The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1903-04-10
TIE MALTA IN NEW YORK.

1t seems that New York is destined to
undergo the fearful experience of New
Orleans a few years back from this
criminal secret society of Italians.
They have already begun their work
in that city and other parts Of the
state. The society has dropped the
name of Malta and assumed hat of
"Carbonari." Their work so far has
been confined to blackmailing-writing
letters demanding certain sums of mon
ey on pain of death. AS most of the
persons selected as victims up to this
time have been Italians who knew the
Malta and all it's bloody workings, they
have generally complied with the re-
quests. Some of the letters have been
put in the hands of the authorities and
there is a determination to break up
the society.
1t is still fresh in the memory of most
people what a reign of terror there
was in New Orleans before the Malta
was stamped out there: how some of
best men of the city were assassinat-
ed for daring to attempt to destroy this
lawless body and bring it's members to
just punishment and how the ambush
ing of the chief of police and several
others resulted in the rising of the peo-
pie who took the law into their own
hands and with shot gun and rifle put
an end for ever to the existence of the
Malta in that city. 1t was a bloody
piece of work. but it was necessary
for the self-preservatiOn of the citizens.
The law had no power to protect them
Now this same society or one similar
in the desperate. lawless character OF
its members has sprung up in New
York city with ramiications through
out the state. If its record becomes
as bloody as the n of New Orleans
What will our northern brethren do?
When they find that the Carbonari is
detective proof and above the law will
they allow it to continue in their midst
or will they profit by the wholesome
lesson, taught by the Louisianians? It
is probable they will be called upon to
make a decision at no greatly distant
date.
This new society is a result of the
enormous immigration of late of the
worst elemen of Italians-thieves.
murderers and brigands.
The New York Herald. speaking of
this new society says:
AS a result of the recent influx of
scores of thousands of Italian immi-
grants. and with them brigands who
have been driven from their native
provinces, efforts are being made to
transplant to American soil some of the
most pernicious of Italian institutions.
Against this the police of New York
and suburban cities will unite their
forces.
italian outlaws have created a sOci-
ETY. of a secret nature, having for its
object the levying of bIackmail, the vic
Tins being their own countrymen, who
knowing their methods, are willing to
pay for immunity from other persecu-
ton. These brigands have been par
ticularly active in Westchester county.
Three alleged members of the secret
society have been arrested. and if their
identity is established they will be Sc
verely punished.
In this city it is said the society has
also been active, though here it oper-
ates more automatically than in the
country. and it is even more difficult
for the police to cope with them. In
spectOr McClusky is determined to put
q stop To their work, and he has the
advantage of having as an assistant
detective Sergeant Petrosino. whom ne
regards as one OF the most able OF his
staff.
Wealthy Italians all over New York
and in nearby cities have received let
tiers signed President In these letters
the demand is made for sums varying
from $25 TO 500, and directions are Civ
en- for the method of payment. Death
is to be the penalty of refusal.
Chief of Police Timmons. of New
Rochelle. has received many letters
from the Italians who have been threat
ened. In many cases he has been told
that the money has been paid. Prom
1nent Italians have told him that the
society is composed of the most danger
u characters who have been driven
from Italy"