THE SPORTING LIFE. Dec. 2O.

BASE BALL.THE ILLINOIS-IOWA.

THE OFFICIAL AVERAGES FOR THE SEASON OF 1890.

Showing What the Players of theLeague Have Accomplished in

Batting and Fielding.GALESBURG, 111., Dec. 16. Editor SPOET-

ING LIFE: I append averages of players con­ nected with the different clubs of the Illinois- Iowa League the past season. The salary limit being small membership was limited iu numbers, players were changed about and utilized in different positions, which has ren­ dered the making up of averages intricate and difficult. No player's average is sub­ mitted who participated iu less than twenty- five games.

Manning, third base and captain of the Auroras, probably occupied his position with fewer changes than any third baseiuan in the league, as did George A. Decker, first base for Dubuque; James Sharp, second base for Ottumwa; John Carey, second base for Mon- mouth; William Geiss, second base for Ot­ tawa; W. A. Rourke, first base for Cedar Rapids. These men were hosts iu their posi­ tions aud rarely changed.

Otttimwa; at no time a special terror to the leaders until July, suddenly struck her gait, and never quit until she was safely landed in first place, with Monmouth and Cedar Rap­ ids neck and neck for second; indeed, but for steady misfortune to the Cedar Rapids Club it is very probable that she could not have been kept from second place, and if Mana­ ger Plumb had secured the playing strength with which lie finished the season four weeks earlier Cedar Rapids would have won the race for first place. Dubuqne and Ottawa at the close of the first half of the season were a terror to the prospective winners, and in Juue Aurora cut out a pace that was invincible. llisfortune to a half-dozen of Manning's best men put a stop to the fun, aud, although in fair fighting trim, Aurora was not again a prospective leader.

Probably the most amusing feature of the season was the bushel of fun Joliet had iu pummeliug all "de gang," and it is safe to say that, had she been posseased of the September team on May 1, all would have been well with her. Sterling started wrong, kept wrong and finished wrong, although if it had been their good fortune to have got hold of the right man in May there is no question but that they would have been successful. Their experience was identical with that of the city which purchased their franchise nothing but continued reverses and unavoidable imposi­ tions. Excellent and unquestionable gentle­ men in control locally, but unfortunate in se­ curing management.

The failure of other minorleagues was taken advantage of by other clubs to strengthen, while the managers oi the Sterlings failed to pron't. In a word the management were not awiike to the requirements. Ilcre are the averages by clubs:

Oitor jfepiifa. Kiel J.I Ave.

Ba'.Ave.

J. W. T5.linz«r, 201 Gen. O.Wils<.u..290 Bert WilbOD.... .883T. liea.ly...... ...216Jack lliighre.. 2% Tu. ki t f.. ........ .302

Geo. SanT.ird... .i57E. J. Mwiarity .:t!7 D. J. Bolajid... .'^49Wm. 3Iiiip!>y...2S3 Wa. Z'.lx...... .258JoliuE. C»rey..271

..*. T. letcber... .237». )1. Buriies... .101Al T. beau...... .278Geo. Slixrp...... .i39J«c..b \\>ih'... .2*1Bert Muiizer....lUGB. T. Gayle..... .201

Bat.A TO.

.893 J. C. Dmnby... .'281

.821'W. A. Kourk«...30«

.9:i7 P. U. \V»lch... .204

.8*1 W. B. Yurk......309

.'J12 ( M. SIa««!........21K).929;<!eo Cain....... 211

.9i\ Gn«.VrM>ley._ .219

.903 J. J. Ilalpin.... .289

.887 F. \V. Cl.iisen. .197

.911 Albert J.Iuks...'221 .8o2r\Vm. T. Collina 285 .S9fi|

.Mirl.814 E. N. am**.... .241.887! Wm. Noll.'....... .211,9l:i'F. Bfnmer........176.t'GliJnmriE. Kiley.209 .895;(!. J. <.'onley.....28l.911:11. D. Miller.... .260890

Field.Ave.

.971 .932 .816 .Oil

.798

.961 .83'

8M) .912

.789

.803

.002

.874

.799

.782

Jas. Slmi-p.......327 .843 P. F. Lynch.... .293 .811Thos. Vnlelly.. .261 .879 Tim. Bailer..... .307 .93'Geo. Hogriever.289 .913 P. JLMIDN........ .198 .8'J1Y. 0. Orelup... .211 .817 J. N. Kdlutfr.-.MT .91):W. J. Ctaik.... .2'J8 .SOI! W. Cari«otM- .184 .890

Ottawa. W. J. Gciw..... .313 .879 Joseph Wright .289 .936I*on Cullicr... .200 ^75i Chi.«. Huekiua. .203 .911Geo. S|>orc........278 .819 J. J. Donovau.. .2!tl .813James O'Drien .218 .907,11. M. Oonle».-- l 'J8 .907

Aurora.T.fF. ManniHf!..328 .9:H A V. Gre»«l_ .203 .893 \Vm. luglis......2'i7 .881 Clias. L. Jones..IK .812T. ». G..l(ien... .'.H4 .907.11. GJImtrttM .271 .9»4Dauiol Friend. .197 .82«;G. E. WiU^n.... .281 .870

