THE SPORTING LIFECr.PVRIOHT, 11*1 »Y THE (POHTINa LIFE PUI. CO. CNTERCD AT PHI LA. P. O. AS SECOND CLASS MUTTER.

VOLUME 18, NO. 17. PHILADELPHIA, PA., JANUARY 23, 1892. PRICE, TEN OFNT8.

LATE NEWS BY WIRE.SOME INTERESTING INFORMATION

FROM LEAGUE HEADQUARTERS.

Catcher Moran's Case Explained Presldent Robison Speaks Movements

ot Clubs and Players.

GENERAL SPORTING INTELLIGENCE FROM ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD.

FROM HEADQUARTERS.The On»e of Catcher Moran Explained

The League Umpire Staff, Etc.Sprctal to SPORTINO LIFR.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 22. President Young has acknowledged his mistake in assigning catcher W. J. Moriin to New York. The lat­ ter player was signed by New York previ ous to Dec. 5, but bis name was not on that club's list. It was, however, on St. Louis roll, but Mr. Young overlooked the name and whon he w«s notified that New York claimed his services the player was given to New York. Subsequently Mr. Young's at­ tention was called to the oversight, and as soon as he consulted St. Louis' list and found iloran'e nnme tliercon he promptly notified both St. loom's and New York that the former was entitled to thnt player. There will be no contest made by New York, as the latter can readily understand it was a mistake in being given the player.

THE UMPIRE STAFF.Mr. Young will not complete his list of um

pires for the present. He will not appoint anyone who does not make application, and to far neither Gaflney or Mahoney have Been fit to tail in line and file their paper?, ilc- Quade has done so, and will most likely re­ ceive a portfolio. Sir Guy Hccker's appli­ cation was received by Mr.Y'oung to-day, am] bus been filed, and that's about all will come of it.

Pitcher Frank Foreman has signed a con tract to play with Washington, and Manager Barnie will go after his other men without delay.

President Yonng has received n letter from Jerry Denny, in which the latter expresses a desire to play in some League club. He claims to be as good ns ever and Mr. Young has recommended Deuny to President Temple, of Pittsburg. JO.UN II. ROCHB.

1 PROPER VIEW.President Robisou Considers the Settle­

ment Cheap at the Price.BpfClrtl to fPOhTISO LlFI.

CHICAGO, Jan. 22. President Frankde Haas Robison, of the Cleveland Club,

^arrived in this city yesterday on private'business. Mr. Robison is highly elated overbis success in bringing about a settlement olthe base ball troubles, as to his efforts morethan any others is due the twelve-clubLeague as it now exists.

"Many peopleseem to think that the League bought peace dearly in paying $130,000 for it,"hesaid, "but according to my way of figuring the price was cheap. We will save nearly that (luring the next few years in sal­ aries, with unhealthy competition removed, and besides the public will pay tbe money by increased patronage at the games. The price conies from the. public pocket after all. Had peace not been declared anyone could bave had my base ball holdings at fifteen cents 011 the dollar."

CONDENSED DESPATCHES. peelal to SrnimNO Lire.

The Pittshurg Club has accepted the terms of Catcher Berger of last year's team.

J. Palmer O'Neill has sold his last sharp ol tock of the Pittsburg Club to Treasurer

Brown lor $10.A New York dispatch states that "Charley"

Wilson, the catcher, wbo resideslu Brooklyn, has been engaged by Anson.

Ex-Manager Sam Trott has withdrawn his init against the old National club of Wash­ ington. Mr. George Wagner settled with him for $125.

TheCleveland Club will not play Sunday games next season at home or abroad. The ichedule committee of the League was so notified and will build the schedule accord Ingly.

President Von der Ahe announces that he has signed Jack Crooks, who last season played with Columbus. This makes two econd baspmen for the Browns, Stricker be­ ing the other.

Pitcher A. C. Oumbert, who is tinder re ervc to the Chicago Club, received a contract by mail Wednesday from that club. Accom­ panying it was a letter from President,!. B. Hart, telling Gumhert that while Chicago had need for his services in 1892 they would »ign him at a greatly reduced salary. Gum bert returned the contract unsigned.

At a meeting of the executive committee of the National Association of Amateur Oars­ men last Saturday evening, at New York, the resignation of W. Howard Gibson, of Washington, D. C.. as secretary and member of tbe committee, was accepted. To fill the Tacancy, Oscar P. Schmidt, secretary of the Potomac Athletic Club, of Washington. D. C, was unanimously elected secretary.

_DAY HOPEFUL.

Be Thinks Well of His Team and Still Cling* to Richardson.

