A Baseball House Divided

[legendsport]

EXECUTIVE MANSION,

Richmond November 25, 1903

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the Confederate States of America:

I transmit to the Congress for its consideration and appropriate action, copies of correspondence recently had with the representative of Mexico in the Confederate States, with the Confederate States minister at Mexico City, and through the latter with the Government of Mexico, showing the actions taken under the joint resolution approved November 19, 1903, "for the recognition of the burden of responsibility for the recent atrocities committed against the property and citizens of the Confederate States of America, and directing the President of the Confederate States to use the land and naval forces of the Confederate States to carry these resolutions into effect."

Upon communicating to the Mexican minister in Richmond the demand which it became the duty of the Executive to address to the Government of Mexico in obedience, to said resolution, the minister asked for his passports and withdrew. The Confederate States minister at Mexico City was in turn notified by the Mexican minister for foreign affairs that the withdrawal of the Mexican representative from the Confederate States had terminated diplomatic relations between the two countries, and that all official communications between their respective representatives ceased therewith.

I commend to your especial attention the note addressed to the Confederate States minister at Mexico City by, the Mexican minister of foreign affairs on the 21st instant, whereby the foregoing notification was conveyed. It will be perceived therefrom that the Government of Mexico, having cognizance of the joint resolution of the Confederate States Congress, and in view of the things which the President is thereby required and authorized to do, responds by treating the reasonable demands of this Government as measures of hostility, following with that instant and complete severance of relations by its action which by the usage of nations accompanies an existent state of war between sovereign powers.

The position of Mexico being thus made known, and the demands of the Confederate States being denied, with a complete rupture of intercourse, by the act of Mexico, I have been constrained, in the exercise of the power conferred upon me by the joint resolution aforesaid, to proclaim, under date of November 22, 1903, a blockade of certain ports of the east coast of Mexico, between Matamoros and Campeche, and the port of Acapulco, on the west coast of Mexico, and to issue my proclamation dated November 23, 1903, calling forth volunteers.

I now recommend the adoption of a joint resolution declaring that a state of war exists between the Confederate States of America and the Empire of Mexico, that the definition of the international status of the Confederate States as a belligerent power may be made known and the assertion of all its rights in the conduct of a public war may be assured.

Jeter C. Pritchard,
President, Confederate States of America

[legendsport]

PROCEEDINGS IN THE SENATE

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1903

DECLARATION OF STATE OF WAR WITH MEXICO

The Senate having returned to its chamber (at 12 o'clock and 37 minutes p. m.), it reassembled and the Vice President resumed the chair.

Mr. CANNON. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

The VICE PRESIDENT. The clerk will call the roll. The legislative clerk called the roll.

* * * * * *

The VICE PRESIDENT. Thirty-two Senators have answered to their names. A quorum is present.

Mr. BUTLER. Mr. President, I introduce a joint resolution, and ask for its immediate consideration without reference to a committee.

The VICE PRESIDENT. The joint resolution will be read.

The joint resolution (S. J. Res. 46) declaring that a state of war exists between the Government of Mexico and the Government and the people of the Confederate States, and making provision to prosecute the same, was read the first time by its title, and the second time at length, as follows:

"Whereas the Government of Mexico has committed unprovoked acts of war against the Government and the people of the Confederate States of America:

"Therefore be it "Resolved, etc., That the state of war between the Confederate States and the Government of Mexico which has thus been thrust upon the Confederate States is hereby formally declared; and the President is hereby authorized and directed to employ the entire naval and military forces of the Confederate States and the resources of the Government to carry on war against the Government of Mexico; and to bring the conflict to a successful termination, all of the resources of the country are hereby pledged by the Congress of the Confederate states."

[legendsport]

from the memoirs of Jesse Tannehill:

December 2, 1903 - Here we go again. Seems like this country is always in a scrap. Why can't we just be left alone? Damn those Mexicans! Now I have to go get shot at - again - when I could be playing some ball instead. The fellows on the train are all young and stupid. They think this is going to be a walk in the park. I've been telling them that I've been to war - it's no picnic and the Mexican Army isn't as weak as they've been led to believe. Some fellows have to learn the hard way....

[legendsport]

from Busting 'Em - The Autobiography of Ty Cobb:

Back at the end of 1903, we got ourselves in a pretty pickle down in Mexico. The tour was passing through the capital city - Mexico City - when the Confederacy declared war on the Mexicans! Well, the Mexicans were decent enough to promise us safe conduct to Chihuahua on the next train when disaster struck.

