I have been informed that Mr. Freedman subsequently declared that he had won the battle; that "Spalding had been defeated in his aspirations to become President of the National League."
In view of the fact that I never wanted the Presidency of the League; in view of the further fact that I would not have accepted it save as a sure expedient for ridding the game of Freedmanism; in view of the still further fact that I repeatedly declared that if elected I would resign as soon as Freedmanism was eliminated by the ousting of Freedman; in view of the most important fact of all, that Andrew Freedman did get out, thereby making "Freedmanism" impossible, I am quite willing to let those interested in the great American game decide as to who won the battle.
If anyone needs any aid in arriving at a decision, the following among many similar paragraphs from a few of the leading papers of the country published at the time may serve the purpose:
Editorial from the New York Evening World, December 17, 1901:
"The Evening World violates no confidences in making the statement that the public is saying to A. G. Spalding, 'More strength to your arm!' in his efforts to put Andrew Freedman out of the Base Ball business for keeps."
Editorial in the Boston Evening Record, December 14, 1901:
"A. G. Spalding has been chosen President of the National League. That will mean a good deal for Base Ball according to straight-out business principles and regard for decent methods, because Spalding has made up his mind first of all to get rid of Freedman. The only way to make a fair start is to cut the thing right out at the roots by cutting Freedman out."
