Monday, November 9, 2015

SHAKESPEARE THREATENED BY MAFIA, AND FRIENDLY SONS OF ST. PATRICK



Vigilantes break into prison in New Orleans.
The Cortland Democrat, Friday, March 20, 1891.

SHAKESPEARE THREATENED.

The New Orleans Mayor Hears From the Mafia—An English Opinion.
   NEW ORLEANS, March 18.—Mayor Shakespeare yesterday received a letter purporting to come from a committee of 3,000 Italians, notifying him that Parkerson, Wickliffe and himself must die at the hands of the aforesaid committee. The letter states that the chief assassins are not caught yet. The Chief of Police thinks all such letters are hoaxes.
   LONDON, March 18.—The Times, in an editorial on the New Orleans tragedy says:
   It is all very well to reprobate a resort to violence, but in such circumstances as these what way is there for emancipating the community from an intolerable tyranny excepting to resort to violence? The law requires trial by jury, and trial by jury has been reduced to a farce by the knowledge possessed by every juryman that if he convicts a member of the Mafia his life is not worth a week's purchase. It is really a misuse of language to speak of a resort to violence. The standing rule in New Orleans is the rule of violence and all that Mr. Parkerson and his followers have done is to accept the conditions prescribed by the Mafia. All law rests ultimately upon force, and when courts are dominated over by the criminals whom they exist to punish, nothing remains but to go back to first principles to effect their deliverance. Let lawless violence he abandoned, but qui messterues les assassins commencent. Among the men who were lynched there may have been some who did not actually fire at Hennessey. But, it is not pretended that there were any who were not members of a detestable society that decreed his death. That being the case it is impossible to feel any very acute distress, because in the midst of the violence they had rendered indispensable, they have been somewhat more severely punished than if they had been legally dealt with.