JUtj6Hi/«e. Geo. A. Decker .307 .9i« 11. ^u?««..........294 J94K. J. Enrri.-!!.. .216 .907 K. fi«:ck«lth....207 .892Ed KCBB..........271 .819'Ed Kennedy... .193 .782frank (lirroll. .289 .8"7; A.L. KicuarJ'n .148 .911 4i«o. B. Uupr.. .212 .679

Sterling.Wio.Browner..l8T .826 .1. H. Mackey.. .289 .809 Clar'c E. Hoj-t.293 .913 Ceo. Maltorv... .231 .902 Cli«a.Wiracue.. .302 .947JJ. W. Fowler....314 .733

V/e do not expect to see the Il!inois-Iowa represented another season. Joliet is in trim for entering a good League and can un questionably support a club in any miuoi league. An excellent park, a growing, wide awake city of "hustlers" that will sustain clean sport can but be successful, especially when guided by such men as Sauger Stee! and Henry J. Weber.

Th« Iowa cities are talking of a State League and say with trnth that the mileage was too great in the Illinois-Iowa. W.S. Me Caull, manager of the LHibuque team, now lo catcd at Cedar Rapids, is taking the prelimi uary steps to an organization. Billy is a rusder and will "get there''' if afforded any encouragement. K. C. MORGAN.

A TAIN APPEAL.

Only Mxgnatea Have a Klght to Look Out For Their luterests.

The Cincinnati Enquirer lias a tender side for that capable official, manager Tom I^oftus who last season was guilty of the crave crime of having a lender feeling for the Players' League. It says: <;The National League is a wonderful organization. It has men in its ranks of bruins aud ability. But great or­ ganizations make mistakes. One of the Lengue erron» is its organized effort to down Manager Tom Loftus. Suppose the Cincin­ nati manager Ls just as guilty of treachery as they have painted him (the writer knows positively that he is not), isn't it beneath the dignity of a great organization like the Na­ tional League to hound one man?

"Why single out Manager Loftus? He has done nothing wrong excepl look after hisown interests. The LeaRiie must recognize the old adage that self-preservation isthe firs law of nature. This is the time to forget ant forgive. Give Loftns a chance. If report is true Loftus will not be the only manngeria lamb offered up for slaughter. Another one will have to walk the gang-plank. Manager William McGuimigle will be "thrown down.' He has offended the powers that be, and, like the Chinese, must go. If these meu are turned adrift they will not long be out of i job. They have both made good records, anc will have uo trouble in catching oa."

mSHI.EK DEFENDED.

Tlic Utica Hustler and Patriot Objects to CnjUHt Criticism.

UTICA, Dec. 17. The letter in last week': Bl'ORTlNO Lll'K from KufTulo ilocs an in justice to Mr. D. A. Dishler, of this city. Mr Dishler, for a number of years, has been tin m'jst progress!ve and wide-awake base bal muu in this pint of the Stale, and what he h:is done for the game has been done simpli arid purely for the love of it, and not for th profit there, might be in it, as his losses every year in which ho lias been connected with a team in Utica will testify. His interest in the State League now proposed fur next sea- !M;n is not prompted by any motive or anibi tinn other than that of seeing a league pin together which would stand some show ol

!.' both ends meet. Therefore the in-

inui'i <ined in the letter from Buff- lo a >l in fact and prompted only

by a j ._, .....j which evidences itself too )lainly. It can be said, on no less an author- ty than Mr. Dishler himself, that he is not a

candidate for the presidency or the secretary- hip of the proposed N'ew York State League, nd even were it offered him it is not likely

that he would accept. H. E. DEYEJSDOR*.

COLUMBUS' CHATTER.The Magnates Hard at Work As to tho

AftHiichitioB Laftscs Last Season Boston and Chicago Will be iu It Odds and

s. O., Dec. 16. Editor SPOUTISO '..IFE: -The leading lights of base ball now issembled in New York City, are accomplish- ug much business, although it seems to the

outside world as if they were taking matters with an ease that is refreshingly deliberate )ut there is, possibly, much nervousness and

anxiety felt by the outside world and that nay be the reason their movements seem de- ibernte and slow. Well, one can hardly be

censured for desiring to see the end of this lasty war. It will surely terminate the mem- X'rship of three of the Association cities of ast season, and it will in all human prob­

ability result in a settlement of the question of salaries to be puid.

It is certainly a theme for serious consid­ eration with the owners of clubs in the Asso­ ciation, for according to my good friend, Ed Rife, sporting editor of the Ohio State Journal, all the teams of that organization, except Louisville, lost money hist season, and yet he has shown that an average daily at­ tendance of 1300 paid admissions is what the uooksofthe Columbus show for last season in this city. TLis would not only pay reason­ able salaries to every member the team carried last season, but should leave the di­ rectors with a fair profit. Therefore it is but fair to presume that it was the enormous salaries paid that ate up the profits of the Co­ lumbus Club.

Louisville stands ont alone as the one club that made money, and their profits are placed at $:iOiX> in round numbers. That isn't so much money, all things considered but it is a well-known fact that Louisville nad by far the cheapest team in the country, else un­ doubtedly its balance would have been on the wrong side.

