New-York tribune., 1901-09-06
WOMEN CHOP DOWN POLES.
THEY WELD HATCHETS TO DESTROY
ELECTRIC light SHAFTS PLANT
ED ON THEIR LAWNS

VineIand n j. Sept. because they OBJ
iected to unsighty electric light poles to-day on
the lawns in front of their handsome homes,
Mrs Lukens wife of Major ]. b Lukens, and
Miss Winnie Leach sailed forth with hatchets
and cut down the poles and pulled up the stakes
in open defiance of the mandate of the Lands
township committee, which ordered the work
done
Mrs Lukens ard Miss Leach prominent
in society here. Miss Leach, who is a daughter
of George Leach, a wealthy lumbern1an. is
leader in the smart set The women are neigh
bors, living in Landis-ave., in the most fash
ionable residential part of the town.
When they saw their beautiful lawns marred
this morning the women ran out toward the
gang of workmen and demonstrated in no un-
certain language. but the laborers only laughed
and piled their spades and promptly replaced
a pole that Mrs Lukens had pulled out of the
ground This reused the ire of the women. and
they hurried to their houses, procured hatchets
and again went forth.
Mrs Lukens attacked pole at its base, and
welded a hatchet with vim and dexterity that
cast into the shade the mich heralded talents
of Mrs. Carrie Nation, and soon the pole fell
with crash. Then Mrs Lukens brandished the
hatchet threateningly and dared the workmen
10 modest her property Completely cowed by
the determined women, the men went away.
Miss Leach pulled up the stakes in front Of her
house and threw them far as she could, and
mutilated others that she unable to pull up
The most exciting clash, however. was early
this evening, when the wealthy Charles KeiGh-
ley Vinelands famous 81 a month Superin-
tendent OF Public Works took charge of the
force of electric light workmen 1t was a
desperate wrestling match between Mr. Keigh-
ley and Major J. B. Lukens. The struggle was
witnessed by a large gathering Of Ninelands
wealth, beauty and fashion. When Mr.. keighley
appeared on the scene he ordered his men IN
place a pole in front of the house of Major
Lukens Armed with a big gold headed cane,
Mrs. Lukens jumped on the spot marked for the
pole and started TO sit down. but the SHOW
els OF the laborers. at the superintendent com
mand. began to play about her feet she changed
her mind and remained standing. Then she laid
hands Mr.. Keighley and pushed him away.
Don't lay your hands on me again. yelled
Keighley to Mrs Lukens. whereupon the major
jumped to his Gifes side TO protect her. In
the confusion the laborers hesitated In their
work. whereupon Mr.. Keighey seized spade
Lukens. Then the wrathful major grabbed the
handle Of the spade which Mr.. keighley held
and bitter struggle ensued for possession OF
IL. The wrestling bout for the spade continued
for several moments. and the hats Of the com
batants flew from their heads Finally, Major
Lukens relinquished his grip.
Put in the pole. men," yelled Mr. Keighley.
and the laborers did so quickly. while abusive
epithets were hurled at Mr. Keighley.
"Heave away with the pole boys. he yelled
Meantime fast other holes for poles were
dug they were filed in again with dirt by sew
eral prominent women landowners Of Lands
ave, including Mrs. Hotaling. Mrs. Beaumont
and others with shoves. The affair is the sole
topic OF conversation tonight Major Lukens
was closeted with his lawyer tonight and VIII
carry the fight into the courts