davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times., 1907-05-12
Threats Are Carried Out.

One after the other nearly all Of
the threats were carried out just as
the letters said they would be. one
New York man was murdered in his
home, another in his store, and a
third was shot down in the street by
q hidden assassin. Half dozen
children disappeared from their
es-kidnaped-and some Of these
have never been found, murdered. pro
badly. and their little bodies thrown
into the river. A bomb blew out the
front OF one victims house and the
homes and stores Of others were fired
All these crimes and scores OF 9TH
ers like them have been committed
in New York and Brooklyn in the
past four years. Only few days
ago Viago Mardone. a wealthy Ital-
ian. was fatally wounded in his room
IN Brooklyn. He had disregarded a
Black Hand warning. He felt him
self secure in his home, with heavy
furniture backed against the locked
doors and windows Of his room. In
the morning. he was found in his bed
with bullet in his lungs.
The Washington times., 1907-05-12

November 1s-James Rosa stab
bed in his home in Trenton, n. J.
December salvatore Guil-
lano at 331 Stanton street, New
York, wrecked by a bomb.
December 11-Salyatore Ster-
lozza shot to death at 2o6 For
syth street. New York.
December 12-Frank Massa
shot TO death in his home in
Bath Beach. while celebrating his
birthday.
December 13-Bomb thrown in
tenement at 500 East Twenty
ninth street, New York.
December 13-George Rrucato.
of 3s Stanton street, New York.
kidnapped.
December 16-Bomb thrown in
tenement at 122 Mott street.
1907.
January 2-Pasquale Mezetti,
of 139 Mulberry street lured to
Jersey City and stabbed sixty
times.
January 2e-Building occupied
~ an Italian grocer at Oyster
Bay wrecked by a bomb.
January 3O-Tenement at 343
East Twenty-fourth street, New
York, wrecked by a bomb.
February s-Judge Robert Cor
tese, of Paterson, killed, and his
sou, Robert, badly injured by an
Internal machine sent by express;
his office wrecked
February 19-Bomb exploded in
tenement 326 East Sixty-irst
street. New York, throwing 125
persons into panic and wreck
ing the hallway.
April % Nisgo Mardone.
Brooklyn. fatally shot.
The Washington times., 1907-05-12
The Moon a Lost Continent in the SKY
By GARRETT P. SERVISS

r HE romance Of lost Atlantis IS
outdone by that Of a far greater
| continent than Atlantis. which,
If certain calculations can be
trusted. once covered the area
at present occupied by the Pacific
Ocean. and is now rolling serenely
through the sky in the form Of our
good friend of the night. the moon.
This is not the first time that the
suggestion has been made that the
moon sprang inro being from the site
OF the Pacific Oceoa. but much weight
has recently been given to this startl-
ing hypothesis ~ facts and cslcula-
lations put forth by Professor william
c. Pickering. The whole thing might
be called moon hoax but for the
distinguished abilities and high scien-
ttfic rank OF those who are responsible
for the hypothesis on which Il Is based.
The story begins with the mathe
NAUTICAL calculations of Professor
George Darwin. in 1879. when he
proved that the moon was once a part
Of the earth, and was separated from
il In, a remote period in the past
when our planet was still in 9 semi
plastic condition and was rotating
with tremendous speed. Through the
combined effects OF centrifugal force
and the tidal action of the sun.
portion of the earths mass was sepa-
rated from the main body. The sepa-
rated portion, in consequence OF what
Darwin calls tidal friction" then be-
gan gradually to retire from the earth
in "A spiral curve. at the same time
concentrating under the effects Of
gravity into a globular form. The
globe thus formed became the moon.
As soon as Darwin's hypothesis was
The Washington times., 1907-05-12