President John B. Day, of New York, leems very hopeful of success for his club the coming season. In an interview he says: "Everything points to a successful year. Tbe men we have signed are first-class, and In the new League they will have to play ball. I have just received a letter from Sil­ ver King, our new pitcher. He says he has been out in the country for a while, but is now back in Pittsburg, getting into form, and will be in the best kind of condition on April 1. There (ire some who think that our third baseman (Lyons) is inclined to be wild. He tells me that be will be in better condition than ever this year. Rusie is out in Indian­ apolis very much at home, but he will be with us when the time comes. I would like to see Mike Kelly in the New York Club if be would not try to interfere with liuck Ewing's position, and I don'tthink he would. Eel is a great-hearted fellow and a good ball player. There has been no definite action taken as yet upon signing him. We arc not making any efforts to get another second baseman, as we confidently expect Dauiiy Bichardson to cover that bag."

The High and Low of a Decade.The diferences in percentage of victories

between tbe leaders find the tail-enders in the League pennant races of the past Uu years It shown in the appended record:

Points ofl Points of Te*r. difference Year. difference1M1.........................227IM2.........................4411*«3.........................6701*M... ............. ......4001M5.........................443!**«.........................4«a

}&ltf............ .............3.1318*8.........................3(01889.............. ....- .3281890........................4891891........................ J«3

It will be seen that,the pennant race of 1891 was the closest of the past decade, the poorest being in 1883.

IN A BAD LIGHT.CATCHER GRIM MAKES A STARTLING

DISCLOSURE.

His Sworn Statement as to His Deal­ ings With the Pittsburg

Club's Manager.The fnct that the Pittshurg'yielded catcher

Grim to Louisville was briefly stated in the late news department of the last issue of THE SPOUTING LIFE. The causes leading to the transfer are partly told in the following eor respondence, which passed between Secretary Young, of the League, and President Temple, of the Pittsburgs:

" W. C. TVmpfe, PreMent of tilt Pttlsbnrg Rnst Ball Clult:— In order that tbe case may be well understood, I will go back to the meet­ ing of Mr. Phelps and myself in Indianapolis. W« hud no difference as to th« aa-ienmcnt o tbe players until we caoie to Farrell nnd Grim. Both tbexe players were desired by Pittsburg and Louisville. After considerable discussion ire coin|iroiiii?ed our differences by assigning Furrell to your club and Grim to L->ui£ville. Subsequently your clnb forwarded a written statement, dated Nor. 27, which led ma to as- mimothni he was not properly ia tbe po>], ami liU nime was transferred to your list. Since making this eh.ingre Mr. Pbelps insists that we uland by 'he original alignment or else that we give Farrell tu the Louisville (?!ub.

"lie also informs me that prior to any n«go tUtions with your club Grim had finned a hntm Ede contract with the Uilwuukce CluB. If this is correct, and I have no reason to doulit ii, Grim nns in the pool and properly aligned by the committee to Louisville. N. E. YOUNG."

"ff. E. Yovng, Secretary a/ tht ff. I., and A A. of P. B. D. Club>:—l h»ve reciived your letter and rend it witb great care, nod renal the pence azreement with particular attention to the clauses you mention. I find that your position is in full accord with the provi­ sions of the agreement. Therefore, without further discussion, pause or delay, I hereby re­ linquish onr claim to Grim in favor of Louis­ ville. In all our dealings wo bave taken great pains to be fair and just. Therefore, teeing no wuy that we could bold Grim and do as we uould be done by, we release him. As we have manifestly shown this spirit in our deal inga with yon op to date, wo trust that tb« di­ rectors will try and and do the same by ns in the Lyons o.ise, to whose services no certainly have a better claim than bave had any of tbe clubs to whom we bave relinqui.-bol rilavers.

W.C. TEMPLE.'So far so good, but more and worse remains

behind, as since some things have come out in connection with this case which reflect discreditably on. somebody in the Pittsburg Club.

GKIM MAKES AV AFFIDAVIT.Durir.g the controversy over Grim Presi­

dent Young requested Mr. Brush, who could roach Grim, to examine that player in person as to the nature of the contract or agreement he had made with Pittsburg. Mr. Brush had one or two interviews with Grim and un­ earthed the fact that, despite the claim of tbe Pittsburg Club and the statements of Man­ ager Buckenbergpr, he did not sign with Pitts'.nrg until long after the Indianapolis meeting. Here is Grim's sworn statement:

"LiDlASAPOLiB, In'!., Jan. 15. X. E. Yonng, President NtitwHal League and ^4mcn'caH Aano- ci'afion of Professional Bttse Ba'l Cluba. l)ear Sir: In regard H my contract with the Fitta- burg Base Ball Club for the season of 1892,1 desire to make the following statement: My first negotiation with tbe Pittsburg Club was upon the day thnt I signed tbe contract, Dec. 7, 1891, or possibly Dec. 8. 1801. I entered into no agreement with tbe Pituburg Club, either written or verbal, prior to Dee. 5, 1891, and the only signature that I gave to Mr. Buck- enberger other than appears in tbe contract was given during tbe meeting nf the National League and American Association in this city, which occurred Dec. 15, 1891, and was subse­ quent to the signing of the contract. I submit this in tbe interest of right and justice.

