Expansion into the Big Time

Carlos expanded even further into the world of business through his association with Frank Costello and Meyer Lansky and their involvement in a supper and gambling club in his area of control. The business was a great success and increased profits to degree that allowed Carlos to spread more cash to local politicians and increase his own sphere of influence. His power and influence increased as his association with the Commission grew. He had reached a level in which he was viewed as an equal to the members of the Commission and accepted as a member representing a major section of the southern United States. Not bad for a man who had never bothered with obtaining American citizenship.

To keep the wheels of his organization running smoothly, Carlos built up his chain of influential contacts. Carlos was quick to realize that he could gain more through the proper spreading of mob money than through violence. He found no problem in accepting the basic principles of his business associates from New York. Carlos Marcello was reaching the peak of his career. He had many and varied businesses. Carlos controlled police and politicians and was respected to the extent that the governor of the state would seek his advice. He was also becoming widely known among the important Mafiosi across the country. They would come to regard him as one of the strongest and most powerful of the "Men of Respect." When to accepted head of the Mafia organization was undergoing the process of deportation, Marcello was working the family members, pushing himself as the natural successor. He had emerged among the crew chiefs, as the most probable candidate. His wealth was growing at a remarkable rate with money was pouring in from narcotics, gambling. Carlos also impressed his group with his ability to utilize violence when it served his purpose. He was recognized as a man who should be crossed, unless the one to do the crossing was willing to pay the ultimate price. Carlos obtained his goal and was chosen to head the Mafia in Louisiana, with some elements expressing the view that they were unhappy with his selection. But for the sake of the organization, consensus was the position expressed at the meeting. It would be years later before the dissatisfaction would surface its ugly head in relation to Carlos' succession. He continued to follow the policy of making sure the police and politicians were kept paid and happy. He realized that while he could enforce the laws within his own organization he would need the support of others when dealing with the outside world or in legitimate business.

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