Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1892-12-31
MOWER IS OBSTINATE
Refuses TO Give the Wed
ding Reception.
TOWNSPEOPLE TURN OUT
And Treat Him to a Decidedly I'm.
pleasant Serenade.

LEWISTON, Me, Dec. 3l-Never since
OIL Indian lays has Mower Hill IN the
town of Green put on such military ap-
pcarance rs last night. IL in now four
months since Fred Mower took Miss
Jennie Bates, pretty daughter of a
Leeds farmer, home To the old fashioned
homestead, which, previous to that time,
had not been frightened Ivy woman's pres
ence since the death of Mowers mother
ten years ago. The townsfolk claim that
Mower promised the wedding reception,
but kept postponing IT,
A few weeks ago the process OF ser
enading began. Six nights the people Of
the town spent in making things hideous
around the farm buildings. The select
men Investigated and male report
which stated, in substance. that the
trouble was due To Mowers obstinacy.
Couriers were sent throughout the town
yesterday notifying all citizens to be
present at night on Mower hill.
Learning this "A reporter started In that
direction AT y o'clock last evening. When
two miles from Lewiston the din made by
the serenaders could DE heard distinctly,
although the Mower house was then seven
miles distant. Arriving at the foot Of
Mower hill
A strang. sight Was Presented.
The Mower homestead comprises "A long,
onestory cottage house with large sheds
and barns In connection. Under the huge
elm trees at each side of the house the
serenading party was mnrchalled. There
were nearly 100 men. Some carried COW
bells, others conch shells and tin horns,
but the greater portion OF the crowd were
armed with muskets, many hlut locks Of
the revolutionary pattern.
Close to the window where the bridal
couple sat, two large circular saws were
arranged, a long pole running through
the center, each supported by four men.
Four men, bare headed and in their shirt
sleeves, pounded each saw with strips Of
iron, the perspration rolling from their
brows.
A Halt Was Called
IN the proceedings and one of the leaders,
putting his face close Co the pane. yelled:
"All we want of you, Ned Mower. is to
come out here and show yourself
There was no answer, and the signal
LET her go!'' was given.
The aged Alfred Mower, father Of the
groom, who lives on farm near by,
called early in the evening and with tears
in his eyes, begged his son to yield. 1t is
said he even offered him large sum of
money. One of the selectmen also told
Mower his townspeople would never
recognize him in social circles If he did not
come out.
1t was ffo avail, and the young man
vowed he would never give in. He says
he will not come out, and will never he
taken from the house alive.
The townspeople are determined to keep
up the fight, and they are talk ing about
raising force to have him taken forcibly
from the house A Lewiston hardware
dealer has volunteered
To Furnish Free Powder
to continue the bombardment, and some
of the leaders allege that two wealthy
Lewiston men, IA certain manufacturer
and grocery man, have guaranteed to
stand behind them and pay all fines in
event of legal punishment.
Some of Mowers friends are fearful
that, driven to desperation, he will do
something rash The temper OF the
people is such that 1t looks as If Mowers
only relief must come by yielding or
through legal proceedings.
Mowers stepmother is said to be- in
sympathy with the movement TO force
him out, and il doing everything in he,
power To encourage the serenaders.
At IL o'clock last night. when the re-
porter left Mower hill, there were no
signs OF cessation OF the noisy demonstra.