"ISDIANAPOLIS, Ind..State of Indiana, Marion County. John Grim, being duly sworn upon bis oath, gays tbat the matters and facts set out and alle/ed in tbe letter attached hereto are true in suostance and in fact. JOBS GRIM.

"Subscribed and sworn to before me this 15th day of January, 1892. I.ORACE E. SMITH,

(Seal.) Notary Public."The affidavit has been submitted to the

players' committee, Messrs. Young and Phelps, by President Brush, accompanied by a letter in which the entire Griuideal was re­ viewed in scathing terms. The statement haa been filed with the other papers in the Grim case by President Young for use should occasion arise, although the matter has been settled by Pittsburgh surrender of the player.

The Griui case is apparently closed through Pittsburgh surrender of the player, but it is quite likely that there is a rod in pickle for Manager Buckenberger, who has through this unfortunate case revived memories of the days when he figured as manager of the Columbus Club, and in that capacity caused the breach between Columbus and Brooklyn which afterwards culminated in the unfortu­ nate combine which forced Brooklyn and Cincinnati into the League and paved the way for tbe ruin and ultimate extinction of the American Association. Young Bucken­ berger will doubtless soon learn that the methods of 1889 won't do now, and that suc­ cess is not to be won, under the new regime, except by straightforward dealing and fair methods.

FERGUSON'8 OPISflON.

The Veteran Umpire Disagrees With Co- nilskey on the Tail Knd Question.

Robert Fergnson, the veteran ex-profes­ sional and umpire, who kuows a ball player when he sees one, was seen recently at Kifte's, in Brooklyn, and said: "Manager Barnie, of the Washington Club,has two very promising young pitchers in Dolan and Killcn, besides which he has in Knell the best left-handed w'tcher to-cliy in the professional ranks. Washington w j]l have a team next season hat will give them all trouble to defeat The

Jxniisville Club may also surprise a great many people. The Louisville is one of those earns that looks as if they could be easily icaten, but they will make it lively for all of hem, even if they are not up among the eaders at the close of the championship sea­

son. Boston, Brooklyn, Chicago, Philadel- >hia and Cincinnati nil have good teams, but NT ew York will have to get at least Kelly and

"feffer if it expects to hold ita own with hem."

BAKME'S JUST KICK.

A Protest Aprninit Attempts to Make D. Richardson Dissatisfied.

"I don't like the way in which some of the few York papers are trying to dissatisfy )anny Ilichardson with his berth on tbe

Washingron toatn." said Manager Barnie the )ther day. "Mr. Richardson may rest assured hat every obligation under which the Wag- icrs stand to him will be fulfilled. As to the nsiuuations that the Washington Club is

rather 'minor leaguish,' I will leave it to the mse ball public if it is not at present quite as troug as New York. If the Giants wished o keep Richardson they should have given lim the advanced salary when be warned it."

ANOTHERJEAGUE.THE CONNECTICUT VALLEY ORGANI­

ZATION UNDER WAY.

Clubs In Massachusetts and YermontMake Up the Membership

-The Details.BBATTI.EBORO, Vt., Jan. 20. Editor SPORT

ING LIFE: The Jirattleboros, champions of Vermont and the Connecticut Valley, will be in the field stronger than ever next season. There has been considerable talk among the newspapers throughout the State about form­ ing a Vermont iState League. Such a league is an impossibility. In the first place the towns are too far apart and traveling ex­ penses would be very heavy, and besides no town or city in Vermont eau stand more than two games a week and live. Brattleboro will be found in the Connecticut Valley League next season, of which a meeting was held in Springfield Dec. 26, aud an adjournment was taken until Jan. 26 to allow Northampton more time.

This League will comprise Springfield, Holyoke, Northampton and Brattleboro,each club to play two games a week on home grounds, and only during the months of July and August. Springfield was represented by J. J. Brady; Holyoke, T. H. Finn; Brattle­ boro, J. J. O'Neill. Northampton had not at that time found a manager, hut since II. E. Slater, the well-known first baseman ol last year's Portlands, of the New England League, has consented to take hold and run the Meadow City team. He will represent his club at the meeting Jan. 16. Brattleboro will have all of last year's team with but few exceptions.

