Have a glass of
ASAHI BEER
it cheers & invigorates
AN ALUMINIUM SHAKER
GIVEN FREE
WITH EVERY TIN,
DELICIOUS
THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, SATURDAY, JULY 28th, 1928.
HIDDEN HAND OF THE MAFIA.
HOT OF COLD DRINK,
Get one tin for trial Obtainable at all Stores
and Cafeshops,
Sole Agents:- HUI and HUI Co.
(Alexandra Building) Hongkong.
Sole Agents:-
MITSUI BUSSAN KAISHA LTD.
ASPIRIN
05
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THE NAVY'S
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CHOICE
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REISS, MASSEY & Co., Ltd.
ENGINEERING DEPT.
4th Floor, Exchange Building
Telephone: Central 673.
QUEEN'S
RICHARD
with
BETTY BRONSON
and
ANDLE BERANGER
GREGORY Saramount
LA CAVA
PRODUCTION
Picture
PARADISE OR TWO
TO-MORROW
LONDON SELLING AGENTS
- FIBRES A
TEA, INDIGO Sold on com
mission in British and Continenti
BRISTLEES OILSKED
GRIP THAT MORI LOOSENED.
JUDGES WHO WERE AFRAID.
<1
How completely Sicily was in the grip of the Mafia is shown below by Sir
Percival Phillips, the
special correspondent of the Daily
Mail.
Sir Percival Phillips has investi gated on the spot the origins, the workings, and the suppression of
the Maña.
Sir Percival deals with the or ganisation or rather disorganiss
tion of the Mafia, and how it con trolled elections
He shows why judges hesitated to give adverse decisions against its adherents, why public prosecutors could not obtain evidence on which to direct prosecutions, and why the people of Sicily were convinced that this Hidden Hand would al, ways rule them.
ORIGIN AND GROWTH. DESCENT FROM CHIVALRY
TO CRIME.
[BY HIR PERCIVAL PHILLIPS.]
PALERMO, Sicily.
It is impossible to appreciate the extraordinary power and tenacity of the Mafia in Sicily, as it existed until broken up by Cesare Mori, without knowing something of its origin and gradual degeneration into groups of criminals.
is
LOCAL SHARE MARKET.
BUSINESS ON A RESTRICTED- |
SCALE.
They maintained order in the mountain districts. Foreigners were safe from molestation so jang 14 they refrained from meddling in internal affairs. Certain social wrongs were righted. The young MESSRS, BENJAMIN '& FOTTS'. man who had seduced a girl and refused to marry her would be forced to do.so by the Mafioso. In this way they gained the gratitude of the girl's family and the good will of the community.
They were profoundly religious, They were sober. Their domestic life was above reproach.. Indeed the love of the Mafioso for their
family, particularly for their mothers, was so compelling that in the recent "drives" number voluntarily gave themselves up on
hearing that their relatives had been arrested or threatened with arrest as a means of putting prea- sure on them.
WLA
Courtesy To Strangers. They considered the laws of hos pitality sacred. A fugitive. who was not an enemy could demand and receive sanctuary in the house of a Mafioso. He could not be harmed while he
a guest. Strangers in the most dangerous parts of the island were treated with charming courtesy. To refuse a glass of wine after being direct ed on the way was equivalent to sa insult. The host would insist on accompanying his guest part of the way. He would say to him: "If anyone stops you, say you have been my guest."
Courage was in their eyes the greatest virtue. They despised coward, and by a coward they meant not only the man who was afraid of danger but he who sought the shelter of the law or who help ed the authorities by giving in- formation.
When all this is said, the case for the defence is complete. pite their occasional"
Des-
lentless criminals. They were ED
|
REVIEW.
4
Messrs. Benjamin & Potts, in their weekly review of the local share market, dated yesterday, state:-
Business still continues on restricted seale, but the past week has witnessed a distinct apprecia tion in several stocks, "ictably
Marine and Fire Insurances.
In
"other departments there have been' no important changes and prices generally have remained at about last week's level.
The
have ruled steady and are enquired Hong Kong and Shanghai Banks for at the close at $1,205. London quotation
is £140 IUS. (middle). 'Unions' continue their upward movement and have buyers at 2346. Cantons were favoured again and advanced further to 8625. Hong Kong Fires at $730 also mark a risc. China Fires were bid up to $245. Underwriters have re- mained steady at 891.
A strong demand for Douglas Steamships has raised the price to Steamboats have weakened $38.
Kowloon and are offering at $27. Wharves have lapsed to a nominal | quotation of $138. Whampoa Docks are wanted at 840.
China Providents have receded to 5.18. Humphrey's Estates are en- Lands are in strong demand at 807) quired for at $14.35. Hong Kong and probably a little more would be paid.
Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels were dealt in at 88.80 and continue in request. Dairy Farms were book- ed at 821.90. Hong Kong Trams have buyers at $24.60 after transae- tions at this rate. Star Ferries can be placed at 8041
.
