The Barrel Mystery

  CHAPTER XXIV

  METHODS OF BLACKMAILING

  A threatening letter is sent to a proposed victim. Immediately afterthe letter is delivered by the postman Morello just "happens" to be inthe vicinity of the victim to be, and "accidentally" meets thereceiver of the letter.

  The receiver knows of Morello's close connections with Italianmalefactors, and, the thing being fresh in mind, calls Morello'sattention to the letter.

  Morello takes the letter and reads it. He informs the receiver thatvictims are not killed off without ceremony and just for the sake ofmurder.

  The "Black-Hand" chief himself declares he will locate the man whosent the letter, if such a thing is possible, the victim neversuspecting that the letter is Morello's own. Of course, the letter isnever returned to the proposed victim. By this cunning procedure noevidence remains in the hand of the receiver of the letter should hewish to seek aid from the police.

  Also, Morello is in this way put in close touch with the mentalattitude of the receiver of the letter, and he is in a position totell whether the receiver will go to the police or not.

  Morello thus can tell whether to proceed with further threats; he canalso tell what manner of threat is most likely to persuade thereceiver of the letter to part with his money.

  The threat may be the stealing of his little child or the blowing upof his store or the horrible invitation to expect swift and suddendeath from a knife thrust in the dark.

  Morello was practically the first man to make this manner of blackmaila commercial success in this country.

  Here are a few samples of letters taken by the Secret Service men fromMorello's house when he was arrested on the charges upon which he wasconvicted of counterfeiting United States money. It was for theseletters also that the offer of $500 was made in part.

  The letter which follows had been sent through the mail to LiborioBataglia, at No. 13 Prince Street, New York City. Morello had got theletter back in the usual way that I have just explained. It reads inthe English translation from the Sicilian as follows:

  "MR. BATAGLIA:

  "Do not think that we are dead. Look out for your face; a veil won't help you. Now is the occasion to give me five hundred dollars on account of that which you others don't know respect that from then to now you should have kissed my forehead I have been in your store, friend Donate how you respect him he is an ignorant boob, that I bring you others I hope that all will end that when we are alone they give me no peace as I deserve time lost that brings you will know us neither some other of the Mafia in the future will write in the bank where you must send the money without so many stories otherwise you will pay for it."

  Here is another letter that had been sent through the mails andobtained by Morello in the usual manner. It bears a Brooklyn postmarkand is dated September 21, 1908. It was addressed to Rosario Oliveri,27 Stanton Street. It reads in the translation from the Sicilian:

  "DEAR FRIEND:

  "Beware we are sick and tired of writing to you to the appointment you have not come with people of honor. If this time you don't do what we say it will be your ruination. Send us three hundred dollars with people of honor at eleven o'clock Thursday night. There will be a friend at the corner of 15th Street and Hamilton Ave. He will ask you for the signal. Give me the word and you will give him the money. Beware that if you don't come to this order we will ruin all your merchandise and attempt your life. Beware of what you do.

  "M. N."

  Here is a polite invitation to a proposed victim that he very kindlydispense with his money. It reads:

  "FRIEND:

  "The need obliges us to come to you in order to do us a favor. We request, Sunday night, 7th day, at 12 o'clock you must bring the sum of $1000. Under penalty of death for you and your dears you must come under the new bridge near the Grand Street ferry where you will find the person that wants to know the time. At this word you will give him the money. Beware of what you do and keep your mouth shut...."

  I summoned a great many of the people to whom these letters were sentand asked them to tell who they met and how much money they gave tothe "Black-Handers." But invariably these people, some of whom I knewwere victims, would deny that they had met any person in answer to theletter, and they would also deny that they ever thought of giving anymoney to appease the wrath of the "Black-Hand" Society.