Omaha Daily Bee Newspaper, December 22, 1889, Page 20

SPORTS ANENT THEHOLIDAYS The Btatus of the Great Baseball Puzzle, JACK RYAN'S SURPRISE PARTY. McCormick and O'Brandt Run a Race ~The Soldier's Defl-Next Year's Team—The Rod and Gun and Miscellancoas. The Baseball Situation. Thore lias been practically no chango in the baseball situation since Tur Ber's last week’s resume. There has been a number of additional desertions from the brotherhood, with a promise of many more in the near tuture, and a general brightening up of the National league's prospects and that is about all. The brotherhood 18 still shilly shallying, and aside from the clection of ofMicors and the adoption of a constitution and by-laws, has omplished absolutely nothing, as the men seem to look upon the brotherhood contracts with aboat the same respect with which the; guze upon a piece of blank paver. When th 8eo proper to go over to the old league th do 80 without consulting anybody, and ther after a bretherhood scribbler or two has criea “traitor, affairs assume their normal placidity and that is all there is of it. ‘The writer still adheres to the opinion that it is doubtiul whether a single game {8 ever played under the auspices of the new outfit. All their blow and bluster is likely to end in the same waterial. On the other hand, the National league is s active as a darkey in a melon patch. They have an- nounced their plan of action in unmistakable terms, and mean business from the go. They not only intend to give the Wards and the Pfefers and the Kwings an allopathic dose of the law, but mean to invade their ranks d sign every map who is.willing to for- sako the wreckers’ craft, and no man should hesitate to leave a sinking ship. ‘Bhe brotherhood’s princival peril, however, lies in the law, and 8o impressed with this fact has @ good many of its warmest supporters becowe, that they are holding off on one pre- text and austher from putting their money into the schieme. So far the legion of capital- ists crying to puc their stuff iuio the vits tion of the. players' project have ke big log-chain attached to their simoieons and invested nothing but wind. However, the time is rapidly forthcoming when the root of el evil must make itself macifest, and the wind left to enjoy itself among the whiskers of the moguls of the old league. It will re quiro something a little more substautial thao atmosphere to build grand stands and fonces and prepave ball grounds und get out advertising, and it is this harrowing truth which 18 deterring the hordes of nfemeyed men who have been 80 anxious to do all this when bluff and bluster answered the pur- ose. It is dollars to doughnuts that Ward, cefe, Ewing, Kelly, Preffer and the whole gang wish themselves well out of the scrape. So far 1t has been their money that has been expended 1n working up the revolt, and from their recent economical action 1t looks as if they were getting a trifle weary. ‘I'he Nutional league magnates, how- eyer, are becoming more and moro aggress- sive. The law committee’s report of the re- sult of their conference with their regular attorney, in conjunction with other eminent counsel from New York and Boston, has had a most exhilarating effect upon them, and it is given out they are certain of a fa- uorable judicial decision. If this eventuates what a sorry plight the baseball stars will find themseives in. The league will have all 1ts teams completed, and it is quite sure will play them for the ensuing season as they ara no maiter what transpires. But a few more weeks wili tell the story. A Tip to the Minor Bodi»s. If the American association, or what is left of it amalgamates with the brotherhood, the national agreement becomes nil. This is & matter that materially affects all the minor bodies troughout the country, and the Western association beifig the strongest and most important of these should lose no time in taking steps looking to the perpetuation of this instrument, with themselves as the party of the scoond part thereto. In all details, in point of im- rtance, the Western succeeds the Amer- ican associavion, and should be entitled to the same rights and privileges the latter en- {:’nyed in its haleyon days, There is no possi- ility of the National leazue and the broth- erhood uniting 1n avy agreement tending to their future success and well being. With them it is o war with the black flag as an emblem, So then 1f all baseball law is to be eradicated, and & reign of anarchy sets in, what is' to become of the game in the minor league cities? There is no doubt but what the law would protect their contracts with players for the ensuing year, but the players would run the club, and the sport ‘would ba worse than none at all. Again it is urged that the minor leagues hold a con- wvention ana unite upon sowme plan for thoir own protection. ‘What sandv Says, In respouse t an intecviewer a few days since, Sandy McDermott, the Westérn Asso- ciation umpire expressed himself as follows : “Well, it's too badly mixed just now for a conservative man like myself to form an opinion, but 1 positively believe that the brothernood is here for business.” “Well, what do you think of the associa- tion's chances{”’ “That's just where I say the situation 1s slightly mixed, ‘I'here seems to be no doubt, though, of its baving to trot in minor league ceircuits next season,” “How is the Western gowg to do next seagon?’! I believe next season will be the best it has ever had, The fight will do it no harn Do you know Roach, the newly elected secretary of the Western (" “Oh, ves. He is a fine fellow, aud it was an admirable selection, But I was alsoa great admirer of Sum Morton, the recent secrotary. Ho was a hard working young fellow. He had no trouble in getting good umpires, There were lots of unpleasant things saddled on Morton that he should not have had, but notwithstanding all that he did adwmirably, I thought.” “Did you ever have much trouble out there, Sandy, with the kickers?’ “No, sir: 1 got along very well. Itried my best to make them a good umpire, and my record will show up in my favor, I be- lieve.” ““Where are you goiug to umpire next sea- son i Oh, I can't say yet. I have an offer in Ry'lugoknx. but it's early yev to talk about ut. SWell, you certainly will be wanted in the Western (" “Don't know, my boy. Of course I liked 1t there und they all treated me mighty fine, but I'm looking out for Sandy, and you can bet I'm going wherever Lget the most stuff, That's what we are all out for.” Fallacy of Oficial Averages. The aunual official averages that are pro- mulgated at the close of each season by the secretaries of thu different leagues and asso- ciations are o delusion and & snare. It is hl;(h time tho system should be changed. Of all the uveruw issued for the past sea- son those of the Western association were the worst, and 1o estimate of a player's strength could 'be found by studyivg them. In the first place, owing to the failure on the part of the official scorers of Des Moines and St. Joc to send in the scores of the gamos played in thosa cities, Secretary Morton was com- led to depend upon the telegraphic reports i the newspapers, and nine out of ten of these omitted the “‘times at the bat,” which 18 the basis for computing a player's batting averages. Aiuln, partial scorers gave cer- tain players the best of it, giving them hits when they reached a base on an error of the opposing teaw, und ignoring their own er- rors. is thing was practiced not only in the Western assooiation, but the National league and Awmerican association, aud as a testof a player's skill, the published aver- ages wero Loluuly worthless, Again, the itom of computed averages makes record '":u, and willtates against effective team Canavan Writes Again. Ina letter dated Springtield, Mass., De- cember 18, Jimmy Cavavan says: “I wm bustling at polo every evening, Our team leads io the race and we expect 1o win the Peunaut, bérring accidents. Am glad to hear that your league is flourishing, but you ean't expect to see such experts there as we have here, as the game is an old one in the 1f th ort catches on in Omaha I will guar. antee to have a8 good @ team thore noxt ter as there is in the country, Ihaven't signed as yet to play ball next season, but have a contract here ail ready. [ will wait o while, however; not that [ intend going elsewhere, but for a little inerese lary. Base ball affairs have been badly rattled and I have no news in that line, Omana’s new manager, Mr, Leonard, is a dandy. Heis a hustler and as bright as the best of them. 1 played with him Team. The Omaha management have succeeded in signing all their old players but Wulsh, Messett and Walsn, however, the writer was informed last night, will come to terms in a day or so, and as to Messett and Strauss, but one of the two is wanted, and and that will undoubtedly be Messett, who, if given the opportunity, can play ball all round Strauss. Messett is one of the most willing players 10 the team, and always works hard for his side, while on the other hand, Strauss is lazy and an indifferent player at that. The management should not hesitate to take Mossett in preference W a dozen Strausses. \With Walsn and Messett Omaha will have her full complement of players for 1850, with the exception of another good catcher, and the maunagement is negotiating for one of the best known in the country. He belongs to one of the clubs of one of the older bodies, ana if Omaha gets him she must pay a good round price for his release. after all, notwithstanding the loss of Jack Crooks and s mouth, Kid Nichols and Nagle and Cooney, Omaha will_be able to show a solid front next spring. With Andrews, Canavan, Cleveland, Messett, Willis, Hines, Walsh, Clarke. Knell, McConuell, Bays, Fanning, Erqurbart and another catcher, the Gate €ity veed fear no foo, not even the Kansas Citys, who seem to think they can recline in hammocks next season and take the flag. Ana ague, Tho differcnt business houses of this cty, wholesale and retail, are thinking scriously of organwzing an amatour league for next season, the players to be drafted exclusively from tne firms entering the scheme, The plans have not yot been laid out, but will b probubly beforo many weeks, Some time in Janvary a meeting for the purpose of can- vassing the project will be called. The Richardson wholesale drug house, which had a strong team last scason, will take the in- itiative in the matter. The leaguo is to be composed of either six or eight clubs and championship games played once a wee Colors for Each Team. The action of the National leagus in re- solving upon different colored uniforms for each team of that organization was a good one, worthy of imitation by the Western as- sociation. This obviates the possibility of any two teams adopting the sawe uniform, or even similar uniforms, and renders It an easy matter for the spectators to familiarize themselves with the individual members of the visiting teams. It would also be a bene- ficlal change in many other ways, prevent players from mistaking an oppouent for one of their awvn men, and give the tout ensem- ble of their appearance on the tield a brighter and more picturesque 100k, Horse and Horse, President Dick McCormick and his able aide, Ed O’Brandt, do not intend to allow any velvety sward spring up under their vetal extremities--even in the winter time. Dnring the past wesk they succeeded in signing @ phemonenon each, and it was not such an extra gond week for _ phenoms either. ‘The first of these is W, , 4 pitcher, who was sizned by Mr. MeCormick, Ho is astrap- DIng big fellow, nearly six feet in stature, weighs 179 pounds and hails from Scuth Omaha, Heiscan intelligent, manly young fellow and looks every inch a ball player, He played with various amateur clubs on his native heath lasy summer and made an excellent record both at the bat and in the box, and it is not improbable that President Dick has o great find in his man, Boyd ciaims that he has about all the curves, shoots, Grops and slants—as Dad Clarke calls them—down fine, and these, with his extraordinary speed, he thinks shouid enuble him to hold his own even against the heaviest sluggers of the Western association. Brandat's man is C, K. McConneil, a deaf mute from Celina, Kan., and is also a twirler. Brandt says he is a cuckoo! He is a south-paw. and last season, out of thirty games he pitched 1n the Kansas league, he lost but three, while he made a batting ay- erage of .280. He is five feet eleven in height, weighs 180 pounds and is twenty- two years of age. Heis a handsome young man and evidently quite a ball player. So that’s horse-and-torse for MctUormick and Brandt. Jack Ryan Surprised. ~Juck Ryan returned to the city last night looking nore the worse for -his receat fight with Ned McKibbon, They met last Mon- day and fought a five round draw just out- side Kansas City’s limits, McKibbon 15 a Joeal amateur, but nevertheless would have bested Ryan had he not had “de gang wid ‘im.” There had been talk of matchi Lyan agawst the St. Joe kid, but his sho against McKibbon conyinced his friends that he *wonldn’t be in it,” and they wiscly dropped the matter, In the frst three rounds with McKibbon Ryan had all the best of it. But in the fourth the local man, naving allowed Ryan to do all the hard fighting until his wind was almost ex- hausted, set a lively pace tor his antagonist and did effective work. Heo became the ag- gressor und, in Ryanw's weak condition, played at will with his left on his stomach. ‘The round ended with a knock down for MeKibbon, Ryan was a very sick man .n the fifth and MeKibbon followed up s body work. The round