VJfcCO»Y«IGHT, 1899, B v THE SPORTING LIFt PUB, CO. ENTERED »T PHILA. P. O. AS SECOND CLASS MATTER.

VOLUME 16, NO. PHILADELPHIA, PA., DECEMBER- 27., 1890. PRICE, TEN CENTS.

LATE NEWS BY WIRE.CHANGE OF FRONT MANIFESTED BY

CLEVELAND'S LEAGUE CLUB.

A. L. Johnson's Position-St. Paul'sDisputed Franchise-Walter lil-

mot's New Scheme, Etc.

GENERAL SPORTING INTELLIGENCE FROM ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD.

A CHANGE OF FRONT.The Attitude of the Cleveland League Club

Toward Johnson Modified.Special to SPOHTIKO LIFE.

CLEVELAND, Dec. 26. Tbe attitude of the Cleveland League Club toward A. L. John- fion is quite generally misunderstood. While it is true that the local League club passed a resolution declaring that it would give noth­ ing to Mr. Johnson fur his Players' League plant, it is also true that Mr. Johnson's last proposition to the National League is still before the conference committee of that or­ ganization, and has not been passed upon negatively. That fact should be borne in mind by those who insist that Mr. Johnson will get nothing to reimburse him for the amount ho put into the Players' League in an effort to plaee that organization on u per­ manent basis.

When the Cleveland Club, of the National League, was asked as a separate organization to suite just what amount it would pay Mr. Johnson for a settlement it votell empha­ tically to give him nothing. Still, if the Na­ tional League, as a general organization, should agree that it was best to pay Mr.

- Johnson a certain sum to wind up his busi­ ness it is not probable that the Cleveland Club would refuse to contribute whatever might be its share. The stories that have been circulated from Cleveland, in regard to Mr. Johnson forming an independent league, have the merit only of expressing something that might happen, but never will. Mr. Johnson has remarked in conversation, several limes that if so and so were done it might make it uncomfortable for the National League. Tlmi he contemplates taking posi­ tive action of any such character is quite an­ other thing. lie has been compelled to father a great many absurd statements that were never uttered seriously, but rather itr a joking mood.

WILMOT'S MOVE.Seeking Kclcnse From C'liinago In Order

to Manage a St. Paul Club.8j,(H»l to SPORTIMI: Lin.

CHICAGO, Dec. 26. Walter Wilmot, Arson's crack left-fielder, is in the city look­ ing for hi:, release, and the chances art; good th t iie -,vi'l r-lay in the St. Paul Western Association tenc:i next season. If Wilmot's expectations are realized he will be given his release by .Spalding and then accept the man- rement arid captaincy oi the St. Paul team.

liiic Ai.son would prefer tti retain Wilmot, ! ; !;!-plr thnt In: will noto'ijfct to a release,

1 hf base biSR situation in Si. Paul i« coin- !L'titc>l. The club was a losing venture all

through the senson. Towards the wind-up the management decided to disband and so notified M-.sii!ii:er Walking. The latter, how­ ever, showed the backers that such a move would be unwise, and offered to carry the clnb throuzh the season with the aid of money furnished by a personal friend. To this proposition the directors gave assent, and i:' return for this work they promised Wat- kins their Western Association franchise.

Rome, weeks ago, when Wutkins claimed th<- franchise, the directors refused to surren­ der, and, being possessed of the property and Kfi.ek, arc evidently on topiu the controversy. "VVilmot, it is understood has been offered the nirtnagement ar.d captaincy by the directors, nnd heVill therefore be at the head of the new team, provided Wutkins does not win the battle which is to decide the question of ownership. It is saidtobequiie likely that the Western Association will not favor Watkins" claims.

COOLDN'TjSflJE THE CASH.VTl-y •!. Palinor O'Neli Failed to Buy

Miiilck's Stuck.£jv. ial to Spni'TiNO LITE.

PlTTSRlilMi, Pa., Dec. 28. The defeated rx-president, W. A. Nimick, was found last evening and he gave news which convinces one. that Mr. O'Neill went Westward fur cash. .Said he: "Mr. O'Neill did £o to Chi­ cago after money to buy out the interests of Mr. Converse am! myself. Why, we were fii vine him n prosent of a half interest in the club .1 he would pay the debts, about $25,000. lie came, to me. last Monday morning and toi-i me that he couldn't secure the cash. I wi: i. he had been successful. The fact that M r. Converse and myself hud not signed the last option iias no significance. The gentle­ man can have the interests right now on the fame terms. I have a power <if attorney from Mr. Converse and inn ready to talk business as soon as a purch.'iser coiues along. I voted my stock for O'Neill as president bemuse he agreed that A. K. Scandrett should be secretary and Louis T. Brown treasurer. Mr. O'Neill agreed to this."

