New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-07-18
THREE LANG UAGES HIS RIGHT.
A MAN WHO WOULDN'T TALK ENGLISH BE-
CAUSE HE THOUGHT OTHERS SHOULD
TALK ENGLISH


TALK ENGLISH.
A weIl.dressed saneooting man went into res
,auyont the other day and sat down with naughty
air When the waiter approached he received an order
for some fruit eggs. some toast and coffee.
There was nothing unusual IN the order but TO that par
tcular winter this breakfast very exraordin airy,
for the words had all been spoken in German, and the
waiter was a Simon-pure American-no, Patrick
pure Irishman. He said al beg your pardon, SIR
shook his head ard went away. In few seconds he
came back and again the stranger gave his Order this
time sharply. The waiter looked shcepish and tried
10 explain that he did not understand German. The
other looked blankly at the waiter.
Pardon, me, SIR" said man in German, who sat
at the next table, but believe that no German Is
spoken here. II you will allow To translate your
order will do So" Then turning 10 the waiter, the
good Samaritan explained what 1t that the German
stranger wished for breakfast. He greatly sur
prised a moment later when the stranger turned
suddenly and asked in excellent English: "Why don't
they speak German here1"
I'm sure I do not know" was the answer in
German, for the translator was too much amazed to
realize that they might talk together in English.
Pardon me-" he added Il supposed that you did
not speak English
Tho other drew himself up proudly.
Sir" he replied II speak five languages fuenty."
"Wen' said the other bluntly, "why didn't you
give your order In English then 7"
Because" answered the stranger, waving his
hand, ii is my right to order my breakfast IN any
language which l choose"
But suppose, as in this case, no one understands
German"
at IS my right, SIR"
But no German is spoken here"
1t ought to be. sir. Three languages should DO
spoken in every place"
But you can't demand this especially II certain
language is not spoken by those whom you address
al demand it, / say. II is my right. Now
take Berlin for instance You 60 into any
restaurant there and speak English and be answered
In English"
Pardon me again." was the response al have not
found that this rule holds good in Berlin once In
hundred times"
"But 1t ought TO, SIR" responded the stranger In
dignanty. at ought TO- Can you deny that
"Well, l don't know. Why should you demand
that any waiter speak in the that you choose
rather than that he should demand that you speak
tho language used in his restaurant"
"Yon will admit however" said the owner OF five
tongues crisply, that 1t is an advantage TO man
to speak three languages"
Certainly 1t Is benefit"
"Then it is my right to order my breakfast in
Russian, If please"
That doesn't seem reasonable"
Certainly it docs to me. For instance you can al
ways tell by a mans appearance what his nationality
is"
% Mine for example is -"
son, you are a German; any one can tell that"
The conversation was going on in Germany ~
Well, it happens that there isn't drop OF Gernhai
blood I'm my vens'
The stranger bIushed and bit his lips.
Yon will admit, however," he cried eagerly,
that three languages ore benefit 10 mani"
Undoubtedly"
"Then it is your right TO demand when you 50
into place TO speak In any language you please"
8" can't sec it,"
"weI what is your businessi Pardon me for asking
the question"
" am lawyer
II German client who can't speak English comes
30 your Office isn't it his right to demand that you
understand German 2"
than it is mine TO demand that he speak in English
when he can't possibly do IL ans
The stranger looked vexed He flushed little,
(" But he insisted, ii would be great advantage
to both men. wouldn't it?'
| haven't denied that for an Instant
"Then,o cried the language crank, :" 10 Is my right
to demand when come into this restaurant that they
speak to me In German"
The American gave IL up in despair
" Don't yOu think now that am rghtf" asked the
other seeing his opportunity to clinch point.
The American couldn't answer he vas DISCOURAGE.
Well he said rising Z" afraid you will never
find what you seek in this world" This was said In
English. . ,u.
Then 10 prove that he was right he turned % tne
waiter and In German asked for his check. This time
the American did not offer to translate the sentence
he fled leaving the biggest crank whom he had ever
met holding the field In triumph and waiting for the
walter to bring his check.