The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1894-03-18

Judge Erasmus w. TatIock is essen
TALLY modest man, and the latest
evidence of this was given yesterday,
when he brought an action in the
Third district court against ex-Court
Reporter Frank L. McGurrin. claiming
damages in the sum of $1O,OO0-a mere
bagatelle.
The principals to this latest legal bat
tie are both well known here, the
plaintiff being a prominent attorney
and the defendant law reporter with
z record of twelve years in the Salt
Lake courts and without a peer in the
world
The action is the ougrowth of the
circular some time ago issued by the
defendant as president of the Salt Lake
Building and Loan association to the
stockholders of that organization, in
which he scored the plaintiff heavily
for certain allegations made in an ac-
ton brought against the association.
This issue had awakened embitter-
ments enough, it is claimed, to cause
an ordinary war. There was frothing
and foaming at least on one side and
when Mr.. Tatlock appeared as counsel
for plaintiff in another action against the
association bloOdShed, it is said, was
simply aVerted by friends who stepped
in to prevent a meeting between the
principals. Chatting under this re-
Straint special meeting of the board
of directors was called by the preSi-
dent. At this meeting there We're five
directors and less discord probably than
y characterized the one of few evenings
since. At the special meeting, it is
said, the name, the antecedents the
moral and professional standing of the
complainant attorney were eAcitedly
discussed. And it was here that the
foundation of the present action was
unwittingly laid. Mr.. McGurrin, it is
said by one of those who were
present, was there with blood in his
eye, and whatever opinions exchanged
or sentiments expressed, the Subjoined
circular was issued over the printed
signature The Board of Directors,
Salt Lake Building and Loan Associa-
tom
ITO the stockholders of the Salt Lake
Building and Loan Association:
a shyster lawyer in this city,
named z. w. Tatlock, has for over a
year past been endeavoring in every
way possible to levy blackmail upon
this association. HIS first attempt was
as attorney for one Mabel A Johnson,
VINO had borrowed money of the asso-
citation, giving therefor a trust deed up
citation was compelled to sell the prop
erty under the trust deed, which ii
did in the regular way as provided by
law. Tatlock filed complaint in her
behalf, setting forth the baldest false
hoods, among others that no sale of the
property was ever had. The party
swearing to this under his direction
: committed the rankeSt perjury. On the
trial of the case, Tatlock in his des-
peration went on the stand as wit
ness, 70 swear the case through, but
the court promptly decided against him
anA in favor of the association. Tat
LOCKS motive in bringing the case was
shown by the fact that he made re-
peateA offers to the board to dismiss
the case If they would pay him the
amount>ef his fees, but the offers were
rejected With scorn, and Tatlock ln=
formed that he could not blackmail the
association out of one dollar.
Being completely defeated in this
attempt, the enterprising Tatlock con-
tinued his efforts to levy blackmail up
on the associa ton, being now inspired
with hatred as well as cupidity. He
Ec1nd a tool in a man named Davis,
whose property the association had been
compelled to sell under a trust deed, for
non-payment of dues and interest, in
the regular way. Davis now brings
an action, with Tatlock as attorney,
similar to the Johnson case, alleging
the same sweeping falsehoods, and in
addition showing his malice by making
certain scandalous and lying charges
against the officers Of the association.
There is no doubt but that to pay Tat
lock his fees in this new case would
procure its prompt dismissal, the same
as he proposed in the johnson case.
This attack on the board of direc-
tors being the result of its efforts to
serve the best interests Of the stock
holders and TO save the money of the
association from being wasted, the direc-
tors now appeal to the stockholders for
support and approval of their action.
But if, in the opinion of the stockhold-
ere. change of officers is desirable
this board Will cheerfully resign and
give place to such officers as may be
selected.
1t is this to which Judge Tatlocll
took exceptions and upon which he has
commenced the action for defamation
of character. The fight in court threa t.
ems to be as bitter as that which has
been waged without, and defendant S
answer is impatiently awaited.