Mr. Collins's forces are reported by his Press bureau to
be winning many victories over the so-called " irregulars " who go -with Mr. De Valera, and to be advancing on a wide front towards Cork. It is by no means clear, however, that Leinster has been freed from the banditti. In Dundalk last week the " irregulars " -were strong enough to attack the gaol, blow a hole in- the outer wall and release a hundred of their comrades. Some Free State soldiers were killed in an ambush in Queen's County. Even in Dublin the " irregulars " continue their favourite game of sniping civilians and others from the roofs. Mr. De Valera's patriots leave behind them everywhere ruined public buildings and looted shops. Their mania for destruction led them to burn the great wireless station at Clif den, Galway. Southern Ireland is reverting to the condition in which the poet Spenser saw it. Mr. Collins has announced that the Southern Irish Parliament will meet next week. It is inferred that he expects the speedy collapse of the "irregulars," with whom he will not compromise. For Ireland's sake we trust that his optimism will be justified, though we cannot share it.
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