It seems singular, if Mr. Kife's figures are correct, that these base ball magnates will cling so tenaciously to the business when each year there is heralded losses by the same gents. One would be led to believe that the bulk of them are in the business tor pure love-^-in fact, are willing to pay some­ thing for it. Not only that, but there are some who let their legitimate business affairs sufler that they may look after their interests iu the sport. Fabulous sums are paid now and then for franchises, players' releases, etc., in addition to this regular loss, and it natu­ rally bewilders one as to why business men will stand such heavy losses year after year in base ball when they would soon go to the wall if the same losses were sustained pro­ portionately in their other lines of business. Well, there are more or less"Reubens" in the country, and I presume it is to these innocent jays that this annual loss manifesto is issued and they must be expected to believe it Such is life.

"SPCD" AND HIS "PEDS" AGAIJf.I had so me! hiiiy iu last week's SPORTING

Li KB about Ralph Johnson and his trotters. What I wrote then WHS taken in substance from Joe Piitcharu's letter. I have since seen a letter from Ralph to Harry Stevens, in which "Spud" says: "I am in St. Louis old fel, hustling like h . I have every­ thing arranged for a six-day-go-as-you-please race, which comes off Christmas week. * * * I will make more money here than I ever did in my life."

Now, that's just what Ralph's friends like to know. They all want to see the boy make money, for it is well known that be sacrificed money when he first joined the Columbus team, nnd by so doing he exhibited a spirit of manliness aud honor that won to him many substantial friends.

I noticed in Joe Pritchard's letter in last week's SPOUTING LIFE a paragraph to the effect that Johnson did not want to play in Columbus next season. I believe I fully un­ derstand the reason that causes him to make such a declaration, but he should dismiss such ptuff from his mind, because it will bring him trouble, as the Columbus people would be very foolish indeed to let such a hard, free hitter as Johnson get away from them. Indeed, the team has no hard hitters to spare, and it occurs to many of the sup­ porters in this city that a few good hitters added would make the team a terror.

CUTTING OUT THE PACE.Mr. Pritchard, your St. Louis correspond­

ent, has called me down on astatement which I made concerning the possibility of Gus Schmelz's team walking off with next year's bunting without even ruffling a feather, and advises me to keep an eye on several other teams that will be in the Association race next season. He mentions amatigat others the new St. Louis team. He is quite right for I look with alarm on the possibilities oi that reorganized crowd of pennant winners. They have gotten into such an infernal habil of winning pennants with almost anything they sign that it wouldn't surprise me very much to note, in the midst of next season, the fact that St. Louis is leading a strong fight for the pennant. In fact, we have all h:id to do it for many seasons past, and even though they quit third last season, one notch below Columbus, yet they had us frightened out ol our Christmas stockings up to the very last game played. Yes, indeed, Joey, I am not so certain that Columbus will take the rag, but I do believe that Columbus, with the same team as last season, will get a good, stiff start at the beginning of the race, and would main­ tain the self-same feeling of security in her ability to win the fight, if it were not for the proverbial and historical luck that has al­ ways followed Von der Ahe and his crowd.

BOSTON AND CHICAGO ALMOST ASSURKD.There seems to be but little ground for feel­

ing now that Boston and Chicago will not be in the American Association. The placing of teams in League cities destroys, to a cer­ tain extent, the independence that should at­ tach to a major league. Not but what, ol course, the Association would get a good show in these two cities, but the long stand­ ing and prominence of the League tennis in Chicago and Boston will very naturally give those teams the right of way to public pa- tronnge.

The proposition to Iwstow upon the West­ ern Association the full benefits that attach to the National Agreement will make it easier to settle matters with Toledo perhaps, but it will have the possible effect also oi making common the heretofore dignity that has been assumed by the two major leagues, as well as to bring into service another cook. which act may serve to spoil the broth. II has been ably argued by the best writers on base ball that the gaaie is uot ripe enough yet to stand more than two major leagues in this country, and I can see no reason now for believing that those arguments do not hold as good as when first made. Yet "all things come to him who waits," nnd I may get a glimpse of the fallacy of my statement if 1 wait. ___ __ F. W. AK.NOLD.

TORONTO WANTS BALL.

Even a Little Local Trader League DetterTliau Nothing.

TOP.OXTO, Dec. 17. Will there beanygooc base bull in Toronto next year? is a questioi frequently propounded not only by tht cranks, but by members of the public who having an hour or two to spare in the after- noon, would like to put the time in at a base ball match. A scheme h;is been mooted It organize a tnidcs league that is tu say. a club representative of the local uliiying abil­ ity should be pitted against similar organiza­ tions from other cities. The idea is a good one, and, failing any larger project, could well be acted upon. It would retain an in­ terest in base ball among an intelligent class of people, nnd a class who have always been the warmest supporters of the game, prac­ tically aud theoretically, for the sport it gives alone.

. SPOBTISQ LIFE will bewailed post puid toany address in the United States and Canada oncyear for $4.00, six mouths for

0, tk-ee mouths for $1.25.