ended 1n a claim of foul'and then one of Ryan's frieads jumped into the ring with drawa revolver. He was followed by others but quiet was soon restored, Ryan shouted from his corner that he was too sick to go on and then the refereo decided it a draw, de- chring that both men had fouled. McKibbon made a littlo speech, saying it was his first ring battle and venturing the opinion that he was somewhat of a scrapper himself, The principals shook handsand the crowd started back to the city, , Neither man was much punished, The Cyclers’ Gossip. The Omahia wheel club seems to be on the boom., Five new members were voted in at the special meeting Thursday night. Stock in the O. W. C, polo team is on the rise now. The Lincoln wheel club should get a move on it and have that $30 medal made they suid they would give to the first man who made the round trip to Lincoln and vack in one day, No one has heard anything of that quail supper Townsond was going to give on bis return from Kansas, Come, Billy. The hard road riders are all taiking about how many thousand miles they are going to make next season. Irom the talk there will be & lurge number of cyclometers sold, Schuell starts his January 1, 18%0. ‘The old time five of the Omaha wheel club rode over the new boulevard to South Om- aha Sunday morning and had their pictures taken in & group. Ain't it funny how pe- (‘ull'ur a fellow’s eyes will take Sunday morn- g ‘I'he ride to Crescent City wn the afternoon turaed out to be a very pleasant affair, but Perrigo had his usual kick about the furious pace set, Reading’s new Victor racer will be here this week and then look out for record break- ing. {VIIBII are llm{:oim} to come to definite arrangemeuts about that great race! The date has been changed twice and cut down to a four heur race, It looks as though the old timers were atraid of the new men, It is reported Schill made nineteen miles :udu:glfie laps in one hour, Good time, e 3 Tne Soldier's Defl, Four Oyana, Dee. 20.—To the Sporting Editor of Tue Bes:—Senator Morgan's bloviating is becomiug nauseating, and to test the vaunted British champion's good intentious I hereby ohalieuge him to race me & six-days, elgut-hour-a-day race for $250 side, and as a guarantee of good faith, 1 herewith enclose a §100 note whicn I leave with you as forfeit. Tho challenge will remain open until the auasi-senator is gray- headed, Mr. Morgan come up,if there is any sand, mud o mush in_your carcass, cover and we will agree on particulars [ am willing to race any time, intend coming to Omaha this winter [et us settio who is the bost Ne Flashes From the Diamond, John Cantillon has signed with St. Paul. Pitcher Flanagan has been signed by Mil- waukeo. Minneapolis. Jack Crooks s hitting the life out of the ball in the south. Pat Tebeau is playing a groat third base on Comiskey's tearn. Denver has signed Milt Whitehiead of the Californiu league. Billy Anuis, late of Worcester, is winter- ing in Stoneham, Mass. ‘There is a letter in this office for Charlie J. Riley, of last season’s St. Pauls, Fessanden,the old Western league umpire, is managing the London, Ont., team. The Milwaukee managers are casting long- g eyes upon Norman Baker and Harry Lyons. The Western association directory will hoid a meeting in this city the last week of month. Danny Stearns is stuck on Kansas City, and says he would like to play ia the West- ern association team. Crooks is doing most of the catching for the Comiskey combination, as Boyle mjured his haud at Denver, Joo Walsh has not_yet come to terms, and there 18 a suspicion that ex-Manager Selee is tampering with him, Indianapolis would like to get Joe Miller, but hardly think him worth the tigures Minneapolis values him at. The Indianapolis club is reportea to bo negotiating with first baseman *‘Peek-aboo™ Veach of the Sacramento club, Milt West, with Minneapolis last vear, is wintering in Columbus, O. He has not signed, us yet, for next season. The Boston olub is said to be contemplut. ing the cogagement of cither Dan Stearns of Kansas City or Lehane of Buffalo. Captain Faatz was ia Milwaukee recently and highly praised the new manager, Cush- man, to the baseball people of that city. Manager Leonard failed in his effort to gt Goorge Wilson’s release from Worcester, but the management should shed no tears. By the signing of Joe Cantillon Thursday St. Paul completed its list of player 1890, Cantillon comes from Janesville, Wis., and 1s said to be a good man. Dan Shanvon will be connected with a good team next season. [f Louisville should re- lease him he will probably be found holding down second base for St. Louis. Kansas City has siznea a new second base- man in Nat Zimmer. He is said to bo a promising young player, who handles lim- sclf much after the style'of Herman Long. has never been a winter when base- such a trewendous tepic of popular interest and discussion as this fall and win- ter, thauks to the brotherhood. Minneapolis is thinking of resizning “*Red- dy"” Hanrahan, He s behaving himself this winter, and says he will continue to do the right thing if the munagement takes him back. Wiil Klusman, formerly club, hus been signed by lo club, to take Faal Joe Somer: also signed with shat club, Paddy Welsh, who covered second base jor Fort Worth lust year; ‘Thornwo, who was given a trial in the box by Washington the past year, and Pitcher J. A. Davis are Jate adaitions to the Milwankee club. It Omaba is real hard-up for a man to take care of second bag for them next season, what's the matter with ‘‘Red” Bittman of Cincinnati? He is an excellent second base- man and a most enthusiastic worker, Johnny McCurty, with the Cowboys last season, has signed with the Detroit for next y is a fine young twirler, and with his old side partner, Jake Wells, to catch him, he ought do great work for the Wolverines, Joe Arduer, W. F. Kri R. B. Burks, P. J. Hotaling, '] J. siahovey, A. Shellhasse Wright are the St. Joseph players who were coleased from that olub's reservation by order of the board of directors. & George W. Braaley, who led the third basemen of the Western association, is not wintering in Cinciunati as stated, but in Philadelpnia. He has been released from Sioux City's reserve, and is tharefore free to contract elsewhere. " Jake Wells won't play in Detroit next sea- son, as he i3 going into bartnership with Joo Arhona m the liquor business at Pensacpla, Fla. They mtend to have one of the finest bar-rooms in the south. This will be hard on Manager Leadley. By January 13 Minneapolis expects to have her entiro team Al their old play- ers have significd their intention of sticking to their old love. Those who have as yet failed to sign are Minnehan, Duke, Hudson, Mitehell and Dugdale. The Kansas Cily Times says St. Louis couid have n_Wostern league .membership, but not if Von der Ahe