Evening journal., 1899-10-30
THE WORST DIVE
IN WILMINGTON
So Judge Ball Pronounced John
ROmanO's Place at Second
and Walnut Streets.
ROMANO PLEADED GUILTY

WHEN ARRA1GNED TO-DAY IN
CITY COURT ON a CHARGE OF
KEEPING A HOUSE OF ILL-RE-
PUTE-EDwARD SLOAT RE-
TURNS.
A deplorable state of affairs, and one
the equal of which is rarely seen, was
revealed as existing in Wilmington,
when John Romano, an Italian, was ar
raigned in City Court to-day on a
charge of keeping a house of ill-fame.
Romano's place is located at the
southwest corner of Second and Wal
nut streets, and for some time has been
under police observation, as it was ire
quented by Italians Of the lowest class
and OF questionable character. Some
months ago Romano was arraigned be-
fore Judge Ball on a similar charge to
the one he was called upon to answer
to-day, but as the evidence was not di-
rect enough to prove the allegation, it
was dismissed, and a fine imposed for
keeping a disorderly house.
A HORRIBLE CONDITION.
Romano this morning pleaded guilty
TO the charge and his honor imposed
the highest fine permissible under the
code regulating such offenses, $50 and
costs. The facts in possession Of the
authorities, although not brought out,
are to the effect that Romano's mother,
wife and daughter are inmates OF the
place and aid him in carrying on his
vile traffic.
In passing sentence Judge Ball said:
Romano, the Police Department has
had a number of complaints as to the
character Of your house, and l am in
formed that it is the worst dive in the
city of Wilmington, and l intend to
break IL up. Hereafter the officers will
keep a strict watch over your place,
and for every twenty-four hours you
conduct this business you will be
brought before this court and fined ac-
cordingly"
OFFICER Di Mare interpreted Judge
Balls remarks to Romano, and also to
mother and daughter, who were
/ csc4C in court.
EDWARD SLOAT RETURNS.
Edward Sloat was a defendant be-
fore the court on a charge Of contempt
Edward was the central figure in the
recent alleged shooting ARRAY in South
Wilmington, In which Mrs. Sutton and
Mrs. Rossiter were the defendants. II
was stated at the time that the two
women were walking along the New
Castle cut off tracks, when they were
followed by Sloat, who was in the en-
ploy of the railroad company. One Of
the women, it is said. turned and fired
several shots at the man, none of which
took effect. They were arrested and
charged with committing a murderOu'
assault upon Sloat.
AN OFFICERS WARNING.
When the case was called before Cit!
Court SlOat failed TO put in an appear
ance and after several continuances
was dismissed owing TO the absence o
the prosecuting witness. Edward ha'
been out of the city but was yesterda,
arrested by OFFICER Tucker and given
hearing this morning on charge o
contempt of court.
When asked why he had not appear
ed before he stated that he had gon
away because ex-Police Officer Fuhr
man had advised him to do so, as if h
remained in Wilmington and appeare
against the women he would get int
a scrape. He took the officers advic
and fed.
Sergeant Lucas" continued SlOa
heard Thurman tell me this and / ca
prove it by him."
Lucas was in the court room an
Judge Ball instructed him to report tn
matter to Chief Dolan, who would in
vestigate it. 1t is said that Furhma
made the remark to Sloat shortly aftt
the occurrence, when he and Sloat an
Sergeant Lucas were standing at ii
corner OF Fourth and King streets, bl
that it was only made in a joking wa
Sloat, however, took it seriously an
left town.
YOUTHFUL CRAP SHOOTERS.
Harvey Clark, Edward Guy, Augu
Travert and William DeatOn, fol
small colOred boys, who were arrest,
yesterday by Sergeant Black among
crowd of negroes who were shooti1
crap on New street between Orange al
Tatnall streets, were each fined S. al
costs.
The following cases were also di
posed of: John r. Jones, colored, er
bezzlement OF s11 from Charles
Hickman, continued until tomorrow
J. J. Lucas, cOlored, disorderly co
duct, $40 and costs; William Liney. CT
oBed. assault and battery upon Charl
Williams, dismissed; Sarah Hurd, a
mhhfr,ssff:LYsoh cmfwyp cmfwpy n
sauh and battery continued until We
nesday.
At yesterdays session, Ida StantC
May Kennard and Warren Bailey,
eolored, were fined SO and costs ca
for fighting on the street. For acti
in disorderly manner, Cora Cord
was fined s. and costs. John Romal
charged with keeping a disorder
house, was held in S1O0 bail for fl
ther hearing. James Kelley and j
Delamore, drunk, were fined 81 a
costs each.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS.
IN tha avapfng of Nr.....-4- q