ATHLETIC AFFAIRS.

hour later. The sir prize-winners, with their times, including handicaps, were: M. J. Doyle, 47m. Si?.; J. I). Stults, 47m. 23s.; F. F. f'arr, 47m. 33s.; J. L. Dodge, 47m. :« l-iis.; J. J. Kilty, 47m. 43 l-5s.; A. Blake, 47m. 43 2-5s.

MINOR EVENTS.WOODBURY, N. J., Dec. 26. A two-mile

race was held here yesterday under the aus­ pices of the Euclid Athletic Association. A number of names had been entered for the contest, but there were only four to start Leon Hampton, J. D. Thompson, Ira Gibson and K. L. White. The contestants kept well together nntil the homestretch. The first mile was covered in 6im., Thompson being in the lead. Shortly afterward Hampton got the lead, and finished in that position in 13m. 2fis.; Thompson, 2d, in 14m., and Gibsou about 15s. later. White gave out soon after the turn of the first mile.

NEWARK, N. J., Dec. 16. A three mile handicap run took place at Tom Clark's athletic grounds, in Kearny, N. J., yesterday morning. There were fourteen entries, but only six starters, and of these only three finished. They were M. Cox. of New York (scratch man), 1st; Wahnoeh, of Harrison (300yds.), 2d;.U. Collins, of Harrison (230yds.), 3d. The purses were $15, $7 and $3. No time taken.

AT WORK IN-gurtlDenver Gathering a Team

to Peace CSpecial to SPOBTINO LIFE.

DENVER, Dec. 2*j. Manager Van Horn, of the Denver Club, is not waiting for the peace settlement in the East and the expected cut- down in salaries, but is hustling to get a team without regard to outside movements. Dur­ ing the past week he has signed the popular favorite, "Professor" Reynolds, the great catcher. He has also agreed on terms with Montrose Neves, the brilliant young Pitts- burg pitcher; C. H. Trumpey, of PrairieCity, who was signed last year, but was unable to play with the club, owing to illness in his family, and Jack Gallagher, of Bellaire, O., the pitcher ami outfielder, who held the best record for batting last season in the Illinois- Indiana League. Contracts have been for­ warded to these men, and they will undoubt­ edly be signed in a day or two.

Manager Van Horn now has six first-class men under contract, viz., Tebeau, Reynolds. Ramsey, Messitt, Werriek and McNabb, and with the three men just mentioned, this will mnKe nine already secured, and all first-class players. Of these, five are pitchers, four of them men of tried and trusted ability. The club will start out in the spring with about eighteen men, eight of whom will he pitchers, four experienced men and four colts. This number will gradually be reduced ns experi­ ence dictates until the club has a team well worthy the support of any_ city. Young Kennedy, who is now under reserve, will be released, on account of a sore arm, and two

Slglre pit iied.

CONDENSED DESPATCHES.

A Jumping Champion Among the Kitws of (lie Hilnners, Etc.

Ci>pciHi t<> M'"tmNO Lire.BOSTON, Dec. 20. George S. R.ibertson, the

oliamjMou broad jumper, is missing. Knrly in ihe month he tailed in his grocery business lit 1M Benington street, Kast Boston, and a week ago yesterday it was closed by the sheriff'. The proj>rii%>r had not been behind the (onnlci for ten days previous. He wns elected n member of the Boston Athletic Club the. week he went away.

CHAMPION DAY BEATEN*.NKW Yoiik, Dee., 2C. A big open handi­

cap cross-cog iit'ry run was held in New Jersey ycsterdjy under the. auspices of the Iroquois Athletic Club. Twenty-two men, including sonic of the best over hill and dale runners in this vicinity, participated in the run. The course was from the New Jersey Athletic Cinb wound* at Bergen Point, to Bnyonne find return, a distance of In e miles. Willic JDny, the champion cross-country runner of America, was scratch man. The nice was a hot one throughout, Fred Dodson, of the jroquois.A- O, who was-one of th'e limit men, having fl comfortable h:it)H;oap of 6-.ninnies, made good use of bis alliwauce. He set a rr.ttling pace, and although Day ran v.ell he foiled to catch Dodscii, who won v.-ith lots to spare, f'larcnce Trewin, of the New Jersey A C., with 5 minutes handicap, was second, und Wiliie Day third. Time, -tin). 56s. Day's uclr.nl time was 22m» 2.3s.