O'Neill, the giant first baseman and cap­ tain of the Holy Cross College nine, and who captained the Brattleboro team last season, will be found p-i the Springfield team next season. O'Neill is a great captain, he under­ stands the game thoroughly, and never fails to work a point for nil it is worth. He is styled by" the cranks hereabouts as the "Comiskey of the East."

I am sorry to learn that Tommy Dowd is out of it in Washington. Dowd played here iu '89 and '90, and was a groat favorite.

Burrcll, the left-hand pitcher ot last year's Joliet, 111., team, and now under contract to St. Louis, came out as a professional with the Brattleboro team in 1S89.

Manager J. J. O'Neill, of the local team, Is very enthusiastic over the prospects of the Connecticut Valley League. He is one of the principal advocates of the scheme, but will have nothing to do with a State league.

Bowers, the Yale pitcher, will probably re­ turn to his position on tlic./jt/o/-«icraud pitch for the local team again.

Leahy, catcher of" last year's team and now of Holy Cross, will be his catcher. B. B.

TBE FLAYER QUESTION.

Pr«-»Ident Young Pours Oil Upon Troubled Waters Justice and Protection for All Assured.President Young, In discussing the ques­

tion of salary to be paid base ball players, de­ clared the other day that the contracts made by the League and-American Association be­ fore the p'resent scheme was adopted wonld not be interfered with under the now dispen­ sation. "We have been rushed with other business," he continued, "and have had neither time nor inclination to discuss sala­ ries of the present or future, Every player now in the twelve clubs of the League and American Association of Professional Base Ball Clubs will receive promptly every penny that he has been promised by the terms of his contract. While the committeeon assign­ ing players will not, under any circum­ stances, make c.'ianges in the distribution of players, there cannot be any objection on tht part of Mr. Phelps and myself, when clubs make arrangements between themselves for exchanging or receiving players for their teams. What suits the management of the organizations interested will be perfectly sat­ isfactory to us, provided all the legal require­ ments are fulfilled by both.

"There has been considerable talk because certain prominent players have apparently been relegated to the minor leagues or ob­ scured by the action of our committee in not giving them a profitable assignment. My sole answer to that criticism must be that the players in question were not asked for, and no other course retnaine.il for us other than to accede to the wishes of those who will be called upon to provide the sinews of war during theensuing season. There could only be 180 players contracted for under the regu­ lations adopted for the government of the new organization, and club managers made snch selections as they deemed best, and sub­ mitted them to us for ratification. Under the circumstances we could not do any dif­ ferent from what we have done, even if a seeming hardship has apparently been im­ posed upon some tried and trnsty ball play­ ers. Contracts will be in order from this time forward, especially in view of the fact that all ball players held under American Association terms will have to be engaged properly again under the provisions of the new laws. All contracts made, however, be­ fore the new corporation came into existence will be respected by club managers, and we lo not anticipate any trouble from contract umpers."

GOOD MEN GALORE.

A Partial Lilt of Players Available For ; Minor Clubs.

Minor leagues ought not to experience much trouble in finding playing talent, for among the players now on the market, not having been assigned to any club in the Na­ tional League, are the following:

Catchers: Sutclifle, Townsend, Gray, Kee- nan, Kiuslow, Earl, Vaughn, Ityan, Cook and Munyan; pitchers: Carsey, Freeman, Madden, Sanders, Crane, Caruthers, Maul, Dwyer, Radbourn, Gruber, Beatin, Hemm­ ing, McGill, Cunningham, Doran, O'Brien, Daley, Cross and Gilka; infieldcrs: Lchane, John Keilly, Myers, Mayer, Dowd, Shannon, Hatfield, Alvord, Wulsh, Ilobinson, Alberts, barney, O'llourke, Denny, Eagan, Wise, Wheelock, Shinnick, Dunlap, McCauley, Kstcrbrook, and outfieldcrs Martin Sullivan, Donovan, Twitchell, Murphy, Griffin, Hines, McTamauy, Corkhill, McGcachy, Johuston, Andrews, Scery, Dalrymple, Slattery, Cur- tis, Ray, Snced, Wolf, Darby O'Brien, Foster and Marr. ___ ___

A RIVAL FOR HAMII/TOX.

A Flayer Who la Declared to be the BestBase-Ruuiier Kxtitnt.

A Western contemporary, which speaksfrom personal observation of Van Dyke's work, thinks that player will make his markn the big League. It says of him: "Thenost daring base-runner in the League willjc Van Dyke, the outficlder. Von der Ahe secured this man from Sioux City, lie ia about 5 ftet C inches tall, weighs 175 pounds, strong as an ox and, it ig claimed, can beat any ball player at sprinting. He once elial-ctiged Billy Sunday. Van is a nervy lad

and takes desperate chances, and his favorite)lay IB to go into the baseman in a feet-first

slide. He never squeals whon he gets hurt, and once Wilson, of Lincoln, spiked him in a harf-dozen places and brought forth no wail. Van is a right-handed hitter, but nottrong, being fooled on ontcurves. But he is

a terror to left-banded pitchers. lie is a card, and Voudy knowi it."

