PRINCES IN A GAMBLING DEN.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3230, 29 May 1911, Page 3

PRINCES IN A GAMBLING DEN.

CAMORRIST PROFESSOR WEEPS OVER HIS MOTHER’S SUFFERINGS.

NEW YORK JUDGE ARRIVES TO

COLLECT INFORMATION

The most striking figure in the Camorra trial at Viterbo recntly was Gennaro de Marinis, who, next to Giovanni Rapi, is looked upon as the chief prisoner (says a London paper of- April 9). He is asserted to he one of those primarily responsible for the murder Of; CUOOOIO.. "... He' is an aristocratic-looking man, and was- attired in the height cf fashion. It >vas apparent that: hie was desirous of impressing the court with-the idea that he was ox a different class to his i'ellcw-prisone vs. He claimed to be of noble birth, and asserted that Ire was educated at a college patronised by the best French and English families. It did not seem ex antic tactful, considering the nature of the charges, to boast of skill in arms, but. Marinis did so, and mentioned • with pride that lie had an uncle who was one of the finestswordsmen, in the world, and was director of the Buenos Ayres Municipal School of Anns. Marinis declared lie was one of the most highly-esteemed business men in Naples, that lie frequented the most fashionable cafes and theatres, and that he was welcome in the most exclusive circles. -Professor Giovanni Rapi was ushered out of the iron cage to defend liimselfHe related liow, in 1875, at the age of nineteen, he won a post as instructor of classical languages to the Municipality of Naples in a competition in which over four hundred candidates took part. He migrated to France with his parents after the cholera scourge of 1884, at which time he was momentarily suspected of having a hand in the murder cf a Caimiorr'ist youth, Giacomo Pasquino who was, as a. matter of fact, killed in a secret society duel. “THIS HOLY MAN!”

Rapi was expelled from. France in 1902 on the charge of being a gambler. While, however, he was expelled after losing £l2O at Monte Carlo, a certain Neapolitan prince, who had forfeited £720,000 at the gambling tables, was unmolested. Rapi returned to Naples, and founded the Southern Italy Club, which was finally closed by the police in 1905 as a gamb.ing den. Rapi asserts '•hat it was frequented by dukes and princes. He was arrested in June. ISO 6, on suspicion of complicity in the Cuocolo murders, because of his presence at Torre del' Greco on the night of the crime. He was detained for fifty-two days in prison, and then acquitted. He continued to l reside in Naples until April, ISOS, when, the President of the

Fiench Republic having cancelled the decree against him, Rapi went to Paris, after cordial leave-taking from numerous journalists and friends cf repute at Naples Station. . . In the following June, said Rapi, he was walking along the boulevards, and happened to read in a Paris newspaper that- his departure was regarded as flight. He immediately wired_ to tlm King’s Procurator-General at Naples placing himself absolutely at the disposal of the judicial authorities. Receiving no response, he spontaneously took train a few days later for Naples, and presented himself before the magistrates. He was arrested and thrown into prison for three years. during which time he was questioned only .thrice, concerning the suspicions against him.'

~ Rapi energetically denied acquaintance with Cuocolo and .also the allegation of. Abbatemaggio that he received stolen goods, lie produced an. alibi, and said lie lived 1 iii London during the period referred to. His very plaudible defence will be tested later when he is confronted with various witnesses.

Rapi caused intense amusement in the crowded court by constant references to Father Vittozzi as “this holy man here.” He concluded by denying all the charges against him. Bursting into teal’s and sobs, lie exclaimed: “I know even these tears will be used against me, but I dedicate the bitterest to that poor, distressed old woman, that more than octogenarian, that mother of mine, who lias now been crying for more than three years over her. innocent son j May the one who is responsible for this suffer as he deserves/’ Then, turning to the informer, Abbatemaggio, lie shouted 1 : “Curse, curse, curse you!” Mr Frank C. Lauglilin, one of the justices of the. New York Supreme Court, has arrived at Viterbo. He wishes to collect information about the Black Hand and C’amorra on account of the number of Italians in his sphere of jurisdiction.