mass threw It of. tearing and leaving
an enormous gap. into which welled up
the molten rock of the heated core.
But the lava did not completely or
permanently fill the cavity, and in the
course o. time. as the earth cooled. IL
was occupied by the waters of the Pa
cific Ocean
II there had been any germs Of life
upon the earth at the moment wnen
the separation took place. some OF
them would have been carried of to
develop subsequently on the moon.
Geology finds no indication OF the ex-
istence Of life on the earth until a
period far later than that when the
moon is supposed to have been thrown
OF.
Nevertheless. the chemical elements
contained in the mass that was sepa-
rated from the earth would have COM
prised all those which afterward be-
came combined into organic existences
on the mother planet. and. supposing
similar conditions 10 nave existed on
the moon. they might eventually have
given rise 10 living things there also.
SO, our escaped continent in the sky
may once have possessed (even If il
no longer has them creatures akin
in physical nature 20 the inhabitants
OF the world, which they abandoned
long before their birth into conscious
existence
An item of this catastrophal his
tory which appeals strongly to the
Imagination is the fact that the Pa
cific Ocean is trimmed with volcanoes
Nearly all the great volcanoes and
volcanic regions Of the earth are
closely associated with the great circle
Of its shores.
The Washington times., 1907-05-12

found to be well based upon mechani-
cal laws. the question arose whether
the earth might not still exhibit some
mark or the great catastrophe. Such
a mark. II was thought. might be
found in The shape OF a terrestrial
globe. and the vast basin Of the Pa
cihc Ocean seemed to answer very
well TO the appearances which a plan
etary wound Of that kind ought u
present
Professor Darwin's hypothesis is cor
rect. Prof. Pickering now shows.
by the collection Of many known facts,
that the basin of the Pacific possesses
about the proper shape situation and
size required to satisfy the conditions
provided that we assume that that
continental mass.
Such a continent would have possess
ed enough matter to form a globe OF
the size and density Of the moon. The
noon II is to be remembered. has only
about one-eightieth of the mass and
about one-hftieth OF the size of the earth
Moreover. the average density OF the
moon Is about the same as that which
the rocks of a continent like the one de-
scribed would have possessed.
According 10 Professor Pickering
view. the earth had a practically solid
crust at the time when the moon was
thrown of. while its interior was either
actually liquid or simply maintained in
a quasi solid state by pressure and
ready TO become liquid as soon as the
pressure should be relieved. At a criti-
cal moment the centrifugal force oper-
ating upon the vast Pacific continental
The Washington times., 1907-05-12
SOME OF THE RECENT CRIMES
TRACED TO THE BLACK HAND

February 14-Residence of John
di Lessia aI 152 Twentieth street,
Brooklyn, wrecked by bomb.
February 15--Rev. Charles Pa.
ducah, Catholic priest at Free
land, Pa, murdered.
February 22-Mr. and Mrs. Car.
man Riga, of 10 East 22Oth street,
New York, stabbed in their home.
May 11-Carmine Lemmio killed
at 1o7 Navy street, Brooklyn.
May 2s-Peter Gillio, butcher,
murdered in Brooklyn.
July 19-Donato Sarrillo shot
and killed at New Rochelle, y. Y.
September 3-Convollo Pelli-
cone killed at 1868 Hoffman
street, New York.
September Joe Grasso killed
at Third and Goerck streets, New
York.
September 23-Antonio Paul
murdered at All East Tooth
street, New York.
September 27-Tenement at 215
johnson street, Brooklyn,
wrecked by bomb.
September 2s-Home of Saliva
tore Campisi at $40 East Sixty
third street, New York, wrecked
by a bomb.
September 29-Joseph Restrifo
hacked to death with a hatchet
at New Rochelle.
Octobec 12-JOhn Rocco and
Giovanns Veterelli stabbed at los
Hester street.
November 4-Tailor shop of
Francesca Messina at $50 Bush
wick avenue, Brooklyn, wrecked
by a bomb.
November Tenement at 3a
Stanton street, New York
wrecked by a bomb.
The Washington times., 1907-05-12
The sOcIety,s First Victim.

