The action of the committee in framing the new national agreement was subsequently ratified by the signatures of the Presidents of the parties thereto, viz.: The National League of Professional Base Ball Clubs, A. G. Mills, President, November 22, 1883. The American Association of Base Ball Clubs, H. D. McKnight, President, December 13, 1883. The Northwestern League of Professional Base Ball Clubs, Elias Mather, President, January 10, 1884. The Eastern League of Professional Base Ball Clubs, William C. Sedden, President, February 19, 1884. The fundamental principle of the national agreement as originally drawn, and which is now in operation, is a respect for territorial rights. This, in fact, is the corner stone of the structure. It contemplates and provides for the organization of cities into leagues or associations, with one club, and one only, in each city, and a contest between the respective cities for championship honors. The interest which base ball arouses in any city is based absolutely on local pride. The essence of value to a championship is entirely to the city to which the victorious club belongs. Experience has demonstrated that whenever and wherever territorial rights have been invaded and rival clubs established, the element of local pride is absent and interest in both destroyed. It is this which makes a respect for territorial rights a principle which we must uphold. It is true, nevertheless, and we so declare that we will gladly welcome and shall encourage the formation of leagues and associations who desire to operate under the national agreement, and consent to abide by the fundamental principles of that document. Reference has been made above to the difficulties and the obstacles which at times have presented themselves and which have been by severe but just methods removed. To-day the future of base ball is confronted by a new condition, a condition which in every particular is as harmful and in many respects far more dangerous than open dishonesty or flagrant dissipation. That is, treachery within the lines. To-day, and for months past we have had men identified with professional base ball who for years have been the beneficiaries of the game, have received liberal compensation for the work they have done, earned their livelihood entirely and absolutely from the opportunities afforded them by clubs and organizations operating under the national agreement, and we find and now know that these men, during this time, have persistently been identifying themselves with schemes and combinations the objects and sole purposes of which are to weaken and perhaps destroy the splendid fabric of our national game, which it has taken years of effort, anxiety and large outlay of capital to construct.