A DOUBTING THOMAS- Three TV Receives Leagne Promiaei to

the Association With l>oubt aud Suspects Hidden Traps Somewhere Some of the Points That the Association Slay Over­ look An Unequal Contest For Advan­ tages, Etc. | BALTIMORE, Dee. 17. Editor SPOETIWO

LIKE: Evidently the words havs been passed ] tround again to the League magnates to { seep quiet and not awaken the suspicions or, perhaps, confirm them) of the partially

aroused American Association. Mr. Spnld- ug visited Boston, and at once appears an

Associated Pressdespatch, intimating that the cultured trinity, with the cultivated or quickly acquired epicurian appetite, have suddenly become addicted to a diet on the slackest kind of a black crow. This is Mr. palding's report to the newspapers, without

design of having it published in every city in ;he country and allaying the fears of the Association people, of course. Mr. Day and he Boston League men do not say they have experienced a

CHANGE OF HEART,neither does Mr. Spalding say they hare, for the matter of thatj but iu vague and indefi­ nite terms he intimates that everything is lovely and the Christmas goose is surely coming, even if his altitude is at preseut skyward. What could possibly be more sat­ isfactory to the trusting and tender Associa­ tion darlings? In other words, the coy Asso­ ciation maiden is courted by the stalwart League lover in language almost divine in its inspiration from diplomacy. "Trusting darling, do not be alarmed into looking out for your future by the unguarded expression of our real sentiments not to take you on a

BRIDAL TOURto Boston and Chicago. True, we have planned a quiet little trip for you to New Haven and Toledo, and indeed, we cannot afford the expense of the more attractive cities, but what should you care for our real sentiments, or, in fact, real intentions when you have our promises (those valued promises)." Mr. Barnie has been to New York and appears to be quite satisfied with the "assurances" that he there received. All this is very pretty to be sure. The con­ fidence of the Association maiden in her lover is extremely touching, but just where he will "touch" when they are wedded forever, is not much in doubt. The blushing maiden sometimes appears to have doubts that her lover is but

FLIRTING,but the experienced tatty slinger knows well how to lull her suspicions and quiet her until he can accomplish all his plans, and then she can do what she pleases, for what will he care when he has all her best possessions that he can possibly want or take care of and she is helpless to resent her wrongs in anything bnt heartrending shrieks for public sympathy. A quite too susceptible maiden isthe Associa­ tion, dear, trusting girl. Most of this false sense of security in the Association conies from the peaceful words of President Thur- man and his assurances to his people that he will be firm in seeing that the proper thing is done. And this is the most dangerous feature in the whole situation. Mr. Thurman may be the most conscientious and the best busi­ ness man in the country to-day, and yet mark the prediction he will be but common

POTTERS' CLAYin the specialty of base ball in the experi­ enced and diplomatic hands of Mr. Spalding, to be molded, without comprehending it, into such shape as will best advance the interests of the League. If Boston and Chicago is conceded to the Association, it will be coupled with such conditions as to make it practically valueless in process of time aud again give the League at monopoly through stress of cir­ cumstances. Mr. Thuruian has the legal acumen probably to formulate binding docu­ ments and expound law and equity to ad­ miring thousands, but he has had practically no experience iu dealing with base ball dip­ lomats concerning base ball business, and

NOT ENOUGH EXPERIENCE in 4he business to forestall the effect of ap­ parently insignificant details that the wily, experienced diplomats arc as certain of as they are of cause and effect Yes, ''Mr. Thurman and Mr. Spalding can do more in ten minutes in arranging for the two leagues than six men can in ten days." Ah, yes, that is true, and there is the danger of it. It can be "fixed" quickly enough, so why has it not been done? It has been a long time now, and will be just as much longer as the period of time required to "fix" the Associa­ tion in such shape as to be powerless except to suffer and yell. And the public will laugh in derision aud

RIDICULEand say good enough it is deserved it is the natural sequence of stupidity. When the National League is in position for a squeeze at Cincinnati and a dump at Brooklyn in fact, when matters are in such condition that there is no one or nothing in the desirable cities to negotiate with and the Association must take what is conceded with hampering terms or nothing, then the National League will be ready to "fix." No doubt Mr. Spald­ ing can "fix" Mr. Thurman in "ten minutes," or the whole Association aggregation of talent "in ten days." Mr. Spalding is a fixer from Fixburg when base ball matters are in ques­ tion. He is undoubtedly the Napoleon of the business and deserving the admiration yes, and success, too that always attends his en­ terprises in that direction. Baltimore can admire while

SHE SUFFERSat the expense of his success. Now, it would be only ordinary business prudence to have an anchor to windward to insure a haven from a storm, if possibly it might come. It would show only a proper business and hon­ orable enterprise for Baltimore, St. Louis and Louisville to meet Messrs. Linton, John­ son, Prince and the Wagners, and negotiate a provisional agreement tor mutual protection in the event of the deal with the National League proving unsatisfactory and unremu- nerative. Each would represent an organiza­ tion that could, if necessary, combine into a money-making league, and, while it could not be construed into a threat to the National League, inasmuch as it would be mere

BUSINESS PRUDENCE,yet it would put the Association on a van­ tage ground in the negotiations equal to that of the League, a position it certainly does not occupy now. It is much more business-like to be able to command justice aud equity than be dependent upou pleas for it to the mercies of a powerful rival. But the League has already done enough to justify the Asso­ ciation in looking after its own business irre­ spective of League wishes. Is the Associa­ tion so foolish as to believe the League will ever permit a competitor of equal merit in the personnel of the game and territory to become an actual rival forits business? If so, how foolish is the trust. If territory is con­ ceded, then must the clubs be so inferior in pi lying strength as to be shorn of equal prestige and therefore patronage. And with it must be conditions that have always been vital to Association clubs such as