"Hey Cobb," says Barry McCormick, a Kentuckian who played some shortstop for the touring team, "why don't you tell these Mexicanos about your daddy the Senator - maybe it'll get us preferred treatment."

Well, that was the end of it for us - the Mexicans overheard that I was the son of a Confederate Senator and instead of getting a train heading north, we got a trip to the Interior Ministry instead. Griff, bless his soul, asked why we were being detained and during the long answer I really only heard one word: "Spies."

[legendsport]

from Hitting 'Em Where They Ain't - The Autobiography of "Wee" Willie Keeler:

That second season (1903) with Pittsburgh was a doozy. Again we failed to get into the pennant fight, and John McGraw was a terror all season long. Rumors began to swirl that "Muggsy" was unhappy with my play. I went to see him after the season to clear the air.

"So, I hear you're unhappy with me," I began. He chewed his cigar and tried to stare me down. Having faced shells and bullets in the war, I wasn't going to be intimidated by a small man sitting in a chair chewing a cigar.

"Not exactly. While you had an outstanding year at the plate, your style doesn't fit with my team philosophy," he replied.

"Well, I did lead the league in hitting, and my play in the field was good enough to be considered one of the top flychasers in the Fed," I replied.

"Look, Keeler. You've got too strong a personality to fit on my team," he started - as I began to get red in the face - "it's probably your Army service. God knows that changes a man," having been refused entrance himself, McGraw was notoriously bigoted against men who had served.

"So, what are we going to do?" I asked.

"One of us is leaving - that's all I can say," he replied.

I figured that meant I'd be traded. Little did I know that Muggsy had already orchestrated his own exit. Seems the Philadelphia squad was looking for a new manager, and Shibe was going to pay McGraw top dollar.

Looking back, I still say, "Good riddance."

[canadiancreed]

wow

no Connie Mack

Cobb as a spy in Mexico

CSA off to war....yet again.

what a mix. Just curious though, where Connie Mack?

[legendsport]

Originally Posted by canadiancreed

what a mix. Just curious though, where Connie Mack?

The Tall Tactician plies his trade with the Portland Lumberjacks.

McGraw is replacing Tom Loftus in Philly.

[canadiancreed]

Originally Posted by legendsport

The Tall Tactician plies his trade with the Portland Lumberjacks.

McGraw is replacing Tom Loftus in Philly.

ahhh ok. Just seemed odd as I recall Mack owned the team?

[legendsport]

from the Hamptonburg Tribune, January 11, 1904:

Initial reports from the front indicate that Major General "Fighting Joe" Wheeler's First Corps has contacted the enemy army about ten miles north of Durango and, after heavy fighting, the Mexicans continued their southerly retreat.

from the memoirs of Jesse Tannehill:

January 13, 1904 - The Mexicans continue to run, and with us having to haul our army and all of our equipment through the mountains, I'm beginning to believe their strategy is to let their countryside whip us since their army, apparently, can not.

Met the General today. Fighting Joe is everything the stories make him out to be, and more. The old boy actually commanded in the War for Southern Independence! Did his time in Richmond as a congressman, and is now back in command. He commended my unit for bravery during the Battle of Durango, and his speech was fiery, patriotic, and very uplifting to the spirit.

Rumor has it that General Robert E. Lee Stuart, grandson of old J.E.B., has the Second Corps and has landed somewhere on the East coast - some say Vera Cruz (just like Scott did in the First Mexican War), others say Tampico. Either way, if it's true, it's a godsend.

[legendsport]

Originally Posted by canadiancreed

ahhh ok. Just seemed odd as I recall Mack owned the team?

Yep - he's part-owner of Portland in this reality. Shibe is sole owner of the Philadelphia Patriots.

[legendsport]

from the Sporting Way, January 20, 1904:

McGRAW TAKES CHARGE IN CITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE - John McGraw, sometimes unlovingly referred to as "Muggsy," has taken command of the moribund Philadelphia Patriots. The team, which has in the first two seasons of the Federal League managed to finish last twice, had been under the stewardship of Tom Loftus - a fine man by all accounts, but apparently not a successful leader of men. Ben Shibe, who with Al Spalding is one of the prinicipal movers in the creation of the Federal (and Pacific) leagues, demands a contending team, and McGraw promises to deliver.

One might remind Shibe that Muggsy did not have much success in Pittsburgh, where despite the presence of one of the game's top hitters in Willie Keeler, the Rivermen finished fifth in 1902 and fourth last season.

