[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."] SIR,—Your correspondent from
the West of Ireland exactly describes the state of things as at present obtaining in Co. Cork. It is incredible, and certainly reflects disgrace on our Government. Raids, more or loss terrifying, are of nightly occurrence. I speak of those on private houses, and perfectly defenceless and politically inoffensive people. There have been five within three miles of where I write during the last few days. Beyond the terrifying of little children and servant maids the net result has been four guns taken. But can your readers in England picture the indignity of having to throw open one's house at any hour of the night to be searched by large parties of armed and disguised men of the roughest and dirtiest description ? The feeling of absolute helplessness— yes, and terror to many—baffies description. The appalling attacks on small parties of police—poor fellows fighting for their lives against fearful odds—take place frequently within a few miles of English soldiers with armoured cars, tanks, Sc., all safely " confined to barracks." What earthly use are they ? Some of us feel bitterly that Lord French might postpone some of his Viceregal dances and dinner parties and come down and see after the state of the country in the South. I echo what your correspondent says : "It is perfectly exasperating to think of the way we are being cast to the dogs by the authori- ties, and there seems no way of getting any protection for either life or property." I am afraid England is bored stiff with ua and our dangers and adversities.—I am, Sir, die.,
AN ENGLISHWOMAN IN IR ELAND.
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