INTERNAL LUBRICANTS and restrictions from exhibitiug every day in the week. With weaker clubs and the same prices inferior games would result aud abso­ lutely starvation patronage. Will the League permit teams of equal strength and non-con­ flicting dates? The Association would be sub­ aqueous fools to believe it. The League could have had the same result in 1S91 with the Players' League. The fight was for iiilvant/H/rs. and the League will have vastly superior advantages to the Association or concede nothing. This is the only logical re­ sult, uud the Association people are a flock of trusting lambs if they cannot see it, and may God bless their fleecy innocence. The proper thing for them to do is to al once and without delay negotiate with thosif people who have now strong clubs in

KKML'NKBATIVE CITIESand complete a circuit and an equitable busi­ ness arrangement, and I hen, after becfiming a powerful business concern of equal prestige with the League negotiate with thai body for a protective business arrangement. Every day's delay is fatal to the prospects of the Association, inasmuch as the clubs aud cities which are now available will become less so. Player? will lose hope, ami while uot openly contracting will so commit themselves as to unintentionally play into tb* hands of the great monopoly. Delays are always danger­

ous, but never more dangerous than in the present situation of the Association. If the Association must wait until January it will be put off to February, and then to March, and then find itself, whenever the time comes, an organization of

UNBALANCED CITIESsupporting unbalanced villages, a state of affairs that neither guarantees nor liberal divisions of gate money will give life to, or a minor league except in name in the larger cities uiiprofluctively filling in the vacant time of the one and only great base ball monopoly to half-filled benches of the hood­ lum element. The Association may trust in "assurances" from League people or from its own president, but the result will be just as here outlined j ust as sure as the law of cause and effect.

Some of the papers are giving "inside" or "outside" information of the

DISTRIBUTION OF PLAYERS.If the information has been given from any knowing source it is for either of two things or both for its effect on the Association in­ dicating a settlement on a broad basis and to keep that body from acting, or, it is done as a feeler to see how the distribution will be taken by the different clubs and be a guide for after manipulation. If it should prove trne, then God help Baltimore. It has had some pretty "bum" teams, but comparatively with the other assignments this would be about the "bummest." "Second fiddle?" Why, great shades of Nero; you scraped cat­ gut while there was a bonfire once in com­ parison to what the Baltimore musician would do if he accepted that. "Second fiddle?" Why, they have given us

TUB BASE DRUM

and the only thing we can do is to make a demnition noise with it and drive away the people. And must Baltimore come to this? Have you seen the last census? Or, did you get us mixed up with Oermantown or Hobo- ken? Oh, happy, happy, happy be thy dreams, good conference committee. This is enough to drive the good old town to drink but we will wait until Christmas.

Our stocking is hung up, good Mr. Blonde Santa Clans. It is large extremely large. It is big enough to comfortably hold Chicago, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Louisville, Boston, Philadelphia, Brooklyn, aud all of Bal­ timore, including Towsontown, and it has the initials on it of T. T. T.

A NOTED OUXFIELDER.

Thomas J. Pool-man, a Ball Player of Wide Experience.

Thomas J. Poorman, the right fielder of the Milwaukee Base Ball Club, is a great favorite with the general public. He is 28 years old, is 5ft. Sin. toll and weighs 1601bs. His career as a professional ball player is quite an extended one, dating back to 1881, when he became a member of the Lock Haven Club. The following year he signed with the Metropolitans, of New York. Then

followed engagements with the Jersey Citys, the Boston League team, and the Athletics, of Philadelphia, in the order named. His work was always considered of a high order of merit, and he occupied a good posi­ tion, both in batting find fielding at the end of each season. In 18-S9 he signed a Milwau­ kee contract to fill right field, his reputation being as great in the West as in the East. He filled that position during the past season, and it is the opinion of many good judges that he is by far the best right fielder that ever donned a Cream City uniform. Poor­ man is also a reliable batter and a nimble base-runner, and he can fill any position in the field creditably.

RIPE FOR ORGANIZATION.

All the Chances Favor the Proposed New England League.

The times appear about ripe tor a revival of the interest in base ball in New England by the organization of a New England League on a stronger and broader basis than ever be­ fore. It is now two years since there has been an exclusively New England movement of the kind, and, under proper management, there is apparently uo reason why another league or association should not meet with financial success. Last year base ball ele­ ments were in too disturbed and chaotic a condition to make such a movement at all feasible, but as indications point to cessation of last season's warfare, and a return, in part at least, to the good old days when base ball was a universally favorite sport and was as universally patronized, the idea is a good one. A graud circuit, that would include such cities as Brockton, New Haven, Hart­ ford, Springfield, Worcester, Lowell, Lynn, Salem, Haverhill, Lawrence, Dover, Ports­ mouth, Manchester and Portland, could easily be formed if the right parties took hold of it.

Out of the cities named an eight-club league could be organized that, with a mod­ erate salary list, could not fail to be a success. Manager McGunnigle, a resident of Brock­ ton, who successfully led the Brooklyns to the championship of the American Associa­ tion and the National League; Burnham, of New Haven; Putnam, of Salem; Lovell, of Boston; Spenee, late of Portland; Cudworth, of Worcester, arid others of the same stamp, are the ones to start the ball rolling, and it is not too early to take preliminary steps now. Vnquestionablv there will be a large number of good players on the market in the spring who can be secured at a moderate salary, and the respective teams made somewhere of equal strength. Reports from several of the cities named are of an encouraging nature in the line of a New England League. Who will lead off in the movement?

