FATE OF SOUTH IRELAND.

Shannon News, 6 March 1923, Page 4

FATE OF SOUTH IRELAND.

BUSINESS MEN REGRET “GOOD OLD TIMES.” “WHEN THE FOREIGNER RULED.” (Received Monday, 8.5 p.m.) ‘ LONDON, March 5. The “Morning- Post” says it is the opinion, from statements of a reliable observer, who toured Cork County, that the County is slipping back to savagedonh The city i_s completely cut off from railway and steamship communication with the outer world and what : was the most' prosperous port of southern Ireland) is now in a state of siege, with brigandage as the chief in., dustry. . The peoples’ respect -for the Catholic faith is dwindling. The bis. hops and older priests are Free 1 Staters and the other priests Republicans, so tlrt church holds'a candle to botn sides. Business men lament the good old times when the hated English kept some kind of order, but few d&r« express yieir thoughts. Even brother does not dare to talk to brother, fear, ing that he may belong to the other side. This deathly, sullen silence is a most curious phenomenon. . It recalls the atmosphere of the gaol exercise yard. The buildings arc as gloomy as the people, and many are tumbling into ruiris. No one'will'spend money or ■■ time in repairing and painting, and lilie streets are almost deserted of vehicles'Or people. The country roads are so cut up by trenches and land mines, and. the destruction of bridges that travel is. impossible without, long detours, Many shops in Cork are empty, and the shopkeepers’ chief preoccupation is. to avoid handing over their goods to robbers, under the p’-ea of requisitions.. ■. Shopkeepers selling food and other necessities dare not refuse credit, as the shops would be blown up if they did, nevertheless, there is no unemployment.. There is room for every loafer in the rival armies..