The Contract Squabble that Held Seattle Baseball Hostage

The announcement telegraphed from the Northwestern League meeting at Tacoma that Abner Powell is under reserve to Spokane Falls and Seattle can lay no claim to his services until he is regularly released is a serious disappointment to the patrons of baseball in this city. The Spokane Falls outfielder made an excellent impression here last season, both on and off the field, and the news that he had come to terms with Seattle gave general satisfaction. The fact that Powell is reserved by Spokane Falls does not necessarily mean that he is not to come to Seattle. Indeed, it is not improbable that he will be at the head of the local club. The Seattle directors had made up their minds long since to have Abner manage their team, and they still cling to the idea. If his release can be arranged satisfactorily it will be done, but until then they will have to keep hands off. To a man up a tree, it looks as if Manager Barnes’ vigorous fight for Powell’s services is a scheme to profit financially by selling the player’s release. However, the recent action of the conference committee of the League and Association, abolishing the sales system, will effectually prevent the carrying out of any such plan. The Northwestern League, being under the protection of the national agreement, will have to abide by the laws laid down by the principal parties to it.