MERE COMMON PLATERS.

And Yet They Expect Gratitude and Con- nUleration.

A League writer mournfully indites the following story with a big moral deep at bottom: "One of the most disconsolate meu in this vicinity at present is Guy Hecker, who stuck so faithfully to the luckless Pitts- burg National League team last season. In all the talk about the club for next year, his name has never once been mentioned, and he does not kuow if he is going to be given a chance or not. He is still in his prime, has no bad habits, can piteb a clever game, play as well as the best at first base or in the out­ field, and can always be depended on to be in condition and work for the best interests of his club. After the way he stuck out last season, he deserves good treatment from the club, but it does not look as though he was going to get it. Hecker says he wants them to either sign or release him. As the matter now stands, he is sure of being appointed a National League umpire for next season by President Nick Young, in case he does not play here. Young has already named three of the umpires, and ia holding the fourth place open until Hecker learns what his late is to be. It looks very much now as though all the members of the National League Club except Miller, Decker, Smith and Guinbert would be dropped, and the deserters be wel­ comed back. This is rather hard, as there was some very promising material in the team."

PITTSBURG PENCILLINGS.League Protection to J. Palmer O'Neill

Tlie Consolidated Club's New Jersey Charter A Correspondent'* Sad Story- Kits of News, Etc.PiTTSiiUBG. Dec. 17. Editor SPORTING

LIFE: The National League will protect "Old Burusides." I mean that in case the dispute between W. A. Nimiekand J. Palmer p'Neil comes to such a pass that the League interests call on it to take a hand the power­ ful organization will give Mr. O'Neill the pre­ ference.

The League would sustain Mr. O'Neill be­ yond doubt. This has long been an idea, and when it began to look as if League interfer­ ence was necessary a few questions were asked.

One man, who is an intimate friend, in fact an employee of a leader in the National League circles, said: "The League, I know to an absolute certainty, will give Mr. O'Neill the preference should the question arise. Let me tell you they consider him a hustler, a hard-working base ball man, with good, sound, common sense views. Besides, they piye him credit for bringing about many a thing which helped the National League to win its tight. W. A. Nimiek they look upon as a quitter. Now, mind, tJicse are not my views, but those expressed by the leaders in the League. If it comes down to a fight for the franchise J. Palmer O'Neill will win eve~y time. P>ring any man here who wants to bet that J. Palmer O'Neill will be froxen out and I'll bet rrim $50 to $10 that he will not be. I know what I am talking about. So kindly 'drop a franchise where this base ball man lies.'"

MUSQU1TO STATE CHARTER. The consolidated club is in far better shape

than it was a week ago. The Players' club has settled everything up, at least definite arrangements to do so have been made. The National League club still has the Nitnick- O'Neill quarrel on hand, but may put it aside as a matter between themselves, and go on with reorganization.

Poubtleij. you have noted that the club will work under a charter granted by the Gov­ ernor of New Jersey. This is a new de­ parture in base ball. It shows one thing, and that is Col. John I. Kogers had a goud plea when he argued before the Philadelphia judges last fall or spring against granting a charter to the Philadelphia Players' Club, un­ der the law headed "Charters Not for Profit." This charter the combined Pittsburg men de­ cided would not suit, although the Pittsburg Players' Club secured one last spring and worked under it, but they had no profits to divide and no technicality arose.

President O'Neill, speaking of the New Jersey charter this afternoon, said:

"Well, the act in that State permits the or­ ganization of athletic clubs or any unlawful corporation, and besides waives the neces­ sity of holding the annual meeting iu that State. It only compels the location of a rep­ resentative upon whom a writ can be served, for instance, for taxes, etc. We are also re­ quired to keep our stock book there. We can hire some young lawyer for, yes, $25 a year to represent us, and he will be located in Jersey City. I think the move is a good one. Under Pennsylvania laws our lawyer has told us there might be some trouble in case we tried to divide profits. Of course, that is if we have any."

PRESIDENT O'XKILL IT WILL BE. <: There is more harmony in our club than

vou have any idea of," continued President O'Neill. "I tell you there isn't all this ugli­ ness some people would have you to believe. We had a nice quiet meeting yesterday and will probably meet for organization in a day or so. I have an idea who will be elected President, but you had better guess at the man. From what I told you a week or two ago I think you are prepared to make a good guess."

"Did you know that your friend Mr. Nimick wasn't any too well pleased at some things said about him?"

"Well, I don't knofe There were some statements that I made during our contro­ versy recently which I made not thinking that the reporters would publish them. Per­ haps I was a little hasty, but again I go on on the theory that it is better to give a re­ porter facts, for he will imagine something if you don't. However, all trouble will be fixed up in a few days."

THE EX-PRESIDENT'S POSITION. AV. A. Nimick was seen yesterday in refer­

ence to the situation. Nimick, as usual, ob­ jected to being quoted on base ball. He did not want to talk about the matter at all. His other interests required his entire attention, and Mr. O'Neill, he thought, could do the talking for the club in fact, he was doing it.