But Muggsy has a plan. In a letter delivered to the offices of this publication, McGraw lays out his plan for turning the team around - wholesale player changes, with most of the new players coming from the ranks of the amateur Negro Leagues. McGraw also has not ruled out dipping into the Confederacy, although he does concede that the current state of war in that country makes it unlikely any able-bodied man would be allowed to abscond to the U.S.A. to play ball.

It remains to be seen how these changes will work, and what the results will be....

NEW MAN IN PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Rivermen announced the hiring of Ed Barrow as manager of the team, replacing John J. McGraw. Barrow, who was instrumental in the development of the minor Eastern League, has no playing experience, making him unique among the small fraternity of field managers in the Federal and Pacific Leagues. He promises to work with Willie Keeler and other stars of Pittsburgh, such as young "Turkey Mike" Donlin, in putting the Rivermen in the first division...

[canadiancreed]

Originally Posted by legendsport

from the Hamptonburg Tribune, January 11, 1904:

Initial reports from the front indicate that Major General "Fighting Joe" Wheeler's First Corps has contacted the enemy army about ten miles north of Durango and, after heavy fighting, the Mexicans continued their southerly retreat.

from the memoirs of Jesse Tannehill:

January 13, 1904 - The Mexicans continue to run, and with us having to haul our army and all of our equipment through the mountains, I'm beginning to believe their strategy is to let their countryside whip us since their army, apparently, can not.

Met the General today. Fighting Joe is everything the stories make him out to be, and more. The old boy actually commanded in the War for Southern Independence! Did his time in Richmond as a congressman, and is now back in command. He commended my unit for bravery during the Battle of Durango, and his speech was fiery, patriotic, and very uplifting to the spirit.

Rumor has it that General Robert E. Lee Stuart, grandson of old J.E.B., has the Second Corps and has landed somewhere on the East coast - some say Vera Cruz (just like Scott did in the First Mexican War), others say Tampico. Either way, if it's true, it's a godsend.

hey terrain can be your strongest soldier

[legendsport]

from the Sporting Way, February 5, 1904:

Ever a man of his word, John J. McGraw has remade the roster of the Philadephia Patriots. The first to go was catcher Malachi Kittridge, made expendale by the signing of George "Chappie" Johnson, whom McGraw called, "the finest receiver in Negro ball."

Bobby "Link" Lowe was given his release next, his spot taken by another former Negro Leaguer, Bill "Showboat" Monroe. McGraw on Monroe: "My kind of player - always riding the opposition and backing it up with heady play on the field."

George "Rabbit" Ball took the roster spot of Bob Ewing in the team's rotation, where young Johnny "Steel Arm" Taylor also looks to have a spot, replacing Ham Iburg.

The final change came in left field, where young Andrew "Jap" Payne was handed the starting job, replacing Jimmy Sebring.

According to McGraw, "the color of a man's skin has nothing at all to do with his performance on the field. Where others have lagged on signing these talented ballplayers, the Philadelphia team will lead the way - and we will lead the standings as well."

With minor league purchases coming this week, the McGraw makeover will continue...

[legendsport]

from the Richmond Courier, February 5, 1904:

STUART'S CORPS TO LINK UP WITH WHEELER - R.E.L. Stuart's Second Corps, having successfully disembarked at Vera Cruz reported that cavalry scouts have linked up with the vanguard of Joseph Wheeler's First Corps north of Mexico City.

"Of the Mexicans, there has been little sign," said Stuart to a group of war correspondents. "It is assumed that they are holing up inside the fortifications around the capital, much as they did the last time an American army was in these parts."

SUPPLY CONVOYS HARASSED BY "BANDITOS" - The public information office of the First Corps, under Major General Wheeler, has reported that the supply trains of the Corps, in traversing the mountainous areas leading back to Sonoran depots, have been continually ambushed by Mexican irregulars. The leader of these forces is reported to be one Pancho Villa, a 25 year-old expert on so-called "guerilla" tactics.

[canadiancreed]

Originally Posted by legendsport

from the Richmond Courier, February 5, 1904:

STUART'S CORP TO LINK UP WITH WHEELER - R.E.L. Stuart's Second Corps, having successfully disembarked at Vera Cruz reported that cavalry scouts have linked up with the vanguard of Joseph Wheeler's First Corps north of Mexico City.