represented tne team. There really does not seem to be uny fuge for ‘der boss manager” save in the brotherhood ranks or with McGinty's league. St. Paul and Minneapolis will make an ef- fort to have their home games next season alternate. That 18, 1f Kunsas City is playing in Minneapolis one day, and Omaha in St Paul on they same day, they will alternate, Kausas City going to St. Paul the next day, and Omaha to Minneapolis. Thomas J. Lovett, Brookiyn'as erratic pitcher, has opened o lurge grocery store in Providence, R. L, and his friends think that he has retired permanently from the ball fleld, us he has not notified the manigement of the Brooklyn club of ms willinguess to sign for next season. ‘'be report that Visner, the old Union Pa- cifie player, contemplates joining u brother- nood club does not disturb President liyrne in the least. He isu't 80 easily worked for higher salaries as his colleague, Stern of Cineinnati, although he displaygd considera- ble encrgy when George Smith was in danger, The latest acquisition to the Minneapolis team 18 Harry O'Day of San Francisco, O'Day was a member of the champion Stock- ton in 1883, and played with the San Fran- ciscos this season, ~Ho 18 reporied to be o hoavy batter, clever felder and a during base-runner, His position will be thi base, Miller going to short. One more desirable city is removed from the list of kmlllbla association cities, as Secretary Quin of the Milwaukee club writes that all reports to the contra y notwithstand- ing, the Milwaukee club has not made apphi- catlon for admission to the American associ- ation, and furthermore has no intention of doing so. McGlone, formerly of the Detroits, has signed to blay with the Denver club next scason. It is the general impression that the managees of the Denver club are getting to- gether as strong o team as possible in order 1o sell out to one of the National league or American association clubs rext spring. ‘The location of Denver is not at all suitable to its being a memher of the Western asso- clation,—St. Louis Exchange, Rats Crook s, says the New Oricans Picayune, who caught for the Browns while here, had a letter in hus pocket telling about two feet of snow on the ground of his Minnesota home. Hare he played on a green fleld in the tbright sunshine, and the perspiration rolled from him as he warmed to his work. Crooks, by the way, is one of the most prom- isiug of young blood players. His regular position is second base, but ho is an excel- lent catcher when called upon, as he was y terday, MisorHanenus Local Spor Dave Rowe is still a colt, and yot under engagement to Chicago 1o 1574, Next Sunday these columns wil contain the thrilling logend: *‘How Dr. Ginn Killed the Hear."! The league' of American wheelmen hus passed the 12,000 yiark of memvership and is rapidly wereasin ‘The country 'rouny has been furnishing quail shooting this fall. There are yet over thrd roll by before tue bascbally season will be bere. Who can tell what @ill take place iu that timed Charlie Townsend, the wellgkuown Louis- of tha Boston the Cieveland place at first late of Baltiwore, has 6 was bout Missouri Valley gxtraordinarily flue long months to ville, Ky., whisky man, is the champion bigh- five playor in the world, Mo gets in his tinest work, however, with his mouth. ‘There will be a cotking main on the island !‘hiln afternoon—twe fights for $20 on each fight. H. H. Alden and W, 1. Townsend spent two days in Beaver Valloy, Kan,, last weck, quail shooting. They succeeded in bageing niaety-eight birds and a barrel of cotton- tails, John Teemer, Poter KKemp and O’Connor all claim the champioaship of the world in the sculling lino, now: that Searle is dead, and yet the flowerson the latter's grave have scarcely faded. Jimmy Grifin has faled so far in getting on a fight beforo any of the clibs in Frisco. The Occidental siwrts arenot quite so gulli- ble as some other people. Thev have proba- bly recognized a *dub” in Grifiln and will have none of him. The league of American wheelmen is en- gaged in the work of securing good roads. In many states their success has been as gratifying as it is remarkable, aud it is to be hoped that they will not flag in the good work, Baseball s tho only business in the world where you hear of ‘employes who receive from #2000 to 85,000 for the season, or at the rate of from $10to $20 an -hour, giving up their sure money and graspiog for uncer- tainties, I'he base ball players wintering here would fiud Lana bail playing an excellent exercise to keep them in trim during the winter months, Hart and Kilgailon's court at the corner of Twelfth and Chicago sLreets is open every day and affords eve facility for practice, Jack Davis, the heavyweight, s in the city and although'ne has u 0od position, wouldn't mind having a g0 with most anyone, big or little, short or tall, biack or white, for money or fun, it matters 'litvlo which, 'Chis man i8 a thoroughbred frow dhoroughbred- enutor Morgan is making a big success of Mechanic's Pavilion in Portland, Ore., but suys he hopes to be able to visit Omaha yet this winter and male a race with some one. If he scans these columns closely he will observe thatthe opportunity has already been offered mm, : y elub will effect a thorough rgauization v thei meeting on the eveu- ing of Junuary 2. Oficers for the cnsuing year will be elected and a new code of rules adopted that will give the assurance of briv- ey 1o the mewbers, ‘The tough clement is to be excluded wost rigidly and the affaivs of the club kept within the elub itsclf. I the Players’ loague gots in the fleld there will be a split along about next June. One or the other of the two basebatl organi zations will hit tho coiling. ~ With the lengue's past record for stability, respousi- bilily and honesty, as against a new organi- 7ution without exporicuce, which organiza- tion should bo the fuvorits in thn botting? Dou’t the odds favor the league staying the longests A car of fine horse flesh passed through this city en routo east last thursday. The most noted of these animals was Phallas, the great stallion with a record of 2 {3 next to Phullas was tioneer and Guy Wilkes, who are being taken to Lexinglon, Ky., for brealing par- poses. Thero was also a full brother of Hon- ner's Sunol, the wendoerful thr ear-old. There was also a full'brozher of Antea, with arceord of 2:161, and Antevolo, record 2:1014, These animals ar. proporty Colonel Strader of . Ky, who was With the car, and J. 1. Case of Racine, Wis. A word as to the lavish and splendid g crosity of the Couey Islund Joc persistent ly booming the futurity not be out of . great prize incy mated that in than 100,000, th or any other couatry. ‘The immediate effect of a permanent mstitition like the futurity stale is to induce farmers in_every part of this broad land to buy ut