Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1894-04-26

Carlo Ruva, an Italian scissors
grinder, was foully murdered by Michael
Faino, a fellow countryman, in the rear
of a fruit store kept by Mrs. Mary
Desmond, on Market street, just above
Front, about 8 o'clock Friday night.
Ruva, who is better known as Charles
White, was seated in the rear of the
fruit store, playing cards with Raifacie
Spiotti, Giovanni Fragostino and
Nichola Palombo, when Faino entered
the store and, without moments
warning, plunged dagger into ltuva's
throat, severing the windpipe and pro-
ducing almost instant death.
FOUGHT OVER A GAME OF BAGATELLE.
Owing to the usual reticence of the
Italian colony after the commission of
so shocking murder, it is with some
difficulty that the true version of the
killing can be obtained, so many stories
having been circulated in regard to the
taking Of the mans life. As far as can
be learned the Italians have been accus-
toned to frequent the saloon of John NJ
Crop, No. 105 Market street, where
they were Friday evening half an hour
previous to the murder. There were in
the party, besides Faino and his victim,
three other Italians, whose names have
already been mentioned.
From Mr.. Gtopp il was learned that
the men entered the saloon about 7.30
o'clock and at once engaged in playing
bagatelle. A number of games were
| played, when quarrel arose between
Faino and Ruva, each accusing the
other of cheating at play. Mr.. Crop
noticed the men engaged in an alterca-
ton, and all he could understand was a
heated discussion about the "ballab,
| ballah," and, fearing row, called the
Italians to account for their conduct.
Ruva walked over to the bar. Faino
followed and made pass at him with
his fist, which the former lodged All
had been drinking. Mr.. Gropp walked
around the bar TO where the beligerent
Italians were standing and got in be-
tween them. He warned them not to
engage in any more tistieuffs in the
| saloon.
Faino was not inclined to heed the
warning of the saloon-kceper, and when
the latter went to eject him he ran
out the door and disappeared. Ruva
and his three companions drank glass
of beer apiece and also went out. They
went directly across the street TO the
fruit store kept by Mrs. Desmond, No.
1Q4 Market street, and began playing
cards around small table in small
room which is partitioned off from the
fruit store. When Faino left the saloon
it is presumed that he went Immediately
to his home, at Front and West streets
and procured long dagger, which he
placed in his pocket.
STABBED IN THE THROAT.
Mrs. Desmond was sitting on the
pavement outside of the store when she
saw Faino come across the street and
look in at the window, about 8 o'clock
He had just returned from his home
The woman asked him what he wanted
He asked if White was in the store, and
was informed that he was. Without
another word he walked rapidly
through the store to the room where the
Italians were gathered about the card
table. "What did you curse me forg
Faino demanded Of Ruva, and before
the latter realized his danger the muir
derous Italian plunged his knife in the
victims throat as he sat in the chair.
Two of the Italians fled in terror
Nichola Polombo, who possessed more
courage than the others, jumped to his
feet and clutched the murderer by the
arm to prevent his striking Ruva again.
The victim staggered from his chail
under the first blow, but fell on table
laden with dishes, where Faino struck
at him again; Polombo caught the force
of the blow with his hand. The blade
of the dagger after striking his hand
descended again upon RuVa's throat
indicting frightful wound. Ruva reeleC
and fell to the floor with blood oozing
from the gaping injuries. The murdere
fled from the room, with Polombo il
hot pursuit. The cries of Mrs. Desmond
from the front of the store alarmed tn,
neighborhood.
PROMPT PURSUIT.
| Officer Davidson hannened IN bo 1,