◆ SpookStack

0 OA A Pu fo * Y ¢ it depends for its administrative machinery above the local level upon the existiag — relationships among local chiefs wha as a@ practical matter, are usually either collaborating with each other, vying for the control of territories, or feuding, as { = expediency, ambition, vendetta or the conflict of interests may dictate. Clas wats ser coordination of local chicfs !¢ sometimes effected under certain : Sanaa ae Ty Baad confittena, cuehas: (1) for collusion in a lucrative criminal venture extending hoyond the borders of a particular localtty: (2) for mutual protection and . assistance (n the event of a commen danger, such as opposition from the poliae;- and (3) for the holding of court in the event of major questions concerning the! . | division of territerler orn decision concerning the fate of one of their peers who must he disciplined, 7 In addition to the lateral relattonships among local chiefs, there la. reason to believe that there is a network of relationships leading upwards from each of them to orominent Mafiest who have attained greater prestige and | influcnce, evpecially those in rolitfcal, professtonal, and business positions, The latter cnn be turned to for protection tn high places and no doubt, for general 4 intelligence concerning %12/I4 operations, and for information upon which particular criminal ventures cen be launched.