least one thorough- bred mare with the hope of eventually pro- ducing a futurity winser. In course of time the sume spirit which uctuated the Iaglisn an: French in endeavoring to win the derby will be intensitied au -t ggreat annual strife for this splendid prize. None of the Kansas Uity players have been released (o oter clubs” us vet, President Speas 1s not at all anxlous about the watter. He says in fact 1f the other Western asso- ciation clubs strengtben up he proposes to keep the team strong enough for the best. Pickett and Alvord will certainly bo re- tained. Stoarns may nlso b kept on f base and Jun Burns in coner Speas said the other day: kuow that any of our pitchers will ba let z Iam eonvinced that aclub’s standing in race depends on pit strength, If we had a first cluss club, let £o of our mitchers, we would not stand up azainst St. Panl, Omaha and other strong Western aseo. on teams, Our pitehing departmont will bo kept up to the top noteh, and I do notknow that a single wian will be sola.” Qaes lons @it Auawers Please decide the foliowing, on which de- pends a small wager. A and 1 ana D and C are playing high five, 52 pomts being game. A und B huve 47 points, and C and D 49, A and B3 bid 7 on dinmonds and make high, game and the five of hearts ad D make fow, Jack and the five of diamonds, which wins‘—A Subscriber, Couneil Bluffs. Ans.—Cand D. The five of diamonds counts before the five of hearts whean dia monds are trumps. H. L., City.—Your quesuon 1s cxactly the sume a8 the above. Cand D win. It is stated in last Sanday's Bee in answer to a correspondent that John L. Sullivau had had but two bare fist fights —shose with Ryun and Kilramn. That, however, was errone- ous. Johu L. has had three fights with the naked knucks, that with Charlie Mitchell at Chantiily, I'rance, being the third, it was a draw. 1f possible will you inform me through the columns of SUNDAY'S Bir where 1 can pro- cure some wild rico for seed? Do you think it wili thrive in this latitudet Is there any wiid celery in this locality! What is the ad- vantage of choke bore powder! fs the Marlin rifie, 1838, a good rifle for big game? —Nimrod, lorence. Ans,—R. Valentine, Janesville, Wis., can supply you with wild rice. It will grow all right here—tuere is lots of it about Horse- shoe lake,*fourteen wiles north of this city, wlso in Whiting, over n lowa. There is some wild celery in this nexighborhood, but it is very scarce. Choke bore powder burns more moist than orainary powder and does not befoul the gun 8o much. The Marhn is a good sporting rifle. R. T. Johnson, Des Moines ~T'ne Bee has no space to devate to the answering of your questions. Coues’ Birds of the Northwest will supply you with all the information you suek'gnd wmuch more. The volume will cost you $7.50. Whichas the best bird dog—pointer or seuter! Is a litter of puppics out of a regis- tered biteh by a ragisterod dog eligible to registrationi—Omaha Kennel Club. Ans.—That is @ matter of choice. They are eligible if youoan produce the breeding of the sire for two generations, if not, not, Will you pieaso publish the address of some breederof blus rock pigeons, such as are used in England for trap shootingt What is their superiority over our commnon tame pigeon i—Trap Shot, City, Ans.—Know of mo breeder of the bird, They are hardier, wilder and much swifter of wing, Can you publish the records of John L. Sullivan, Jack Dempsey wnd Dominick McCaftrey! When was McCaffrey born and what 18 his agei—Hoxiana, North Platte. Aus.—RBriefly, Sullivan has had a fuil huu- dred or more of glove contests and was never worsted, ‘He has also had three bona tide bare fists fighus, winning two and draw-" ingthe third, Dempsey has had fifty-three fights and never lost but oue, the last one, to La Blanch. Do not kuow McCaffrey's rec- ord, He was boru in Pittsburg in 1503, and is therefore twenty-six years of age. He is considered one of the most scieutific pugilists living, Is Elner Cleveland, Omaha’s third base- man, the Cleveland who begau the seasou of 1885 with New York, and was afterward sold to Pittsburgl! Why dido't he stay in the league! Do you cousider nim a first class “x‘»l"' basemen{—C. W. Gruenig block, clwy. Ans.—One and the same. He wasn't wanted. Yes, aud he will be a great deal better one in suother season, KNIGHTS OF THE RED CROSS Steady Advance in Popularity of the Triennial Conclave. ORDER INCREASING IN NUMBERS An Account of tho Growth of the Conclave—N s of the Week in the Varions Orders and Pros ap ctive Events, Descendants of the Crusaders, On December 7. 1835, tho sixth grand con- clave met in Washington, D. C. But only five grand encampments attended, the order still being much prostrated by reason ot the watfaro that had been made on it. At this conclave three knightly orders of Masonry, the Knights of the Red Cross, Knights 'Tem- plar and Knights of Malta were formally recognized. John M. Allen was elected gen- eral grand master, but aside from this abso- lutely nothing of interest was transactod. Tho next triennial showed 0o growth of the order and only four grand encampments at- tended the conve on held at Boston, be- ginning September 1838, The records of this meeting show only the most ordinary rou- tine, John M. Allen was again elected gen- eral grand master. The same story of a lack of interest is to be told of the cighth and ninth conclaves, the first of whicn was held September 14, 1811, at New York, and the other Septemoer 14, 1844, at New Haven, Conn.: At New York but ' four encampments wero ropre sented, and at New Haven but five, an ind cation that the order was in no botter condi ton thau vwenty years previous. At the New Haven couclave Archibald Bull was chosen general grand master and great strides wero made in the new western states. The gen- oral opposition to Masoury had subsided and new branches sprung up in all parts of the country. I'he tenth conclave was hold September 14, 1847, iu the state house at Columbus, O., and for the fiest time the order commenced to slow signs of new life. 