Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-03-18
A MAFlA COMMITTEE OF 5000.
Mayor Shakespeare, Parkerson. and Wick
life Doomed-ProvenzsnoE Exonernted.

@A1J vi Rn0ACe&rCAhts bThtttohs dh0 WI iCk-
life Doomed-ProvsnzsnoE Exonernted.
by telegraph to the Dlspatch.l
NEW ORLEANS, La, March IT, Mayor
Shakespeare yesterday received a letter
purporting 20 come from a committee of
5000 Italians notifying him that Parker
son. Wickliffe, and himself must die at the
hands of the aforesaid committee. In
conclusion the letter states that the chief
assassins are not vet caught. Chief-of-
Police Caster thinks all such letters are a
hoax. ProyenZano this morning called on
Archbishop Janssens relative to the accu-
sation of Father Manoritta, charging him
fProvenzano) with connection with the
Malta.
PRovEyZASo's PROTEST.
Mr.. Provenzano stated to the Archbishop
that the accusation was not only un-
pleasant, hut that being made at this time
tended TO do him harm--especially as 1t came
from priest. PrOvenZano SAID further
that he had never had any relations of any
nature with Father Manoritta-not even
being acquainted with him. He said to
the Bishop that he had not carried out his
first impulse to bring the matter to the at
tention of the courts. but had come to ask
adyices from the head of the Church.
EXoSERATED.
Archbishop Janssens replied that he was
sorry that tho affair had occurred and that
he had already seen Father Manoritta, who
had written letter for publication. which
ne thought would be satisfactory. as it ex-
oncrated ProvenzanO from the Mafa accu-
sation. The Archbishop further told Mr..
Provenzano that Father Manoritta had
been very much excited recently. and he
thought it best for all to drop the matter !;
that he did not believe the Americans had
anything against law-abiding Italians, and
that he was convinced that Father Mano-
rita would not be mOlested.
Joseph ProvenZano says that as he only
wanted to clear himself of the Malta accu-
sations he will take no further steps in
the matter.
TIE PRIESTS LETTER.
In his letter Father Manoritta says he
exonerates Provenzano before the public
of the charges he made that Proyenzano
belonged to the Mafa, and in conclusion
SAYS: " As for the rest you are authorized
TO saw that MIR. ProvenZanO himself cannot
believe that know any one belonging to
the Malta, though with everybody in the
city, | am convinced that unhappily such
society exists among US, and that the
midnight murders will not be stopped as
long es this society shall not be annihi-
lated"
DENIED THE MAFIA.
reporter in the Parish prison this morning
and Proyenzano's statement read to them.
The prisoners showed much uneasiness,
but denied ever having had anything to do
With the Mafa.
WAS sCATFEDI A VICTIM?
A statement is published here this eve:
ming that Scaffedi. an uncle Of the man of
that name who was slain Saturday, was
blackmailed by the Ma6a about five years
ago; $500 was demanded, but Proyenzano
and others advised him not to pay. The
Malta finally agreed to take $3.50, pro
viding that the victim would pay for the
dinner that appears to follow
successful robbery and precede con-
templated murders To get from under
the ban Scaffedi agreed TO the terms and
went with Matranga to the swamp. where
two masked men were met. Natranga ex-
planned to them that Scafedi was showing
a disposition to do the best he could, and
the amount he was willing to pay should
satisfy them. The masked men agreed to
this, and the party together with Others
afterward enjoyed the spread at the ex-
pense of Scafedi.