New Britain herald., 1922-07-05
De Valera Still Missing,


 q London. July 5 (By Associated Press .)-Winston Churchill. the colo nial secretary, announced in the house of commons this afternoon that the attack by the Irish national army in the Sackville street area of Dublin was still proceeding at 2:40 p. m. The whereabouts of Ramon De Valera was unknown, he said.
 Tt is uncertain whether he is within the cordon of the national troops or has deserted the commands and escaped" added the secretary.
 MT. Churchill said his information confirmed the report that white flag displayed by the republicans in the blazing buildings had been suddenly withdrawn and fire opened on the fire men, one of whom was wounded.
 Ten Buildings on Fire.
 Ten buildings in Sackville street, the republican insurgents stronghold, were ablaze at this hour (5:3o m.) The irregulars were still holding out in the Granville hotel and were firing from the windows. surrounded by an inferno of flames. Five men, the last occupants of the Gresham hotel have surrendered. The end of the battle is believed to be near
 Dublin, July (By Associated Press)-Bombardm of the build ings occupied by the republicans re- maining in their Sackville street stronghold was resumed at l p. m, to- day after a few hours lull.
 Tbo uny t,, yr, hotel oro 4f tho principal points of the defense, was ablaze shortly after midday and flames were spreading to adjoining buildings on the south. Shortly after the fire was observed what appeared to be white flag was hung out, but when troops and firemen approached the building they were fired at and the supposed flag withdrawn.
 National army forces then trained an 1S pounder on the Hammam and on the general post office, next door, where the main force of the irregu- lars was believed to be concentrated.
 Final Fight Expected.
 The post office is more solidly con- structed than the other buildings of the block and it is believed that it is there the republicans will wage their final fight.
 The free state forces are reported in possession of the Gresham hotel, which is separated from the post office by the Crown and Granville hotels. From the upper stories of the Gran vile the defenders were continuing to maintain sharp rife fire.
 Dense volumes of smoke were pour ing from the blazing buildings and occasional explosions were heard.
 At mid afternoon the fire was re- ported to have spread to the postofhce A vast crowd on the O'Connell bridge watched the tragic spectacle being enacted a few hundred yards away needless of the peril of flying bullets Red Cross workers were carrying on their work fearlessly.
 De Valera Not Seen
 It is not known whether Eamon De Valera and other republican lead CTS including Harry Roland and Countess Markiviecz are with the gar rison. It is believed many have escap- ed and have gone to join the bands in the Dublin hills. A force of national army men has been dis patched to counter this move.
 Another big fight is believed to be imminent in County Donegal. A large of irregulars are concentrat- ing at Glenveagh castle which is well situated for defensive purposes. It is estimated 500 republicans are there. They have installed the wireless outfit captured from the British station on the Donegal coast and have fortified many farmhouses.
 All Approaches Mined
 All approaches are reported to have been mined.
 Free state troops are leaving in force for an attack on the castle with artillery and possible bombing air ships.
 Catholic priests have intervened in m effort to arrange terms, but free state leaders have stated they will ac- sept nothing short of unconditional