Clipping:The Athletics won't make their Western tour
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| Date | Sunday, September 17, 1876 |
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| Text | The Chicago Tribune, of a recent date, publishes a letter from a prominent officer of the Athletic Club to the President of the Chicagos, in which it is stated that the Athletics will not make a Western trip, and the reply–which is also given–is to the effect that unless the Athletic Club make said Western trip, that they need not hope for admittance next year to the League. Whether the Athletic Club will make a Western trip or not, is at present a matter of uncertainty. Philadelphia Sunday Mercury September 17, 1876 W. A. Hurlburt, president of the Chicago Club, has received the following letter from G. W. Thompson, director of the Athletic Club: Philadelphia, Sept 11.–W. A. Hulbert, Esq., Chicago, Ill.:–I am compelled by circumstances to write you this letter which I would much prefer to leave unwritten; but I find that it will be impossible for the Athletic Club to contend much longer with the unfortunate circumstances that has [sic] beset it all this season. The disabilities of Eggler and Sutton; the payment of the debt of the old club that we now see, in justice to the new club, ought not to have been paid; and above all, the Centennial show which has completely absorbed all exhibitions of minor importance, are circumstances over which we had no control; but until last week we hoped the advent of the Western clubs would infuse some new life into the game here, and enable us to struggle along until the end of the season, or until we could make our Western trip; but, unfortunately, the time selected for the Western games was the same selected for the international regatta, firemans’ parade, etc., which, being free shows, drew the best and left us with barely enough money to pay expenses. Now, as we want to keep faith as near as we can with all the clubs, we have proposed to the St. Louis Club, and now propose to you, that the Chicago and St. Louis Clubs play one or two games here, taking eighty per cent. of the receipts, then each club to play the Athletics the balance of the games due, taking two thirds of the receipts. Mr. Stagers, of the St. Louis Club, has written home regarding the proposition, and, I think, is personally favorable to it. I think, notwithstanding all other attractions, the two Western clubs would draw well. As to the future of our club, I can only say that unless it can be put on such a basis as to guard against future failure, I, for one, am opposed to continuing the organization, but hope that this will be accomplished. Respectfully yours, G. W. Thompson. This statement may be considered as settling the question of the future of the Athletic Club for this year, and also for next, for it is quite clear that, if the organization could not fulfill its engagements this season, it will not be able to go on next. Mr. Hulbert, after settling upon the proper course to pursue, wrote Mr. Thompson as follows: Chicago, Sept. 13.–G. W. Thompson, Esq., Athletic Base Ball Club, Philadelphia.–Dear Sir–Your letter of the 11 th, formally announcing the failure of your club and declaring your inability to carry out your engagemen5ts, is at hand, and in common justice you should have advised us before our recent visit that your ability to return the same depended wholly upon the amount received. Had you done so, we could have estimated the chances, and guided our action accordingly. The Athletic club now owe us five games, for in 1874 we had to lose three games. The aggregate of loss to us is no inconceivable item. I would not mention it at this time but for this last action in keeping back from us your true condition. It is that which annoys me, for I have insisted that the present administration of the Athletic Club would keep its engagements when doubting neighbors have expressed the conviction that you would treat us as you have. It is impossible for the Chicago Club to enter into the arrangement you propose, either with the St. Louis or Athletic Club. Monday, September 18, we play the St. Louis Club, in New York; Wednesday, September 20, the Stars, at Syracuse; Friday, September 22, the Bostons, in Chicago. Hoping that the ball men of Philadelphia will unite in establishing a new club on a substantial basis, clear, in all respects, of the wreck of the old concerns, and that in this new club you will occupy the most prominent position, I remain, very respectfully yours, W. A. Hulbert. Philadelphia Sunday Mercury September 24, 1876, quoting the Chicago Tribune |
| Source | Philadelphia Sunday Mercury |
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| Submitted by | Richard Hershberger |
| Origin | Initial Hershberger Clippings |
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