CKOSS-fOrN'TUY Rl'if IX BOSTON.BOSTON, Dec. 20. Twenty-eight men par-

t'-ij'uti'il in the cross-country run of the Bos­ ton Atljlftic Association yesterday. The course was very much the same as that laid out for Thanksgiving Day. The men were neiiioffat about 11 o'clock and began to struggle iu at.ibe finish three-quarters of an

to SPORTING LIFE.The Louisville and Chicago br.se ball teams

will play at New Orleans during the Mardi Gras festival.

Andy Bowen and Mike .Gibbons are to fight March 9 for $3000, and Doe. O'Connel] and Ed Conuelly will battle for $1000 Jan. 12. Both liglus will take place before the Audo- bon Cinb, New Orleans.

A handsome silver cup, given as a chal­ lenge trophy to the Hawaiian Base Ball I-icaguc by A. G. Spalding, was on Dec.

AKKON

Another Date Set For th«Tri Slate Lcagn* Meeting Local Koteg.

AKRON, O., Dec. 21. Editor SPORTING I/IFK: Base ball at present is very quiet iu this busy city, but the ball will soon be roll­ ing again. The Tri-State League meeting is the 21st of January, 1891. It has been post poned on account of the unsettled condition of base ball this yenr.

Akron can well be proud of the base ballists who are at present living here. We have in Joe Neal a great twirler, he having done fine work in the Interstate League the past sea- son. He finished the season with the St. Louis Browns. Another pitcher that did great work last season is France; he was very successful. Charley Pike is also a resident of this place; he is a dandy catcher and has done fine work in the profession.

Frank Motz, the hardhitting first base- man, who made a fine record in the Texas League in '89, and who lined them out for us last season, ia here, and is in the social swim.

Charles Hazen, the slugger, who has the record for home run drives in the Tri-Stnte winters in thisr' city. He is a tine third baseman.

In Berger we have a brilliant centre fielder; his work last year was of the phe­ nomenal order.

Charley Morton, manager of the Toledos, lives here, and spends most of his time in bunting.

Managers will do well by keeping their eyes on the above as they are all first class men and are open for engagements.

__ BUCKEYE.ROCHESTER RIPPLES.

General Brin'ter on Ui» Dignify J'itcher Callahan Wins 11 is Suit Barr's Inten­ tions, Ktc.ROCHESTER, N.Y., Dec.24. EditorSpOKT-

ING LIFI-:: Items of interest to lovers of base ball are very scarce here at this time of the year, and it ii only occasionally that one heaisu.;^. jet- mentioned. After the holt- days and the season r/ipidly approaches for the sport interest will be revived as usual.

Rochester wi'.l huve a club again the coin­ ing year, but whether it will be -; 'i the Amer­ ican Association or iu the State League is a question hnrd to answer.

(Jen. Brinker, president and largest stock­ holder in the Rochester Association, while he v.n« in New York to meet the conference com­ mittee, stated, what his losses were the past season, and also stated the amount at which he would dispose of his franchise. The Gen­ eral is a plucky man, and don't intend to be frozen out any more than do the representa­ tives of the clubs in Toledo and Syracuse.

It is pretty generally understood here that Bob Burr wishes to get aw»y frou the Ro­ chester Association. Bob has a good many friends litre who will wish him success wher­ ever he may go. At present he is connected with the. Turf rooms in the Academy of Music block.

The suit of pitcher Will Calalian against the Rochester Association for $1000 salary dtu; him for services, which was tried in the mu­ nicipal court a tew weeks ago, was last week decided in his favor, the Judge deciding that he was entitled to $717. He had been sus­ pended for drinking and fined, and was then reinstated and pitched several games, and was then informed by the directors of the club that he had not been reinstated and he did not take parkin any more games after that. The case ;uay be appealed. U. T. S.

A Discouraging Opinion,"During my stay in India," remarked Oil.