TIPS FROM TEXAS.MOVING FOR A REORGANIZATION OF

THE STATE LEAGUE.

GalYeston and Houston Working Forthe Scheme The Outlook For

a New League, Etc.SAN ANTONIO, Tex., Jan. 15. Editor

SroHTING LIFE: The question of reorgani­ zation of a Texas league of professional base bull clubs is again being revived and agila- tdl. (jalvestou and Iluston are the chief workers for its success. Since the season of 1888 until the last attempts have been made to form a Texas league. For three seasons the State had a league, but each season it ex­ pired before four months ot existence. The chief cause'of this was that the attendance at the games in smaller cities were not large enough to pay the expenses of tbe clubs. In other words, the players were too high-priced for the gate receipts to pay. Austin, for in- Ptarce, in the season ot 1890, had one of tbe highest-priced teams in the State and one of tbe weakest, while Galyestou's team, which could have easily held its own in any West­ ern Association city, had a moderate-salaried team. Whenever defeat start'd Galveston in the face Manager Billy Work found it not necessary to cheer up his pltiyern, but they took it onto themselves to bat out a victory, and many a game when the spectators, and even players, manager and umpire, looked upon Gulveston H.S defeated, several well- bimchei! bits, and probably a home run, saved the day. In 1890 Galveston bad the cheapest team ever brought to Texas, consid­ ering what it accomplished. Galvestou's sea­ son was a success, while Austin lost about as much as Galveston made. COMING TO "THE SPORTING LIFE'S" PLAN.

Texus experienced this sort of base ball for three seasons in two or three cities. It proved a success and these were able to play the sea­ son through, while the other clubs dropped out, one alter another, until but two or three remained. This began generally somewhere along June, when tbe season was not yet one- half over, and not one month elapsed when professional base ball had eutirely deserted Texas for the season.

The only possible way that Texas can sup­ port a State league for au entire season is to adopt a modified Millennium Plan and to have the salary limit not exceed #750, as Mr. Ak-x Kaston, of Galveston, suggests.

Mr. Knston has perlected u scheme which seems the most practical plan for the suc­ cessful conduct of a league in Texas. It is to have nil the players engaged by the secre­ tary of the league and then have the differ­ ent clubs draw lots for choice. In the event of a club falling behind in the race for the pennant, the secretary will be empowered to strengthen such club by-drawing on the stronger clubs for a player or two. All sal­ aries are to be paid from tbe league treasury, thereby insuring a proper respect for the salary limit. It is folly to attempt running a ball club in any Texas city at a. salary of more than $60U per month. With this limit there are at least six cities which could sup­ port clubs in good form.

TDK LESSON OF EXPRRIENCB.I Lnstaewm Dallas emphatically opposed Mr. Easton's idea of conducting a league in Texas which was to have the salary limit not exceed $7oO per nionih for eleven meu, while Galveston favored itabout as strong as Dallas opposed it, S«n Antouio was contented with either, and would act _ with the majority. Dallas wanted u high-priced team and as the game is too yonngin Texas, moderate salaried teams must suffice in the Lone Star State for some time to come. However, it is not the best team for which most is paid, as well as not the best player wbo draws the fattest salary. Chicago last season, under Captain Anson, had the cheapest team in the Na­ tional League, and was justifiably entitled to the pennant, which was awarded to Boston. Pittsburg had a very high-priced team and showed up very poorly indeed at the end of the race. Charles (Silver) King received from Pittsburg $5000 to pitch one season, and proved a failure, while Jimmy Galvin, who was paid about one-half as much as King, was the only twirler Pittsburg coulu rely upon. In consequence King was released, while Galvin is reserved for next season with a raise of salary.

TUB PBOSPECTS.With a moderate salary list a league can be

organized in Texas that will prosper. The smaller cities Houston, Fort Worth, Austin or Waco can be induced to come in and play the season out. Another blow to the game in the Lone Star State was that the sea­ son was too long ever since the first league in the State has been organized, which gener­ ally lasted from April 1 to Oct. 30. Five consecutive months of the national game is sufficient, and with a moderate salary limit, a league season to open May 1 and close Oct. 3 will prove a success in every city repre­ sented in the league.

San Antonio has the best located park in the State, which is under the management of Mr. F. W. Moscbach, who will sec to the in­ terest of the national game in San Antonio next season. He waited to hear from Galves­ ton and Houston, with which cities he has been in communication for some time, before he will take action of forming a league and have San Antonio represented. He says he will leave nothing undone to have a team in this city next season well equipped, which will be run on business principles and will take favorably with the business meu of this city. BEX.

