23 DECEMBER 1922, Page 2

We may add here that the last British troops left

the Free State during the past week. There seems to be no doubt that at their departure the Dublin crowd showed regret, and that voices in the crowd even declared that they would be " back before Easter." That is certainly a vain hope. That Southern Ireland may change her mind is, we think, quite possible, but we feel sure that the people of England and Scotland have no intention of changing theirs. Another item of news to be recorded is that on Tuesday last seven Irregulars were executed in Dublin. This, however, was not in any sense a reprisal, but punishment for repeatedly raiding the railway near Kildare.