. president Of
the Dodgers, when asked about
a published story that the
Dodgers already had told Los
Angeles officials they would play
all their 1858 home games at
Los Angeles. commented: I'm
not going to dignity that by any
reply at this time"
Prick Fights Speculation
Commissioner Ford Prick. who
yesterday ordered the owners
to cease public discussion of any
possible franchise changes. ex-
planned at his home in Bronx
vile. N. Y. today that he wanted
to quiet the talk because this
Roman holiday of speculation is
harmful to both leagues.
Newsmen greeted Christopher
and Francis 'McCarty. city and
county supervisor who heads San
Francisco's Citizens Committee
on Major League Baseball. on
their return from New York con-
ferences yesterday with Stone
ham and OMalley.
McCarty said Stoneham was
very insistent" on an assurance
that San Francisco would not
levy an admissions tax on base
ball tickets. McCarty said he
would ask the Board Of Super
visors Monday for an expression
of policy.
New York City levies a 5 per
cent amusement tax on all
sports. In Kansas City a coun-
cilman's effort to impose an ad-
missions tax was dropped after
Arnold Johnson, Athletics owner,
declared that If the tax were
levied he would move the Amer
lean League he had brought
from Philadelphia.
StOneham to Visit Coast
Christopher reported he made
it clear San Francisco would not
start construction Of a major
league baseball stadium until the
city has very good assurance"
that q big league franchise trans
fer was all set.
Christopher and McCarty re-
ported Stoneham soon will visit
San Francisco for a personal
look at the situation here.
Anyone guessing that there
would be major league baseball
here in 1858 wouldn't be too far
wrong" Christopher said.
McCarty observed, I'VE don't
have a commitment. The thing
looks good. but it's not firm at
the moment"
Timing Not Explained
Christopher did not explain
the timing In his expressed hope
for a franchise shift decision In
July followed by announcement
after August 80. Major league
rules provide shifts can be made
only during October.
However. Christopher and Nc
Carly implied fairly firm UNDER
standings could be reached in
advance Of formal announce
ments. The major league owners
meet during the break for the
All-Star game July 8.
San Francisco voters have au-
thorized a SIS million pond issue
contingent on a major league
club operating here.
Christopher estimated a new
stadium would cost between SIS
and $40 million. He said the ad-
ditional' funds would have To
come from city sales tax rev.
enues.
lMcCarty said both stoneham