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CONIA Ew aH nogffective legal restratnt, these individuals exploited their opportunities 10 for, Wlicit porer and profit to the fllest extent. As early as the 13th 12 cebbiry, the Vearetakers'' wore sponsoring and harboring roaming oripnds andentting them In crime. as well as terrorizing and extorting 1 Toy the peasants and committing cther crimes. These caretakers" (as ineostral “afioci) were shle to fuist “protection” serviecs not only upon el the Beasants bul upon the landewners as well for they had it within their 23 ob ts as overlords of local crime (9 control or unleash depr<dations upon | 26 thepyanded estates at will. 98. 29 Ry the WMh Cortury, the protection racket vas well established. 30 Itespermention inta all pheees of community life cae eseiwed by the fact ‘hed ihe landed estates were the centers cf rural life, and the landowners, 35 ovag vhom the “caretakers” bad acqutred a sinister control, were the 37 . pag@ns jn their local communities. 40 In foe marty $0th Copfory, Sicity vas a scene of widespread ug dcrs, consoquent in part ypon fhe Pollan campaigns of Napolron — Ay Barsgparte. 46 3y47em of Jaw enforcement under the Poorhon kines anda prowing 48 Tiese disorders, plus 29n cerocially corrupt and ineffective UbEZatton warement, combined to firnich the ecerty Maflocl extraordinary 51 52 53 54 56 57 58 pene eres tert er TE eer “NE TARR °F 61 | ‘62