March 18. THE LIFE. 3

BASE BALL. WILY WARDTlORK.BIG ROGER CONNOR RESTORED TO

THE NEW YORK TEAM.

Terms of the Deal With tb6 Philadel­ phia Club For the, First Baseman The Players Getting Under Cover.

Slowly the New York team is being shaped np to the standard required by the exacting New York public, and there is every reason to believe that New York will have a Wrong team not only strong in playing strength,-but in popular players. In John Ward Ihe club has a man who is very popular with Ihe brise ball public, nnd be will have around him a (cam composed for the most part of you»c, wide-awake players. It is only fair to stale that a nnjority of the youngsters were selected by P. T. Powers, ami their re­ tention is a cnniulimcnt to him. With these youngsters there will be enough well-seasoned players to insure a well-balanced team.

The last deal to be completed was the re­ storation of Roger Connor to the New York teniii. That deal was completed last Satur­ day, and it now only remains for the manage­ ment to bring to terms the few players who re still holding off. At first the Philadel­ phia magnates wanted Duvis arnl Boyle for Connor,but were iu turn informed that Davis would not be exchanged for the whole Philadelphia Club. This put an end to the dicker for the time being. Then Boyle and Doyle were asked for. To this the local offi­ cials also" reluscd to agree. Last Saturday, however, after several long conferences with Manager Ward aud Director Talcott, Ihe Philadelphia^ filially agreed to take the «hnnces of securing Boyle and Sharrott in exchange for Ihe big first baseman.

As soon as President Young was notified of the agreement Ward at once sent a telegram to Connor, who was at his home in Water- bury, Ct., to come on nnd sign a contract. It did not take the first hiiseinau very long to respond Io Ward's message, fon al 5 o'clock last Saturday lie strolled inlo the corridor of the SI. Janus Hotel, where he met Ward, and after a short talk went to another part of the building and affixed his signature to a contract.

During Ihe week short stop Fuller and catcher Doyle were also signed. Tim club has now signed eleven rneu, and only three of last year's team remain unsigned. They are Kusie, McMahon and King. The latter has informed Manager Ward that he will be on bund to sign in a few days. The club ex- peutB to have M>me trouble in gelling llusie, but think he will conic to his senses when tl'p time for signing arrives. It is tttill doubt- fi 1 .vhetlier the club will keep McMahon. 1 lie players who have signed are Connor, \\nrd, Kuller, Crane, Doyle, Burke, Lyons, Davis, Tiernmi, Keeler and McQuaiu. Mike Kelly has not yet signilieu his iuteutiou of signing. The players have been ordered to report March 2ti.

Special Correspondence.NEW YoitK. March 14. Editor SPORTING

LlFK: New York base ball crunks are at present enveloped in comfort and confidence, and they await with pleasurable expecta­ tion the clash between New York and Bos­ ton ou April 27. There is ;i feeling here that the champions will be compelled to do some of the uretiiest playing they eve.rdid in order to win one of the ripening games. New York h»s a team that bids fair to create some cou- fusiuu among pennant aspirants next sum­ mer. 'I'he indications are strong that New York wi I be in the hunt from the start, and while it would he foolish to talk of any one of the I\\clve club'. ruiMiingoH with the flag, the assertion that New York probably has [is

Sjod a e'mucH us itny of Ihein is not loo broad, os.on will be. practically as she waslast sea-

sou, with the exception of Mike Kelly, and judging from the remarks of thos? who want to sco the "King" on the New York team, his departure from Sclec'u aggregation should weaken the champions very materially. George Dickinson said to me a few days ago that MikediJ more than any other man on the team to win the series from Cleveland. Admitting that proposition, and I think there is considerable truth in it, the Bostons will becdimid Tubly weakened wheu it comes to a dost, pinch this season.

As to the Phillies, Brooklyns, Cinciunatis, Clevelands and Piitshurgs, who mademalters so interesting last season it does not appear that there \vill be any material changes in the uinkc-up oflhe teams, and they will play bout the same as a year ago. If Comiskey succeeds in siguing Morgan Murphy, and the little catcher is able to play throughout the hcasoii, the Reds will be dangerous from ttart to finish, especially with the return of Mil 11 line Io the box. The Brooklyns have gained iu fielding strength, but lost iu field generalship. The Phillies lose Connor, but get in return Boyle, whocan play either firit or go behind Ihe bat. Cleveland loses a crackajack iu Davis, but fortunately haslirst- olass men fur every position on the field. If Buck Kwing should happen to surprise peo­ ple by coming to the front with his glass arm and -browing in his old time form, it is safe to say that with his terrific batting he would niply repay Clevclanders forlhelossof even so fine a player ax Davis. I do not think that, \vhenincondiliontoplay.Buck Ewing has a superior at the bat.

NKW YOJtK's GREAT TRAM.Il in in New York that the change has

been effected and a team gotten together that has .-el the old-time cranks chattering like magpies. There are only two members oflhe team still unsigned. They are Ilusie and McMahou. John Ward now has the con­ tracts of eleven men in bis pocket. They are Connor to play first base. Fuller for short stop. Keeler for third base, Tieruan, Davis, Bu.ke, Lyons ami McQuaid outfielders, Crane and King pitchers, with Jtnsie Income: Doyle catcher, with Mike Kelly iu prospect and probably some other good backstop. There is a team that is strong in all depart­ ments ol the game, aud especially proficient in base-running. The increased pitching distance will not affect Rnsie, Crane ami King any more than it will Stivettsaud Nichols. The,lenm will he very strong in a particular in which it has heretofore been VvCHk. It will have in Ward one of fhealilest field generals now on the diamond. While his field work is not always good he is ever ready Io seize an advantage, and by a daring jjlay will frequently win a game when defeat lor his side seemed certain. Connor, Ward, Fuller Hint Keeler will make a lively infield.

