New Britain herald., 1922-06-28
Is Historic Building.

The Four Courts in Dublin is aN
 imposing classic group of masonry surmounted by circular tower with
 a green dome. A Corinthian portico covers the central entrance. and above is group of statuary. l The building has been used for the courts of law. after St. Patrick's cathedral, the castle Of Christ church
 had been successiv.ly employed Toe the purpose with considerable incon- ] veniehce. It vas erected in t796 on
 the site where once had stood thif- teenth century convent Within were | the four courts of exchequer, com mon pleas, chancery and queens l bench. The Four Courts building was seiz- ed by the insurgent section of the Irish republican army on April 1li with the announcement that they in- ended to utilize it as a permanent headquarters. It was barricaded and barred to outsiders. The agreement between the Collins and De Valera factions preceding the recent negotia- tions had no effect on the occupation the insurgents continuing to utilize the structure.
 Dublin, June 2s.-(By the Associat- ed Press)--A fierce battle has been raging since dawn between the regu- lar Irish republican army troops and the irregular under Rory O'Connor for the possession of the Four Courts, recently seized by the latter. It is be- xlieved the casualties will be large, trench mortars and machine guns arc being used.
 Ambulances Rush About
 At S:3o o'clock the battle was still continuing. The copper dome of the Four Courts had been blown in, am- balances were dashing about in all di- rections and the scene was one of indescribahle confusion
 The garrisons of the Four Courts and the Fowler memorial were re- plying vigorously to the attackers fire and refusing all demands to sur- render.
 Artillery Is Used
 About 700 men were engaged on the government side and the rattle of rifle and machine gun fire was punctuated by the explosions of bombs 1A pounder artillery,
 Orange hall taken over by the in- surgents as refuge for Belfast Catholics" was also attacked.
 Newspapermen were not allowed to approach the scenes of operations the streets being cordoned with troops consequently authentic details were difficult to obtain.
 Activity Begins Early
 From the early hours there had been considerable activity by the 'egular troops in all parts of the city. people both afoot and in vehicles be- ng held up and searched for arms
 Eighty civilians were observed out tide the Four Courts digging up the 'oad, guarded by an armored car.
 Five hundred regular troops with rmored cars and military ambulances passed through Westmoreland street n Sackville street one party going in- 0 Henry street and another into Alb. ,ey street, from both of which the rear of the Four Courts can be ap- ,roaehed.
 Firing Open at 1 a. m.
 Shortly after o'clock there was heavy outburst of firing in the of the Four Courts. fol- owed by loud explosion and a num- 'er of rife shots in quick succession nd 1t was evident that O'Connor's tronghold was being attacked.
 Eager preparations were made by )'Connor's forces yesterday and late ast night to strengthen their defenses q anticipation of the attack which heir leader boasted that he desired nd did not fear. He has held the uilding since the middle of April and as turned 1t into fortress by piiing andbags, law books and furniture gainst the windows. barring several
 (Coutinued on Twelfth pnRel