BASE BALL RULES IN 1886

The Cortland News, Friday, November 19, 1886.

NEW BASE BALL RULES.

Respecting Strikes, Fouls, Delivery, Coaching, Base running, Decisions, Called Balls, Balks, Positions, Etc.

   CHICAGO Nov. 16, 1886.—The rules committee of the National League and American Base Ball Association resumed its session to-day, but up to noon had taken no action. The forenoon was devoted to a proposal to have but one style of ball to be called "fair ball." the range of which shall be between the knee and shoulder. The following are some of the changes made to-day:

   The high and low ball system of delivering has been abolished, any ball now being considered fair that passes the player between his shoulder and knee, and that passes over the plate.

   Bunting in future will not be allowed. Any obvious attempt to make a foul hit will be scored as a strike.

   Five balls and four strikes will be allowed instead of six balls and three strikes, as heretofore.

   When a batsman takes his base on balls, he shall be credited with a base hit.

   A batsman shall take his base when struck by a pitched ball.

   Any motion whatever on the part of the pitcher made to deceive the batter shall be considered a balk.

   If in running to a base the runner touches and detaches the base-bag without being touched by the baseman, he will be safe.

   Captains of clubs only can question any decision of the umpire.

   The old rule requiring a runner to return to his base on the run when a foul hit is made, was rescinded. Hereafter the runner can walk to his base.

   No runner can have a substitute run for him in case of injury, but if hurt must retire from the game.

   A batter is out on the fourth strike under the new rule, whether the ball is dropped or passed by the catcher.

   The pitcher's box was shortened to five and a half feet, and the pitcher will be required to keep his forward foot firmly on the ground when about to deliver the ball. His rear foot must be on the back line of the box, and he will be allowed to take but one step when delivering the ball. The ball must be held in plain view of the umpire. The pitcher cannot, as heretofore, deliver the ball to the batter after making a feint to throw to first base, but must resume his position in his box.

   Only two coachers will be permitted and they shall have the right to talk to base runners only. For talking to a batsman the coacher will be reprimanded for the first offense and be forced to give up his coaching and another man put in his place on a repetition of the fault.

TOWN CORRESPONDENCE.

TRUXTON, Nov. 18, 1886.

   John Connie has bought the half interest in the steam saw mill and tub factory that he sold to Lute Stanton after paying $1,000 down. Stanton became so sick of his bargain as to be confined to the house several days. Albert Stevens, the surviving partner, has also been sick and confined to his bed several days and it seemed to have had a bad effect on him, his partner selling out to Stanton. Connie having bought back we shall expect to see Abb out soon.

   John Mott is weaving many rugs for the ladies in town. Any one furnishing their own rags can have a rug woven for 15 cents per yard. A grand chance for all who want a new rug.

   About two months ago Dr. Webster, of Truxton, was telegraphed to come to Cortland and wishing to make a quick trip he drove his "go-as-you-please" mare. Some time after dark he arrived home and found a man waiting to see him. The mare had been on her “high heels" all the way and was quite well warmed up. The doctor stood talking with the man and did not notice that the mare drank a pail full of cold water that had been left standing there by some one who did his chores while he was away (he learned that fact the next morning). He took care of her as was his usual custom and left her for the night all right as he supposed. Upon going to the barn the next morning he discovered that she was all wrong, suffering with acute laminitis or fever in the feet, very sick, It was soon known about the town and men went to the doctor's barn to see her, and all shook their heads in dismay. The doctor gave her vigorous treatment for two weeks. She could not walk a step for ten days, after that she got so she could walk with great exertion, but it was painful to see her try. It did not seem possible at one time that she would ever be of any use again. Had he taken the advice of some of his friends he would have placed her where the "woodbine twineth" or in other words have allowed her to "depart this life."

VIRGIL-GEE HILL, Nov. 18, 1886.

   On Monday last, while Wesley Hutchings was scalding a hog, he overturned a quantity of boiling water into his boot burning him quite severely.

   Miss Emma LaMont did not return to the Normal Monday on account of the deep snow.

   The sleighing hasn't come but the snow is here.

PREBLE, Nov. 18, 1886.

   Edwin Wilbur had the misfortune to lose one of his horses on Monday. The horse was thought a great deal of by the family, being their sparking horse.

   Mr. Camp has taken a partner with him in the meat market, It is a boy baby.

   Six flocks of wild geese passed over our place on Saturday last, which was the morning of the great storm which soon followed.

MARATHON, Nov. 18, 1886.

   The reservoir on Cemetery hill is now full and does not leak as it did before. The last coat of plaster was of Portland cement and seems to be all right.

   Lieutenant David Brainard is expected in town this week to bid good bye to old friends before leaving for Washington Territory.

HARFORD, Nov. 17, 1886.

   Mr. and Mrs. T. G. Wilcox have been, visiting at Mr. W's father's in Great Bend, Pa.

   I admit the justice of Mr. Prebleman's remark last week, but I had not forgotten the NEWS. Hereafter I hope to be able to keep the readers of the NEWS informed of all that occurs in Harford worthy of note.

   That great libel suit makes me think of a quarrel I once heard between two boys, "I could kill you" said the first boy. "Pshaw!" said the other, "I shall be having lots of fun long after you are dead and buried." Bully tor the NEWS.

   The winter term of school at Harford Mills will be taught by Wm. H. Drake, of Dryden.

   The Stewart liquor selling case drew quite a number [jurors] from this town to Cortland last week.

      One and one-fourth cents per pound is the price paid for milk at the cheese factory.

      Killing hogs is the order of the day.

CIRCUIT COURT

The Law Mill Still Grinding—Easy Cases Before the Grand Jury.

Indictments Found.

   The Grand Jury rose yesterday afternoon and presented the following indictments:

   John Klock, for permitting cock fighting on his premises, March 15th. Plead not guilty, and gave bail.

   George Carr, of Homer, grand larceny in the second. Plead not guilty,

   Frederick Mann, burglary in third degree, in breaking into store in Harford. Plead guilty. Sentenced to five years in Auburn.

   Charles Shay and J. C. Powers, four indictments for burglary. Plead not guilty.

   Amanda Burlingham, Preble, for keeping house of ill fame. Bail fixed at $200.

   Louis Beaudry, grand larceny in second degree. Plead not guilty.

   Alonzo Thompson, indicted tor burglary in second degree. Afflicted with delirium tremens and court would not receive plea. Sent to Sessions.

   Charles Hall, not in custody.

   Chauncey A. Spinner, grand larceny in second degree. Plead not guilty.

   Cornelus O'Leary, crime against nature. Plead not guilty.

   Wm. Ryan, assault and battery in the third degree. Plead not guilty and gave bail in $500.

   Charles Hopkins, grand larceny in second degree. Plead not guilty.

   Michael Callahan, grand larceny. Plead not guilty.

   Michael Griffin, grand larceny. Not produced and bond declared forfeited.