The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-04-20
THE MALTA IN NEW YORK.
How the Bandits Stick and Slash One
Another in Mulberry Bend.
Copyright, 1871

How the Bandits Stick and Slash One
Another in Mulberry Bend.
Copyright, 1871
NEw YORK, April 1S.-A feature Of the
Malta. the famous organization of banditti,
which, driven at the bayonet's point from its
birthplace in Sicily, has established home
in New York, New Orleans and the other
cities of the United States, is the deter
mined and INSCRIPTIONS opposition it
offers to the officers Of the law.
A counterfeiting case tried some time ago
well illustrates this popularity. A Sicilian
was arrested for uttering base coin. The
officers Of the government were secretly
warned that the prisoner belonged TO the
Malta, and in consequence took every pre-
caution to prevent an escape and to insure
q conviction. The first move by the crimi-
nal was offering bail. This appeared good
at first sight, but on a careful Investigation
proved to be 'of straw" Nothing daunted
by the failure, the friends or colleagues of
the counterfeiter attempted TO falsify the
dies and cola which we're to be used III evil
dence. This was also prevented by the
officers OF the law.
A third step was an endeavor to corrupt
the complaining witnesses. This proving
Intellectual they tried intimidation but with
no greater success. A conspiracy was next
Matched to kill the chief witness. and like
wise turned out abortive. The government
attorney began the trial feeling certain of
securing conviction, and presented very
strong case, from which there seemed to be
not a loophole Of escape. Unpon the defoase,
witnesses were produced by the accused,
who swore that he was innocent, aud that
his daughter, girl OF about 20, was the real
offender. The girl herself confirmed tho
story and no contradictory witnesses could
be obtained by the prosecution. The jury
found the prisoner innocent and convicted
tine woman, whom neither the judge nor
the officers believed to be guilty of the
crime
In speaking Of this society George Rid
de- New York detective, said zone Of
their oldest habits is to settle their own
quarrels without appealing to the courts
The system they follow is neither the duel,
the vendetta nor blood feud, but altogether
original, recall case in Mulberry Bend
A gambler belonging to the Lombardi gang
at No. SO, in that street, robbed a member
OF the Franci gang at No. 30 Of a watch,
revolver and considerable cash. The victim
was asleep when it occurred but on awak-
ening went reS0lutely to work to find out who
was the thief. In twenty -four hours he hid
identified the thief to his own satisfaction.
Getting two friends to Join him, he am
pushed the punderer and, with his knife at
the latter's throat, recovered the revolver
but not the watch. AS this had, in all
probability been disposed OF, he took what
money and valuGbles his captive had and
went back to his home. The vanquished
thief swore to have revenge, and few
nights after ward, when he found his enemy
alone in a low dive, attacked and slashed
the latter with a razor. The police
appeared upon hearing the outcry
occasioned by the brawl, but the assailant
escaped. The wounded man was car
ried to the station house, where his
cuts were treated by the police surgeon.
Though questioned and threatened by the
sergeant he refused to give any informa-
ton concerning the affray. The following
week, when he had recovered his strength,
he put his travelling arsenal into good order
and went with his friends in search of his
foe. The latter had anticipated a retail
iatory attack, and never went anywhere
without a body-guard. On this occasion
the forces were equally matched. They
met at night in dark alley, which was so
narrow that only two of each side could reach
one another with their weapons. A quick
exchange of blows and stabs resulted in the
thief and his pal on one side and one
Of the other being severely out. The noise
uI0W CAOWdy OA nuOs6 appearance Ll6
oombatants separated as quickly. The po-
lice appeared in time and captured two of
the injured, who were streaming with
blood. They behaved exactly as had the
other member Of the quarrel when he was
arrested. There being no evidence against
them the authorities were compelled to dis
charge them with a slight fine for disor>
derby conduct and carrying concealed
weapons. The thirst for blood was still I'M
occJauaI IL ha f-k
two crowds had a third and much more
serious encounter, oil beng injured and two
being almost killed.
During all this time Frauci and LON
bardi sat still enjoying the tragedy going
on under their eyes The skill of the
braves, their fortitude, bravery and blood
thlrstiness were discussed and Iauded or
deprecated according to the faction to
which the critic belonged. After the third
assault there was 50 much comment and
gossip in the neighborhood as to attract
the attention Of both the press and police.
Then and not until then did Francl and
lombard interfere and mako peace
Mutual forgiveness was sworn by the late
enemies and quiet again reigned in the two
cellars where the cut-throats live when they
are not drinking, gambling or committing
robbery.
There is a comical side to these knaveg,
While they are not afraid of the revolver.
and really enjoy knife or stiletto, they
have holy horror OF the human fist and Of
the club. Capt. McCullagh and Detectives
Crystal and Gerow of the Elizabeth street
precinct, which includes the low Italian
colony, seldom resort to weapons of any
sort in governing and Furnishing these mis-
creants. On several occasions they have
individually bested two armed ruffians by
well directed blows from the shoulder.
Such action deserves more than comment on
account of the cool courage required. These
brawlers are seldom satisfied with a single
weapon, but always go provided with an
armory. The loose pockets of the coat, the
seams Of the bsggy trousers, and the folds
of the great belt or sash with which they
grid the waist. give every opportunity for
the carrying Of a weapon which can be used
instantaneously. One fellow who was ar
rested in this precinct capped the climax
in this regard. He carried upon his person
not less than two revolyers, two razors, a
case-knife, hunting-knife and a stiletto.
w E. & FATEs