Breach Widens
In England soccer interests seem very much perturbed over the delay in reaching some sort of agreement in the controversy which focused attention since the American Soccer League split with the U. S. F. A. and decided to run things its own way. Licked at every turn, it is readily apparent by the reports that are freely circulated in the cities of the Marksmen, Providence, Boston and New Bedford, that things are not as rosy as these magnates would like the soccer fans to believe and that under cover influence is being resorted to as a means of bringing the warfare to an end. "The league is prospering and the breach is wider than ever," is the report the owners of the New England clubs are broadcasting to the soccer fans but judging by rumors heard in the metropolitan district the "breech" referred to is probably creating havoc among the respective clubs in the league who are not at all satisfied with the progress made in the loop in its efforts to dominate professional soccer in this country. The latest report around New York has it that several of the American League clubs are about ready to make application for reinstatement with the national body and would welcome the opportunity to get back into good standing and if possible enter the National Cup competition which will swing into action over the weekend when the first round matches are played.

Not at All Interested
According to an article appearing in the Fall River Herald, Bethlehem is very much interested in bringing about a settlement between the warring factions. As a matter of fact, this writer is informed that Bethlehem is not the least concerned, satisfied to paddle its own canoe in the Eastern Soccer League and if a reconciliation is effected will under no circumstances travel to the New England States. Under the circumstances by which Bethlehem was tossed out of the American League it is hard to conceive that after the treatment received the warring factions are looking toward the pioneer soccer sponsors to bring about a final settlement. This is indicated in the following little quib from the Fall River Herald: "According to the American Soccer League club owners of this section, the breach between the U. S. F. A. and the pro league is wider than ever as the result of the attitude taken by President Armstrong Patterson on the question of a conference with Bill Cunningham, president of the league, in New York this week. The story is that Mike Kelly, Bethlehem Steel representative, informed Patterson that Cunningham was willing to talk over matters with the U. S. F. A. head if there was any possibility of settling the differences that caused the split between the two organizations. Kelly was anxious that Patterson talk the matter over with Cunningham but to his surprise and disappointment he informed him that if Cunningham wanted to speak with him he could call him up and he (Patterson) would decide whether he would agree to the conference. This ended the possibility of settling the controversy and Kelly is now reported to be pretty hot under the collar because of the attitude taken by President Patterson."

Not In the Least Peeved
The above reference is somewhat distorted. Mr. Patterson and Mr. Cunningham were in New York at the same time and as a matter of fact a conference between them was expected but did not materialize. Mr. Patterson had no occasion to look up "Bill" Cunningham and the latter for some reason or other much to the chagrin probably of some of the league magnates did not take the time to consult with the president of the national body. It is true that a representative of the Bethlehem club conferred with Mr. Cunningham on the latter's invitation but insofar as a conference between the respective soccer heads was concerned, was not in the least peeved when it failed to materialize.