Clipping:Von der Ahe makes his demands; talk of the Nationals in the NL

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Date Sunday, January 11, 1885
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At ten o'clock this morning [sic: probably evening][1/10] President Von der Ahe telegraphed the League that he would allow the St. Louis Unions to have a League franchise on condition that Mr. Lucas reimburse him for all the losses he has sustained last year, and pay him back all the money he had advanced to players of next season. On top of this the stipulations imposed by the League prohibiting Sunday games, bar privileges and not allowing him to play black-listed players as well as providing a fifty-cent tariff, makes Mr. Lucas' franchise practically worthless. Mr. Lucas was seen a short time after the reception of the telegram and asked if would accept the conditions. “Not much, I won't,” was the reply.

Several members of the League denounced Mr. Von der Ahe's demands as outrageous—one member going so far as to say that, as far as he was concerned, he was willing and ready to tell the American Association to “go to hell,” and wade in on their own hook. If it meant war,he was of the opinion that the League would not get the worst of it, as it was well able to take care of itself. Mr. Lucas will not accept the conditions, and an entirely new deal is now in progress. The League, it is thought, instead of putting in the Lucas club will turn around and elect the Nationals, of Washington, to membership. Matters are now beginning to shape themselves in that direction, and, although the League may not make the change this meeting, it will probably accept the Capital City Club at a later date. Cincinnati Enquirer January 11, 1885

[reporting on the NL special meeting of 1/10/85] During the evening session a despatch was received from Mr. Chris. Von der Ahe stating that he would not give his consent to a League club being placed in ST. Louis unless Mr. Lucas would pay in full the amount of money he lost last season in addition to the advance money he has paid out this season. Mr. Lucas estimates the amount at about $10,000 and positively declines to accept. He says if the League will give him 12 hours he will squash Von der Ahe. The Sporting Life January 14, 1885

It leaked out through one of the directors of the St. Louis club that Mr. Von der Ahe was quite willing to see the league represented here, but was going to hold out as long as he could to force, if possible, some pecuniary consideration for his losses of last summer, or to get an interest in the new club. Mr. Lucas’ friends insist that no such terms can be made with him; that Mr. Lucas is quite willing and desires to act in a friendly way with him in everything, but that he will not pay anything for the privilege to do so, and that it is not in his power as a league member to agree to any conditions which might bind his associates. (St. Louis) Missouri Republican January 15, 1885

Source Cincinnati Enquirer
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Submitted by Richard Hershberger
Origin Initial Hershberger Clippings

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