The first victim OF the Black Hand
was Francisco Bissell, a wealthy
young medical student. who was COM
manded by threatening letters TO XIII
MS father and mother and sister.
After committing the deed he was TO
hand over the sum OF 5000 francs
The young fellow was given twenty
four hours in which 20 commit the
murders. and al the end OF that time
II became known that he had not
obeyed the commands Of the letter.
The next day ne mysteriously disap-
peared and his body was discovered
some months later at the bottom OF
wen with a circular belonging 20 the
Black Hand tightly clutched in his
right hand More threatening letters
were then sent TO the boys parents.
and at last IN despair they were COM
PEELED 10 leave the country.
The Washington times., 1907-05-12

~ My eight years ago the
4 first letter of the Black
~ Hand made its appearance
In New York city. This letter, as
have all the hundreds that have been
written since, contained the de-
mand for money or the threat of
violence to the person addressed.
Money or we will murder you!"
Money or we will kidnap your
children" Money or we will blow
you and your home to bits!"
These threats seldom fail, for the
victims, who are mainly Italians
who have prospered and have the
money to pay, have gradually
found out that the members of the
murderous band mean what they
,ay, and will surely carry out their
threats unless the tribute is
promptly handed over. When the
6rst letters were received they
-ere not taken so seriously. There
- cranks of all classes who write
'lreatening letters, and the Ital-
~ of wealth first to receive the
- dreaded Black Hand missives,
III their rude skull and cross
,es drawings, paid little heed to
:. IN. But they didn't let the let
tiers 90 uncOncernedly for long
The Washington times., 1907-05-12
Severe Punishment in Italy.

II is not hard 20 explain the pres
ence OF many Of the Black Hand in
the United States. This Is Fl Dorado
10 an Italian. The peasants still be
lieve that they can come here and
pick up gold in the streets. They also
know that there is no torture here by
gendarmes in secret dungeons. and no
system of passports and espionage In
Italy. when a man is arrested and
even sentenced 20 one days imprison-
nent only. he Is compelled 20 report
daily at police headquarters at the
end OF each day. Thereby ne proves
The Washington times., 1907-05-12
Assassins Growing BoIder.

Gradually. despite the utmost ef-
forts Of the police. aided by Italian
detectives in whom they have conf
dence. the assassins are growing bold
err When a crime is to be planned,
its proposed perpetrators meet in The
place leas. likely to arouse suspicion.
Its headquarters are anywhere and
everywhere that the criminal ele-
ments Of the immigrants congregatv.
and no one is safe once the Black
Hand singles him out.
1t IS estimated by the New York DO
lice that the assassins have wrung
from their victims half a million dol
lars and property worth $4,000 mas
been wrecked or burned in that city
alone since the outrages began. Last
January TIE society got to work at
Oyster Bay. the summer home OF
President Roosevelt. Receiving $50
money they dynamited the store Of
their victim almost at the front Ell
trance OF the Sycamore Hill estate.
II February Justice Cortese. OF Pat
ersop, n. J. was killed because ne
was an enemy of the murderous Sc
cret society.
The Black Hand is not the only
secret society OF criminals now operat-
ng IN TINS country. There are also
the Mahs and the Reds. The Malta.
however, seek only their enemies.
while the Reds are looking for rulers
and capitalists only The Black Hand
wars on m:nor personages for money
and nothing else. Thousands belong
to the Black Hand TO scores in the
Maia and Dozens in the Reds
~ -
How Victims Are Approached.
The marked victim generally gets
four letters. The first is signed with
The Washington times., 1907-05-12
First Leader a Bandit.

