The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1903-11-20

Battalia and Corodono are both ma
lives of Terminna, Sicily. one OF the
hotbeds Of Mafiaism. Both are believed
to have been members of the organiza-
ton in the old country, as they. come
from the lower classes, of which the
society Is mostly made up.
Talked Of Anarchists.
Another thing on which the police
base their theory is the fact that Bat
Italia has often talked to some OF his
American friends in a mysterious way
about anarchists. He never mentioned,
however, that he had any fear of the
secret workers.
Although other theories have been
suggested, the police are firmly con-
WINGED that their theory that the MUIR
der was caused by the Malta is the
correct one, and they are now seeking
to run down the society from the cir
cumstantial evidence which they have.
Corodono and Battalia have been
warm friends for several years. Both
were fruit peddlers and met often in
the market and at the various gath
ering places in the Italian quarter The
men were together with crowd or
others in resort on Western avenue,
Minneapolis, last Wednesday evening.
Cesto was among those present. At
that time their relations were most
pleasant.
The men met at the market, where
they usually secured their supplies,
Wednesday afternoon, and, after talk
ing little while, began quarreling. 1t
is said that Corodono berated Battalia
for desiring to renounce allegiance to
Italy and to perhaps resign his con-
nection with other orders to join the
Masons, which he had been DESTROYS of
doing for some time, having just put
in his application.
The police think that the quarrel
may have either led directly to the
murder or that Corodono may have
started it with a view Of giving him
excuse for carrying out his orders from
the Malta.
Battalia Feared Trouble.
Battalia left his room at SIS Western
avenue shortly after $3.50 o'clock, sup
posedIy to go to a meeting on Thirty
seventh avenue. That he feared trou-
BILE is evidenced by the fact that he
carried a loaded revolver and also took
a stiletto from beneath his pillow,
where it had laid undisturbed for
weeks.
This was the last seen alive of Bat
Italia.
Battalia is thought to have met some
supposed friend near his home and
the Franklin avenue bridge, where he
met his death. While walking with
him the assassin is believed by the po-
lice to have stolen UP behind him and
stabbed him several times before he
could resist.
Battalia is believed to have got his
knife into play and given his two op-
ponents a fierce battle. His knife has
disappeared, but another knife, which
Ia. - ~ AZ.
was found near the dead body.
Battalia was not identified until ear
ly yesterday morning, when his brother
Philippe Battalia, and his partner, Da-
vid Piazza, called at the county
morgue Piazza was thunderstruck
when he saw his partner lying dead on
the slab and Immediately vowed VEN
geance upon the man who committed
the deed. .
When Piazza heard Of the develop
ments in st. Paul he Immediately came
to this city and spent the entire after
noon and night, aiding the police in
their search.
81 would just like to get Corodoho
myself. I wouldn't care what they did
with me afterward," he declared. Just
once, and then he would have VEN
geance." +.
Late last night the police secured a
clue to second man supposed to be
implicated In the murder but whose
identity is not known. They learned
from a street car conductor that at an
early hour yesterday morning a man
with bandaged hand boarded a Min
neapolis car at the corner Of Ninth and
Wabasha streets.
His description does not answer that
of Corodono and he Is supposed to be
the man who aided Corodono in getting
to some hiding place, after they had
committed the murder.
Wanted to Be an American.
Battalia, the victim, was twenty
three years Of age, and was a young
man of good habits. He was anxious
to learn English and adopt the ways
of this country. He was eager to re-
nounce his allegiance to Italy, and, an
application for his admission to- the
Masonic order was found on his per-
son, although he was supposed to have
been a Catholic in his rearing. He
came to Minneapolis about three years
ago penniless, but by industry and
frugality had made a living and was
fairly prosperous for a young man Of
his class.
PHILIPPE Battalia, brother with
whom he he'd some differences, lived at
1908 Western avenue. When Philippe
was Informed of the murder he at first
declared: Il don't give damn if he
isl but later broke down and cried bit
terly. His remark aroused suspicion
in the minds of the police, who imme
diately took him to headquarters where
he was questioned.
Although seemingly reticent con-
corning his brothers disappearance and
uncommunicative when questioned re-
garding any secret order to which he
might have belonged, Philippe talked
freely concerning his movements on the
last day of the murder and convinced
the authorities that he was not impli
Gated.
His expression is believed to be due
to the fact that he knew but little Eng
lish and employed an ejaculation, the
meaning of which he did not realize.
Coroner U. G. Williams has an
nounced that he will hold an inquest
Saturday morning, at which time all
who can throw any light on the matter
will be called. BY this time, however, it
is expected that Corodono will be under
arrest.
VITnDD MANJU IInTTnC tn