ation that the game was clean; that gambling had been kicked out; that pool-selling had been kicked out; that drunkenness had been kicked out; and now I was determined that so far as I had the power to help the upright managers of the League, Freedman and Freedmanism should be kicked out. As to the proper control of Base Ball the man was impossible; he must go.
Perhaps in no other way can I so well define my position at that time as by republishing here the substance of the address made by me at the Convention to which I had been called, to prevent, if possible, the syndicating of Base Ball. After the roll-call on that day, I addressed the Chair, asking, as an honorary member of the League, the privilege of a hearing. This courtesy having been granted me by the presiding officer, without objection from anyone present, I proceeded with my remarks substantially in the following words:
"Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen:
"I claim the right of addressing a few words to this League. I find myself placed in a somewhat awkward position by the announcement that has been made in the press the last few days, connecting my name with the nomination for the presidency of this League. I at first looked upon it as my annual newspaper nomination; but I find that the papers still, without my request or permission, are using my name, and declare that it has been brought before this Convention. I learn that it was; that I have been nominated here. I don't know who nominated me. He had no authority to do it. I didn't know he was to do it. I have heard that it came before the Convention in a regular manner, and have learned that there has been some discussion about it.
"I repeat that I now find myself placed in a very embarrassing situation, and I believe that I am entitled to insist upon this League coming to an early vote on that question. I don't ask you to vote for me. I don't care if you vote eight to nothing against me. I simply claim that as a member of this League in years gone by—as