About thirty-five years ago the So
ciety OF the Black Hand was first or
ganized in the city Of Palermo. capt.
tai of Sicily, by Cappucia Saggucenni,
The Washington times., 1907-05-12

they are placed upon q chair filed with
sharp spikes II they still refuse 10
divulge the information asked for.
they are logged with q whiplash until
the blood spurts. Screws are then
fitted 10 the wrists. and. with the
hands tightly closed. the pressure is
not relieved until the bones in the
hands and wrists are almost crushed.
y x
Silence Drove Him Mad.
II they still continue 20 keep silent,
they are cast into a dungeon twenty
five feet beneath the surface of the
ground. There they set black bread
and water once a day They are kept
closely confined for three days. when
The Washington times., 1907-05-12

they are brought out and placed in
stocks in which II is impossible 70
move hand or foot Splinters % ham
boo are then driven into the flesh be
Meath the nails with a maiiet- This
work is done by the gendarmes. sta
tistics show that but one man could
continue his silence, and he died two
!. -eeks later. raving maniac.
The Washington times., 1907-05-12
APPALLING List of Recent
Grimes Sho1gs Spread of
the Italian assassin Society
IN This Colu1try---F FIFTY
Gangs Whose Members
Are Pledged to Kill for
Money KnO70n to Exist.

IT He amazing reDeLations brought out by the trial at
Wakesbar-e Pa, of thirteen men charged 4URh
crimes committed members of The Italian BLACK
Hand Society may qUeH inspire La1oa6ding American c-
TO seriously ask the question: oeU far Is this t6fnQ
to go1 What be done to check this n1aiqn spirit of
oo10any greed for money that stops not at v5olencc and
n,urderr'
sho0n at the trial that there are not less than
fifty societies of The 'ack Hand in this country. Tie
organization ouriShes 4vhereb there are number of
Italians, a1org thousands of dollars from the pockets of
its UctiS and LeaUng in its trail of blood and
terror.
The Washington times., 1907-05-12

Black Hand suspects IN Italy. They
are first dipped into salt water well,
suspended by the ankles. This oper-
alton Is continued for an hour. Then
The Washington times., 1907-05-12

G notorious bandit from the fast
nesses of the interior. He went among
the poorer classes. melting them TO
better their position by making de-
mands for sums OF money from the
successful merchants OF that city.
The first members OF the Black Hand
were anarchists. and the next branch
10 spring from IL was the much
dreaded Mahs. but in the year 1850
those two organizations quarreled over
none matters
II '~as at this time that SaEgucenni
appeared on the scene and was quickly
heralded as a leader At that time
Italy was poverty-stricken. and the
entire wealth OF the country was in
the hands OF a selected few. Labor
ers were paid at the rate OF 10 TO Z
cents per day and were compelled 20
toll from sunrise to sunset He got
plenty OF converts
When Saggucenni first organized his
band OF cutthroats in Palermo he sent
agents 10 all the smaller cities and
towns until he had completed his or
ganizaticn. Each year now II Is es-
tinated that more than 1000 900 francs
are wrung from the wealthy classes OF
Italy.
The Washington times., 1907-05-12
SWOrd of DamOCLeS
Hangs Over Europe
By DR.. MAX NORDAU.

II UROPE viii not be able very
r much longer TO escape a great
and violent rending asunder Of
IFS uarfo-affrfas
The Washington times., 1907-05-12

How Victims Are Approached.
The marked victim generally gets
four letters. The first is signed with
The Washington times., 1907-05-12

Wy eight years ago the
first letter of the Black
Hand made its appearance
The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-05-10

city. The News-Democrat. that you
should by your subscription and the send
ing TO the Labor Editor OF news ftems7
II you are not doing this you are not fair
to yourself, your union or to U.S. Think
this matter over now, brother. and each
and every one resolve that they will at
least secure one other brother to, hand
In their name to the Labor Editor. Ths
more names we secure the better labor
paper we will be able to make. This pa
per is the only one In the CITY having
the endorsement of the Central Labor
union. and the only paper which Is striv-
ing to help labor interests. Now. don't
let IL all be on one side. Show that you
appreciate our efforts TO help by buying
the paper. Buy the paper yourself and
urge your fellow shopmates TO buy It.
1t Is united efforts which tell the story.
We want the united efforts OF the labor
men OF Providence and the Blackstone
Valley to make the News-Democrat y
power Yor good for trade unionism. You
can do this by spending one cent a day
for the cause. VIII you do It?
The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-05-10
CLASSICAL HIGH
SCHOOL SENIORS
ENJOY DANCE

