There has been little Irish news this week, but we
must note that as we go to press there are signs that both sides in the South of Ireland are preparing for something in the nature of a general action. The telegrams, though they have evidently undergone severe censorship, show that there is considerable anxiety in Dublin in regard to events in the South. Thursday's Morning Post states that according to a
message from Cork received by an indirect route the Irregular' have concentrated in large numbers near Fermoy, and the indications point to their making a stand at this strategic point. De Valera is reported to be in command. The Irregulars are believed to be well supplied with arms, ammuni- tion and transport. They billet their men on the unwilling inhabitants and compel local shopkeepers to provide them with food. The history of the past few weeks would seem to indicate that the Irregulars will be beaten, but prediction in Irish affairs is fifty per cent. more dangerous than elsewhere. Some momentary impulse may make what seemed the heavier scale kick the beam.