BASE BALL AND RUM

Won't Mix Successfully When tbe Flayer Goes Behind the liar.

It is said that Manager-Captain Ward, of the Brooklyn team, objected strenuously to Darby O'Brien's retention as a member of the Brooklyn team. Mr. Ward's objection was justified even if it had in. support but the fact that O'Brien had detrimental outside in­ terests. Darby lust year became financially interested in a saloon in Brooklyn and neg­ lected his club duties for the saloon. He is still part owner of the "Emporium." His name was net included in Brooklyn's reserve list. If he goes elsewhere to play he will have to give up his personal attention in the saloon. He is not the only good player who has lost his reputation on the diamond by be­ ing tempted to run a saloon. Many ball players believe their popularity is such that all they need do to obtain wealth is to go into business and let the admirinar world rush up and lay down its wealth at their feet. The dream is short but pleasant; the awakening is disgusting. George Gore was made to give up his saloon last spring before the NewYork Club would sign him. Wh'jn the Cincinnati Club wanted to sign K re nun last fall he raised his last year's salary $500, on the strength, probably, that he had a saloon busi­ ness, which must be more or less neglected when he plays. Just now Mr. Kccnan is not in much demand as a ball player or a con- cocter of drinks.

Senators Will Cost W5O.OOO.WASHINGTON, Jan. 20. According to the

itn.temcut of George Wagner, president ot the AVashington Base Hall Club, Washington is to have a high priced team this season. "I will have a team," said he to-day, "which will cost $1(1,000 alone for salaries, and with other necessary expenses the total amount will go over $50,000."

N.Y. AND PA. LEAGUE.AN ERIE MOVEMENT LOOKING TO RE­

ORGANIZATION.

A Suitable Circuit ol Six or EightGood Cities Outlined-Erie

ID the Swim.ERIE, Pa., Jan. 19. Editor SPORTING

LIFE: There i* a strong deeirebere to either reorganize the New Yurk and Pennsylvania League or else to organize a new league wilt; Erie as a member, and the Graphic is push ing the mailer for all it is worth. At any rate, the loeal feeling is that Krie must have a club aud be a member of some good league.

THE LOCAL SITUATION.If Eric has a ball clnb next season, which

it probably will, it is likely that it will be located on admirable grounds. It is under­ stood that Mr. J. F. Downing is willing to (lunate an entire city block located on Tenth street, between Liberty and Plum, and dedi­ cate it to athletic purposes. This woulu be one square further west than the old grounds, for the reason that it would not be directly on a street ear line; it would bebettersiHtaied than the old grounds for the reason that it would be almost midway between two street car lines and easily reached from both. In addition to this the field would be much larger and therefore better adapted for bast- ball, and the soil is said to be greatly superior for this purpose to tne old location.

A GOOD BALL CITY.With large grounds, a tine diamond, a new,

well-huilt fence and handsome and perma­ nent buildings, who can doulit that base ball would draw next year better than ever be­ fore?

No steps have yet been taken to organize for next year, but it is thought that thttre will be little difficulty in this respect. Erie is a first-class ball town, and if the league of last year had lusted through the season with six clubs 011 the original schedule it would have come out even in.the finances.

A COMPACT LEAUUE NEEDED.

The main necessity, then, is to secure the organization of a strong and compact league, and a schedule that will be economical ns to traveling expenses. Elmirn is so fur east as tobejnit of the question, and Bradford ia now dead on the base ball question. In that case Olcan would also he undesirable, being 100 miles cast of Jamestown and not strong finan­ cially among the supporters of the game. A league should have eight clubs in order to secure a minimum of traveling, ami it is quite evident that it would be necessarv to KO into Ohio to secure enough clubs. With Bradford, Elmira and Olcan out of the league there would be only Erie, Jamestown and Meadville to start with. Jamestown is in good shape and Meadville is already or­ ganizing. To these three Oil City could easily be added by a little well-directed mis­ sionary work.

SUITABLE CITIES.

We wonld then bave four towns closely situated to form the Eastern part of the League. The four Western clubs would, of course, have to be located in Ohio. The most favorable towns would seem to be Youugs- lown, Akron, Mansfield and Sandiisky or Ctiliicn. The first four ot' these arc said lo be the best ball towns, although Canton might prove acceptable, being so closely located to Akron. Youngstown has a popu­ lation of 32,000, with several populous sub­ urbs. Akron 1^27,000; Siindusky, 18,000; Can­ ton, 26,OUO, and Mansfield, 13,000. The jumps between these towns are only about sixty or seventy miles each, excepting from Akron to Canton, which is about twenty miles. With four such towns in the West and the four towns in the East named above a good sched­ ule could be arranged.