The outfield will be a hummer. 1 do not believe that there is to-day a faster fielder than Kdward Burke. Some of his plays hist puminer were of a hair-raising character. He is now in better condition than ever before, and there is no reason why he should not make a record for himself. lie will take the place of the record-player, Jim O'Rourke, and the change will be very agreeable. It is unnecessary to speak of what George Davis can do. With him in centre field no one will have any fault to find, ami should Mike Tieruan come ^ the front in his IS!K) form, no one will have reason to complain of the way in which right garden is taken care of. Then there is Harry Lyons, a most excellent player, and Martin McQuaid, who may prove to be a phenomenon. If through accident or shortcoming ou the part of a player there is a trap in the ranks, it can be filled hy a first- class man. A suggestion to New York's

Youso PLAYERS:Last season the young players of the New York team were intimidated by Ihe malicious a!-s:ui!t.sof a venomous toad, who is in base ball for revenue only and who would stab the game to-morrow if thereby he could be enriched a few dollars. This fellow has now- singled out young Kecler as a mark aud will do all he can to discourage the youngster. Last season the toad roasted Burke aud Harry Lyons before they reached New York, eud both ol those men played first-class ball.

Keeler played only a f«w games with New York at the close of last season, on which no one would be justified in passing an opinion of his ability, yet this reptile proceeds to fay that Keeler will not do for third base. Not­ withstanding that, Ward will give Keeler a thorough trial at third, and there is every reason to believe that the youngster will come to the front in good style.

What I wish to say to the young players of the New York team is not to pay any more attention to the mouthings of this fellow Cavlor than if he was in the Sandwich Islands. His knowledge of the game barely enables him to distinguish between a foul fly and a rain check, and e-very paragraph he writes is prompted either by a malicious desire for revenge or a fawning attempt to repay favors granted to him or forced from unwilling donors. Therefore, his mauncler- ings are entitled to no weight, and go unno­ ticed by those who know him.

MINOK MENTION.The Kelly deal looks a trifle shaky. The

King is consideringa Ihvarrical proposition iu connection with the World's Fair.

The return ofConnor to New York was very lavorab y received, and in getting Jack Boyle Philadelphia secures one of the most earnest aud gentlemanly players on the field.

The emporium iu right field is to beturned into a dressing room Cor the New York p ay- ers, and the old house will be at the disposal of visiting teams.

The arternpt of your Brooklyn correspon­ dent to explain the tiff between Byrne and Ward was so lame it is not worth replying to.

Mike Kelly walked into the Fifth Avenue Hotel during the League meeting. He was approached bya thin,scrawny, yellow-haired, weak-eyed person, sometimes referred to as the ex-editor of the ex-organ of the League, who said iu a squeaky voice:

"Kel, I want to see you.""For how much?" was the king's response."Oh, this isn't a money matter," said Hie

ex-eititor, growing red in the face, while th« crowd tittered.

''It's a good thing it isn't," was Kelly'n re­ ply, "for you can't touch me to-day." Then the e.T-editor sloped.

Doyle's strongest point is behind the hat, and that is where he will play.

RUMC still hangs oft' with customary mul- ishuess. He gains nothing by such a course.

___ C. F. MATH IKON.

HKBMAN I^ONC.'S

PHILADELPHIA POINTERS.SLOW PROGRESS IN THE WORK

OF TEAM MAKE-UP.

What They Think of His Unreason­ able Kick iu IJostou.

BOSTON, March 15. Herman Long is quoted assaying Ihnthewi!) not accept a reduced salary in Boston, Bud wonld prefer to play iu Chicago at less than Boston will pay. Long is a great bull player, but if he gave utterance to the remarks attributed Io him he not only fails to grasp the present base ball situation, but shows himself to be­ long to the ungrateful aud swelled-head class of players.

Long went, to Boston in 18!H), the trium­ virs paying $6T>00 to Kansas City for his re­ lease. Long's contract culled for $4000 for three years, being $.571 a month for seven months' work each year. Last season he suffered H cut of $'JO a month for the lust three months of the season, leaving him $f)51 a month. At the close of the season there was a game for the benefit of the players, aud Long's share more than equalled the $t>0 cut in salary. When injured or sick his salary was paid in full.

The day of $4000 and $5000 salaries has pussed. The players' contracts have been made to cover six mouths instead ol seven, and Long has been offered $2400, a rate of $400 a month. For the balance of the year he has Ihe privilege of doing as Nash, Lowc, Dully, McCarthy and others of his associates on the Boston team do ea.ru money iu pome other way.

Most people would consider $400 a month n pretty fair salary in any calling, but Mr. Long's sensibilities revolt at any such figure. He has already cost Ihe club- iu bonus and salary between $18,000 aud $1.0,000, but that cuts no figure with him.

Mr Long will play in Boston next season for $'J400, or lie will not play anywhere. He will not he released to the Chicago or any oilier club. If he were released, he would not gel any more salary than the one now ollVred him. That is the limit t "j be paid any League player the coming season. If the business of the year warrants it, there may be an upward tendency in salaries in 1894. President Soden. of the Boston Club, says that l,oug will play here,at the salary named, or take a season's luy-olf.