"Of the Mexicans, there has been little sign," said Stuart to a group of war correspondents. "It is assumed that they are holing up inside the fortifications around the capital, much as they did the last time an American army was in these parts."

SUPPLY CONVOYS HARASSED BY "BANDITOS" - The public information office of the First Corps, under Major General Wheeler, has reported that the supply trains of the Corps, in traversing the mountainous areas leading back to Sonoran depots, have been continually ambushed by Mexican irregulars. The leader of these forces is reported to be one Pancho Villa, a 25 year-old expert on so-called "guerilla" tactics.

hmmm....a early 20th century Vietnam? Good to see the Mexicans aren't rolling over and taking it from the CSA

[legendsport]

from the Washington Confederate, Feburary 9, 1904:

A devastating fire, visible at night from this city's higher vantage points, burned the city of Baltimore for 30 hours, beginning on Sunday morning and ending last evening. Despite the help of fire fighters from this city, as well as Wilmington and even a volunteer brigade from across the border in Philadelphia, the fire raged out of control.

In the end, over 1500 buildings, spanning 70 city blocks, were destroyed. Mayor Robert McLane was quoted as saying, "To suppose that the spirit of our people will not rise to the occasion is to suppose that our people are not genuine Americans. We shall make the fire of 1904 a landmark not of decline but of progress." He then refused assistance, stating "As head of this municipality, I cannot help but feel gratified by the sympathy and the offers of practical assistance which have been tendered to us. To them I have in general terms replied, 'Baltimore will take care of its own, thank you.'"


Baltimore after the great fire of 1904

[legendsport]

from the Sporting Way, Feburary 12, 1904:

BIG LEAGUE CLUBS PICK "BEST OF THE LITTER" FROM MINORS - The results of the second amateur protection draft by the twelve teams of the USPBO is below. John J. McGraw, with Ben Shibe's sporting goods money in hand, signed the plum of the pot, shortstop Ned Monaghan, saying, "This kid is going to be a good one. I can't wait to hit the field in April..."

Round 1: 
 
Philadelphia pick: SS Ned Monaghan
Los Angeles pick: LF Sherry Magee
Portland pick: P Ed Walsh
Oakland pick: CF Lemuel Gormley
Chicago pick: RF Harry Lumley
Pittsburgh pick: P Ralph Caldwell
Sacramento pick: P Harry Buckner
Columbia pick: RF Doc Gessler
San Francisco pick: P Frank Smith
Boston pick: P Hooks Wiltse
New York pick: P Fred Glade
San Diego pick: P Chick Robitaille
 
 
Round 2 : 
 
Philadelphia pick: LF Moose McCormick
Los Angeles pick: P Fred Applegate
Portland pick: 1B Jake Stahl
Oakland pick: P Andy Coakley
Chicago pick: P Nick Altrock
Pittsburgh pick: P Otto Hess
Sacramento pick: P Frank Corridon
Columbia pick: 2B Jim Delahanty
San Francisco pick: 2B Miller Huggins
Boston pick: 1B Jiggs Donahue
New York pick: P Beany Jacobson
San Diego pick: SS Terry Turner
 
 
Round 3 : 
 
Philadelphia pick: P Doc Reisling
Los Angeles pick: P Ed Killian
Portland pick: P Mike Lynch
Oakland pick: P Tom Fisher
Chicago pick: P Red Ames
Pittsburgh pick: LF Spike Shannon
Sacramento pick: P Cy Morgan
Columbia pick: P Jim McGinley
San Francisco pick: P Del Mason
Boston pick: P Charlie Jaeger
New York pick: P Claude Elliott
San Diego pick: C Tom Needham
 
 
Round 4 : 
 
Philadelphia pick: P Ed McNichol
Los Angeles pick: P Walter Clarkson
Portland pick: CF Rip Cannell
Oakland pick: C Admiral Schlei
Chicago pick: CF Harry McChesney
Pittsburgh pick: CF Bill O'Neill
Sacramento pick: SS Joe Cassidy
Columbia pick: 3B Emil Batch
San Francisco pick: 3B Mike McCormick
Boston pick: 2B Gus Dundon
New York pick: 3B Sam Woodruff
San Diego pick: SS Charley O'Leary
 
 
Round 5 : 
 