A PLAYER'S VIEWS.

How Ed Andrews Views the General flltn- atlon and the Twelve-club League Change.EDEN, Fin., Jan. 10. Editor SPORTING

LIFE: Although nearly 1000 miles south of base ball land proper, the news comes in regularly of (be rapidly made history of the new twelve-club League. Emmett Seery came up from his place on the St. Lucie River, and. enveloped in corn-cob pipe smoke, we discussed it thoroughly. We liolh think, if base hall is to continue, that it is a good thing, although it does seem to me that eight clubs will eventually fall into liue and become Me big league of the future. It in­ terests me only as one loving the sport and wishing for its welfare, for the players who will suffer by a reduction in salaries are the $4000 and $5t:00 men. This would come far from affecting the medium-priced men. Base ball can afford JL'500 salaries, and hand­ somely, too. If it has not atlbrded it for two years, it is only because the public had rather look at a fight than get into it them­ selves.

By the New York Herald, of three days ago, I see thatmanyclnbs are alreidygrumb- ling because all of the stars are not allotted to their basket. It seems to me that theory has been bursted long ago. John Ward wil'l never as long as he lives get together as good a team as he had the Brotherhood year in Brooklyn, and yet he took what was called the "leavings." He really got a team of evenly-balanced men, both in disposition to please Aim aud in playing ability. Last sea­ son's team showed him the difference.

I have a job uext season catching for pine­ apple pickers. No muffs or fumbles "go;" for every dropped pineapple costs fifteen cents. It costs a bruise on the apple aud they decay in transit, hence I «m in big de­ mand, as the planters here thiuk I ought to be a dead sure catch. As long as they don't spring any curves on me I guess I can fill tbe bill.

If Harry Wright could feel this sun once he would chase his dead arm pitchers here forthwith.

1 wish THE SPOBTINO LIFE a prosperous and happy New Year. Guo. ED. ANUBKWS.

THE LEAGUE SCHEDULE.

President Yonng'8 Opinion on a Mutter o Grave Import.

A Washington dispatch under date of Jan. 16 says: "President Young authorizes a de­ nial of the story to thu effect that the base ball schedule will be arranged for a season beginning April 7 and closing Oct. 10, 1802. By reason of the addition to our ranks of

Washington, Baltimore, Louisville and St. Louis,'he remarked, 'it is quite-likely, how­ ever, that the schedule will permit the sea­ son to open earlier than has been the custom hitherto." President Hart, of the Chicago

lub, a member of the schedule committee, has been figuring on the schedule, aud he has discovered thnt 1'<i games means a season to opcu on April 7 and close on Oct. 10. lie counts Chicago out on the first series of games for a home opening, as the lake cities are by far too cold at that lime of the year. He thinks, however, that the lake cities might get a wide berth until the sunny days of May, and that the season could be opened easily enough early in April in Washington, Baltimore, Louisville, St. Louis, Cincinnati and Pittsburg. He believes tbe clubs could be kept moving on a circuit made up of those cities until late in April. Then the Chicago Club could work East if necessary, and thus delay the opening of the season in Chicago until late iu May."

ADVICE TO MINORS.POINTS TO BE CAREFULLY CONSID­

ERED WHILE ORGANIZING.

The Need ol Looking We!! to {be Bait- Ing of Cliibs-Soma EFils That

Ought to be Remedied, Elc.TroT, N. Y., Jan. 20. Editor SpORTTN'a

Ln-'K: This is theteatnti of organizing minor leagues on paper. Most of tb.- proposed cir­ cuits are within the range of probability, timl are likely to take d.'fiiiiie form before long, bulit i«safV toa'srrt ilmt not u single one will be fin:il!y ritmpirtt-d exactly ns at pres­ ent planned. The various movement's as proposed Ciiiitrniplnte three high-class* minor leagues, in connection with whicb over thirty cities are inenlioned. If twenty-four of the largest cities of the North ami West, exclu­ sive of those now in the big League, were desirous and ready to organize clubs, three strong leagues of exeellunt circuits could be perfected. Uut in about half of thobe cities base bull interest is in present dormiut, and it would bean Herculean, if not impossible, task to bring them all into line in time for this year's business. Consequently one of the present difficulties is that the territory of each of these proposed leagues overlaps that ot another, and the respective projectors are likely to be working ft cross purposes in their efforts to secure certain cities.

Troy will be luuud iu one of these leagues, nnd at present has its choico between two. Wherever we anchor (and it can almost piwi- lively be stated that it will in the reorganised Eastern Association) there also will Albany be. To those who are talking of circuits to include either of'these two cities without the oilier I can say you are reckoning without your host.