'Lho treasury mude a much better showing thau oa any form er oveaston, and Willlam Blackstone Hubbard of Columbus was chosen general grand mas- ter, who proved a valuable official for the order. Hubbard was coutibved in the posi- tion until 1850, Lhe firsy attempt or inclination at display was made at the conclave of 1850, held at Hoston. There was a procession, und while the outward show was most msigniticant this formad the foundation of the magnifi- cent pageants of the present time. The three succeeding conclaves were held at Lexington, Hartford, Conn., and Chi cago. » latter place the order had grown so‘thut fourtecn grand commanderies wers reprosented. Benjamin B, French of Washingten, D, C., was chosen to succoed Geueral nd Master Hubbard. At this conclave the subject of uniform was consid- ered and the first uction in thut di on sn. The coaclave adjourned to meet at Memphis, ' plember, 1862, bt thie war mphis being an available place, and the nortoera comn eries assembled at New York, Septen 1 order of C al Grand Master the war ioterfered in a great with the success of the order, but members remained true, and who held positions of trust \ves to get the records through 4 they miznt be available at the conclave. Benjamin B, Freoce { gencral grand master and th next megting price was fixed at Columbus mber 5, 1365, sixteenth conclave there was a be- ginning, in the smallest way, of street pa v, the grand commandery in un forn z tho grand lodge from its place of meeting to devotioual exercises, which were held in a neighboring church, Ar the meeting Honry L. Palmer of Mil- ted geueral grand master, an . It s n as the ne: place of ampment excelled all former ones, and the parade of the kuights one of the mostalaborate ever witnessed in the Mound City up to that date, ‘Lhis the signal for extra exertions in that rection aund the con in Baltimor New Orleans, Cleveland, Chicago, aneisco and § ris witnessed tions of tho. o orate und expensive scale, The order today has u representation in evory state and territory in the country with @ total membership, d conclave, of 73,043, increase of the past few is a matter of record. In 1834 there wére 719 commanaeries under the jurisdiction of the grand oncampment, in 5 there were 722, in 1585 there were 781, later there wero 763, In 1836 there 2 739 and now thers a 3. In 1556 there were thirty-two subordinate commanderies under isdiction of the grand encampment; now there are only Twenty-twe 1he number knighted eries in 18 lust th revented M the south some of th risked their in grand command- | 1555 and 1885 was in the years, exclusive of Montand. there were 16,577, In the firat thres years named there were 434 kuighted in- the “subordinate commanderies au the last three years, includiog 1539, there have been 564, In 1835 the membership was reported as in 1580 it is 78,018, an 9, “Pins showing must be satisfactory to the hearts of the most devoted and enthu: aatio Ceniplurs, especiully when we cousidor losses i deatns, 24013 dismissions, 4,998; susponsions, 3,236, and expulsions, 8%, a total of 11,183, AP & A M The nd lodge of Towa has ordered that subordinate lodges must not incorporate. ‘All that are incorporated must take immedi- ate measures to havé their incorporation dissolved. It is reported that two'lodges in Dave nport bave hud their charters arrested for fuiling 10 comply with this requirement. At the regular meeting of Excelsior lodge No, 259, A. F. & A. M., of Council Bluffs, held 1ast Tuesday evening, K. R Fonda was elected W. M. A. Highsmith, 8, W.; G. H. Jackson, J. W.; John Skinkle, treasurer; N, Shepard, secretary. The United States consistory (Cerneau) of Council Bluffs held a special mueeting Fri- day night. This Scottish rito body is mak- ing frequent use of its beautiful cuthedral and the membership is steadily incroasing, notwithstanding the attempus being made 1o suppress Cerneauism. Sinca the seizure of the charter of the Macedonia, [a., lodge there has been little pew in the controversy over Scottish rite Masonry in lowa, Nothing 18 being done, and all are apparently waiting for the result in Ohio, where the contest is in a more tangible form. It is expected that some de- cision there will be reached in January, Uaion Pacific iodge, No. 17, conferred the workman degree upon turee’ candidates and received three applications for membership at 48t meeting. Al the close of the work the lodge elected twenty-threo candidates to receive the degree of Prince of the Orient. Brother Wheeder addressed the lodge for about thirty minates upon the beauties ,of this degree and the edification to be derived from becoming a prince. Union Pacific lodge is in @ flourishing condition and has well at- tended meetings every Monday night, It is the only lodge in thestate which has a degree team. A team is the best method for con- ferring degrees, as has been demonstrated by long oxparience in this and other orders, and Union Pacific lodge is to be congratu- lated upon baving been the first to realize the waportance of this highly useful, adjunct t0 lodge work, K Omaha division No. 12 will give a party and supper at Goodrich hall on New Year's eve, The committee having the matter in charge are preparing to make this a more enjoyable affair than any ot the previous ef- forts of the division in this direction, At the annual election of officers of Fair- bury lodge No. 18 the following were elected for the ensuing year: Howard M. Ryburn, C, C.; B, L, Simpians, V, C.; H. Thompson, K. of R. and 8.3 E. A Swecney, M. of E. K. W. Goodrich, M. of ¥.; Plato ‘Curuer, P.; M. Mann, M. at A. Lotus lodge, of Wayne, elected the follow- ing officers at ite last meeting: O, C., J. H. Roman; V. C., A. H. Ellis¢ P, W."A. Tvor, M. of E,, ¥, G, Pbilleo; K. R. and 8,, W. Wigntman; M. at A., W, K. Helster, Eaglo division No. 17 gave an exhi- bition drill at Hillsido ehurch, corner of Thirtieth and Ohio strosts, last Monday night during the performance of the cantata, “David, the Shepherd Boy." The division drilled with all its old-time excellena and added force %o its olaim of being the best drilied division in the oity. Omaha division No. 12 has been doing good work in the way of drill lately, The boys dispute Black Eagle's claim to the honor of being tho best drilled division, and it is su geated that they issue a challonge to Black Iagle for a competitive drill to decide which is entitled to the honor. Lily division is working for proficiency in drill and is fast coming to the front. it is doubted whether they woula be successful in competition with Black Eaglo or Omaha division, but it would serve as an incentiva to better work to bo beaten in a contest With the exception of Omaha and Lily none of the divisions are making any par- ticular effort towards that proficiency in arill 80 necessary to & proper accomplistitnent of 1ho burpose for which they were organized. Lven Black Baglo is careless in this respect and their bousted proficiency will soon be a thing of the past if efforts “are not made to hold regular drills. It is au undaniable fact that no amount of knowledge concerning tho tactics will answer instead of actual prac- The members of a division may be - dividually perfect the details of the tac- tios and nov be able to make a creditable showing in a division drill. Nothing but continual practice will make a division pro- ficient and this fact secms to be lost upon “I‘l! members of nearly every division in the ci Tho charter of Mount Shasta division has been seizod for continual noglect of drills. ‘T'his division has had no meeting for some time and the captain, McNeal, has