That importer certainly will never contribute toward a society for the purpose of eradicating the "Black Hand" from the city of New York.

He says it is the greatest thing he knows.
But the genuine Camorrist or Mafius' would be highly indignant at being called a "Black Hander." His is an ancient and honorable profession; he is no common criminal, but a "man peculiarly sensitive in matters of honor," who for a consideration will see that others keep their honorable agreements.
The writer has received authoritative reports of three instances of extortion which are probably prototypes of many other varieties.

The first is interesting because it shows a Mafius' plying his regular business and coming here for that precise purpose.

There is a large wholesale lemon trade in New York City, and various growers in Italy compete for it.

Not long past, a well-dressed Italian of good appearance and address rented an office in the World Building.
His name on the door bore the suffix "Agent." He was, indeed, a most effective one, and he secured practically all the lemon business among the Italians for his principals, for he was a famous capo ma mafia, and his customers knew that if they did not buy from the growers under his "protection" that something might, and very probably would, happen to their families in or near Palermo.