"ALMOST A RIOT IN A GREEK MEETING - Nicholas Mazragos Attempts to Pull the Priest's Whiskers and Is Repeatedly Pitched Down-Stairs" article - Chicago Daily Tribune, January 5, 1897

Published in Chicago Daily Tribune, January 5, 1897

ALMOST A RIOT IN A GREEK MEETING

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Nicholas Mazragos Attempts to Pull

the Priest's Whiskers and Is

Repeatedly Pitched Down-Stairs

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Nicholas Mazragos almost created a riot in a meeting of Greeks at No. 55 Clark street by repeated attempts to pull the whiskers of the Greek priest who presided.  The profanation aroused the ire of other Greeks, who threw Mazragos down the stairs.  He came back in a few minutes, however, and changed his tactics from an attempt to pull the priest's whiskers to an honest endeavor to secure possession of a handful of his hair.  This was also frustrated, and Mazragos was put out again, and thereafter every few minutes.

Between times the other Greeks completed the organization of their new society.

The meeting was held on Sunday to organize a new Greek society similar to the former Greek organization "Lecorgos," which went to pieces six years ago.  George Apoctolicos announced that the Greek priest would act as Temporary Chairman.  As soon as the priest stepped on the stage Mazragos began a speech demanding that the new society be called "Lecorgos."  The priest attempted to call him to order, when Mazragos turned on him and expressed a willingness to pluck a souvenir from the priest's venerable gray beard.

The other 200 Greeks at the meeting arose as one man and dropped Mazragos down the stairs.  He disappeared so quickly his few friends had no time to rally to his aid and were so awed by the ire displayed by the majority they remained quiet during the entire meeting.

The new society was christened "Sparta," and the following officers elected:

President - A. Cacavaeleo

Vice President - Thomas Sanechias

Treasurer - George Apoctolicos

Sergeant-at-Arms - James Comenos

The Seargeant-at-Arms and Mazragos exchanged cartels, and the trouble is not ended.