The San Francisco call., 1898-12-07
R|VALED THE
 FROG, N0T THE
 N|GHT|NGA Di Franchi Thought He Could Sing.

The trouble between Antonio Rosso and Francisco di Franchi, which resulted in the murder of the one by the other last Sunday night, was found yesterday to have been occasioned by a wager Franchi had made with saloon-keeper that he could sing better than the dispenser of liquid refreshments. Rosso was the judge in the test of the respective vocal abili- ties of the two men, and deciding against Franchi incurred that gentleman's dis pleasure. A quarrel followed, and in self defense Rosso shot the loser of the bet
 Rosso, who until recently had been working in this city, but for the past month had been employed in the mines at Black Diamond, returned to San Fran cisco Sunday. In the evening, at the sa- loon of Giacomo Verdugi, 324 Broadway, he met Franchi. Over their cups Yer dugi and Franchi both claimed to be sing CTS, and each thought that his voice was better than that of the other. A wager of a dollar a side was made, and Rosso was chosen as stakeholder and judge. Each of the contestants rendered his best selection in his best manner, and after careful consideration Rosso awarded the decision to the saloon-keeper.
 The contest being decided, a question arose as to what should be done with the stakes. An agreement was finally made that Verdugis dollar should be returned to him and that of Franchi spent for liquor. When 70 cents had gone over the
 
 passed back and had been consumed all had as much thirst poison" as was wanted. Rosso offered the remaining 30 cents to Franchi, who refused it. and az gressively demanded what right Rosso had to spend his money. An explanation was made to him, but he was not satis- fled, and left the saloon with the threat that Rosso would not sleep in bed that night. Rosso staid in the saloon a short time, and when he went out into the street he was accosted by Franchi, and the quarrel began anew. Franchi drew gun, and,. according to Rosso, fired it. Thinking himself about to be murdered. Rosso brought his pistol into action and fired three times at Franchi, killing him instantly.
 Franchi has had a bad reputation for some time, and was formerly connected with the Mafia in New Orleans. About ten years ago he was in San Francisco and served a term of six months in the Coun- ty Jail. While eating in a restaurant a woman who knew him entered the place plate in front of him. He assaulted her. and a gentleman who saw the disturb ance interfered. Franchi drew a revolv- Tested and convicted of as assault. m " s Soon % n after his release from jail he went to New Orleans and was connected with the deputized by the Mafia to kill Domenico Pari, a barber who had offended the or der He followed Pari to Boston, from there to Chicago. and from there to San T chi also disappeared While he was away from here he had trouble at various places, among others at Denver, from which city he was driven by the police. The first of the present year Pari who Is godfather of a daughter of 'Dr. Galeoto, residing at 423 Montgomery avenue, re- turned to San Francisco to visit his friends. Last July he learned that Franchi was still on his trail, so he left for Chicago. Franchi came back to the city two months later. Par' intended to come to San Francisco for the Christmas holidays, and the death of Franchi will probably render the carrying out of this intention more certain.
 Franchi has been regarded as a bad man. but was thought to be a good deal of buffer. In New Orleans he had trouble with man named Angelo Fer rant and drew a gun on him. Ferrant knocked the pistol from his hands, bit a piece out of his nose and shot him in the leg. The scars on the nose and leg were found on the body as it lay in the Morgue.
 Three weeks ago in the saloon of Sal vador Smario 424 Broadway, Franchf drew revolver on a man during a quar- rel, but the saloon-keeper took 1t away before he could do any damage. Franchi was ordered away from the place and told not to return He came back. how ever, about a week ago, and in quarrel over a game of cards he again made show of a pistol and was disarmed TE- night he was shot ne again returned 70 Smario's saloon and was elected on ac- count of his Quarrelsome disposition.