C. M.Stcckley, of the British army, to a te- porter o,'' the Chicago JVViM, "I witnessed but one attenpt to introduce your American game of base ball. In answer to a great m:-iny queries as to why the English noldiers never tak'e to the game, 1 may say that there is too much real work and too little pleasure in it. The soldiers would rather pats the time with cricket, tennis and foot ball during the cold spells. As tor the future of the game in Engl»:Hi, I have no idea that base ball will ever be uuythiug but a curiosity.'''

ADRIAN M. JONES, The President-Secretary of the New Texas League.

TOO MUCH DELAY.IMMEDIATE WORK'OH THE PROSPOSED

STATE LEAGDE ADVISED.

Mistakes That Should Not be Repeatedii a State League *is to Be

Organized at All.Dec. 2"). Editor SPORTING

Lift-:: Despite the fact that Pennsylvania is the home the land, you might say of ball players, and contains a"5 many enthusiasts to the square inch as any State in the country, it is one of the hardest to organize a State league in. Writh players of note and un­ doubted ability in most every city in the State and with Philadelphia as a great feeder the task of organizing a .State league ought to be an easy otic, but it is anything but an easy undertaking to bring the supporters of cl»bs together or even stir them up to a sense oft? tion. Several attempts, weak ones, thoiv have been made by different uewspnr some of the cities interested to aw:., < cranks,-•< .'/twse Dull hniii tile tn«l warm shine strike them next ^frir, .. will be fairly \\ild for a bit of the/,: game and will be all too willing to rir , clubs and form a league. It is PennsSft. vania'sway. Failing to profit by the costly experiences of ha*ty and incomplete organiza­ tion in past seasons they wait until within a month or so of the opening of the playing season to complete their league and then, finding themselves in a pinch, run in some amateur or semi-professional club, which, after a brief career, collapses, paralyzing the entire league and in time demoralizing all the clubs and causing a total failure of the entire concern.

Our leagues are organized in haste, but there seems to be no repentence, at leisure or otherwise. The question now is: Do those interested in Kise ball purpose repeating the history of the past and meeting with the same annual failures? or do they intend mov­ ing in time and have their organization per­ fected before the playing season arrives? Why, with such material at hand as Harrisburg, Lebanon, Reading, Allentown, Wilkesbarre, Williams-part, Scrantpn and York, need there be any furtiier delay in calling for a meeting of those favorable to the organization of a Pennsylvania Ltfigue? Why, with nearly enough playing material in each of these cities to form a club, neexl there be any hesi­ tancy on the part of the capitalists in enter­ ing the ring? The expenses of clubs cp.n be made heavy or light, as their owners desire. Semi-professional clubs in all thecities might pay better than tlut full-Hedged professional teams. A short, instead of a long season, might also pay best. A salary limit lower than that of lust season might also pay the club managers. But be these things as they may it certainly will not pay anyone to delay the work of organization any longer. The time is ripe both for the formation of clubs and of the league, and the quicker the action Ihe better for all concerned. Give us aijtate League, and give it to us quick.

F. S. FETTIXGEB.

WESTERN AFFAIRS.PRESIDENT KRAUTHQFF'S ORGAHIZA-

TIOH LAYING QUIET.

Making No Move For Either Circuit orPlayers Pending the Major

League Settlement.MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 24. The affairs of the

Western Association remain unchanged. Sioux City and Omaha are the only Western Association clubs that have not secured man­ agers for next season, and none of the clubs are making any especial effort to sign play­ ers. Since the season closed about twelve players only have been signed by Association clubs. The fact that thirty per cent, of the Players' League men are pulling wires to get with the Western Association teams has placed the several club owners in a position in which they feel that they can afford to wait in the hope of getting good material even cbeap'-r'!" ' ' > ; ""- -' "-i.i-u it is to be bad n

si.- xpe^t to h>" -S, a. ^Km^A m tom'Af^M~A

Indoor base ball is not a success In Mil­ waukee, all reports to the contrary.

A, W. Friese, treasurer of the new Mil­ waukee Base Ball Club, failed in business ast week. He was one of Spalding's many

agents here. It is quite a bad failure.Ous Alberts is not driving!', street car in

Milwaukee, but is running a grip car. Gus is oue of the wise ball players and has a good aank account.

Negotiations for a League battery are go­ ng on, and the president expects to land ihem safe before long. Tbev arc A 1.

WM. E. SMITH.

BAT CITY WILLING.