A IjOCATION SECUKKO.

The Bay City Ball Club Will Play on the Fair Gronnils,

BAY CITY, Midi., March 14. Arrange- nicntK were completed yesterday whereby the " av County Agricultural society will lay out a ball ground in the centre of the race track at the fair grounds. Work will begin as soon as the weather permits. Tod Fo.x bus the contract. TheSlate Lcagueclubhassecureda lease of the grounds for the summer. There is ample room fora first-class ball field hereand the locution is all that can be desired. The local manager is negotiating w-ith players and expects Io have his learn com- pleled within a lew weeks. Kverything looks favorable for a prosperous season. Another meeting of the League will he held ou Ihe 23d.

Well, the Michigan State League Is ft reality at last, although not entirely per­ fected.

Let me tell you thai It has taken pome hard work to gel mailers along as far as they arc. At next Thursday's meeting all the de­ tails of the League will b« arranged, even to the schedule.

Most of the cities in the circuit will ho run by stock companies.

The local team will have a new park in the centre of the half-mile truck nt the fair grounds.

Pitcher Slit-punt, if this city; Fink, of lust season's New- Or leans, and Manager Craves, arc the only men signed by the local team so far. Craves will play bhor! and Fink nt second.

Would he glad to see the Ohio League going, as H would be oue lhat would stay

The Michigan State League will be under the National Agreement. J. H. BAHSKTT.

8OMKWIIAT DOUBTFUI*.

About ihe Klfloucy «f the Paradoxical Iliilo Changes.

"The great day so anxiously nud patiently awaited by the thousands of base hall admir­ ers has come and gone. Nor did the earth give up itr* dead. Nothing at all burst, and when the smoke of battle had cleared away we found by scanning the horizon, that the 'king bee terror' so often aouudly rated In these colums had at lust been forcibly re­ moved Io a point fully five feet distant from his stronghold of the past.

"It was even so. A band of magnates, hail­ ing fruiu every part of tin* Union, had gath­ ered in conclave and decided that such must hti tor the coming season.

"Alas, we had hoped to have seen the 'fear­ ful tyrant' removed at least to the centre of the diamond to a point where his deaden­ ing influence on the game might indeed be lessened. We had watched his "terrible in- roads, and knew that the salvation of the game depended solely upon his removal.

"The people recognizing the justice of our fears uud claims, bad seconded them iu one vociferous appeal for the removal of the pitcher.

"This appeal, eloquent iu itself, was but 'sweetness wasted on the desert air.' The magnates heard it like the music of falling waters, a sweet, passing fancy to be drunk-ill only for the moment and then forgotten for­ ever.

"Still what is is. and what must hr will be. A few days only intervene until the season itseIf opens. Then we shall all see whether or not this short distance of five (>> ( has fully carried out the hopes and fears of the game's admirers.

"If five will do, we shall all rest satisfied. If that distance will accomplish the ultimate restoration of the game, all will be well, aud we have no cause to complain.

"But at present matters look dubious. Tiif game itself when played ou the g^reevi will tell. We nlm 11 uot have loug tfi wait." Philadelphia Uent.

Roger Connor Transferred to New York—Pleased With the Schedule- The Exhibition Season—Tim Keefe in Line—Local Gossip.PHILADELPHIA, March 15. The Philadel­

phia Club officials are fairly well .pleased with the schedule. One of the few objection­ able features is the fact that the first nine games are with such exceptionally strong clubs as Brooklyn and Boston. This was the case last season and gave the Phillies a set-back at the very beginning of the season. How­ ever, Manager Wright hopes for better luck this year.

THE CHAMPIONSHIP DATES. There are 135 playing days in the season,

and each club is scheduled for 132 games. The Phillies have 67 games at home and (55 abroad, one Washington game having been trausferrrd to this city. The Fhillieswill play at home three days in April, 16 days in May, 20days iu June, six days in July, 16 days in August and six days in September. The home schedule includes 13 Saturdays. The other 10 Saturdays of the season will he put in abroad. Tiie holiday dates with Cleveland on Decoration Day, with Cincin­ nati on Labor Day, and at Cincinnati on the l-'ourth of July are good enough. Double g»"ies will be played on each of these days, thus leaving the Phillies six open dates June 20, Aug. 17, Sept. 1, 5, and 7 at home and July 5 abroad.

THF. SPRING CAMPAIGN. On March 31 the Phillies or those of them

who have consented to sign will appear in a practice game with some "kid" team. Three guiles have been agreed to with the Univer­ sity of Pennsylvania ball team April Son the University grounds, and April 1 and 8 on the Philadelphia grounds. Dartmouth has asked for April 11. Swarthmore and Cornell have also written for dates, as have likewise the Cauiden and other local club managers. Stt'arlhrnore hns been given April 5. Man­ ager Wright figures on putting in all of April, or rather until the opening " f the championship season on April 27, v ith col­ lege aud semi-professional teams. On Ap il 17 the Phillies will open the Camden .u.iletio Association grounds, and on April 25 the Camden Club will play in this city. The Georgt town College ball team will cross bats with the Phillies on April 20, the day before the opening of the League championship sea­ son.KOGER CONNER GOES BACK TO NKVV YORK.

