FIGHTING IN SOUTH.

FROM AN IRISH CORRESPONDENT.

Unless some foundation exists for the gossip in some parts of Ireland that conversations are taking place to prevent Cork becoming a besieged city, there is little to sustain the hope that the war between the National army and the mutineers will come to a speedy end. In many quarters one hears that peacemakers are at work. If their efforts are directed in the proper channels they may be helpful; but it is useless to disguise the fact that unless they can produce substantial guarantees that the Irregular chiefs will observe a compact and can control the bands operating with them, the National army cannot enter into negotiations. Past experience has shown that the Irregulars have taken advantage of well-intentioned peace efforts to improve their position from a military point of view, and it is believed that in one period of delay they collected so much material and food in Cork that their numbers in that city feel that they are able to stand an besiegement for a considerable time.

What has happened over and over again has proved to the National leaders that they must have something stronger than verbal promises before they can be parties to negotiations at this stage.