The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1910-08-16
american News service)

New York, Aug. 16.-Domenico Bor-
gia, chevalier of the order of the crown
of Italy, sculptor and architect, one
of the most prominent members of the
Italian-American colony of New York
after appealing in vain for police pro-
lection from the Black Hand for near
ly year. has asked to be allowed to
protect himself. His pleas for assist
ance in running down the men Wild
have vowed to murder him, torture his
wife, and kidnap his children unless
he pays $1,000 having failed, he wants
permission to arm himself. He has
been referred from police official to
police official, and has been met with
promises Of help and that is all.
Mr.. Borgia who is known in every
public spirited enterprise in aid of
his compatriots in this country, is
head of the Borgia construction COM
pany at 1888 Broadway. He lives with
his wife and son and daughter-at 1sSth
street and Washington avenue. His
work in marble adorns many notable
buildings throughout the country. He
was one of the prime movers in the as
ISOLATION which erected the verraxaho
statue at the Battery during the Hud-
son-Fulton celebration. For his serv-
ices generally he was knighted few
months ago by King Victor Emanuel
and on August % he is to be the guest
at breakfast given in his honor by
the leading foreign business men of
the city. re
First Letter Last December.
Mr.. Borgia reluctantly consented
yesterday to tell of Che prosecutions he
and his family have undergone since
last December.
Il had left for Mexico last Decem-
ber," said Mr.. Borgia, when there
came to ny ONCE letter signed II
Mano Nera." demanding that I leave
81 900 on the new Brooklyn bridge I'M
der penalty of death. The letter was
written in an illiterate hand and was
full OF oaths and blasphemy. When
returned in March another letter came
In the same handwriting. making a
similar demand. paid no attention
to this; It did not brighten me. Twen-
ty-two years residence in this country
have taught me not to be frightened
by threats that might move some per-
sons to whom American Institutions
are strange.
AS q matter of 7precaution. I took
the two letters to the police. They
would look into It at once, the proper
squad would be put to work. in the
meantime must say nothing. I wait
ed. More letters came. almost month
ly. have received them nearly all
at my Office here. but one at my house.
Demand Increased to $4,000.
They have grown more threaten
Ing in tone at every number, and in
July they increased the demand from
$1,000 to $1,000. Here they are
Mr.. Borgia took from an envelope
seven letters, all signed I'll Mano
Nera." Two men appeared to have
written them and they were mailed
either at Station d or in Tomkins
Square. interviewer with threats of
death for the sculptor and his family
were fearful oaths and blasphemous
expressions.
Your time is growing short,s read
the letter received the latter part Of
July; you are walking into our trap.
We were watching you when you were
at the picnic of Signor Barsetti (allud-
ing to an entertainment given by the
editor OF 3 leading foreign paper). our
eyes are never away from you. Send
us $500 now or you viii know what
we mean"
The letter Of July 1, received after
q free interval, read:
so you thought We had forgotten
you: you thought we were through
with you- Well, we have had other