The Classical High school was, last
night the scene OF much gayety and en-
joyment the occasion being the annual
dance AZ the senior class OF that school.
The stairwaye and corridors covered as
they were with rugs and sofa cushions.
contributed 10 the enjoyment Of those who
wished to sit out any dances.
The assembly hall OF the school was
ta@tily decorated with ferns, palms and
other potted plants behind which on the
platform, the petronesses, Mrs. William
T. Peck, Mrs. Horace ID. Jacobs. Mrs.
Herbert f. Drake and Mrs. Arthur IL
Berry, received the young people.
A large but comfortable attendance IN
number about 300, danced an order OF is
dances, lasting until II o'clock and at
hour the gathering dispersed.
The committee in charge consisting OF
Kefty ". Pearson, r q. Hathaway, Gar
trude ID. Law, Ferry 3. Newell and MIL
dred Mason is TO be congratulated upon
the successful manner In which the az
fair was conducted.
Among those present were Miss Grace
Ffdler, Olive Russell Ruth Kettlety.
Edith Lawton, Julia Laight Christine
Walker. Nita Little. Lucia Angel, Mr..
Louis DeBlois Bartlett, Richard Fink.
Horward Andrews. William Barrows. J..
Malcolm Torr, Chester Chaplin, Harold
Tinney, Ned Hancock. Clarence Stevens,
Earle Horton and George Capron.
Much credit 10 duo to Mr.. Keith N.
Pearson, chairman OF the committee. up
on whose shoulders most OF the work fell.
The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-05-10
R. | COMPANY
TRACK RENEWALS
COST s398,332

The summer track renewals OF the
Rhode Island company within or near the
city limits Of Providence will cost $685.,
332 according to the advance estimates.
Before the construction season n ended 1s
miles OF track Will have new and heavier
rails and be reconstructed throughout.
The new rails will ell be Of 1o% pounds
weight to the yard. and in the main Il
replaces rail weighing but 81 pounds to
the yard On Broad street part OF the
old rail was 30 pounds, apd North Main
street had the same.
The following are the sections Of track
selected for renewal this summers
On Broad street, from Prairie avenue TO
Pawtuxet. A,710 feet, double track meas
Broad street to Ocean street. 1850 feet:
leO feet Ocean street. from Thprber's
avenue to Public street, 2545 feeti Friend
ship street. from Portland 70 CHESTNUT
streets, 3o2o feet; Plainfield street, from
Pocasset avenue to city line: 500 feet,
Hartford avenue, from Merfno street TO
Killingly street, 800 feet; Manton ave.
nue.. from Olneyville square TO city line,
1880 feet: Bradford street, Federal
stret, to Atwells avenue, 80 feet; At
wells avenue from railroad bridge 10
Academy avenue 424o feet. double track,
noeasured as single; North Main street.
from Randall street 10 Eighth street.
70 2ND feet. double track. measured az sin-
ele. Randall street, from Charles street
70 North Main street. LOGS feet of single
track.
The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-05-10
Volcanic Panic

Messina, Sicily. May 1o--The eruption OF
Mt. Stromboli. the volcano on stromboli
island. In the Lipari group. was more
violent yesterday and apprehension Is
growing
The violence Of the present disturbance
is declared TO be without precedent. even
The oldest inhabitants OF the Lipsr ISL
ands not remembering such a threatening
condition Almost all the people of Strom-
boil island have made their escape. Ashes
from the volcano have destroyed every
thing on the island. Fears are held that
the entire island of stromboli may be
shattered ana eneulfed.
The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-05-10
State Convention.

