The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-05-24
A WESTERN MAYOR hewitt.
He Rules Kansas City and They Call Hin
Backbone Mayor.

He Rules Kansas City and They Call Him
= Backbone Mayor.
Kansas City Special. :.
The most remarkable CHI aracter in Missouri
politics to-day is, without q doubt. the Mayor OF
Kansas City. Thrice elected, like Wilmington
of old, he is the most eccentric. and at the same
time the most conscientious and honorable Of
fetal Kansas City has ever bad When Cleve-
land was here the news that Mayor Kumpf had
put on a starched shirt was heralded far and
wide. The fact of the matter 10 that the
Mayor always wears q SEARCHED" shirt.
but on that memorable day he had added o
In bis life he had made this innovation, and
since then he has lspsed back again into his old
habits of dress. For years the checked trous-
ers and the SLOUGH hat, under which beams .
pleasant, gray-beArded German face, have been
familiar to every man, woman. and child here.
But his eccentric apparel 10 the least of his
pecuaiarities. He Is the Bismarck OF Kansas
City and stories of his diplomacy are among the
current topics of conversation here. was in
troduced to the gentleman on a day which has
become locally historical. 1t appears that the
auditor or comptroller had made the discovery
that the street-car companies had for years
failed to pay into the city treasury the legal tax
imposed on each car. The Mayor had insisted
on the payment, and when I dropped in l found
three corporation attorneys and the chief OF
police engaged with him..
Said Mr.. Tarsney, ono of the attorneys:
'Now, Mr.. Kumpf, if you will permit Us to car
- saS Ahost0k INV a. VIVA - Nao
atty of the taxing statute will soon be ascer-
tanned. At the end of o year or two We will
know definitely how to c%onstrus the law"
Then the other said something in the same
strain, and everything looked cheerful. I.
When the gentlemen had concluded, the
Mayor turned to the chief, remarking:
tom, ef de tax isn't paid In vun hour shtop
efery shtreet-car, und arrest efery driver"
Remonstrance was useless. The tax WAS not
paid within the -FOUR. and for the rest of the day
Mr.. Tarsuey and the other attorneys were kept
busy signing bail bonds for arrested drivers.
The next day every cent of tho tax was paid.
and, although the attorneys threatened to go to
law. nothing was ever done. From that time on
Mr.. Kumpf has been known as The Backbone
Mayor
Later. after the cable lines had killed quite .
number Of people, Bismarck sent q request to
all ai,S Of the e0mp.Sis' E to put ., tenders ..r On 1nne cars
In Kansas City had its fender Ut the beginning
| OF the next quarter.
His reelection last. month has shown another
side OF his character. 1t appears that the local
man tho Office Of market-master, and
had received some kind of a promise from
the Mayor. Immediately after the election,
aRepublican City Council, which confirms tho
its promise and rejected the Mayors nominee.
The old mar has, however. stuck to his agree
ment. and refuses absolutely to send in any
other than the name Of . colored man. So
there Is a deadlock between . Republican
Council and q Republican Mayor, and there's .
colorsd man in the woodpiie. Nobody doubts
that the Mayors lasting qualities will far sur
pass those of all the councilmen combined.
And now this strong-minded Teutons name Is
mentioned for the Republican gubsrnatou'al
nomination. In Missouri the Republicans have
gone through the formality of nominating . can
didate every four years. although no issue has
ever been strong enough TO bear resul =. This
year the Republicans really think the local
option issues in the counties can be turned into
benefit as . general State issue.
Nv HON would you runs" was asked in q gath
ering OF Republicans recently.
THE Dutch Mayor of ST. Joseph, and, IT he
won't have Il, Bismarck. of Kansas City"
When the Mayor heard that he was being
talked or az the Rubernatorial candidste he
turned to q group of listeness and said wisely:
"Dey ken do worse, gentlemen"
That remark has since been interpreted into
an acknowledgement that he would accept the
nomination IL it were rendered to him.