New York has secured Connor,arrd the big first baseman will no longer guard the initial bag for the Phillies. The home club, how­ ever, has secured the services of two good players in exchange for lloger Boyle and Sliiirrot. Roger will be missed by local en­ thusiasts, but from a strengthening stand­ point the Phillies have no reason to regret letting Connor go, especially as by so doing they will also help to strengthen the cause of base ball in New York.

Jack Boyle is not only a first-class catcher, hut also a fine batsman, base-runner and sacrifice hitter, and can play first base finely, having the requisite height, reach and fielding skill. He is also a good general player, being particularly strong at third base. Boyle's acquisition will enable the club to regurd the kicks of Clements and Cross wild, equanimity. If they decline to sign the club can secure another first base- man and let Boyle do the catching. If they do sign, Boyle will be available for first base or any other infield position. Iu Sharrott the eluhaets a fine pitcheranda rattlinggood ontUeldcr, as well as u strong batsman and fast base-runner.

WYSSEWOOD'S BASB BALL TEAM. The Wynnewood Athletic Association will

enter the field of amateur base ball this year with a strong team, composed exclusively of players who in former seasons have won vic­ tories for the orange and blue. The team, as at present arranged, is m-ide up as follows: J. MeFctridge and William Wilcy, pitchers; P. A. Highley, catcher; B. Morris Cooper, first base; George Phelan, second base; H. M. Fisher, third base; William *'nn;»r, short stop, ami Frank C. Garwood, S. McI'Vtridge, M Uyau ami T. M. Twining, o.itfielders. Hurry H. Pisler, who for the past three sea­ sons has played with the Staten Island team, will or captain aud manager, and under his direction the Wyunewood men expect to re­ gain the place they held so long In the front rank of genuine nmateur ball tossers. The team will play only on Wednesdays and Sat­ urdays through their season, which will be­ gin about May 1.

LOCAL JOTTINGS.Farewell, Roger! May you recover your

batting eye and be a greater tower of strength to New York than you were to Philadelphia.

Of all the Phillies Clements aud Hamilton are the sore-t over salary reduction.

Frank Donahue, the young Waterhnry pitcher, was recommended to Hurry Wright by Itoger Connor.

The Louisville people wanted to trade Sfratton for Weyhing. "Make it Tom Brown aud it is a go," said Rogers. "Not for your whole team," said Baruie.

Billy Hallraan has been making$200 p*r week all winter as a soug-and-dunee man with*a traveling vaudeville company, and doesn't therefore care whether the b\se ball school keeps or not. He says the Phillies will have to come to his terms if they want hin services.

The Germantown Base Ball Club, which achieved marked success during the pust season, has been reorganized with a greatly improved team. J. H. Jungkurth has been appointed manager, aud he has secured con­ trol of the Germantowu Park, H| Wayne Junction, and will have it put in good condi­ tion. The opening game will be about April 22.

Pitcher Carsey wants near $1000 more than the club is willing to give

Manager Wright last Saturday received the signed contract of Tim Keefe. Tim was the second of the ol('players to fall iu line. He gracefully accepted the reduction and prom­ ises to play for all he is worth the coming season.

Secretary Shettsline is communicating with new players in order that the Phillies will not be caught short-h-uidcd iu the evedt of the old men refusing to sign.

There is no chance for an exchange of Delehanty for .lake Virtue. The club is not hard up for a first haseman, because it has a good man in view if it be deemed inadvisable to put Boyle on first base. Harry Wright thinks too much of Delehanty to contemplate even for a moment the idea of letting him go.

Colonel Rogers, of the Philadelphia Club, at the recent League meeting made a strong plea for the adoption of a commutation rate of admission which should allow any club to sell twenty coupon tickets for $7. The re­ quest was not granted because the League men claimed that speculators would get hold of the books. Incidentally the Colonel gave Mr. Brush, of ludianapolis, a terrific verbal castigation.

Sam Thompson writes that he is practising daily in a Deiroit gymnasium and taking long runs. He is iu splendid shape, but has said nothing as yet about signing.

Secretary Shetzline savs that the grounds at Broad and Huntingdon streets will be placed io the best possible condition by April 1.

Tim Keefe says the increased pitching dis­ tance will not allect him. Ou the contrary, he claims he will he more effective than ever. Nevertheless Weyhing ought to prove the Phillies' most effective pitcher under the new rules.

Young Jack Sharrott is one of the best pitchers in the country when his arm is right. He says it is now. The Cleveland Club had hoped to capture him, and considerable dis­ appointment was expressed in the Forest City when Philadelphia snooped him in.

The "division of profits" scheme proposed by Treasurer Rogers seems to he looked upon as a snare of some sort by the phiyers. It is probably just what it appears to he, but it is a very safe offer,at that, for tha Philadelphia Club.

Tvronty-five cent ball is snid to be amoug the local possibilities for 1K93.

Under the ruling of the National Board, both pitcher Tuylor and pitcher Darby must, go buck to the Eastern League. Taylor is kicking like a steer agaiust returuiug to

minor league service; and Manager Wright is reported as saying that the Philadelphia Club will not give him up.

The contracts offered players this year call for only nix months' services, instead of seven months, as Heretofore. The new con­ tracts begin April 1 and close Sept. 30.

Keefe sent, ill his contract, duly signed, without a word of comment or complaiut. He accepts the inevitable with good grace.

Jimmy Fields, and Motz, formerly of At­ lanta, are mentioned among the possibilities for the Phillies' first base. The club could go a long ways without securing as good or better man than Fields.