posi- tively refused to call a mecting. A number of the other divisions in toe city are in al- most as bad shape aud if there is not a grand awakening very soon Omaha will not be ablo to boast of having an entire regiment of Knights, increase of § A Strong Avgunmosne Tt has been claimed, says an exchange; that the associations and fratecnal insurance socicties are not old enough to accept their records as fair test as against old-line life jnsurance. For the benefit of theso skeptics we publish the following list of English co operative soclotivs still m active operation, with the dates of their organization, taken from the chicf registrar of parliament, which was ordered by the house of com- mons: Count of Winton Society. . Lord Evans Socioty Society of Linton Norman of London, Barl Sicilton Defoe Benofit Ovington of N Gould Smith .. e Mutual Brothers of London . Hope of London. Royal Artiiler Cauterbury Friendly Socioty Whittenton Men's Society Charitable Sociot Amerly Clothiers’ Norion. ... Old Spread Bag! Wheat Sheaf Friendly Kingstey Friendly Society Meriden. Amicablo’ Life. Clergy Mutual . Equitable haseite Priends’ Provident...... Hand-in-Hand.. London Lifo Assur: Metropolitan . Mutual., ottish Equitable rottish Provident. Scottish Widow: This provea not only the stability of the system, but also that substautial benelits can be safely furnished at actual cost. The Hall Dedicated. ‘The new Pythian hall was opened in formal style Inst Thursday evening, with an excel- lent entertainment foliowed with a dance, ‘The entire suite of rooms has been com- pleted und handsomely furnished. The spacious club rooms, overlooking Farnam street, are carpeted with a very handsome brusscls carpet. The front room is furnishod with numerous card tables, easy chairs, ote,, and the next room will be supplied with a billiard table and appliances. Allthe rooms nave been very handsomely papered, and the furnishings ure in excellent taste and harmonize in every respect. The programme opened with a_duet by Mrs. S, C. Chappe aud Mrs, Grace Pike, fol- lowed by a recitation by W. R.Goodal, Dr. R. D. Messter followed with a violin solo, with E. G. Crap as accompanist. Mr, Goodal gave another selection, and the pro- gramme closed with a quartette, consisting of Mrs. Chappe and Miss Pike and Messrs, Holbrook und Scisen. The floor wus then cleared for dancing and a short programme was rendered, clos: ing at 1 o'clock, ‘The afMair was a success in every respect, and was marked by the complete sociability of all present, there being no discordant ele- ment to detract from the pleasure of the gathering. Messrs. Sackett, Brown, Scisen, Ware and Emmel, of the hall association ure entirety satisfied with their success in the entertain- ment, and will follow this event by another similar occasion in about a month, M. W.of A, Buffalo lodge, Modern Woodmen of Shel- ton, elected the following officers at its last meeting: . E. Ellis, V. C.; E. O, Hostetter, W. A.; James McCreary, B. B.j Fred Bailey, escort; Will Wharten, clerk; W. P. Harmon, watchman; Robort Beekman, s retary ; Leo Bailey, manager; B, L. Swith, physician; J, S, Hedges, representative. The following officers were clected for next year by the lodge at York at its last meeting: T. D. Buchanan, V. C. Ingrey, W. A.; B. 8. Franklin,' B M. Wildman, clerk; “A. J. Wilkins, escort} E. A, Bodic, watchman; J. N. Hyder, sontry; A. O. Faulkner, phy .F. Osborn, manager three years; B. 'A. Ward, dele- gato to head camp D. Buchanan, ul- ternate, Norma! camp, No, 55, Modern Woodmen of America, elected the following oMcers Saturday night: C, R, Ivans, consul; G, H. Mohler, adyisor; Bela Baldwin, baulker; £, D. Percy, clerk; W. G. Mercor, watchman: 3. McGrath, secretary; T. R. Hamlio, head mp representative: board of managers, T, R. Hamlin, G, H. Mobler, H, G. Wolcott! 1 0.0, F. Beacon lodge, No. 20, has clected the fol- lowing officers for the ensuing term: N, G 8. L. Boyd; V. G, H, C. Kilpatrick; secre. tary, G. L. Swartz; hall association, G. L. Swartz, J. A. Woodmau, J. M, Ivey. Hastings lodge, No. 50, held a very inter. esting meeting at its last regular, Grand Muster Barger was present gnd gave a thorough exbibition of the dramatic work. After the work a number of short speeches were made. M. C Phil Sheridan post, No. 83, W. R C,, electea officers ut their last meeting. The following were elected for the ensuing term President, Mrs. J. B, West; senior vice president, Mrs, Dr, Carter; junior vice president, Mrs, Hull; chaplain, Mrs. Rhodes; sooretary, Miss Nellle Askwith; treasurer, Mrs. G. A. Benoett; conductor, Miss Mul- hall; assistant conductor, Miss Shook; guard, Mrs. Aona Yule; assistant guard, Mrs, Baxter; representative to grand von- vention av Grand Island, Mrs. George A. Bennett; alternate, Mrs, Dr. Carter, D oof R. Golden Link lodge, No. 88, will give a ball at Washingtbn ball on January 11, assisted by Keystone loage, No, 155. It is intended to make this one of the best affairs of its kind ever held in the city. Golden Link is the youngest Itebekah lodge in the city ana one of the youugest in the state, but it is already the second largest iu the state and intends to lead the list n a short time, Their efforts in this direction are an earnest of their intention to make & success of every. thing they attempt, and 1% is safe tQ say that their party ou the 1ith of next wonth will be no exception to this rule The Button, ‘Washington seems to be a city of the but- ton. Kvery wan you meet'wears & button. of some kind or other. A few years age some fertile mind among the Grand Army | veterans thought of the device of the little button which every vetoran now wears in the lapel of his coat. The idoa atonce bes cama popular, and now almost overy veteran wears the plain tittle baago of comradiery. The Loyal Legion next took the 1dea up, and its handsome button is becoming very well known, Othor prmy organizations from time w time adoptoa tho same emblem of recognition, and now the idea 18 spreading even to the sccret socictics. Tho Mystio Shriners branch of the Masonic order has adobted a button hearing the star and cres~ cent of that order. Knighthoods of various kinds are wearing buttons, and i one word, from the white house down to the lowest troasury watchman, everybody seoms to be going around with a button of somo kind, ‘The president and most of the members o £ his cabinot wear the plain button of the Grand Army. Sceretary Noble wears the Loyal Legion button. Noarly half of the souators wear the Grand Army button, while Manderson, Hawley and Plumb are ' Loyal ogion men. In the house nlmost every ree publioan congressman hias u button of” some ind showing the sorvice in the union army, while on the demooratio side itis hardly necessary to state that not a button of that kind is worn, Walking on the avenue every