Chicago: Shades of Capone

Abstract

In the late 1800's, an alliance was formed between First Ward political leaders in Chicago and gamblers and brothel owners. The underworld became organized, and eventually the infamous Capone gang was spawned. Headed successively by Big Jim Colosimo, Johnny Torrio, Al Capone, Frank Nitti, and Tony Accardo, the syndicate is still active in gambling and vice—always sources of underworld wealth. Capone gangsters have maintained a vital interest in the beer industry from Prohibition to the present time. They have corrupted labor unions and exerted influence over trade associations. They have invaded the field of finance, food business, automobile sales, and the coin-machine industry. Running through the diversified activities of the Capone organization is a pattern of ruthless discipline imposed by violence. Of fifteen gang killings in the Chicago area in 1961, eight of the victims had connections with Capone-syndicate gambling establishments and five were dealing with loan sharks. A union president who opposed the misappropriation of union funds by a Capone hoodlum was ambushed and slain by two gunmen imported from Detroit. During the Roaring Twenties, the gang leader was ostentatious and flashy. Today, although he has outward refinements, he has not basically changed. His methods of operation remain much the same as they were in years gone by.