Manager Wright says Clements will again captain the team.

It is among the probabilities that pitcher Esper may start the season with the Phillies.

Harry Wright is quoted as saying that "Pircher Bayne will play nowhere but in Philadelphia if lie plays professionally, he having made that promise." Nevertheless, Bayne will play in Pittsbnrg and in no other League club. Pittsburg claimed him last fell, and has never released the claim. That bars al! other League clubs from competing for or offering terms to young Bayue.

TIPS FROM TROY.REJOICING AMONG THE CIIANKS

OVEH THE Ot'TLOOK.

The Decision of the National Board Puts New Life Into Local Base Ball —The Advent of the N. C. A. Hailed With Delight.TROY, N. Y., March 13. Editor SHORTING

LIFE: When Manager Maloney of the Troy Base Ball Club arrived home from New York, Saturday evening he setthe "cranks" rejoicing by telling them that the Board of Control had decided, through the interest of the munagers of the Eastern League, that the players that were signed hy the National League would he returned to them. John T. Booth and W. W. Newell appeared in behalf of the Troy Club.

The players that were signed by the big League are Clurkson and Cahill with St. Louis, aud Louisville had "Home-run" Breckenridge and also wanted Fricken, our star pitcher of last year. Marr Phillips was to go to Nashville. By the agreement ail of these players will be returned to the Troy management.

Tommy Cahill, who was in New York with Manager Maloney, has signed a contract to pbiy in this city.

The following is a list of the reserved mem­ bers to whom Manager Maloney sent con­ tracts for their signatures last evening: They are Henry Gruber, New Haven, Ct.; Henry Simon, Utica; TheodoreSheffler, New York; Arthur F. Clarke, Boston; W. F. Johnson, Chester Pa.; Tony Fricken, Brook­ lyn; Marr Phillips, Allegheny City, Pa.; John H. Clarlcson, Cambridge, Mass.; D J. Muroliy, Brooklyn; A. L.' Breckenridge, Cleveland, O.; John Picket!,Chicago.

It is thought that they all will sign.Manager Maloney left last evening for

Buffalo to attend the iu eel ing of the Eastern League.

The ball park is at present covered with snow, but as soon as it melts "Gene" Derby, who is to have charge of the grounds again this year, will soon have them in order.

THE CYCLING MOVK EN DOUSED.Manager Maloney also brought good tid­

ings to the bicycling fraternity to the effect that this city would be represented iu the National Cycling Association ol America, which was formed in New York last week. This new scheme is hailed with rejoicing by the sporting people of this city as well as Albany, Cohops, Wntcrford, Lansingburgh, Scheuectady, Stlllwater and Amsterdam, all of which are iu a short radius of this city, andean easily he reached either by motor or stenm cars, which will ensure very large at­ tendance, as all of the best riders iu the coun­ try will compete.

The races will be arranged hy professional bicycle men, and all novice riders will be given the benefit of a handicap.

Manager Maloney slated that as soon as the weather would permit a quarter-mile track wonld be laid on Ihe West Troy Park, which iu no way would interfere with the diamond, vhich, when completed, will bo one of the finest tracks in I he Slate.

It is proposed, hy charging a small sum monthly, to let all riders join in the scheme and have the use of (he track for practicing purposes, which, it is thought, will encour­ age new riders to appear.

The Association will give $1000, to be of­ fered iri purses for each meeting of two or three days, which, il is thought, will be a suf­ ficient sum to induce many "flyers," for which this vicinity is noted, to compete.

NOW COMKS THIS TIK! OK WAR. ' While the decision handed down by the

board of arbitration is final and sett les beyond dispute the question nt issue, many local en­ thusiasts, congratulating the management on its good fortune and hopeful of seeing las) season's team intact here again this yc;ir forcet that the ruiijor league clubs, under the National Agreement, can still retain the ser­ vices of the men Inken from the Hasten: League ou the payment of a certain amount of money in spite of any objections Ihe home management might make. The news luv just leaked out thnt Arthur Clarkson. tin crack pitcher of last year's Eastern League has reported to Manager Watkins, in St Louis, and a big howl has been sent up by press ami public protesting against the Troy Club management allowing Clarkson toes cape from (he home team. And right here comes the tnu-of-war. With Von der Abe shaking a roll of greenbacks at the Troy Club maungenient on the one side and Ih press pouring hot shot on thu other, the po sition of Ihe borne club -directory CHII hi better imagined than described.

A DISAPHOIN'IMKNT.President Maloney returned frorii fhe

League meeting Friday, and while tmppy ii the thought that the Eastern had -.vr>n « big victory, said he- felt ft siid disappointment ii the fact that the Lester plan of playing rule so ably ad vocated and ex plained fof months back hy Tun SI-ORTINU LIFIS, rmd n'ii be adopted iu their entirely Mr Malon«y ic most energetic in bis iir^mn.'.-nts lor extend' ing the base lines and placing Hit pitcher in the centre of the diamond He accepts the compromise, however, but i-iy* h*> bclii-vw. the original plau will he nrlountil H veil hence.

ANXIOI'S FOB rilK PKAY The outlook for base ball tlii.i ' en-on I

most encouraging, and everything point" ti a successful year for major and minor- leflgue us well. The warm weather of the past few days has started the crank* guessing. un< they are all coming into line. Already the game bus begun to boom in this city Tomm Cahill 1ms signed with President Maloney and contracts have been sent Io all the UH-UJ bers of last year's team.