second man has a button, A 00U WL South Omaha lodge No. 63, Ancient Order of United Workmen, elected officers as fol= lows Tuesday evening: Past master worke man, Joseoh L. Andorson; mastor workman, R. C. Hillikes; foroman, Harry B, Menofeo overscer, Willlam H. Stenshoff; recorder, Jumes M. Gallagher: financier, Alfred An- dersonj receiver, Nels A. Landgren: guide, A. L. Bobwger; outside waten, Edward Kaiun; inside watch, Louis M. Rugg; trustees Jacob Juskalok, Joseph L. Anderson and William H. Steushoff, Fromont lodge celebrated its sixth anni- yersary by an entertainment in which Dr. S, P, Patten, P. G. M., and J, W. Carr, D, D, G. M., of Omuha took prominent parts. Dr. Patten gave a sketch of the history of the fraternity from 1ts organizatien, and M. Carr dwelt upon the purpose and principles of the order,* Iustrumental and vocal musio by local talent completed the programme, after which av elaborate collation was dise cussed to the complete satisfaction of everys body. L g MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC. Jolin T, Kolly, the Irish comedian, has quit the variety stage forever. Marie Proscott, is to play Cleopatra i vers sion of Rider Haggard’s st Philadelphla rejo n the prospect of @ 2ood “stock’’ company theater. Neil 3urgess and Aunt Pruo are fixtures at the New York Union Square. Frederic Warde is discounting all previous seasons since he began to plungo as a star, “The Sea King," Richard Stahl's comio opera, will probably be produced this season. Emile Augier died of blood poisoning, an injury to one of his legs resulting in gane greno. ‘“‘Dante™ 18 a new opera by Benja ard, to be brought out Paris Opera Comique. Mrs. Arthur Stannard (John Strange Wine ter) is writing a play based upon her novel of circus lite, “*Houp-la!" IKatie Putnam, ever youthful, and with pockets bulging out with gola sovereigus, has returned from Australia, How strange that the glamour of rowmance sticks so pertinaciously to the stage. It is & most matter-of-act business. Mr. Geerge K. Goodwin has been writing entertainingly regarding Charles H. Hoyt's early dramatic experiences, Edwin Arden is at work on a new play which iv is promised will be of a higher order than anything yet produced by his pen. A new syndicate with M. Carvallo as hoad has been formed for the purpose of building a new grand opera house in Paris. M. W. Tobin, who was Dockstader’s man« ager, and John Ruddy bave taken Dock- stader’s theater and will continue the com- pany there. The eminent song composer, Tosti, Was ra- cently married in Italy to the well known vocalist, Miss Baldi, late of the Car! Rosa onera company. The worwan with a tall hat has begun the season at the various theaters, and the ac betind her is such very good trage nobody cares to look ut the stage, It is announced on what is said to be good theatrical authority thut Coquelin will res turn to the Theater Francais, afier can. celling his engagement ut the Porte Sainte Martin, The last of the German mastersinger cor- porations has come to an ond. 1ts members had been reduced to a few, and thesurvivors, deoming themselves an anuchronism, resolved to “quit.” According to the Menostrel, Gounod has been engaged to write @ mass for the inaus guration of a monster organ in St. Peter's, Rome. 1t 18 said that 4,000 singers will take part in its performance. It is rumored that Blanche Curus, the cnee famous Vassar baauty, will shortly marry Whitten, the famous Yaniee temperancs res former, ' She is now pluying small parts in one of Gardiner’s compznics, Mrs, Hodson Burnett has recovered from the effects of her recent accident, and has returned to London, It is confidently ex. pected there that she wil now make an earl, reply to the serious accusutions that have been made against her in the matter of *Lit. tle Lord Fauuntlieroy.” Mr. Bronson Howard’s plays have had the following runs without interruption in New York city: ‘‘Saratoga,” 163 nights; s er's Daughter,” 833 nights; ‘‘Young Winthrop,” 256 nights: “One el Our ( 202 nights’, *‘lenrictta,” 275 nights; * andoub,” nearing 150 nights. Miss Alice Vars, the soprano of the New England concert company, is destined to be- come a leading favorite in musical cfrclesi says the 13oston Globe. She hasa voice of rare sweetness, flexible und exquisitely mods ulated, and a stage presence which wins the admiration of every auditor, Mrs. N. R. Craven of San Francisco has written a comedy of which competent judge Despeak groat thin The title is *'‘Govern ment Claims,” and it deals witn official an social ife in Washington. Mrs, Craven I acranging for its early production in one of tho leading New York theaters, A hint for briefless barristers in other coun- tries may be gained from their learned broths ors in France. Some of the junior members of the legal profession 1 Paris have placed their services at the disposition of the man- ager of the Ambigu for the trial scene in “Roger le Honte,” and their offer has been gratefully accepted. The Musical Courler atates that ‘‘The queen of Italy, who is an axcellent musiciar, while in Venicoe last summer visited the greal library in Saint Marc’s, and discovering tha it contained numerous rare MSS, by such early Italfan masters as Stradella, Clarl, Mouteverde and others, gave orders to have them published at heér expense, us they would do the world more good than by idly reposing under a gluss case, It is at last positively anuounced that'‘The Gondollers,” ~ Gilbert & Suilivan's new ovefa, will have 1ts first motropolitin pros duction at the new Park thoater, and thag Mr, D'Oyly Carto will producs 1t himself in- stead of transforring the rights of the operg 10 any of the metropolitan managers. M Carte has decided to bring over un Kngli opera company to put the opera on instead @ having it produced by b Americau coms pany, In “Shenandoah’ a dispateh is found on a spy reading: “General Rosser will join General Early with all his cavalry,” ete. When Bronson Howard was superintandin, the performauce in Chicago recently, 8 car was handed him bearing the name of Major General Thomas L. Rosser, and the follow- gnote: I will say to the manager thal as I sat in the audience, having parti. ipave in the scenes of the great tragedy of the Shenandoub, thay as presented they are t@ me most realistic. 5 The “bouquet gown' is one of Worth's late est experiments, In it are introduced as many colors in silken fabrivs as thers are in the figures of the brocade, which is the start- ing point of the gown. In the hands of th arust in aress it is sald to be a decided su ce min God- this winter in the i s Mautles are varied in form; some & © A8 wide as those worn fifty years ago—in the days of great-grandmoitiers—but & waoles sowie shrinking from exaggeration keeps o check the vizarrerie of form, et Cozzens hotel, $1.50 and 82.00 per dayy