The New York herald., 1922-07-09

Blessington. eighteen miles south
west Of here. where one Of the largest
concentrations of irreguiars fighting
the Free State forces has been form
Ing for the last few days. was captured
by the regulars to-day. OF about $50
rebels in the camp all escaped but 100,
who were taken prisoner with arms
and ammunition.
Since the fall Of the last stronghold
IN OConneli street last Thursday the
Free State troops have been closing in
upon Blessington over a twenty mile
front. The casualties were very light,
as most OF the irregulars fed without
showing fight. Two of their leaders,
mcdonnell and G. Boland--not Harry
j. Boland--were taken.
Rebels still Active.
All reports indicate that the irresulars
eloewsere are active. blowing up
bridges and burning up barracks. but
retreatng before the Free State soldiers
arrive. Anti-treaty leaders claim that
their forces are holding the major por-
tions Of counties Cork. Limerick and
Kerry. but that is doubted here. though
1t is known that they are In possession
Of some districts.
Republican headquarters draped the
rebel flag in black tonight in memory
ct Cathal Brugha. who died Of wounds
Yesterday. 1t Is expected that his fu-
neral VIII take place Monday.
DUBLIN. July (Associated Press) -
The force OF rreguiars mustered south
Of Dublin has fled before the advance Of
the national troopl and the menace of
fighting before Ike capital Is further re-
moved. The b.se o: tie irregulars at
Blessington. nom which they were dis
patching bands throughout the country
side. was captured by Free State forces
early to-day. and the main body Of the
irregulars Is on the run In the Wicklow
Hills.
The insurgents withdrew from Bless
lnston without resistance. The occupa-
ton OF the village entailed no casualties
on either side. They had been billeted
In the town in considerable numbers.
On Sunday last four or five hundred Of
licUi loOh pOSSceSfOll With SltOHK OUT
posts. but 1t is now evident the stand
there formed no part OF their policy.
Unnecessary Destruction.
AS the Free Staters advanced the gar
rison gradually melted away. leaving
destruction and chaos behind. They had
established their headquarters in the
Ulster Bank, the largest structure In the
place. The destruction here was of a
particularly unnecessary kind, perhaps
because of its northern associations
The windows had been strongly fortified.
and the irregulars wasted much ammu-
milton sniping at the regulars In the
distant hills. Before they left. they
helped themselves to money from the
bank. They had come from different
parts of the country and included men
who escaped from the fighting In Dub
lin. They were poorly armed with rifles,
but had plenty OF revovers and bombs.
which will be of little use in the long
range methods of warfare they propose
to adopt.
The nationals encountered serious re-
sistance only at Ballymore Eustace,
where they suffered some minor casu-
alties. The irregulars fell back on their
base, losing several small detachments.
When the Gordon on the south and west
was within a mile OF them they slipped
away into the widest part Of the Wick
low hills
The irregulars have lost their best
leaders, including Andy MacDonnell and
Jerry Boland. Jerry Is the brother of
Harry ]. Boland. De vaiera's former
secretary. He arrived in motor to
inspect one OF the outposts. but drove
directly into the hands OF the nationals
who were in possession Of it.
Rebels Attack Coast Station.
Irregulars operating from the sea and
from the railway station attacked the
how.A Coast Guard station early this
morning. but were repulsed by Free
State troops. Tho Free State forces
occupied the building after an hours
fight.
Permits now are required Of persons
desiring to leave Dublin for journeys.
no matter how short they may be. A
military Gordon surrounds the outskirts
Of the city and all pedestrians motorists
and cyclists are searched. Many arrests
have been made.
Claims havs~been lodged with the town
clerk by the proprietors Of the Granville
Hotel for 100000. and by the owners
. Moran's Hotel for 10000 for destruc-
pn of their properties during the recent
)uble.
IL is announced that the casualties
fered by the National army in the
I.blin lighting were 16 dead and l22
| funded.
Inquest over Drugha Body.
Irhe coroner's jury which conducted
" inquest over the body of Cathal
cigha (Charles Burgess), Irish insur-
1rt leader, to-day rendered a verdict
slt death was due to wounds caused
a bullet fired by some person whose
nifty was unknown. There was some
LAY in opening the inquest to permit
,ulptor to take n cast OF the coun-
nee of the dead insurgent.
b ~~lblin architects estimate that II will
| ire -four years TO rebuild the areas
stated during the recent fighting in
Htity. this not including replacement
he Four Courts building.
re irish Independent suggests an
FtIoan Of f2o. 900. 900 for tho purposes
reconstruction eA
, ERE has been a remarkable response
How Provisional Governments call for
$50 teers to assist In putting down the
,lican revolt. In this city alone
"A 1000 men have been enrolled.