ItC'HOKS.Treasurer A hern, of the Troy Club, had

tussle with a burglar iu New Orleans las week.

Billy Hanrahan has the deep sympathy o many IVieiiiis in the loss of a nephew, a brigh young mail, whose death occurred yesterday

Jim Garry, the young pitcher whom P.os ton has signed ou trial, played his first pro fessioiial engagement in Troy under Charle} Campati two years ago.

John T. Booth, a former Trojan, hut now prosperous New York lawyer, appeared be fore the Bo:ird of Arbitration and made a strong argument in favor of Eastern League reservation. His aupeal was so convincing that the officials gave in at once. Mr Booth was at one time secretary of the New York State League, and his relations as o dirnctoi of Ihe Troy Club are most pleasantly rerneiu bered. His many fi rend.s are delighted Io learn of his grand success in the metropolis

Dan Minneban, of this pitj, left for II South yefeteioXy.. -,| : -, .-/ ,-|j J. A. W.

.The Effect tit K« ami >Ie.

Probably the reports "from Washington where some tens of thousands of anxious able-bodied Americans are crowding tu breath out of each other in a wild sciambl after clerkships aud miiioi oftices which from $100 to $150 a mouth, Imfre helpedbase bnll player to the clusion thatreduced salary of from $.'(011 to $500 n m Ii u uot such a mark of poverty after all. out

BROOKLYN BUDGET.ATUOXS DISSATISFIED "WITH THE WORK OP THE MUMMIES.

;ut. They Have Faith in Byrne and See Progress in the Air—The News of the Week in Bj rue's Bailiwick.BROOKLYN, March 14. Editor SPORTING 1FK: We are thawing out here. Most of le snow has gone, and the outlines of the ianiond at Eastern Park are visible to the aked eye. All of which we are very thank- il for, despite the fact that some of the peo- le who like to he dubbed conservative, be- ause they do not quite grasp the meaning of ie word when nineteenth century progress

s in question, hammered quite out of shape ie suggestions made for playing rule changes, hieh meant positive renewal of interest aud ealthy reaction of a lasting character.

BROOKLYN PEOPLE SUKPIUSBD.Some people here have not yet exactly pot

ver the surprise created by the action of the lagnates iu flattening out the gentlemen of he Kules Committee and throwing over- oard the hard work of many weeks. It was nite regarded as a ion-gone conclusion in his city that all the innovations suggested y the Committee wonld go through without iH'Stion, inasmuch as each seemed to meet

vith popular approval. Another reason is hat the personnel of the Committee was a uarantee in ilself that nothing ill-advised r ill-timed would be recommended. People lere who follow base ball have an abiding aith in Charles H. Uyrne, and when he said t would be well to do thus and so, they choed in unanimous voice, "It would."

THRY BORROW THOUGHTS;.Hence the fact that the know-alls who sit

round and let people do their thinking and lien get up and kick and endeavor to im- ress the public with the idea that they oc- asinnally capture a thought, got in their In9'and npset all the plans, simply because iiptuin Teabox was not pleased, and out- elder McGlunnigan saw ton much work head, and Von Buokenblatherskite had

wind on the brain and could not see tilings as ther mortals did; hence it was, I repeat, that irooklyuites were just a bit staggered, to say he least.

THEY HAPPEN TO KNOW. The folks hereabouts who patronize the

intional game happen to know from experi- nee, and also because it is a mutter of his- ory, that a, large part of the brains which he National League boasts is the exclusive >roperty of a person in this vicinity. They mow that the American Association was a :atspaw for .the League until Brooklyn sailed nto camp and Messrs. Byrne, Doyle and\bellgotonttheir guns. They know that he heavy thinking that lifted the American

Association to a plane that rendered it a lowerful and dangerous rival of the Nationalleague was done by Charley Byrne, andhey can swear to the fact that when theeague began to throw longing glances on

Brooklyn and make overtures looking to itscapture that the New York directors or, at eist, their leader declared that so soon as ^rooklvn was taken into the League then jotliam would walk out.

It is not necessary for them to delve deep nto recollection's depths to recall the fact hat when Brooklyn did go into the League hat New York did not go out, and could not lave done so had it desired. That liyrnewas he Nemesis in this case all will testify,

and the fact that his worlh was immediately ecognized by the League people and honors leaped on him from that day to this, is of too ecent memory to he overlooked. Further, hey know that Byrne'n slogan is progress,

and that he holds that base ball, like every other sport, must rise out of the rut of years and test the innovations demanded by the times.

PROMISE FOR THE FUTURE.It is on considering all.this that, the Brook­

lyn patrons of the national game find solace, ind accept the sprat thrown them by the grannies who govern the game. They know }iat Byrne, having committed himself to the changes suggested by the Rules Committee, will not stop where the majority have halted Hiii longer than compelled to, but will go riiht abend, pushing th<> game to the front,

^fiere it belongs. All realize the fact that he ..as frit the popular pulse and ascei t»i:i*«J that Ihe people want to forget the petty bick­ erings in base ball and discuss the healthy side of it; and so they rest content in the con­ fidence that the future will see further prog­ ress, and that before long all the innovations, so ably championed by THIS SPOKTING LIKE, will of necessity hare to be adopted.