Whereas, The Democratic state central
committee has been appealed to by citi-
gems OF this state TO provide means for
the holding OF a convention for the pro-
posaa OF a candidate to represent this
state in the United states senate,
Now, Therefore, 10 that end, state
convention TO propose a capable represen-
tat1ve Rhode Islander as a candidate for
United States senator, and to take such
lawful action as shall be deemed essen-
tion TO securing the choice OF such can.
didate by tho general assembly, and for
the transaction OF any other business that
may legally come before II, hereby is
called 10 meet In Music HAM, in The city OF
Providence, Rhode Island. on Wednesday,
the twenty ty-second day of May. 1907, at IL
o clock in the forenoon.
CAUCUSBS BY MAY %.
city and town committees OF the Demo-
cratic party hereby are notified to call
caucuses for the election OF delegates to
saAd convention equal in number to twice
the representation TO which their reepeo-
tive cities and towns are now entitled I'm
the general assembly, sHd-te invite to
partfcfpate in said caucuses all legally
qualified citizens Of the state interested
In forwarding the purposes OF the con-
ventfon, said caucuSes TO be held not
later than MONDAY, May 20. 1907 Officers
Of all caucuses 90 called are directed to
provide the delegates elected with cer-
hficates OF their election.
BY order Democratic state central COM
mittee,
FRANK r. FITZsrMMoNs.
PETER ]. GASKIN, Chairman.
Secretary.
Providence. April 30. 1907.
The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-05-10
COS. A B AND D
CANNOT co ON
TOUR OF PARTY

Brig. Gen. Tanner and other officers of
the Rhode Island National Guard, acting
In accord with Gov Higgins and Adjt--
Gen. Sackett. have decided that com
panies A, n and d will not be permitted
to take part In the tour OF duty at Fort
Adams, which will begin on July 7. These
companies are Of the First infantry. ana
at the recent inspections had not more
than 10 men on the rolls.
Gen. Tanner has no use for a command
unless II can show at least 10 men on the
rolls.
It il believed that this action H. but the
forerunner OF n movement which may re-
suit In either the disbandment OF at least
two OF the companies or their complete
REORGANIZATION.
The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-05-10
REAL CAUSE FOR
COMPLAINT

Some OF the French visitors to the Car
nesie institute are said 20 have been
offended by the playing OF die wacht
am Rhein." which they regarded as An
affront Now, IL they had been treated
10 Nothing from Nothing Leaves YOU
or some such indigenous selection, they
might have had cause for complaint
Pittsburg Dispatch.
The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-05-10
ITO SUFFRAGE"

In London the verb 'to suffrage" has
come into use. In Philadelphia a man
enjoying the rights and privileges guar
anteed by the machine would have 10
conjugats the verb to describe the vot-
ing done and contemplted by himself and
his friends during a municipal election
Louisville Courier-Journal.
The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-05-10
Runaway Boys Found at Yonkers

Patrick Rehin. aged H. OF 0 Heron
street. and James Miller OF similar age,
of se4 Grove street. this city. were pdc'oed
Ip by the police OF Yonkerw. N T., yes
teriay. Chief. Inspector Horton oane
notif,ed sent word to the parents OF the
h.oys and last evening the father OF ths
Rehfi iad went after the youngsters, who
had run away from home.
The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-05-10
DEMOCRATS OF SEVENTH
WARD MEET TONIGHT

There Wall be meeting Of the Seventh
Ward Democratic club at the rooms OF
the Eimwuod Boat cub nj 80 Potter ave-
nsss Chs evening at $50 O'Clock. AT the
meeting "details OF a permanent organdza-
ton will be perfected and an Informal DIS
cusAon OF preeeant political conditions.
Later rsfreshrnents will be served. The
committee In charge IL composed Of M. J..
Cooney. j. Slattery. John F. Manning. p.
r. Sweeney, Joseph Conneebey and DIR. NJ
J. Murphy.