Capon's Throne Stays Empty

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 50, 27 August 1932, Page 18

Capon's Throne Stays Empty

There is a vacant throne in Chicago and no candidates for the kindom. Al Capone ■was the uncrowned monarch of the city's gangland, and he has fallen. Nobody seems to want to take his place. A muscular, quick-witted young gangster named Murray Humphreys is nominal head of tho Capone syndicate. He began directing operations when Capono was arrested. But he has never assumed the power which was his master's. In fact, he wants to step out from under, says an English paper. At least five other gunmen are "in line" for the leadership. None want it. Each believes that with Capone in prison the gang's defences have broken down. There is Frank Nitti, "the Enforcer," just back from serving eighteen months for, of all things, income tax evasion. Dapper, diminutive, and shrewd, Nitti has announced that he has "learned his lesson." "I'm out of the gang," he says. On the north side is Ted Newberry, aged about 25, a seasoned lieutenant in the Capone organisation. But he ia worried about his own income tax. Johnny Patton, aged 40, the "boy mayor," of Burnhaiu—a cluster of roadhouses where Al Capono established his first vice resorts—is another eligible. Then comes Frankie Bio, the bodyguard who served a year with Capone in

the Philadelphia prison for carrying a concealed revolver. Rio, too, is dodging responsibility. Marty Guilfoyle, the "arbitrator" from Klondyke, O'Donnell's territory on the West Side, has been mentioned for the throne. But he prefers easy chairs. Spike O'Donnell and Joe Saltis are practically out of the gang picture, having "retired" some time ago. "Bugs" Morgan has been, too big an enemy of the Captrae crowd to be acceptable. Now that Capone is out of the way for seven years the authorities are trying to "clean-up." Cicero, a suburb of Chicogo, where Capono secured control and established his vice houses. But an unusual obstaclo has arisen to this praiseworthy plan. Recently a Democratic administration was elected to succeed the Republicans who had held office ever since Cicero was named "Al Capone's home town " But only three of the sis town board members are Democrats. A. quorum of four members is necessary for business. So the three Bepublicans have refused to go to any meetings. Hence no official town business has yet been done. Reform projects for revising the Government of Cicero have been held up, waiting approval by the board. But until the Republicans decide to abandon polictical tactics and attend meetings ; nothing can be done.