FBEK FROM TUB MUMMIES.The mummies from the East and the West

having gone bnek to their boxes f.o nurse their ancient hobbies, and Mr. Byrue having had a few days in Ihe country and got rid of the moths and dust he must have gathered in such company, I asked him to-day what he thought of the Presbyterian nifuir, which argued, as per force, that it would be damned if it did and be damned if it didn't, and finally resolved that anyhow it would be damned if it ;vould put aside lh« good no­ tions, and accomplished H cent's worth of tinkering and stopped there.

THE COMMITTEE KKJRCT8 IT.Mr. Byrne answered like rt courtier that

the results of the meeting In general were qnitegratif'ying to dim, nnd that the schedule pleased him. This wa* n bit disappointing, as the meeting I know WHS not at all pleas­ ing to a great many, while th« schedule was not entirely u thing of beauty from a. Brook­ lyn standpoint. I thought, of Nick Young and passed the latter point, but pinned the loyal magnate with this:

"What aoout the. changes tu the plnying rules suggested by lh» Rul<" Committee, which were not tdopted?"

"Well «s to lhat." said he, "the Members of the Rules Committee regret very much thai innovation* suggested wter* not received Aiili favor and endorsed But, of course, the majority rubs in all easen, and the people who cannot <« « Inrlher that the limits of their own bull groundx and the capabilities of Ihi- men in their employ, decided that our Id-ns did noi suit tl>m, and of course, shaped matters to Iheit UISIH."

That was all h* would say, nut anybody who desires anything more emphatic is a trifle exacting.

ISKOUTIIERS is WILI.IN'Affair:, of the club claim the attention of

the Brooklyn president these dnys, and he is hustling like a hust'er. During the pow­ wow last week lie talked with Brouthers and Cor'.-ijian mid the probabilities are that. Big Dan will soon come to town to be measured for his. uniform and get ready generally to lake bis stand on first base.

TOMMY'S BAD TANGLE.Tommy Con-oran has his right foot in the

left pocket of his vest aud is trying to do some dignified stunts. Tommy forgets that the war is over, and that the goose whose fruit was of gold lias been laid up for repairs. He did not like the shock the club gave him when some scollops were cut in his salary. His feelings were hurt by the attempt made to hear Corcoran slock, as he regarded it,ami he went right straight home to think. While he is meditating Mr. Byrne is negotiating with another man, and to-day had all but closed the bargain. Very little grace will bu ( ivcii Corcorau.

ItlCIIAKDSON AND HIS CONFLICT.Dnnny Kiclmrrtgon is quoted in different

quarters to the effect that hip contract with Washington calls for a stipulated salary and that he is in no danger of a cut by Brooklyn. If Richardson has a conflict on with Wash­ ington, that is a matter that will not aliect Brooklyn in any way.

A PRACTICE HALL.If there is any doubt of thf confidence of

the Brooklyn Club officials in a renewal of interest in the game next season, the fact that President Byrne is now negotiating for n large building here, to be used wnollv as a gymnasium and practice hall for the players, ought to prove, fully reassuring. It is the intention to have a hand ball court, a but­ tery alley in which at least three pitchers and catchers can practice at once, a running track, and all the other adjuncts of such a place. The. hall will be ready for the players when they report for duty a few weeks hence.

CYC1.1NO T.EAOOE PROMISES.That Mr. Byrne is positive that the new

cycling' league will go right to the trout, too.

is proven by the fact that he gave up his po­ sition on the National Board, which is prac­ tically the court of appeals of b%se ball, al­ though strongly urged to accept another term. There is a good deal of work connected with the National Board, and there will also be plenty for the president of the cycling league to attend to, and Mr. Byrne did not care to hazard the chance of neglecting his duties in either capacity and so declined an­ other term on the National Board. It goes without saying that he will he missed in tha councils of the latter, hut his advice cau al- waya be obtained for the asking.

FOUTZ HAS TRIED IT.Dave Foutz is making good progress with

the Tigers down at Princeton, and thinks the orange and black will show to the front on the diamond next soasou. His cotchiugof the collegians has given him a chance to try the new distance in pitching, but so far he U non-conimiital as to results.

Another week will see much bustle up at Eaateru Park. J. F. DON.NOLLY.

AUGUSTA AFFAIRS. ,

The Clan Gathering For the Fray— Another Explanation.

ACGUSTA, March 13. Editor SPOKTINO LlFK: Weare having splendid weather now, and work is being pushed rapidly on tiie grand stand, which will soon be completed. Tiicclub house (swell under way,and the dia­ mond is receiving the linisliiiiL' touches that will make it the tinest in the League. The Kiieitiiig flews publis ?ed a cut of Jerry penny Saturday afternoon, and the entire issue of the paper was disposed of. Every fan in town hud to have a copy; Jerry will be well kniwnwheu he arrives, as the cut was au excellent one.

Al'UUSTA'S NANCY HANKS. The Nancy Hanks lea in that will bear our

colors to the front tnis season is about com­ plete. Up to date the team is placed about al follows: Park Wilson, catcher; lialsz, pitcher; Jack Punning, pitcher; Charley lloo- ley, first base; William U'Brien, second base; Jerry Denuy, third base; Jimmy Station! or llulen, short stop; George Wtailings, right field and change catcher; William Evcrctt, centre field; Jimmy Stafford or Huleu, left field, with two fast fielders and heavy hitters to be added. Jerry Denny will captain the team. If I am any judge, I feel sure that (his te.im will be able to hold their own with the best in t!ie League; at least, we feel that we have the winners. It is a team of men that lire never whipped until the last mart is out in the ninth inning.uml they will be able to hold their own with any team iu the League in hitting, while we are to be the"Nau«y Hanks" on the base paths.

