Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-03-25

vIrERBo. Italy, March 25.-The at
torneys for the defense flocked to the
Santa Maria in Gradi today to consult
with their clients on the counter-attack
to be made upon the informer Gennaro
Abbatemaggie when the trial Of the thir-
ty-six Camorrists Is resumed next Tues
day.
With q fine show Of indignation the &C.
cused declared that when permitted to
speak they would refute their former as
sociates Inventions During the re-
cital," they said. they had composed them
selves with great discretion In order not
to disturb the serenity Of the court. which
certainly must eventually acknowledge
their Innocence.
Abbatemagg1o's cleverness In telling his
story yesterday filed the Camorrists with
rage. Posing as q penitent prepared. If
need be. to- give his life in expiation Of his
crimes, the informer made a deep impress
sion. and the lawyers for the defense to-
day decided upon long list Of questions
to be put to him on characterization In
the hope Of discrediting his testimony.
The Cry of q Martyr.
The priest. Giro vitozzi. during the con-
ference with his lawyer. delivered to the
latter the memoirs which he has been
occupied in preparing during his confine-
ment. Placing the manuscript in the
hands OF his adviser, the priest said:
They are flesh Of my flesh. They are
the cry Of q martyr. whose spotless con-
science must appeal to Justice"
The memoirs contain q repetition OF
the jailers at Naples. who are described
ais worse than those OF the inQusition,"
and wind up with q eulosy Of the au-
thor. who appears to be consumed with
self-pity. His whole life. he says has
been devoted Ito retaining lost lambs to
the fold.
Gives Sensational Testimony.
The most sensational session Of the trial
of the Camorrists, who are charged with
the murder Of Gennaro Cuoccollo and his
wife, took place yesterday, when Gen.
naro Abbatemaggio, the former member
OF the murderous gang who turned states
evidence against his former brothers In
crime. took the stand. The courtroom
was crowded.
Abbatemaggio as he was Intercepted
stood outside his cage erect as though
challenging the world. He spoke aloud
| throughout, and endeavored TO give
strength to his arguments with dramatic
gestures. He described the organization
Of the Camorra, its degrees, pans and
modes of working. He said he knew
everything concerning the organization.
because ne was it's most active member
until 1907, and participated In all It's oar
ing enterprises.
The witness enumerated thefts ne ned
committed with Luigi Arena. who sat In
the big cage with the other prisoners,
Inns. Abbatemaggio recounted how Gio-
vanni Rapi. treasurer OF the Camorra'
was made receiver OF their stolen goods.
Proud to Be Camorrist.
When he reached the climax Of his tes-
timony Abbatemaggio summarized the
Camorra by saying:
sIt Is q filthy association"
Abbatemaggio said that a year after
he began his criminal career he was pro-
NOTED to be q Camorrist-a promotion
which sometimeA requires years to at
t then Just ST. a. ;. proud as I now am .shsm-
ed. am glad to be in prison, for de-
sire to expiate all the evil have done"
At the next sitting Of the court, Tues
day. Abbstemsgsio s. viii give e,t the entire
expected TO verify his assertions a. to
the eulpability OF those accused OF the
crime.
Claim He u Irresponsible.
Throughout his testimony yesterday
Abbatemaggio bore himself In Q dignined
manner. He was thoroughly absorbed
with his mission a. informer, and - he
re-entered his cage at the conclusion Of
the sitting he bowed to the jury as
though he were ascending throne
Abbatemaggio - fast becoming the
most conspicuous figure in the trial. He
has besn openly threatened with death 50
many times that he appears to have
nothing to lose now whether he holds to
his confession or repudiates It. His very
indifference, however, Is being used to
bolster " the claim that . ne !; IN. mentally
which be tells. However, the state
claims to haye gathered aufhoient avi-
dence TO prove the truth Of his assertions,
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