Th«> C'ty Ready For a Northwestern Team Petty T.ocal Opposition,

h.. Dec. 22. Editor SPORT-

BDRNHAMJT_WORK.EFFORTS TO ORGANIZE A STRONG NEW

MINOR LEAGUE.

A Sectional League Under the Title oi"Oaited League" Is the Scheme

Outlined by Him.

peared in your pape ,^ gard l.-.^Wj\nizing a Northwt^P has beei^^'roved by everybody in the city with the exception of oue or two cracked- headed people who are monopolizing posi­ tions on daily papers that should be held by genuine reporters. No matter what comes to the city, if it does not exactly suit the fancy of these people they make it known to the public by exerting their small amount of brains in giving the enterprise, or whatever it may be. a roast, and then glory over it in a way that makes knowing folks brand them as "dubs," who are on earth keeping good men out of positions. Base ball is a good thing for any city, and any person who opposes it throws an insult at the nation's game.

It is a good thing that the fate of base ball in this city is not in the hands of this class, and they cannot prevent us from having a team next season. But about this proposed Northwestern League, I would like to know what is being done. So far Bay City has not been advised, yet she stands ready to go ahead and do business as soon as a meeting iscalled. I met one of the gentlemen interested in the club here this morning and he told me as soon as a meeting was called the club would be organized. He also stated that so far as raising the necessary funds were concerned there would be no trouble about that, as a new scheme was to be put in operation, but what that scheme was he would not tell.

While some people say baseball isa failure in Bay City, I should like to have them men­ tion to me one year when Bay City did not support a ball team. We have been in leagues twice with teams that were at the front when the organizations went under, but we were never the first to give up the ghost, and had the other cities stuck we would have been found by their side until the close of the season. It makes me tired to hear some of these people say that Bay City is n poor ball town. It is not the people who ever do­ nated a cent towards the support of the game that are doing the kicking. It is those who

Jl£_Y_e.r even go to see a game; they don't like base ball, and they don't want anybody else to.

Last year Bay City was the best drawing town iu the International League, and this fact wasconceded by all. Give us a good ball

month lii^^is'''xye will be in it we, the best city (rff^wi J^v When I write you again I hope to be able to mention the names of some players that are to help win the pen­ nant of the Northwestern League for Bay City for tbe season of 18D1. THE Doc.

NICE PROSPECT AHEAD.

The Magnates Have 31ade Driers and Statisticians.

NEW HAVEN-, Ct., Dec.'24. Editor SPORT­ ING LIFE: -I have had a little talk witli

'ter Hurnham. I asked him concerning uayen's chances for admission to the

"Av "<?o<!Iation, and he said: "In accordance wfi'/;i request from the gentlemen who con­ trol tiie club, I have ventured to make known to President Thurmau, the conference com­ mittee and the public in general that New Haven stood ready to enter the Association and fulfill every requirement. I was fully aware of the situation and sought only to place the matter fully before the Association and await developments.

"While I do not consider New Haven a wonderful ball town, she is no doubt under­ estimated and put to a great disadvantage because of so little prominence iu base ball circles in the past. The hope of New IIav«:u then lay in circumstances only. A year ago she would have been sought after. To-day the Association is ambilious to strengthen its circuit, and it is generally conceded that New Haven will not fill the bill under such circumstances. There are practically no va­ cancies and when New Haven might hope by force of circumstances to till a gup in ease Boston could not be included, the Association would not make it an object for Syracuse and Rochester to withdraw for the purpose of ad­ mitting New Haven and Washington."

"Then you have little hope of our Associa­ tion aspirations?"

"As mutters stand now, there is not much chance. The Association people understand the matter fully, and (hey are assured that if wanted we are with them."

TURNING IS ANOTHER DIRECTION."Haw you anything else in view?""Yes, I shall favor the formation of a new

league, and one which I am sure is practical and should rcsultwith profit to all concerned. I wrote the Kochester and Syracuse clxiiis concerning it in October, but while they were favorably inclined, they were not in a posi­ tion to say much beeiuse of their Association interests. I think that with four club-; in such cities as Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Tvoy and Albany iu the West, and four from New Haven, Bridgeport, Hartford, Worces­ ter, Providence and Lowell in the East a most excellent circuit can be formed.

"I shall be glad to do anything I can toward forming such an organisation. \Vith Siicli men as McGunniglc, Hackett, Leonard, Bruckett, Putnani und others in the field the. Eastern section should readily shape itself. I have again written to Syracuse and Koches­ ter people, and, should they favor the idea, they could manage the Western section with­ out much trouble."

