METHODS OF BLACKMAILING
A threatening letter is sent to a proposed victim. Immediately after
the letter is delivered by the postman Morello just "happens" to be in
the vicinity of the victim to be, and "accidentally" meets the
receiver of the letter.
The receiver knows of Morello's close connections with Italian
malefactors, and, the thing being fresh in mind, calls Morello's
attention to the letter.
Morello takes the letter and reads it. He informs the receiver that
victims are not killed off without ceremony and just for the sake of
murder.
The "Black-Hand" chief himself declares he will locate the man who
sent the letter, if such a thing is possible, the victim never
suspecting that the letter is Morello's own. Of course, the letter is
never returned to the proposed victim. By this cunning procedure no
evidence remains in the hand of the receiver of the letter should he
wish to seek aid from the police.
Also, Morello is in this way put in close touch with the mental
attitude of the receiver of the letter, and he is in a position to
tell whether the receiver will go to the police or not.
Morello thus can tell whether to proceed with further threats; he can
also tell what manner of threat is most likely to persuade the
receiver of the letter to part with his money.
The threat may be the stealing of his little child or the blowing up
of his store or the horrible invitation to expect swift and sudden
death from a knife thrust in the dark.
Morello was practically the first man to make this manner of blackmail
a commercial success in this country.
Here are a few samples of letters taken by the Secret Service men from
Morello's house when he was arrested on the charges upon which he was
convicted of counterfeiting United States money. It was for these
letters also that the offer of $500 was made in part.
The letter which follows had been sent through the mail to Liborio
Bataglia, at No. 13 Prince Street, New York City. Morello had got the
letter back in the usual way that I have just explained. It reads in
the 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 and
obtained by Morello in the usual manner. It bears a Brooklyn postmark
and 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 kindly
dispense 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 sent
and asked them to tell who they met and how much money they gave to
the "Black-Handers." But invariably these people, some of whom I knew
were victims, would deny that they had met any person in answer to the
letter, and they would also deny that they ever thought of giving any
money to appease the wrath of the "Black-Hand" Society.