FERNIE

Black Hand Problems in Fernie.

The Black Hand was an organized crime conspiracy that had become infamous in Italy and had served as a basis for organized crime in Italy and America. Although a very small percentage of Italians were involved in such activities (and many other ethnic groups committed crimes), the derogatory classification of Italians with words such as "Mafia" and "Black Hand" were common in North America.

Fernie populace and band (Image courtesy of Fort Steele Heritage Town Archives FS 159.156)

Many individuals used the name "Black Hand" in order to add more power and infamy to their criminal activities. While prosecutions of such individuals often freed the community from crime, it also damaged the reputation of the Italian community. Once satisfied that Italians had an aptitude for such criminal activities, other members of the public often became convinced that all Italians were part of such deeds.

July 31, 1908

Sir:-

At a late hour last night, I was requested to send to you, which I did, a petition numerously signed, and having regard to what is known here as the "Black Hand Case". As I acted in conjunction with the Chief of Police in prosecuting the accused, I may suggest that the matter is one far out of the ordinary, and in my opinion it should receive, as I think it will, special consideration from your Department.

As the facts are fully disclosed by the voluminous depositions which I understand will be forwarded to you, it is needless for me to deal with the same at any length. The preliminary hearing has taken a very long time. The charge upon which the accused had their preliminary hearing was framed by the Chief of Police. I have not studied whether or no the charge as laid is a proper one, and if the proper one, is in sufficient language to meet the technical requirements. I would suggest, therefore, that in dealing with this case consideration should be given to the charge upon which, according to the facts, the accused, or those of them who may be committed, should be arraigned.

Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, Fernie, BC (Image courtesy of Fort Steele Heritage Town Archives ,FS 159.322)

The Italians here are very much wrought up about the matter, claiming that to them the "Black Hand" and its operations are so well known that they have no doubt that the accused persons had organized here such a society. The organizers came directly from Spokane, and seemed to have no other object in view than that of establishing a secret society for unlawful purposes. However, the matter is one to which Mr. J.H. McMullin will, I am sure, give that great care which he always bestows upon all cases coming before him officially. The framing of the charge and the presentation of the case will require some skill, especially as there will likely be a severance of defences, if not trials. My clients therefore feel that the Department ought to employ very able Counsel to handle this case. You will note that during the progress of the preliminary hearing, five of the accused escaped, and were caught several days after.

Yours Faithfully,

L.P. Eckstein

[BC Archives: GR 429 Box 15, File 4, 3052/08]

Creston		Tobacco Plains