Till-) CHANCES FOR TIIE NEW LEAGUE."Whatchances are there that such a league

will be lOrmcd?'' "Well, I am not ever-confident of anything

in //u^-' it'"/.' i>f i-itit+vlidatioit. There s«-f-:iiH every , believe that such a h-;'-;i will . . /tLrci.ri'".!!'--. iiv;

SIOEE ENCOURAGEMENT.

A I,ovel! Agmt Finds Havevliill Keady For a New Knghkiul Team.

BOSTON, Dec. 22. Mr. Jo-: Quigley, the whilom manager of the Dover (?«. Ii.) clnb, and at 0113 time a New England League um­ pire, was in Ifaverhill last week as represen­ tative of Mr. T. P. L'ivell, of Boston, to feel the pulse in various cities concerning the formation of a New Kngl.iud League similar to that of-'80 and'87. He received eonsM- erable encouragemeji^and some promises of financial assistaiu/u. * The idea is to put clubs in such cities an V/orccster, Springfield, Low- ell, Providence, Hartford, Lynn, Salent and llaverhill. Harry Piunam and W. H. Mc- Ciunnigle, well-known managers, actively fa­ vor the scheme. Haverhill could support a cinb in good style in former days, and with proper handling, base ball can tig-tin be made a success in that city.

WILWINGTOX WIRINGS.

The Clnb to be Sli'.iuiained if a 2W>ague g Presents Itself.Dec. 24. Editor SPORTING

LlFK: As yet nothing has been done towards organizing a club for 'Ul, yet the owners of the defunct club state that they will apply at the coming tjrm of the Legislature for a char­ ter, but as to what disposition they will make of it after they receive it they will not say. Oue thing is certain, however, and that in they will not venture into another .season until they have di.-'po^ed ot the suits now be­ ing push^l against them. 41 A*.

-. ;r.eStoux C'ly i,;ul>. gives Jim j . .:i j'!<-a that he expects in transfer the

u.» imnchise to magnate* of some other jty. Powell says Poavey will shed no tears lien parting with the franchise, as iiis base

ball experience has been costly and very un­ pleasant in several other ways. In the event of Sioux City being "ice-berged" Powell may be able to quit base ball for good gracefully. He says he doesn't propose to play next year, even should the Si:>ux be in it again. He would have considerable trouble, however, in stepping out should Sioux City remain in, as be i« a favorite among the crauksof Peavey's city.

Omaha has decided to make a change, and instead of trying to win a pennant with the present team bolstered up by three or four additions, they will be out for it with a team of new faces with the exception of perhaps three men. They want to trade Dad Clarke and catcher Moran for anybody. It is about time Omaha sickened of Pad Clarke. He is one of the best examples of the back number corps before the public to-day. In '88 he was declining, yet pitched good ball a greater part of the time, but in '.SO he was ineffective two-thirds of the time. While Moran isn't a back number be is a little slow for the class, and Omaha will likely experi­ ence trouble in freeing themselves of him also.

Dave Kowe is still misleading the citizens of Lincoln with fairy tales to the effect that Lincoln can't but be in it next year. Dave will quit Lincoln only too quick when an oi>portunity presents itself.

MILWAVKEE MKMS.

Some Attacks on the C'-cam City's Club Thoroughly and Satisfactorily Answered. MILWAUKEE, Dec. 23. Editor SPORTING

LIFE: "Sandy" Griswold, a correspondent from Omaha, seems to he unable to get over those seventeen straight defeats (which would have been eighteen but for rain) which the Milwaukee Club gave his pet club, Omaha, last season. Last week he frets and fumes to bis heart's content, stirring up sonic old mat­ ters, which, had he not been misinformed about, would have been better unsaid, viz., the one thousand dollar guarantee check which each club in the Western Association were s-appoxed to have scut the president of the Western Association that they would re­ main in the Association and play the senson out. The president of the Milwaukee Club was a little too shrewd for the impotent presi­ dent of last year's Association, and after catching him assertirjg what was not true the ex-president, "Dick" McCormick's only re­ course was to return nil (?) the checks. The Milwaukee Club's correspondence and cheek is still in existence, also Milwaukee's corres­ pondence with the Des Moines Club regard­ ing same, and was preserved for just such an accusation as has been made by "Sandy" for ex-President McCormiek.