AN AWFUL VENGEANCE.
CITIZENS AVENGE THE MURDER OF CHIEF OF POLICE HENNESSY.
The Mafia Taught a Lesson—All Elements of New Orleans's Population
Unite, and in a Throng Lynch The Sicilian Assassins.
   NEW ORLEANS, March 14.—New Orleans struck the Mafia a death blow to-day. It rose in its might almost at midday, and wreaked a terrible vengeance upon the Sicilian assassins who relentlessly slew David C. Hennessy; and though there are eleven men dead to-night, who were happy yesterday over their victory in the greatest criminal trial the city has ever witnessed, the work of blood was accomplished without unnecessary disorder, without rioting, without pillaging and without infliction of suffering upon any innocent man, save one and he was only slightly hurt.
   It was not an unruly midnight mob. It was simply a solemn determined body of citizens who took into their own hands what justice had ignominiously failed to do. The chief of police was slain on October 15 last, and that very night the evidence began to accumulate, showing that his death had been deliberately planned by a secret tribunal and carried out boldly and successfully by the tools of the conspirators.
   The trial of the assassins lasted 25 days, and though the evidence seemed conclusive, the jury, currently charged with having been tampered with, failed to convict. Last night a body of cool-headed men, lawyers, doctors, merchants and political leaders all persons of influence and social standing, quietly met and decided that some action must be taken and the people's justice, swift and sure, visited upon those whom the jury had neglected to punish. This morning a call for a mass meeting at Clay square and Canal street appeared in the papers, which editorially deprecated violence. The significant closing sentence of the call was: "Come prepared for action!"
   Down in a large room on Bienville and Royal streets there was an arsenal which had been provided by the citizens. The call was answered by the populace. At 10 o'clock there was a crowd of several thousand anxious citizens congregated on the Square. They hardly knew what was going to happen; but they seemed ready to along with many of the lower element in the throng. A large proportion were the leading people of the town. There were a few addresses, short, pithy and business-like, and the assemblage, not unwillingly, was soon keyed up to a high pitch and became demonstrative in its denunciation of the assassins. Each speaker said there had been a great mass meeting months before, which had met quietly and dispersed peacefully, so that the law might take its course. The law had failed. The time to act had to come. W. S. Parkerson, the leader of the throng, is a prominent lawyer here, the president of the Southern Athletic club, and the man who led a vigorous city reform movement three years ago. The other speakers were Walter D. Denager, one of the leaders of the New Orleans bar, John C. Wickliffe, also a prominent attorney, and James D. Houston, one of the foremost men of the State.
   By this time the crowd had swelled to 3,000 or more, and before anyone could realize what had happened, the great thong, gaining recruits at every step, was trampling down the streets to the neighborhood of the prison, stopping only once, and that was at the arsenal where double-barreled shot guns, Winchester rifles and pistols were handed out to responsible and respectable citizens in the party.
   Capt. L. M. Davis was on guard at the main entrance with a scant force of deputies. They were swept away like chaff before the wind, and in an instant the little ante-room leading into the prison was jammed with eager, excited men. Meanwhile the prisoners were stricken with terror for they could hear the shouts of the people without madly demanding their blood. Innocent and guilty alike were frightened out of their senses, and the prisoners who were charged with crimes other than complicity in the murder of the chief also shared in the general demoralization. Some of the braver among the representatives of the Mafia wanted to die fighting for their lives, and they pleaded for weapons with which to defend themselves; and when they could not find these they sought hiding places.
   The deputies, thinking to deceive the crowd by a ruse, transferred the 19 men to the female department, and there the miserable Sicilians trembled in terror, until the moment when the doors yielded to the angry throng on the outside. Capt. Davis refused the demand to open the prison, and the crowd began battering in the doors. Around on Orleans street there was a heavy wooden door, which had been closely barred. This the crowd selected as their best place for getting in. Neighboring houses supplied axes and battering rams, and willing hands went to work to force an opening. This did not prove a difficult task to the determined throng. Soon there was a crash, the door gave way, and in an instant armed citizens were pouring through the small opening, while a mighty shout went up from ten thousand throats.
   “Go to the female department!” someone yelled; and thither the men with their Winchesters ran. But the door was locked.
   In a moment the key was produced. Then the leader called for someone who knew the right men. A volunteer responded and a door was thrown open. The gallery was deserted but an old woman said the men were upstairs. Seven or eight men quickly ascended the stairs and as they reached the landing the assassins fled down to the other end. Half a dozen followed them. Scarcely a word was spoken. When the pursued and pursuers reached the stone courtyard the former darted toward the Orleans side of the gallery and crouched down beside the cells. Their faces blanched, and being unarmed they were absolutely defenseless. In fear and trembling they screamed for mercy, but the avengers were merciless.
   Bang! bang! bang!
   So the reports of the weapons rang out, and a deadly rain of bullets poured into the crouching figures. Gerachi, the nearest man, was struck in the back of the head and his body pitched forward and lay immovable on the stone pavement. Romero fell on his knees, with his face in his hands, and in that position was shot to death. Monastero and James Caruso fell together, under the fire of half a dozen guns, the leaden pellets entering their bodies and heads, and the blood gushing from the wounds. Beneath the continuing fire Cometaz and Trahina, who had not been tried but who were charged jointly with the other accused, fell together. Their bodies were literally riddled with buckshot, and they were stone dead almost before the fusillade was over.
   When the group of assassins was discovered on the gallery, Macheca, Scoffedi and old man Marchesi separated from the other six and ran upstairs. The other half a dozen men followed them, and as the terror-stricken assassins ran into cells they were slain.
   Joe Macheca, who was charged with being the arch-conspirator, was a short, fat man and was summarily dealt with. He had his back turned when a shot struck him behind the ear, and his death was instantaneous. There was no blood from the wound, and when the body was found the ear was swollen so as to hide the wound. Scoffedi, one of the most villainous of the assassins, dropped like a log when a bullet hit him in the eye. Old man Marchesi was the only man not killed outright. He was struck on the top of the head while he stood beside Macheca, and though he was mortally wounded he lingered all the evening.
   Pallizi, the crazy man, was locked in a cell up stairs. The doors were flung open and one of the avengers shot him through the body. He was not killed outright, and in order to satisfy the people on the outside, who were crazy to know what was going on within, he was dragged down the stairs and through the doorway by which the crowd had entered. Half carried, half dragged, he was taken to the corner. A rope was tied around his neck and the people pulled him to the cross-bar of a lamp post. Not satisfied that he was dead, a score of men poured a volley of shot into [him] and for several hours the body was left dangling in the air.
   Bagnetto was caught in the first rush up stairs, and the first volley of bullets pierced his brain. He was pulled out by a number of stalwart men through the main entrance to the prison, and his body was suspended from the limb of a tree, although life was already gone.
   As soon as the bloody work was done, Mr. Parkerson addressed the crowd, and asked them to disperse. This they consented to do with a ringing shout, but first they made a rush for Parkerson, and, lifting him bodily, supported him on their shoulders while they marched up the street. The avengers came back in a body to Clay square, and then dispersed.
   O'Malley, the detective who would have shared the fate of the assassins if he had been caught, has disappeared, and is not expected to return; and members of the jury are in hiding. The atmosphere has been considerably purged, and though there is a big crowd on Canal street, to-night the trouble seems all over.
   The Coroner and a jury viewed the bodies of the victims this afternoon. The various exchanges this afternoon adopted resolutions maintaining that the deplorable administration of criminal justice in this city and the frightful extent to which bribery of juries has been carried rendered it necessary for the citizens of New Orleans to vindicate outraged justice and declaring the action of the citizens this morning to be proper and justifiable. The Stock Exchange expelled J. M. Seligman, who was foreman of the jury at the trial of the assassins.
   Marchesi died this evening. The Coroner's jury presented a simple finding. They did not say who shot the men.