Hong Kong. Electrics were negotiated to a fair extent at 15.85. Hong Kong Telephones have firmed up to $81. China Lights and $11.60. Green Island Cements (Old) have fluctuated between 311 (Combined) are obtainable at 99.25.
gestes" and chivalrous postures, the beaux Mafioso were in the end savage, re completely the masters of central
Watsons were taken off the and western Sicily, physically and market at 314. Waterboats chang morally," that murders and counter-ed hands at $201. Hong Kong murders in the internal warfare of Ropes show a further improvement rival bands were committed openly and buyers are now offering 80.80. in the village market place on Sun- day morning when the inhabitants were going to Masa.
*
Gang Rule....
In the beginning it was a wholly respectable secret society. That was centuries ago. No one can say definitely when it was born. There a tradition that the founders were Greek settlers in pre-Chris- tian times. "Certainly it grew in strength during the Spanish domination of the island. Under the Bourbon Sicilion kings it be gan to flourish
The early phases were not with- At least the Mafiosi out merit. could "plead extenuating circum stances for many of their deeds. They had been oppressed by foreigners for generations. Justice was an unknown quantity in the land. So they dispensed justice of their own-rough justice, it is true,proach to solidarity in this respect but dependable, and gradually the islandets lost all faith and respect for the legally constituted authori- ties.
There were hundreds of these groups. Many were known by the name of the chief. Palermo, al- ways the fountain tead of Mafia ism, was divided into districts, each controlled by a gang which had its base in a nearby suburb or village. Each gang worked on its own. There was never any central bureau or G.HQ. The nearest ap
Ewos are a shade easier with enquiries at Tis. 8.80. Langkata (Combined) were sold down to Tis. 10}, Singapore Tractions were placed at 11/-.
Hong Kong Government 6 per cent Loan has advanced to 6 per cent, premium buyers.
CINEMA NEWS.
was the apparently casual meetings GOOD FARE AT THE QUEEN'S. of Mafioso heads at the cattle fairs. There they would discuss opera tions and exchange information. Three excellent pictures will be Unity was maintained at all shown at the Queen's next week. times, however, 0.5 political machine. The Mafia controlled the To-morrow and on Monday brings | elections.. Candidates for Parlia Richard Dix's latest production, ment and local offices subruitted themselves to the Mafioso for sp-
"Paradise for Two." proval
The story
This contempt for the establish- ed Government of Sicily, whatever it might be, became ingrained in the character of the people. They saw crimes committed for which no punishment was forthcoming. They
tells the trouble of a young bachelor Baw the Mafioso step in where the Men who could be depended upon who is bent on staying single, but law had failed and administer to support the Mafia were approx will lose a fortune if he does not necessary correctives to the cul- ed, and their election was a mat- nable. Finally there arose a ter of course. The word went marry soon. Many amusing situa peculiar and humiliating situation | round. The helpless landowners
for the representatives of the law, would mobilise their tenants and tions occur when Dix hires a stage in that they actually recommended employees, and the latter voted as struck girl, Betty Bronson, to pose complainants whom they themselves they were told, either because of } as his wife, later falling genuinely could not help to apply to implicit faith in the judgment of in love with her.
their masters-a survival of feu- dalism or because they personally
-Mafioso chief for redress.
This happened frequently here in Palermo as well as in the country districts during the zenith of the Mafia. Stolen goods would be mysteriously returned; criminals Curously enough, the Mafia al-
venge undertaken and expeditious
"The Midnight Ross.”
THE MODERN SATAN! AND who could be more attractive than this suave, smiling Immacu
lats, silk hatted creature- The modern SATAN? Personsive" Charming and Irresistible.
ADOLPHE IMENJOU
AS SATAN
RICARDO CORTEZ CAROL DEMPSTER LYA DE PUTTI
AT THE
IN
10
ORROWS OF SATAN
QUEEN'S
FINAL - SHOWINGS · TO-DAY At 2.80, 5.10, 7.15 & 9.20.
DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS.
Story from the All Story! Weetty ovel The Curse of Capistrano by Johnston
Mc Culley Directed by TRED NIBLO
THE MARK
AT THE
ZORRO
FINAL SHOWINGS TO-DAY
WORLD Orchestra
5.15 & 9.20
Interpreter, 2.807.15.
Learn a lesson in up-to-the-minute loving in-
"LOVE EM AND LEAVE 'EM”
YW BRENT, LAWRENCE GRAY and LOUISE BROK
AT THE NA
STAR
FINAL SHOWINGS TO-DAY
- Continuous 2.80 to 11.15.
were in favour of the Mafia. The Lya de Putti, who had a pro- STRANGE DINNER PARTY. result was the same, whatever the minent part in "Sorrows of Satan," motive.
is the leading player in "The Mid- on Tuesday and
FLYING ACES.
forced to make restitution; re- ways supported the Government in at all performances will be given BRITISH AND GERMAN WAR QUEEN'S THEATRE
power. By putting in deputies of at the 2.30, 5.10 and 7.16 p.m. shows ly carried out, in cases where the the party in office, it solidified its on Wednesday. A large part of the Colonel Bishop, V.C., gave a FOR A SHORT Mafia were favourably disposed to position. For one thing these deaction of the picture takes place dinner in London recently to eight the supplicant.
puties were able to secure the
in a cabaret on the Gold Coast. In famous German Airmen, including The clearest description of the issuance of arms permits, an im- this rather hectic setting is unfold some with whom he had bitter air organisation I have come across is portant matter for the rival bands ed a gripping story of the reforming duels during the war. that of a writer who analysed the in the hills, who wanted more infuence of love. Kenneth Harlan, It was surely the strangest party psychology and the aims of the munitions to carry on the inter- Mafia nearly thirty years ago. He minable struggle against each Days the hero supported by "Gun- ever held in London Sitting in
wrote:
other.
boat Smith.