President McCormiek handled this guaran­ tee check business as he did ail the business of the Western Association the past yea. for the goo-l of the Omaha Club only. Every­ thing for Omaha; anything to down Milwau­ kee. That was Pre.-idciu MoCorinick's and ex-Secretary Morion's motto t)'.? past season.

| and both these magnates had the unlimited I gal! to electioneer to be re-elected. I{cgjrd- ! ing the Western Association, they are "dead j to the world."! This same "Sandy" is bowling because the j Association is leaning Milwaukeewnrd; call- ling Milwaukee a dead rabbit, ti:iitor and l what not. The president of the Milwaukee ; Club is going the even tenor of his way, and if he does decide to accept the American Association franchise it will be only because he wants to get rid of the Omiiha-Lincoln- Minneapolis-"Soo" City contingent. The balance of the clubs are all O. K., and know know how to I rent a good city when they have one. "The proof of the pudding is in the eating." This adage will apply to Mil-

Comlskey*s Proverbial Luck. There is little room for dtm'ot that O'oiniskey

will piny first base for acd manage Yon derAbV. twin next season, as the j.y,,,t appearanoo j ^aVkee when they qui? the" WesteVn Asso'cia- p, Uris »nJ Charlie at tha Association meeting tion . W lmt will the Western Association is proof positive that the iwu pave patted IIP J amount to when Milwaukee quits it. Of a peace. It is s»id that in acMiUQj^Bii, >t my -,ourse jt ,v j|i get a , lothcr good city to fill the of $6000 from the St. Loni^^^^K good ~ ^caucy; there are lots of them: Duluth, U given a purse of $4000 by c-^iiiiiiiiiiiiimVet uio;ie>- .. , Winonn /anpavi"

luck.If thia be

St. Joe, DCS les, and numerous others; in fact,iv> ies. and numerous others; m fact, BO

mauy that tliers will be, trouble iu" isleeliug.

lifi is i-Ji-'u-.t nn. t.i'o aii-'.-.vii.K have two men upon the bench \v',io might be substituted for any of the players in the field at the end of any even inning, it was con­ sidered a great innovation and was looked upon with disfavor by many of the managers. It was a pet achf-mc of Spalding, who tried to have it adopted the year before. It proved so good a thing that it was further improved in IStH) by allowing substitutes to be put in at any time. For next year they have thrown down the bars completely, anda manager can make as many changes as he has men under con­ tract.

In discussing the change a Columbus cor­ respondent writes: "The best argument in favor of the substitute rule that ever occured to me was the great clement of uncertainty that was thrown into the game, which not only added to its interest, but absolutely spoiled it for gambling purposes. The only kind of gambling done in base ball now is the prin­ ciple of buying a lottery ticket to see whether you can guess the combination. There is going to be considerable difficulty in making out the scores of the games if there is much of this changing of men indulged iu. It has been considerable of a nuisance for the past two years, I mean to official scorers, who are expected to keep everything so that it can go into the record correctly. The scorer is liable to have a dandy time the com­ ing season, and the man who makes up the records a \to- se one. It has been suggested that the official scorers take some action and see if they cannot agree upon some plan that will simplify the work, lam satisfied that Presidents Young and Thurman would adopt any plan that might be agreed upon by the 'officials.' Here's a chance for the extIt's worth while thiukingabout.''

! experts.

AFFAIRS IN AUSTIN.

Enconraced Over the Prospects of Next Season's Texas League Local Notes.

AC.STIN, Dec. 22. Editor THE SPOKTINQ LIFE: The prospects for the Texas League of '91 are indeed bright for a successful season. Managers have profited by past mismanage­ ment and are next season going to couduct base ball on business methods.

TIIE Spor.TiMG LIFE'S leading article in your issue of Dec. 13, on the practical trial which will be given to the Millennium Plan in the Texas Lenjruc, is being widely quoted by the leading daily papers in this State, which shows a healthful tone for the future of base ball in the Lone Star State. There is no doubt that the Texas League is one of the most prominent minor leagues in the country. Kvery year, after repeated failures, she comes up smiling to receive the same dose of rotten management, rotten playing and rotten um­ piring.

The Texas League season of '90 was a fail­ ure from the very beginning. Whatever pos­ sessed the schedule committee to have two teams open a few days before the others? But then what is the use of cryingover spilt milk? Let us all strive to make the League of '01 a success in every sense.

