The Rock Island Argus And Daily Union

Chicago Lawyer Named Landis Aide

Ed Bernard Secretary.

Chicago, Feb. 5. -- Leslie M. O'Connor, whose name has never been identified with baseball except as a fan and an amateur player, was appointed yesterday by Judge Landis as his secretary and treasurer.

The commissioner of organized baseball rather upset the customs of the game by selecting an outsider instead of someone who has been identified with the national pastime, but at the same time has followed his apparent intentions of choosing someone who has no opinions on baseball matters and will take up the new work without malice or prejudice.

Mr. O'Connor is a young Chicago attorney, 31 years of age, and a resident of the Rogers Park district, living at 1340 Farewell avenue and having an office at 30 North La Salle street.

Gets on the Job Today.

The judge announced that the salary for the assistant would be $7,500 a year and that he would assume his duties this morning, when the books of the former national commission would be turned over to him. Temporary offices will be taken at the Auditorium hotel until the permanent office is obtained in the Gas building on May 1.

Picked Attorney O'Connor not only for his personal character, Judge Landis said, but also because I know he is not interested in baseball except as a sport and a recreation. He has no financial interests in the game, but has the qualifications that I think are needed to handle the job.

Considered 22 Candidates.

It was said there were 22 candidates considered for the job, though many of them were not aware of it, while others were hot on the trail of the chance. Many of the candidates were baseball writers, and it generally was expected that one of the members of the fourth estate would be picked.

However, all of the writer candidates naturally knew pretty well the baseball situation, and perhaps may have formed an opinion on matters.

In choosing an attorney the judge will have a man who should be better qualified to handle disputes, though baseball law differs materially from civil law.

"Eyes and Ears" of Landis.

The duties of the secretary, as one prominent magnate mentioned, will be to act as the "eyes and ears" of baseball as well as attend to the office routine.

It is likely that a formal meeting of the advisory council of baseball will be held within a couple of weeks, now that the secretary has been appointed. The council consists of Judge Landis and the two major league presidents, B. B. Johnson of the American league and John A. Heydler of the National. A number of cases, many of minor importance, have accumulated and should be decided before another season opens.