JE
10
evening dress and placidly smoking cigars, the former enemies recalled. A. Strange Tangle.
Long Tack Sam, The Malia is a union of persons
their war experiences. They re- The world famous magician, Long counted, like sportsmen describing If the political party backed at of every degree, of every profes-an election failed to get in, the Tack Sam, and his troupe of clever famous "bags," the number of sion and of every kind, who, Mafis did not hesitate to shift its vandeville artists open their Hong enemy machines to their credit. without having any apparent tie, continue always united in allegiance. This unwelcome brother Kong season on Wednesday at the "No one spoke boastfully, how- promoting their mutual interests,
liness was a source of great em- 9.20 p.m. house, giving a full time ever," records the Daily Mail, leaving aside all considerations barrassment to the Government. If performance of amazing feats of but with professional interest." of law, justice and public order. the Minister of the Interior of the magic and conjuring, acrobatic Colonel Biebop confessed to
moment made one of his fitful stanta, singing and dancing, the fewer than 72, which is the largest It is a medieval sentiment ex- pressed by he who can make pro Sicily, the commission he sent dis of the Misses Mi Na and Nee Sa British pilot.
gestures towards cleaning up latter items being the specialities number oficially credited to any vision for the care and protec-
The best record tion of his goods and person by covered that political and personal Long, two beautiful daughters of among the Germans was 30 by
relationships between officialdom bis own merit and Influence, and and the Mafis were strangely en- Long Tack Sam. The prices of ad- Captain Bolle, leader of the famous who is perfectly independent of
mission will be 13, 82 and $1. Ad- Boelcke quadron, me all constituted authority" and
tangled..
Capt. Bolle, jovial, fresh-colour- law,
vance booking is now open at-the Queen's Theatre for the entire ed, clean-shaven, and with a youth
ful air seemed to find a great bond' of friendship in the fact that he and Bishop could almost definitely identify, the fight they had to gether," says the Daily Mail.
"It was over Ypres in 1017," Bolle told an interviewer after- warde "We recalled the whole
Good And Bad Mixed..
When the organisation drifted
season.
The Red MILAT Large spectacular scenes make The Red Mill showing from Thursday to Saturday, excepting at 9.20, when Long Tack Sam will
appear.
So far were the Maña beyond and above the law, that in some dis- tricts there were Mafioso possessing a certain degree of culture, who into criminal ways, this indis acted as lawyers in adjusting dis- soluble union of all classes gave it
position which was indeed faval- pute between their comrades. No nerable. Good and bad were in lawyer
one ever thought of going to a real extricably mixed in its operations, It looked as though the Mafia but the bad predominated, and would flourish until the end of eventually obscured all that might time. Judges hesitated to give ad- The big scenes include a huge incident." have been considered good.
verse decisions against its ad In defence of the Mafia, it is herenta. Public Prosecutors could RUBBER, BRUGS COTTON, WOOLS &
said that all ita pledges were not obtain evidence on which to plea ORES, MICA vained. Beatscrupulously kept. The landowner direct prosecution. The public GUMB, AND. ports for son+
who paid tribute was protected went about its business, ominously GENERAL
sigamente in against all other forms of exploita silent, rather contemptuous of the PRODUCE
dicate,
tion. The peasant who submitted empty formalities of the low, con- to the discipline of the local vinced, as their fathers were before KEYMER, BON & CO., (Import Dept.) Whitefriam, London. Mafiosa otherwise went his way in them, that the Hidden Hand would Talog."Keymer, London." Est 1884.
always rule in Sicily.
HIDES & SKINS Markets.
peace.
SEASON
Commencing
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 1st At 9.20 p.m.
* THE WORLD FAMOUS MAGICIAN
LONG TACK SAM
and His Clever Company of CHINESE WONDER
DWORKERS
INCLUDING THE BEAUTIFUL MISSES MI-NA AND NEE-SA-LONG INTA
canal, which was frozen over by The celebrated Captain Fromm MEDLEY OF ORIENTAL
FEATS.
artificial means to stage a skating here, who brought down 33 Allied festival in a Dutch winter. Marion planes, was also present. Daring Davies plays the leading part attir the War he was one of the best ed in blue petticoats, wooden shoes, known German night-bombers and PRIORS OF ADMISSION: cap and pigtail. Owen Moore plays frequently raided Paris. The party, opposite Miss Davies, and others afterwards saw the film Wings" in the cast include Karl Dane and which depicts with terrifying real George Seigmann the general in iam air lights between German and
Hotel Imperial
American pilote.
23, 82 AND 81. ADVANCE BOOKING NOW OPEN AT THE QUEEN'S.