Editorial from the Boston Herald, December 18, 1901:
"The situation in the National League of Base Ball men is very badly complicated. Those who compose its directions are equally divided, four clubs being on one side and the same number on the other. As regards the right and wrong of their respective positions, the division also is about the same. Mr. Spalding, of Chicago, is entirely right in his effort to turn Mr. Freedman, of New York, out of Base Ball direction. Mr. Freedman has been the most serious injury to the sport of any man who ever engaged in it. His influence there has always been malign—in fact, if it continues, it is the opinion of the most intelligent men on the subject that he will bring about the ruin of the National League. Mr. Spalding is, therefore, to be applauded and encouraged in his efforts to get rid of Freedman."
Editorial from Harper's Weekly, December 28, 1901:
"A. G. Spalding's election as President of the National League is a distinct forward movement in Base Ball affairs, which have been and are yet in anything but a satisfactory condition. Mr. Spalding stands for clean sport, and his connection with the national game is so well known that it is superfluous to speak of it in this column. Freedman's influence, on the other hand, has been bad. New York, the greatest sporting city in the world, and loyal to the game to the very core, has been subjected to the most wretched management in its Base Ball affairs. It is unfortunate that Mr. Spalding, upon assuming the Presidency of the National League, must enter upon a law suit, but perhaps matters will straighten out ere the season opens. There is one thing to be remembered, however, and that is: Mr. Spalding will have the American public back of him, which Mr. Freedman, even if triumphant in the legal battle, never can hope for. Without the support of the public success is impossible."
