New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1922-07-22
Irish Rebels in
Full Retreat as
Line Is Smashed
Capture of Limerick and
Waterford by Free State
Forces Leaves Cork Now
Their Only Stronghold
Many Prisoners Taken
Organized Resistance Is Be
lieved Near End; Cuerril-
la Warfare Only Remains
s,.c.or cosl, TO II. Tr.sv.s

Copyright. 1875, New York Tribune Inc
DUBLIN, July 2i.-with the capture
Of the cities OF Limerick and Water
ford and the humiliation OF the repub-
iiean insurgent line Of defense be-
tween those two points, the Free state
forces scored a double victory. The y
regulars are In full retreat 70 the
South, leaving in the hands OF the
provisional government troops many
prisoners and arms and ammunition.
Az the left and right wings OF the
irregulsrs had made their strongholds
IN these two cities, their defensive
power Is now regarded as permanently
crippled.
Cork is now the only large city IN
south Ireland in the hands Of the IN
surgents, and although a stiff defense
Ia eYpected AZ that point their hold on
the southwest counties probably IS
fatally compromised. They are ex-
peeted 20 put up a guerrilla resistance
II the Comeragh mountains 20 the
south OF Waterford and In the hill
country on the Kerry border, with
their center on a new line covered by
the Gsltee mountains and stretching
across County Tpperary.
loren ApDlltu ~ itutchf'h
Tho insurgents were bundled out OF
Waterford before they had time 10 do
much harm 10 the city, but the forces
quitting Limerick set FIRE 20 the build
ings held there, and the flames spread
rapidly all night long, punctuated by
numerous explosions as the abandoned
dumps Of the irregulars caught FIRE.
Official details Of the final fighting IN
Limerick ere still lacking, but the Free
State headquarters announces tonight
that the city is completely in their
hands. There was great rejoicing IN
the city, but many Of the poorer folk
we're found 20 be starving on account
Of their protracted isolation.
Buildings which were fired by the
insuraents included the ancient caste
OF King John on the banks Of the
shannon. and the new infantry bar
r,eks. Business structures also were
given 20 the flames and IL is reported
that the hremen who attempted to ex-
tinruish the blaze we're targets for
sripers.
The number OF prisoners taken at
Limerick has not yet been estimated,
but aside from these they were com.
ptlled 20 abandon large supply OF
bombs and other munitions.
Waterford was spared a confagra-
ton largely due TO the surprise attack
Of the Free Staters, but the city SUI
fered a good deal from the effects Of
shellnre, which was directed from high
ground on the other side Of the river.
The fail was damaged By the artillery
assault, while both the cavalry and in
fcntry barracks were reduced 10 ruins
lv tho explosion Of mines One mine
rxploded I'm the infantry barracks while
women and children were searching the
ruins. and 10 Is feared that several were
we're killed.
Rebel Garrison Surprised
Crossing the river in lighters and
fcrryboats the Free Staters surprised
the rebel garrison at the country CLUB
which surrendered without hring a
shot. The Free Staters then pene-
tratsd the irregulars' strongholds In
The Adelphi and Imperial hotels. Fifty
prisoners were taken In these opera
lions and. disheartened by the Free
etstcrs' progress, the insurgents quit
Tire two barracks as well as the me-
Cievnl fortress OF Reginald's Tower,
which was not damaged.
The insurgents retreat was not car
ried out with sufficient speed, for their
rearguard was overtaken, and they are
reported TO have lost heavily. Pour
lorries leaving the city 70 the south
were surprised by the Free Staters
and their crews quickly scattered for
the mountains.
The Anal assault on Waterford lasted
thirty-six hours and caused increasing
signs Of Generalization in the ranks
II the irregulars, whose morale Is
showing no improvement against the
determination with which the Free
Siaters have taken the two key posi-
tons OF Waterford and Limerick.