POINTS FOB REMEMBRANCE.Not in a decade has there been snch an op­

portunity us there is now for the organization of at least two first-class minor leagues, with a good prospect of permanency. The whole field is clear. There- is no existing organiza­ tion burdened with dead wood; none with temporary advantages secured that would be a handicap or deterrent to others. Every­ thing can lie reconstructed upon new aud im­ proved lines:

To those who are engaged in the work of organization I would say: Build wisely; lay well your foundations; avoid makeshifts; watch forselilsh moves and block them; al­ low no mere temporary personal or local ad­ vantages at the expense of the common weal for time to come. Eradicate old evils; inau­ gurate new reforms; n false step no-.v meuus a continuance of the present precarious and unprofitable condition of the business, while prudent and unselfish work may bring about the loneed-for era of prosperity which will inure to your permanent benefit, be you mag­ nate, manager or player.

THE QUESTION OF BACKIXO.In determining the value of u city to a

minor league, or its desirability as a member, three things of prime importance are to be considered. First, its club backing; sec­ ondly, its situation or location; thirdly, its base hall interest or the size of the crowds tb.it attend the games. The latter considera­ tion might be the first in importance M { major league, but in n minor league nothing is of so much consequence as the backing of its clubs. Few minor league clubs make iiny money, and to those few the margin of profit is generally so small that they are liable to meet crises when the receipts fall below tltt expenses, nnd then, unless they are backed by men ot sufficient means, responsbility ant gumeness of spirit, uisbnndmeut follows, t* the loss and detriment of tiie remaining mem» hers. For this reason a club in a small town, with first-class backing, such as the Lebanon Club, for instance, is often a more, valuable member to a league than a club in a large city if the backing is weak. Under the sys­ tem of dividing receipts, which prevails ia the Eastern Association *!00 guarantee, with the privilege of one-third the gate re­ ceipts clubs generally receive the bare guar­ antee away from home, and rarely more than a few dollars above it, except on holidays. A. hundred dollars is as good from a small town as from a large one better if you do not travel so far to get it. If the small town plays tiie season through it will pay $iiOtW in guarantees to visiting clubs. If the large towndisbands its clnb in the middle of the sea­ son it will have paid $.'iut/0 in guarantees, and perhaps a few hundred more in percentages.

MINOR LEAGUES' BANES.The great desideratum ol minor leagues is

stability something which will give value to franchises and enable clubs which through, extraneous circumstances meet financial re­ verses one year to recoup the next; to keep Investors in the.business long enough to give it the value of experience. The. bane ot all minor leagues has been the sharks and pirates and parasites who prey and thrive upon the gullibility of enthusiastic backers and keep in the swim with (he idea that there is a sucker born every minute. Of such are many players ami not a few professional managers. They obtain an engagement with, a new club and remain not more than one season. Their motto is "work a town for all it's worth, and then seek pastures new." Each succeeding year find*) them still at it. A flattering pre.-s gives them a tinsel reputa­ tion, which serves them as a false rating and enables them to continue their impositions, and while they are receiving the praises of the public none but the men who have had personal business relations with them know their true character, and the injury they are doing the game. How many good hall towns mve been killed by players, managers and hangers-on of this ilk. I)o not mistake me to be cynical and unjust to the profession at large. I know that many, and I believe a majority of players nnd managers, are honor­ able and trustworthy, and have a proper re­ gard for the interests of their employers and their profession, but I know that there are many of the other kind sucking thelife blond out of the game, and there is great need for some system that will expose and drive them out of tbe business.

Ever since the Troy management revived the sport and made it a success in this city there has been more or less "war talk" by parties who would like to have control. The latest of these bluffs was founded on that Philadelphia fake concerning a new opposi­ tion league. It was proclaimed that unless the franchise of the present proprietors could be bought an opposition club would he or­ ganized. The owners of the club at one time xpressed their willingness to sell out lor

$4000. They now say they will retain tln-ir ownership, and it docs not appear that the recent ridiculous bhifl will have any efl'ect DII their purpose. Their franchise is per­ fectly secure, and, like anything of value, while it might be bought, it cannot be confis­ cated. For several years after the retirement of the National League club of this city, the field here was open to anyone who might wish to invest, but no one embraced the opportunity until the present proprietors established* a club two years ago and worked up a good business. Last year the average attendance at the games in this city was the argest in the Eastern Association, and larger .bail that ot two clubs In the American Asso- hition. Of course, the Sunday games here lelpcd to swell the total attendance, but the

average for weekday games alone was greater ban that of any other city in this league. N'aturally there are persons on the outsidg who would like a oie«e of tliis business.

J. E. F.