The accounts up to the time when we go to
press on Thursday are exceedingly confused, but it is evident that the irregulars are still holding out in the Four Courts, though they have been driven to the back of the building. They have, however, lost one of their strongholds, the Fowler Memorial Hall. The Free State troops used two or three pieces of artillery, but as no direct assault has taken place when we write it is not probable that there have so far been many casualties. The fighting, however, could not be localized. There are irreconcilable Republicans all over Dublin, and by these men the Free State troops are being unceasingly sniped from commandeered houses. Mr. Rory O'Connor seems to have been vigilantly fortifying the Four Courts for weeks, and the building is no mean stronghold. Mr. Collins had offered him generous terms if he would surrender, and we must take it that his refusal had behind it a considerable sense of confidence not only in himself but in his Republican sympathzsers outside.
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