Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-03-17
TIE PRIESTS LETTER.
Provtpzano Dsoiss Connection with
Malta and Tolls What He Knows
cf1t.

NEW ORLEANS, March 16.-Ia father
Msnoritts's statement yesterday he said he
was sure the letter he received was from
the Provenzano faction Of Malta, This
state ment Joseph Pfovenzsno this morning
most emphatcslly denied. He said he had
not been connected with Malta in any
manner. o. the contrary he had been an
object to their enmity. "About Ave years
ago, said he, Malta sent me several
letters threatening to kill me and my
brother unless we gave the society $1,000.
We dill not respond. Jim Csruso shortly
afterwards came to me and said be belonged
to the society, and We better pay the money.
He said could do SO BY going to Old Lake,
bsndsging my head with q red handker-
chief, and leaving the money on stump
near by, then 90 about my business, and
they would get the moley. My friends
said net to pay the money, that they would
go with me in a wagon snd see who was
there to receive it. Jim Csruso said "if
you go with crowd TO one will appear -
dropped the mater. and told Csruso to
have nothing more to do with The society,
and to give up his fruit stand in French
market, and come on the levee,
He said he would DO 80 as be was tire Of the
Mads, having recently been selected on the
committee to xii, some one. | told Caruso
tha. he must swear that he would have
nothing further to do with the Msfs before
gave him work. / vent with him 20 tie
I;alisn church. He knelt before the altar
aud took thu Obligation. He said that
Charlie Mstrauga was chief of the gang,
and presided at the meetings robed in a
black domino suit. Ha said that Rocco
GIacci vas also leader. Csruso said that
he only attended one meeting. When he
went in Matraugs held up skull
in his left hand dirk in bis Iigh.
He was then sworn viii: uplifted
hands to abide by the decision OF the order.
He said he was informed after taking the
obligation that their object was to kill
those who are against the Msfia gang. The
way il was done was to select victim,
invite him to dinner, and afterwards do
him up told Casnso l Hau.ed none o.?
the Mahs people in our employ. Csruso
pointed out eight or nice men wh) he said
belonged TO the society, AMI / discharged
them. Ca.uso worked for Us about two
years. but nothing further was said about
the Mafi.. He Hasliy left US and went
With Natranga. 60 not koow whether
Jcha Caruso belonged TO it or not, bis
brother never tod me he did"
MIR. Proverzlno says Poliiz WAS working
for him when Caruso was given employ
mens. He was ene OF tie men pointed GU.
by Caruso as belonging TO the Mafa and
vss discharged. SinceIi vas slso dis
charged for belonging to the Mafs. Prov
euzsno says CarUro advised him to dis
charge TIE men ore at tirue in order 20
aroid trouble This he did. and when
ssked for reason for dismissal he refused
10 give any, as he wanted to protect Caruso
Notwithstanding csths and professions,
Caruso finally went back with Matranga
aud dill what he could against BIN prov
eiszlno). He thinks this was accomplished
through intimidation, as CHuso is afrsid o.
being killed by former associates.
The better element Of the Italians are
Glad there is an end Of the Mahs, as they
have been in dread for years. Those who
have recently come here, or the bad ele-
n,ent, denouuce the action taken Saturday,.
Regarding the flag incident" Provsnzsuo
stated that when the verdict wa,
returned two man belonging 10 the
2a1g, one rau,ed Septic, the other
a brother-in-lsw Of Caruso, Rsmone b.
name, went 10 the Hss pole with an Ameii-
can and an Italian flag. Sepglle pu. bis
foot on the American flag AMI boisted the
I,alian flag. Tire Amsriean flag Was then
tsken up and put under it There
we're several good Ilaliaus standing
srcuad when the Italian fag vas put up
When questioned as to Why they permit
ted it. he said they fearei the gang you'd
get free and cause them trouble. The
flag pole on the ievee is at the foct Of Ut-
suine street sud is used for signalling by
vessels of Maceeea, Oteri and others.