The Diamond Palace Jeweler Who Vanished With the Stock

The 'Diamond Palace' of Simon Rumpf is now in the hands of a receiver, and the receivers are trying to secure what is left. Judge Langley yesterday, in accordance with the prayer of the Rockford Watch Company, appointed Arthur E. Griffin to take charge of the stock of goods at 620 Second Street, and Mr. Griffin at once qualified by filing a bond for $6,000 and entered into possession of the store.

The Rockford Watch Company is the first of the creditors of Rumpf to take legal steps to collect the amounts due. The action was begun against Simon Rumpf, Joseph Mayer, J. K. Basye and Kline, doing business as J. K. Basye & Co. It is alleged that on July 15, 1894, the Rockford Watch Company sold to Simon Rumpf certain jewelry, and that no part of the purchase price has ever been paid.

Since August, 1893, and for several weeks prior, Rumpf has purchased goods of plaintiff and other creditors, representing that he intended to operate at No. 620 Second Street a retail jewelry store. It is alleged that Rumpf, in purchasing the goods, intended to procure possession of them for the purpose of selling the same, and to appropriate the proceeds to his own exclusive use. It is further alleged that on August 28 Rumpf colluded and conspired with Mayer, Basye and Kline to convey the stock to Basye & Co.; also that he conveyed to Mayer the northeast quarter of section 25, township 26 north, range 4 east, in King county.

With the execution of the bills of sale to Basye & Co. that firm took possession and, it is alleged, Rumpf absconded, and his whereabouts are at present unknown. Basye & Co. are said to be threatening to dispose of the goods, and will do so unless enjoined. It is further alleged that Mayer will dispose of the real estate unless he is also enjoined.

The complaint recites that the action is brought not only on behalf of plaintiff but also for the benefit of all the other creditors who have delivered goods to Rumpf on consignment. Shortly before April 27, it is stated, various persons consigned to Rumpf goods valued at thousands of dollars. There is said to be due and unpaid by Rumpf other amounts for goods sold and delivered to him.

By reason of the fraud of Rumpf in his pretended sale of the goods to Basye & Co., the plaintiff elects to rescind the sale and to retain and recover his property. In conclusion the plaintiff asks on behalf of himself and the other creditors a restraining order prohibiting Basye & Co. and Mayer from disposing of the goods, or from selling, encumbering or disposing of the bond; also for the appointment of a receiver to take possession of the goods in the store, and judgment for the goods sold and delivered.

Among the documents filed for record in the county auditor's office Wednesday was a bill of sale given on May 29 to Mayer by Rumpf, transferring to the former all the latter's interest in the business theretofore conducted by Rumpf & Mayer, and also conveying to Mayer all the business interests and everything connected with the 'Uncle Harris' loan office, the alleged consideration being $4,250. The property is warranted to be free of all liens and encumbrances whatever, so far as Rumpf is concerned. By the terms of the bill of sale Mayer is authorized to collect all bids and accounts due to the firm.

There was also filed for record at the request of Mayer a warranty deed, the consideration being $1,000, conveying the northeast section 25, township 26 north, range 4 east, the same being free of all liens and encumbrances except one mortgage and trust deed. This deed is of record, and was made May 16, 1894, to C. W. Andrews, the consideration being $1 and other good and valuable considerations, and was given as security for all such sums of money as Rumpf or Mayer, or the co-partnership of Rumpf & Mayer, may be indebted to the said party of the second part, or to the Seattle National Bank, of Seattle, or for such sum or sums as they may hereafter become indebted to said party of the second part, or to the said Seattle National Bank.

The amount of the claims against Rumpf will approximate $15,000. Up to the moment of his disappearance he maintained his composure, and no one of his friends here suspected that there was even a trace of dishonesty in his character. Of the creditors the only person who was thoroughly informed as to Rumpf's intentions was William Harris, who saved himself by an attachment on the stock remaining in Mayer's hands.

Rumpf came to this city eight or nine years ago, and on his arrival is said to have been practically without funds. He obtained a position in the store of Smith, the jeweler, and was retained by Charles White, who succeeded Smith. Rumpf was a steady young fellow and was soon able to enter into business for himself. About 1890 he was one of several to plat the townsite of Halter City, on the McLaguamish, and later sold his interests there at a good figure. He and Mayer then bought the pawnshop known as 'Uncle Harris,' and continued in partnership till May, when the bill of sale filed for record Wednesday was executed. Thereafter he opened the 'Diamond Palace,' while Mayer went to the New York block.

Rumpf was 27 or 28 years old, dark complexioned, slender, of medium height and engaging manners. He roomed at Mrs. White's on James street and the day he left he enclosed an envelope for his room rent, which was not due until September 1. He rarely drank; there was no trace of dissipation in his behavior until two weeks ago, when he seemed troubled and acted now and then as though he had lost money. He had many friends, all of whom are immeasurably surprised at his action.