Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-04-19
FEAR OF BLACK HAND
Home of Local. Merchant
Thought to Be in Danger.
POLICE DETAIL ON GUARD
Supposed Connection With Trial of
Lanasa in Baltimore.
NOTES RECEIVED LAST WINTER
Precautions Taken for Protection Of
Children of MI. and Mrs. Vim
cenzo Di Georgia.

! Vincenzo Di Georgia, member OF the
firm of Joseph Di Georgia & Bro. fruit
dealers on louisiana avenue Is said to be
| again in fear of an attack by members
of the Black Hand. and he has called
| on the police for protection. His home
600 Nj street, is being constantly guard
| ed by the police, members of the second
precinct being on duty there day and
night. 1t is when Di Georgia is away from
home that he is most apprehensive re-
garding the safety of his home, wife and
| children.
1t is said that members of the Black
Hand are incensed as a result of the trial
Of Antonio Lanasa in Baltimore FOR al
legged responsibility for what was done
letters received by the two brothers en-
braced demands for cash-that sent to the
resident OF Baltimore demanding S1o.-
coo. while the letter received by Vincenzo
mentioned $1,000 as the amount neces-
sary to prevent violence at the hands of
the organization. 1t is explained that the
brother in Baltimore is possessed of great
or wealth than the one in this city. and
the writer of the letters probably consfd-
cred their financial standing before send
ing the letters. 1t is said that but little
attention was paid to the letters until
the attempt to wreck the house at Wal
brook was made. Then the affair took
q serious turn and the Baltimore police
found plenty to do in making the in
veStigatiOn Which resulted in the arrest
of Lanasa and others. The Baltimore trial
has been consuming most of the time of
two judges of the criminal court In Bal
timOre for more than q week and, 1t Is
thought. will last all of next week. Vim
cenzo Di Georgia has received new let.
ters from the Black Hand making addi-
tional demands for money.
Belief of the Police.
It is believed by members OF the police
department who have been doing duty
about the NJ street house that they were
called upon because some members of
the organization have been busy as q
result of what has come to light during
the progress of the trial of LanAsa. An
effjgy of j. Henry Miller. foreman of the
jury. was found last Tuesday morning
Falls. Many Italian workmen are en-
ployed In the vicinity Of the bridge. and
a number Of them were alarmed when
they reached their place of employment
that morning. All disclaimed knowledge
Vincenzo Di Georgia displayed much
anxiety when he called to see the police
several days ago.
y would like to have. my house guard
ed he said.
Capt. Sullivan of thu second precinct
directed that man remain on duty in
the vicinity of the NJ street house the
entire twenty-four hours of each day
until further orders. Inspector Boardman.
acting chief of police. approving the de-
TAIL The guard was doubled for short
while last night. but the writer's of the
Black Hand letters did not materialize.
1t is said extra precautions are being
taken TO guard the children of Mr.. and
Mrs. Di Georgia when they are on the
streets In the neighborhood of their home,
fear being entertained that an effort may
be made 10 kidnap them.
Statement by Lanasa.
For several days Lanasa sat in court
and heard what Joseph Di Georgia and
others had to say about his alleged move
meuts the early part of last winter.
Lanasa told the story of his life. He had
but little education he said. and plenty
hard work Asked to tell the court and
jury of his earthly possessions he re-
sponded: u have $4,000 eight children
and one wife
Lanasa told the Jury that he had re-
ceived Black Hand letter the same as
had Di Georgia. He had known Di
Georgia for about ten years. and they
had been>en friendly terms until the time
of his arrest for alleged conspiracy. He
said he mad received letter demanding
5000. while that received by Di Georgia
contained demand for $4,000.
II told Di Georgia of the letter I had
received" A-anasa declared. land sug-
gested that he pay them both as he had
more money than I had
The defendant made sweeping denial
of the charge Of conspiracy. and also
denied That ne was on the street the day
after the explosion singing a song which
referred 20 persons from that part Of Italy
from which Di Georgia had come as being
Holsters.
The trial will be resumed tomorrow
morning, and in the meanwhile the police
here will remain on duty in the vicinity
OF the NJ street house and endeavor to
protect VincenZo Di Georgia and his
family.
Bicycle Policeman Hughlett was on
duty in front o. the house from 4 O'Clock
yesterday afternoon until midnight. He
was relieved by Pol .ceman George V.
Johnson at midnight
-rrnnr~rr n4cn Yn, ~ -~~x Avn