conditions existing everywhere, and violent in their denunciations of the management of the National Association of Base Ball Players, under whose regime these outrageous abuses obtained.
It should be stated in this connection that the evils complained of were not authorized by either the letter or the spirit of the National Association rules. On the contrary, all practices prejudicial to the game were not only not encouraged, but were vigorously forbidden by the language of the rules and violently denounced by delegates at each recurring convention of that body. But that the National Association of Base Ball Players was unable to deal with the problem of needed discipline confronting it was quite apparent. It either lacked the will or the courage or the ability to control the situation, and so, as always and everywhere, abuses unchecked became intolerable. Having lost respect for the governing body, players paid little heed to its mandates, interest in the sport subsided, attendance at games fell off, while the small number of clubs represented at annual conventions showed widespread demoralization.
In addition to the factors already named, that were rapidly leading up to the dissolution of the National Association of Base Ball Players, was the political propaganda. Under the original by-laws of the Association—which had never been amended as to this point—representation by proxy was provided for. This resulted in all kinds of trouble. Men of mediocrity from remote districts and obscure organizations were able to collect proxies enough so that they could and did have themselves
