The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-08-19
A STRANGE STORY.
James Lennon Will Not Try to
Initiate Enech Arden.
The Coercion Act Responsible for Big Blum
der, and Its Repeal Complicates Mat
tiers in One Household.

James Lennon, who sailed from New
York few days ago for his home in Ros-
trevor. County Down, Ireland, will startle
some of his old neighbors with his presence
and the story he had to tell. According to
the belief OF his friends his body was picked
out of bog-ditch Fear his home some
weeks ago. He was decently walked and
buried, as they say in the old country, and
tombstone in the village church-y ard
speaks OF his virtues, which were extolled
at length by the parish priest in his
panegyric, while the church records
show that his wife, through a
strange freak of circumstances was
forced to change the name he gave her for
that of another. The man who was found
dead was one John Leanord, whose absence,
as it was thought, had been extensively ad-
vertlsed, for his body wore the clothing of
Lennon and, partly decomposed as it was,
was accepted as Lemons. 1t was identified
as such by William Rodgers, foreman in
Lemons employ, man who to-day thinks
that he Is the husband OF Lemons wife and
the master OF Lemons mill. And all this
confusion, this mixture of romance and
tragedy aud mystery, was brought about
through the operation Of the Coercion act in
Ireland
James Lennon had suffered Imprisonment
under the Coercion act. His release was
celebrated in public demonstration. Fired
anew with the spirit of patriotism, he used
sedltlous language at the fir of Rathpre-
land, place Two miles distant from his
nome. He learned next evening that a
warrant had been issued for his arrest. and
that the police awaited his return home.
His health made him fearful of the result
OF second imprisonment. His friend and
nelghb0r, John Leonard, offered to eX-
change clothes and throw the police off the
track until Lennon had time to seek q
hldlng-place some miles away.
Tell my wife," said Lennon to Leonard,
that will take months rest or so 10 re-
cover and that Will not write to her mean
while, because the pOStmark would betray
me. Tell her not to worry, and if the police
arrest you tonight will have a good march
on them before they find it out"
The message was never delivered. Leon
ard Tell into or was showed into the ditch on
his way home, and the body partly decOm-
posed, as already stated, was found four
days later by William Rodgers, Lemons
foreman. 1t was buried and Leonard was
clasSed among the missing and considered
to know something of Lemons supposed
death. But here Lennon turns up all right,
ana this new feature also hinges on the
Coercion act, for Lennon would not have
attempted to return from Cumberland,
England, where lie had been soj0urning, had
not the proclamation gone forth some Gays
ago from Dublin Castle that ali proSecu-
tlons under the Crimes act would be dropped
by the authorities. Then did James Len
non decide 10 return home, still unaware of
the changes that were TO greet him.
James Lennon arrived home early on
Sunday morning. William Rogers his fore
man, and Mrs. Lennon were going down the
road to church. He followed them leisurely.
The priests residence is between the little
church and Lemons home, and as James
arrived Onuusifn tho nrieGt's tsat
Dohertv came out on his way to celebrate
mass. He saw Lennon, whose funeral cere-
mony he had conducted and whose panegyrtc
he had preached. Naturally lie was startled
and exclaimed:
My God! James Lennon. arey gu dead or
alive?"
Alive and well, Father Doherty," was
the answer.
Then, James, something more terrible
than death has happened"
why, what's the matter, Father?"
Come inside, James, and pli tell you"
The TWO entered the priests house Len
non related the circumstances OF his de-
parture and the priest realized how tie
blunders arose. Then he startled Lennon
By relating that William Rodgers, the fore
man, had determined to res gu unless q
share in the mill ard the hand, if not the
heart, of Mrs. Lennon be bestowed upon
him. His resignation under the peculiar
business circumstances then existing meant
rum Tor MIS- Lennon, beggary Tor herself
and children; but as even the priest could
not change Rodgers mind, she reluctantly
consented, and Rodgers took Lemons
place Ill the management of the mill and
home, and became the head of the family.
James Lennon sat dazed. Begging the
priest not TO mention his existence he
started for the New World. Here lie thought
he could forget his sorrow, and if his wife
and children were happy all would be well.
On leaving Castle Garden he proceeded up
Broadway with no definite purpose. When
opposite the Astor House he was accident
ally met by John Hughes, New York box
manufacturer, who visits Ireland every
other summer, and who has spent many
pleasant days with Mr.. and Mrs. Lennon in
County Down. To Mr.. Hughes Lennon told
his pitiful story. Mr.. Hughes brought him
to his home and coaxed him to return to
Ireland, sell his property and bring his
family to this country and start anew.
Lennon took the advice, sailed about week
ago, and is nearing his home while the
World is relating the story of the strange
experience that is his.