"As the matter stands," said Mr. Nimick, "Mr. J. Palmer O'Neill has until the 22d to buy ont the interests of Mr. Converse and myself. We will, as I told you, take this money, pay the club's debts and give Mr. O'Neill the stock. I hope lie will accept the option, but I am afraid that he will not. It looks that way, at least."

"Have any stockholders forfeited their stock by non-payment of assessments?"

"Well, I wouldn't like to say that exactly. Mr. Brown has a private arrangement be­ tween Mr. Converse and myself regarding that state of affairs. That is a matter which will be fixed up later on, and the 22d will de­ cide it, I am sure. I am heartily sick of the ugliness shown in this afl'air. It seems that there has been a snake in the grass some­ where, and it has been trampled on, and is wriggling up and down."

A COKHIiSrO.N'DEXT'S WAIL. "It is understood that you have quit send­

ing screeds to a certain Kastern sporting sheet " was the remark made to-day to W. P. Pink- erton, long known as that paper's representa­ tive here.

"Oh, yes, some time ago," was the reply. "I never work for any pwson who does not pay me, and they didn't pay me. Why, they owed me $115, I believe, and by hard work I managed to get about $40 out of them. Yes, and at the time the paper was conducted by the present management."

THE ASSOCIATION YELL DID IT. Jimmy Oalvin amused a gang for a half-

hour or more yesterday afternoon before the snow began to fall, because Jim doesn't like snow and goes home when it starts. It was on the erratic pitchers men who hit the batsmen, for instance.

',1 never tried to hit but one man in my life," says Jei-nui, "and that was Comiskey. Last season Comiskey used to squeeze the plate, move his bat and keep on talking. Again, when he was coaching he would stand there and get off that Association yell, which makes me sick. He kept on acting ugly and I said: 'I'll hit you the next time you come to the bat.' He said, 'I was kidding, etc.,' but when he carne up I let one sizzle in pretty close to him. He jumped away, then again straddled the plate, and the next time 1 sent a whizzer at him. He jumped, held out his hand to protect himself, and then ran to the base, saying: 'I didn't think you would do that on me, Jimmy.' 'I said I would do it,' was my reply."

NOT SO SPEEDY THIS YEAR. Tobogganing seems to be a failure this

year and the smiles of Secretary Scandrett, Al Pratt and others who own stock in the slide at League Park are not so broad as the day when cold weather first made its appear­ ance. Guy Hccker, who has been watching the matter carefully, reasons that the admis­ sion fee charged is too smnll.

Let me relate a little history of this tobog­ gan venture. Five years ago when the craze was on, the owners put $100 each in the slide, and five days later each man was given his $100 back out of the profits. My, what a good thing they had. They went to work put up another slide in the East End and then tried to keep their good thing going. Hut bad weather, hard luck and such like came, and they had to put up every now and then. As­ sessments instead of dividends «inie, and more than oue man iisked to be let go. Several held on, aud this year went in with clean shirts. They have had good weather, but the pastime is not taking as it did.

SANTA CLAUS WHISKERS.Elmer Smith is killing time at his home in

Allegheny. Smith is taking good care of himself this snow. LMdie Glenn has prom­ ised to send him a fox hound, also a beadle hound shortly, aud Smith intends J^ming in some of the spring month; in training his pets. Glenn has ^ u ite a kennel of good rabbit and rox hounds at Richmond.

Elmer Cleveland came home yesterday

from a good big bunt on the Allegheny Mountains. Tim Berger had »n account of the gam* slaughtered, bnt when told that it wss a rigid rule this season that nil pnma killed must be divided by six, he refused to give it up for publication.

George Miller was observed hustling up Fifth avenue in the direction of the Court House yesterday afternoon. George was evi­ dently going to see Secretary Scnndrett about that balance due him. Miller wishes this trouble would be settled at once. That money isn't drawing interest.

Heiger is out of work for a week or so, the firm he is working for having shut down one furnace, business being light now that the holiday trade lias been supplied. Berger thinks t'nut story about Hoat's misfortune be­ ing caused by his diagnosis was a little strong. Tim thought people might think he was "bad." A big diamond which sparkles from the chunky catcher's shirt front shows that .something is to happen soon.

A handsomely written letter pos marked San Jose, Cal., came to hand to-day. It was an invitation rending us follows: "Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Pimll request your presence at the marriage of their daughter Nellie Claire to Mr. Fred. H.Carroll, Thursday, Jan. 1,1891, at 12 o'clock, Trinity Church, Son Jose, Cal." The address was at once recognized as Fred'a handwriting. The-big catcher, known to all his friends as "Big Head," certainly slings a neat pen. Success to Mr. aud Mrs. Carroll ia a wish expressed bv m my.

Ned Swartwood had 100 shells with him last night, when he left on a hunt flown the country. Very likely he is kicking hard now, for with twelve inches of slushy «now there isn't much chance for game. Ned this time goes with Jim Crow, a well-known phy­ sician, who is good at the traps rfiid field. Just before his departureSwart said: "Well, 'Circle,' if I don't come back again, just say that my last words were 'I yould like to re­ main with Toledo, for it is a good town, and Charley Morion is one of the best managers I ever played under.'"

