Black Hand Band in New Orleans 
The Biloxi Daily Herald May 7, 1906
Submitted by Larie Tedesco


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Rich Italian Merchants are in Fear of Being Killed By the Band

New Orleans, May 5. - Several of the wealthiest Italian merchants of New Orleans are quaking with fear as
the result of the operations here of what is declared to be a branch of the Black Hand Band.

The life of Detective Dantonio, of the police force, who is actively engaged in the task of ferreting out
the authors of threatening letters, received by the intended victims of the band, has also been threatened. 
The demands are for sums ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 and are apparently graded according to the reputed
wealth of the prospective victim.   Among those who have been singled out and who are now in daily fear of
the Black Hand because they have disobeyed the demand for ransom, are A. Monteleone, a wealthy shoe
manufacturer; Augustina Russo, A. Ditrapani, Vincent Loscico, Pasquale Taurimina, A. Castana and Antonio
Patorno.

The latter has been threatened with death and the kidnapping of his daughter is also threatened.