MONTGOMERY AGAIN. I see that "Poisson" gives some explana­

tions as lo the information he gives in his letters "for the benefit of a certain manager." Well, until he specifies who the certain nwn- Hger is we will hold otl here, but we have a sort of intimation lhat iie is trying to feel arou d for "our George." Keep it up, "Pois­ son," aud we will give you just enough roue to hang yourself. The information that I give in my letters is always based upon facts that can be produced whenever it is neces­ sary. It will l>e useless to keep upon theReitz side of the question, as McCloskey has dis- uoscd of him, and I suppose they have a sort of oH'er for "our Jimmy Stafford," which is the cause of their hitter and prolonged fight tor him, after the Arbitration Committee of the League has awarded him to Augusta. From the tone of the letters that have been sent here, I think "the boot is on the other foot" as to the "baby act." "Our fans will not turn out to see Ihe giitnes if we lose Staf­ ford," etc. Well, WP have just as fine a lot of fans here that the South has ever produced, and Manager Stalling* would snrelyget him- sflf into hot water if he should let "our Jimmy" go. But George does not propose to let liiin go. "Our Jimmy" will be here tiy the lolhat the farthest, ami, for the life of me, I cannot see how he will manage to sit on "the bench in Montgomery" and remain here. I will wait until "our Jimmy" arrive* before saying more.

DISAPPOINTING WORK. Well, the mii'.nites have met, acted in

their usual half-way manner, and adjourned. Why, oh, why didn't they have nerve enough to give the game the heroic treatment it re- juires? Remove the pitcher back a paltry five feet! The distance will hardly he per- ceptible.and the old-time pitcher games will je repeated again this season, driving the majority of lovers of the game away because they do not want to sit through a tiresome, :e'lions game, where tne pitcher has the en- ire game in his bands, the-other eight men doing the statue act iu their positions. I -iin sure that the magnates will see Ihe error of their legislation before the season is halt over.

THREATENING LKTTF.HS. Manager Stallings received a letter from

Montgomery Ihe past week written in the most vulgar and fillhy language. It also con­ tained threats to do our George when he ,700.1 to Montgomery. Such little things as that do not worry George. George is a Georgia boy to Ihe manor born, and it will be ar x ciM-dingiy unhealthy job (or the gang that does attempt, to do him. "One lor all, all for one," will be the motto of our team, ami the person or g:ing lhat attempts to harm one of our team will certainly bs bandied without gloves, and some of our boys are ruther hard hitters. "De tough gang of Montgomery" had better keep their bands oil'of the Au­ gusta team. We are gentlemen, expect to be treated as such, and intend to demand ther"- spect that is due us, but our . -m will not put. up with insulin. Call your' -iing of longtis off, Poisson,or'it will be the wo.u- for tin-in.

LINK HITS.In looking over the batting averages of the

California League in the issue of March U I note that our bovs stand well up among the leaders: Stafford has a batting average of .277; O'Brien, .270; Dooley, .-'1)7; Deiiny,.'Jo'.'1; German, .225; Stalliufe-s, .184; Wilsou, 2US; Everett, .284.

Wilson leads the catchers in fielding with an average of .!>(;:!; Dooley is sixth among first b isiuiien with an average, of .U-J.'J; O'Brien is third among second buscmen with an aver­ age of .flOti; Captain Jerry Denuy hads the third basemen with an average of .894; Stal- lings has a fielding average of .898: Stutlurd, .800; Everett, .S't'2.

Our first game will be with Pitlsburgon the 20th, and we are booked to take one of the two games they play here.

The grounds are being put in shape rapidly; the diamond is nearly finished, and is the finest In the S<%tb. The outfield has been plowed aud harrowed, and will be rolled to-day. The stand will be finished up this week. The reclining chairs will be put iu this week.

The learn is about complete now. Manager Stalling* is about In land two cracking good players, and when he concludes negotiations with them, the tram will be complete and ready to battle with the best that Ihe Southern League can produce, aud more than hold its own. As the team slandsit will .bcjust about the fastest that the Southern League has ever bad, and we will be known before the season is half over as the cracker jacks of the League.

I note that 0.Pccunion* Caylor is picking flaws in our schedule, simply because it was drafted by a woman. Well, that is to be ex­ pected from O. Pecunious. I am sure, (hough, that the manager* ami business men that accepted that schedule will compare fa­ vorably with the men lhat compose HIIV base ball body iu this country. Gus Scbiut-lz cer­ tainly did more when manager of the Cin- cinnatis than U. Pecunious did. Ted Sulli­ van, whom Caylor claims got. the worsl of the schedule in mileage and home gamfs, wonld not have voted for the adoption of the schedule if he had thought he was gelling the worst of it; if he did, Ted Im-; changed mightily within the pust tew years. Smll- ings, Graves, Powell, Kelly, Earb-, Manning, Cnrney and Murray, are men of cnmi'.'h judg­ ment to know when a schedule is made out to the best advantage. They are fUmilhir with I he Southern territory, and" (). Pecuiiious i» Go write anorher thrilling novel. O. P O., and have your name put in small type, tue title of the book in larger.

Our first game of the Reason will be with Piltshiir.g, on the 2l)th and 21st. We are booked to win a game right here.