M. F. Cleary in fireman's uniform.

FIRST ANNUAL BANQUET.

The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Have A Banquet—A Pleasant Event—A
Sumptuous Repast.
   Cortland people during the past decade have become so accustomed to new departures in manufacturing circles that they are never surprised at any innovation through the establishment of a new industry backed by push and capital, but welcome each new comer with open arms. In keeping with the enterprise of an active community, society must eventually experience a revolution emerging into that state of social intercourse where the man, not the attire, adds to the beauty and pleasantry of the occasion.
   That public sentiment chaperoned by higher education of the people is ready to accept the fruits of such transformation, where creed, position or natural endowments debar none from participating, was manifest at the initiatory effort of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick to entertain their countrymen and citizens of this village at a banquet in the spacious dining hall of the Cortland House, on the evening of March 16, 1891.
   The name of the organization is suggestive of its object—that of paying proper tribute to the memory of Ireland's patron saint. From the fact that an entertainment was to be given by St. Mary's Church on St. Patrick's night, the banquet was necessarily fixed for the preceding evening. Care had been exercised in the arranging of the tables and decorations of the banquet hall, with not only a view to accommodate the guests, but permit an unobstructed line of vision to the seated officers and speakers. At the east and west sides of the hall hung large flags of Ireland, while suspended from the center of the ceiling at the north and south sides, were the standard colors of the United States. What a picture to study—a silent appeal from the sons of Erin in the eastern continent through the folds of the stars and stripes to their kindred on the western continent, where freedom and equality pervade the air.
   Shortly after nine o'clock 97 gentlemen took seats at the tables and Chairman M. F. Cleary, opened the exercises of the evening with the following brief address:
   FRIENDLY SONS OF ST. PATRICK AND GENTLEMEN:—I am so animated by the spirit of thankfulness for the honor of being elected your chairman and for the knowledge that our first effort has met with such a glorious success, that I feel that the only mistake you have made was in the selection of your chairman.
   It might be asked why we are here to-night. We are here to honor the memory of him whose name we bear, and to follow the example set by the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick founded in Philadelphia 125 years ago. History furnishes many instances where the greatest and the noblest efforts had its humble beginning. Our name and day we celebrate with the humble captive boy who stands alone in history like the beacon light far out to sea, as the only man who conquered a brave and warlike nation, pinned a whole people to the hem of his garment and all without the shedding of one drop of blood; his sword was not metallic; not the keen-edged, bloody sword of other men or times; its component parts were peace, equality, brotherhood of man, liberty and obedience to God. Our American struggle had its humble beginning, the people begged and prayed to have their condition ameliorated, they even resorted to boycotting the merchants of Boston who imported goods from England. From this humble beginning Washington appeared like a pole star in a clear sky to direct. I am proud to know that the friendly sons of St. Patrick, though loving the land and traditions of their fathers, were not derelict in the duties they owed America, a few friendly sons subscribed and sent a half million dollars to feed and clothe Washington's army then wintering at Valley Forge, where the snow was crimsoned with the blood of the shoeless feet of his brave little band. No wonder Washington became a member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and used these words: "I accept with singular pleasure the ensign of St. Patrick’s society; distinguished for its firm adherence to the glorious cause of American Independence in which we are embarked."
   This was an endorsement by a man that no marble is white enough to bear his name; and of a society whose achievements we should ever strive to imitate. I am glad our gathering here to-night has a fair sprinkling of the rich men commingling with the hardy sons of toil—it is the touching of sleeves on a common level, at least once a year. It would be presumptuous in me to occupy any more of your time in view of the fact that there are abler minds to follow. I have the honor to introduce the toast-master of the evening, Mr. Corcoran.