Frank Torreyson, McKeesport's managing director last year, is now trying his luck iu the newspaper business.

Beytner is out of the Players' eluh now. He secured his cash and is happy once more. He wasn't so hard to appease, after all.

Ex-Treasurer Kerr, of the Players' club, has been in bad health for a week past. Ten years ago Mr. Kerr was noted as a good athlete, and could run very fast.

Donahue, of Kansas City, looking as big as a side of a house, is here helping his brother in the erection of a cooling plant at the Point. This man last played here with the old Mets Hauk, Dave, Chief and the gang.

There is enough room on the unused ground attached to Players' Park to put down a dozen gas wells. As the Exposition well located 200 yards away stands, it is worth $81 per dny. The well was drilled ia this afternoon, but didn't respond very much. The Players' club fans a four years' lease oa their park, and if the Exposition well is a good one, will have a nice thing; that is, if they strike gas, for this article is as slippery as the old hunt for good men among younj bloods.

George Smith Brooklyn George, is here. He was seen at the matinee yesterday, look­ ing slick. George is seldom seen unless in the company of a fireman. George loafs about an engine house.

President O'Neill thinks the word Ananias should not be used so much, even if ther» hasn't been any too much truth telling.

Morris is the first of the Players' men to make a kick for the money due him.

Henry Youngman, Alex Jones and Clark Armor, the Homestead boys with Bradford last year, may join the same club again.

Jcems Calvin's latest: "That fellow Sit­ ting Bull must have had horns."

Sam Laroque is guilty. He has just written a friend that he is keeping in form, and will play his best gi\me next year. Too early, Sam; no advance ia ready.

Guy Hecker was nipped the other day. He was out hunting and saw a big hawk. "I would have nailed him if I had a dog," said a friend. Hecker looked into vacancy for a moment, and then innocently inquired, "What did you want a dog for?" Then h« tumbled and laughed."

Eddie Sales, the smiling Celt, who Charley Mitchell, of Allegheny, says is one of tha finest judges of 35-cents-a-quart rye in the State, is working as a clerk in a coal yard at Harrisburg.

Merry Christmas aud a happy New Year to all.

Swartwood says, on second thought, it was Tommy Daly who was induced to sit up all night and see the equator on that Australian trip. Now many of the boys doubt this. Tommy, remember, is a pretty slick article at stringing.

Weld Sehayer, the young attorney who has been doing the legal work of the consolidated club, is known throughout the western portion of the State as a ball player and general ath­ lete, being one of the best high kickers in the State. Schayer is a member of the East End athletics, from which a dozen or more profes­ sionals graduated. CIRCLE.

DETROIT DOTLETS.

Small Probability of a Club in the City of Straits Next Season.

DETROIT, Dee. 15. "Are we going to have a base ball club next season?" is the question frequently asked, and the answer is in the negative. There is nothing to indicate that Detroit will have a professional base ball team in 1891. A number of rumors have been started, but they all prove to be without foundation Certainly, in the light of past experience, it. would take a courageous man to start aminor league club in this city. It is doubtful if any man in Detroit would put up his money for such a purpose unless out of pure love for the game and without hope of getting any return on the investment. If outsiders insist on planting a team here, no one can prevent them.

The chief basis for talk of a team is tha Sunday games question. Several gentlemen are nibbling at the bait of a team in the Western or American associations, with Sun­ day games outside the city limits. It would be a b:id move. In the first place it would cheapen the sport, and while it would draw well for a time, it would eventually destroy the city as a ball town, as the boisterous character of Sunday audiences, and the bad in­ fluence on the game, would drive away tha better class of patrons. In a short time it would be impossible to get anybody to thft games except on Sunday, as is the case with. St. Louis, Cincinnati, Baltimore and other Sunday game cities.

As there is no opening in the National League Detroit's proper place the outlook for 1891 iu this city is gloomy. Could Detroit have a team iu the National League,a lively lot of lads like Hob Leadlcy has in Cleveland, with a reasonable salary list, this city would support it. And if, in addition, there were men at the head of the team who had more interest in the team than a monetary one, and who were not waiting to sell out bag and baggage, as soon as it Irecame valuable, De­ troit might have a ball team for years to come.

Until the conditions noted make their ip- pearauce, this municipality will worry along without professional base ball.

A LITTLE FACT.

EiltlleTalcott'g Experience With One Flare*Last Season.

"I have been accused of many things since the base ball war ended," said K. B. Talcott the other day to a New York Tribune repor­ ter. "They have called me a traitor and said I betrayed the Players' League, but the fun­ niest thing they said, was that I went into the Brotherhood figlrt to make money. I can tell yon iu a few words how much .money I expected to rniike out of b:;se ball last MIHL- iner. You know when it cunie to giguiiiff Michael Welch, the little pitcher rebelled aud he wanted many things which I could not give him. He \v;;s satisfied wth the sal­ ary offered, but there were one or two -fettle differences still. .To settle the matt'- "' hand I told Welch thn» ; . " V'."snlnrv Two-" .- " H<fflitl011 tO hitsalary 1 »" , glve 1lim ha)f the profit on Li me stock I held in the club. This wa» long before the season opened, so you seo how I went into ttie base ball business to make money. Welch refused my o!icr, too, and signed with the local National l.eagua Club.