Philadelphia pick: 2B Rabbit Nill
Los Angeles pick: C Claude Berry
Portland pick: LF Fred Odwell
Oakland pick: P Bull Durham
Chicago pick: LF Lou Bruce
Pittsburgh pick: C Red Kleinow
Sacramento pick: RF Izzy Hoffman
Columbia pick: C Pete Noonan
San Francisco pick: 2B Jim Mullin
Boston pick: C Tom Doran
New York pick: C Doc Marshall
San Diego pick: 2B Bill Lauterborn
 
 
Round 6 : 
 
Philadelphia pick: SS She Donahue
Los Angeles pick: RF Harry Cassady
Portland pick: 2B Simmy Murch
Oakland pick: 1B Bill Schwartz
Chicago pick: P John Brackenridge

[legendsport]

from the diary of Jesse Tannehill:

February 23, 1904, north of Mexico City: Seems like the old man is fed up with this Villa fellow who's been busting up our convoys. My sharpshooter squad was called into headquarters this morning for a meeting with the general.

"Okay, Tannehill. Word around division is that your Kentucky rifles are the best in the army," he began. I responded that I reckoned that was a fair assesment.

"Well, I've got a job that needs doing, and sharpshooters are the best for this kind of thing," he added. I knew where this was going, but you don't interrupt a guy wearing stars on his shoulders.

"This varmint Villa has got to be stopped. I want your boys riding shotgun on the next convoy out of Hamptonburg. As soon as this Villa shows his ugly mug, you and the boys take him and his 'banditos' out - Got it?"

Knowing that in addition to not interrupting a general, you also don't tell them no, I saluted, said "yes, sir" and my boys and I hightailed it back to camp so we could start packing up for the ride to Hamptonburg.


Jesse Tannehill

[canadiancreed]

Originally Posted by legendsport

from the diary of Jesse Tannehill:

February 23, 1904, north of Mexico City: Seems like the old man is fed up with this Villa fellow who's been busting up our convoys. My sharpshooter squad was called into headquarters this morning for a meeting with the general.

"Okay, Tannehill. Word around division is that your Kentucky rifles are the best in the army," he began. I responded that I reckoned that was a fair assesment.

"Well, I've got a job that needs doing, and sharpshooters are the best for this kind of thing," he added. I knew where this was going, but you don't interrupt a guy wearing stars on his shoulders.

"This varmint Villa has got to be stopped. I want your boys riding shotgun on the next convoy out of Hamptonburg. As soon as this Villa shows his ugly mug, you and the boys take him and his 'banditos' out - Got it?"

Knowing that in addition to not interrupting a general, you also don't tell them no, I saluted, said "yes, sir" and my boys and I hightailed it back to camp so we could start packing up for the ride to Hamptonburg.


Jesse Tannehill

wonder who will return from that mission alive....and if the General will be above ground as well when the word gets out

[legendsport]

from the Sporting Way, April 10, 1904:

With Opening Day right around the corner, we turn our attention to prognostication. Trying to pick the winners of the respective pennants of the Federal and Pacific leagues is not for the weak of heart, but luckily, we here at the Way are stout fellows.

The Pacific League looks to again be Bid McPhee's San Diego Conquistadors and everyone else. The roster remains intact - strong pitching, solid hitting and excellent defense make the 'Quistadors a tough group to supplant. In Portland, Connie Mack made a huge move, trading away team leader and, possibly, the greatest player in the game when he sent Honus Wagner east to Philadelphia in return for a top notch arm (Highball Wilson) and an excellent (though lesser than Wagner) shortstop in Charlie Hickman. Will that move be enough to put the 'Jacks back into the pennant chase? Our guess is no. Ned Hanlon's Los Angeles squad has been making noises and with Napoleon Lajoie in the lineup, anything is possible. The Bay Area teams both seem to be in rebuilding mode, and Sacramento is unlikely to challenge Portland and San Diego.

Over in the Federal League, the New York Giants, twice champions of the world, will have a dogfight on their hands in 1904. John McGraw has rebuilt the Philadelphia Patriots in his own image - scrappy. But the spirit of the team isn't what makes it dangerous - this is a talented bunch. With Wagner joining the team (although the presence in the minors of Ned Monaghan makes one wonder how long Honus will be around), this Patriot team may be the most talented squad to ever play in the Federal league. Pittsburgh is under new management and Keeler always makes them dangerous. Columbia and Boston, the two best teams not in New York in prior seasons, will probably be in the fight - or at least help determine which of the top dogs will win out. Spalding's Chicago club, which has been underachieving in the past, picked up a gem in new outfielder Harry Lumley, and might make some noise in the race, though it's unlikely they'll supplant New York or Philadelphia.