   Mr. Corcoran arose and thanked the society for the honor, assuring all that he would strive to fill the position, although it was a momentous period—he never having participated on a similar occasion before. It was apparent when the first toast was tendered that the selection was proper. Mr. Corcoran's fund of repartee and introduction was unexhausted when the last response was called, while his manner of sending off the speaker, was pleasing to all and offensive to none.
    Below is a list of officers:
   Chairman—M. F. Cleary.
   Vice-chairmen—James P. Maher, John T. Davern, John F. Dowd, Thomas F. Grady.
   Secretary—Charles Corcoran.
   Treasurer—Ed Mourin.
COMMITTEES.
   Reception—J. F. Dowd, Hugh Duffey, William Martin, Hon. L. J. Fitzgerald, Henry Corcoran, Hugh Corcoran, James Keenan, James Dougherty, J. Courtney, Jr., Thomas S. Mourin, James P. Maher.
   Program—John T. Davern, Thomas F. Grady, Charles Corcoran.
   Arrangements—J. P. Maher, Henry Corcoran, T. F. Grady, Charles Hardy, D. T. Dolan.
PROGRAM AND TOAST LIST:
Toast-Master, Wm. Corcoran.
Solo (selected), James Walsh.
Toast—"The Day We Celebrate."
Response by James P. Maher.
Song—"Hail, Glorious Apostle," F. S. St. P. Glee Club.
Toast—"St. Patrick."
Response by Rev. J. J. McLoghlin.
Solo—"Three Leaves of Shamrock," F. Lannagan.
Toast—"United States."
Response by J. F. Keenan.
Song—"A Shout for this Broad Land of Freedom," F. S. St. P. Glee Club.
Toast—"American Generals."
Response by Hugh Duffy.
An Irishman's Toast Ed Lannagan.
Toast—"Our Form of Government."
Song—"The Harp that Once Through Tara's Hall," F. S. St. P. Glee Club.
Toast—"Irish in America."
Response by Hon. L. J. Fitzgerald
Song—[omitted by newspaper—CC editor]
Toast—"Irish Heroes."
Response by M. F. Cleary.
Solo—"Exile's Lament," Ed Lannagan.
Toast—"Our Local Industries."
Response by Hon. W. H. Clark.
Toast—"The Ladies, (God bless them.)"
Response by James Dougherty.
Song—"Health to the Fairest," F. S. St. P. Glee Club.
Toast—"The Press: the mighty lever that rules the World."
Response by G. W. Fisher.
Song—Selected, F. S. St. P. Glee Club.
Toast—"Irish Leaders."
Response by John Courtney, Jr.
National Anthem—"God Save Ireland."
Toast—"Irish Orators."
Response by B. T. Wright.
Toast—"Cortland, Our Present Home."
Response by John C. Barry.
Song—"America," by the banqueters under lead of Mr. Charles Hardy.
   On account of the inability of Messrs. Fitzgerald and Dougherty to be present at the banquet, their respective responses were assigned to Mr. Enos Mellon and Mr. John O'Connell. It would be difficult as well as unjust to particularize among the participants, whose responses all bore evidence to the courage and true citizenship of the sons of Erin located in America, and the hope that at no distant future Ireland shall be free. The club music was furnished by Messrs. F. and E. Lannagan, C. Hardy, T. Kennedy and J. Walsh, with Prof. Bert Bently as accompanist. One feature not on the program was some interesting remarks and a song in the Celtic tongue by Mr. John Carey.
   It is due mine host, Lyman P. Rogers, of the Cortland House, to mention that the menu de soupper of seven courses, had been temptingly prepared and was laid with commendable service. Without giving the bill in full three samples may suffice, to-wit: Hors de Oeuveres, Jambou de Westphalia and Aspice de Houtres a la circassienne, to appease those not present. A more orderly, refined gathering has seldom assembled in banquet.
   At a seasonable hour the guests departed with kind words for "Erin go Braugh and the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick."

St. Patrick's Day in Cortland.
   Although there was no parade or other public demonstration in this village during the day, aside from the usual church service yet in the evening, as previously announced, an enjoyable musical programme was rendered by members of St. Mary's church choir assisted by Miss Terry, Miss Alger, Mr. H. C. Beebe and an orchestra. The Rev. John J. McLochlin delivered an address on the patron saint which was listened to by an appreciative audience. The music programme was as follows:
   Hymn to St. Patrick, Choir.
   Solo—"Sweet Little Shamrock," (Jackson) Miss Maggie Lannigan.
   Solo—"O, Salutairs," Mr. Edward Lannigan.
   Duet—"O, Morning Land," (E. H. Phelps) Misses Terry and Alger.
   The Harp, Choir.
   Solo"Jerusalem," (H. R. Shelley) Mr. Beebe.
   Solo—"Ave Maria," (Rossini) Miss Terry.
   "Let Erin Remember the days of old," Choir, Orchestra.
   Mrs. C. L. Kinney presided at the organ.
 
 

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