Mr. J. J. McCloskcy has embarked in busi­ ness in this city and will make Austin his headquarters this winter. Mac's estimable wife is with him. She is just from Louis­ ville.

McCloskey will probably manage a team in Austin next season. He is a great favorite in this city, and, if he does, look out J. N. (J. ior the Austins.

Nick Reeder, who playedt in the Indiana League-last season is wintering in Austin. Reeder is a promising player, a graduate of the famous Deppcn", of Louisville, or rather Chapnianvi'Ie. lie played third bag "out of sight" for McCloskey's Tort Worth and Dallas combination in their trip through Texas this fall.

Austin will have a new prirk next season and it will be more conveniently situated than the old Athletic Park. The main objec­ tion to the old grounds was tbe inadequate transportation facilities.

Your Ft. Worth correspondent in issue of Dec. 13th speaks of their team for '91 being composed of all new men in that section. I thought that McCloskey and i'egan were to sign all the players, and then they would be pooled, as per the Millennium Plan.

P. C. H.

_ rnvo ! t.ij,' league uuiilil dispose of the intgre«u» <" ino Rochester, Syracuse and Me,v Haven cltib». There are club organi/.atior,s at Utica, Troy and Albany, and all the other cities have grounds, save, perhaps, Providence. Players will be plenty and salaries perhaps lower. The quicker such a league is formed tha better it will fare in this respect. But I puess no further suggestions are necessary. I could name some able presidents, also sec.retunes and treasurers who would, if elected, make success assured. Umpires (there arc a few of them, too ) we could have good ones."

''How about a name?""Why there are many that are excellent.

One in particular, recently discovered, still almost forgotten, the United League. Good day."

Sir. Burnham takes a very sensible view of the situation, and does away with ah great expectations. He returned from New York quite satisfied after hob-nobbing with tho Association people for several days. He un­ derstands the condition of affairs fully.

NEWS NOTES."Jack" Horner is now night clerk at tha

Tremout House. I dropped in to see him tha other evening, and had a pleasant chat wirli him. 1 asked him if he liked clerkin" better than base ball, and his answer was a very emphatic "no."

The New Haven Amusement Co. has tho following players reserved from last sea­ son: Cudworth, Cahill, Horner, Doran, "Tommy" Corcoran, Lang, Gillilaud, Lally, Doyle, Hoftbrd and McKee.

The owners of the ball grounds contem­ plate flooding the grounds for a skating pa- viilion and charging an admission fee. Such, an enterprise would be highly profitable should the present cold weather continue.

Let the other cities brace up and boom !ua United League.

I trust I may have good reports in this di­ rection in my next letter. E. L. HowE.

THE OLD, OLD STORY.

A. Woman at (lie Bottom of a Club's Downfall.

The Players' League is not the only organi­ zation which can justly blame tbe fr.ir sex for a large hand in the downfall of that organiza­ tion. The latest story extant of woman's potent influence in the affairs of this mun­ dane sphere conies from Sacramento. The ball team of that town failed to carry off the pennant of the California Lenguc by a very small percentage, and their failure to do so is attributed indirectly to the influence of one of the wenkcr vessels.

The story goes that Bowman, the crack, catcher of the'teiim, is engaged to be mar­ ried to a worthy young lady of Sacramento, and in consequence has not associated with the other players as much as formerly. When Captain Stapleton and second baseuiau Duly attempted to joke Bowman about his att'nirp da cneur he grew angry, and hot words enfied. The outcome of the quarrel was that (he catcher refused to play for the next t'.vo or three games.

The trouble was finally patched up and ho resumed his place behind the bat, but never­ theless Sacramento lost liie. championship. The cranks of the town fire now trying to figure out thr.t thin was due to the we;'i.cu­ ing effect of Bowman's absence, from th.' !:-:i:n, during which time the club lost one o;-iwo games. '

FROM IJLAIJTE'S STATE.

Probability of the Organization of a Stato

BANG-OR. D?c. 24. The movement to fV a State base bail league in Maine, \v!: failed last season, has been revived with prospects of success in 1.S91. The msv of the lending clubs of last season wilt ' on Jan. 1 forthe purpose of forming a 1": and they announce that they huve pli- backing end all the good playing m;i they want to select fioni. There will ably be six clubs in the lenguc. rei'ivM- Bangor, Portland, Lewiston, Belfast* land and Biddeford. It is thought tha league would pay where several ii:depcnc' clubs playing games at odd intervals v- fail. .

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