The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-03-31
Chinook Jargon Won.

Every old-timer in Tacoma, or, in fact,
In the state of Washington, either remem-
bers or had personal acquaintance with
Attorney Frank Clark, says the Tacoma
News. Clark has been dead some eight
years, but during a conversation between
attorneys hiss name came up followed by
the narrative of this incident in his ca
reer:
Twelve years ago" said the lawyer tell
ing the story, Clark had as a client a
man arrested on the charge of cutting
timber on government land. The United
States was represented by two federal at
torneys, brought from a distance, either
Portland or San Francisco, if remem-
Der Alright. When these lawyers came in
TO court their followed behind them por-
ter who unloaded upon the table 'front.'
ing the judges bench armful after arm
full of books. Clark strobe in with three
volumes of law under his arm. The jury
was composed entirely of loggers and
ranchers. Opening the case the imported
lawyers delved deep into the tones of law
before them and cited decision after de-
cislon bearing on the case on trial. Then
using language, one-haf of the words of
which were too extensive for the jury's
understanding, they launched into their
argument.
LAS the United States attorney finished
Clark arose, picked up one of his law
books, and, without opening the volume.
threw 1t aside. The next book shared the
same fate.~The third was opened only to
be cast aside. Clark then squared him
self to the jury.
" 'Nesika tillicumsr' he commenced. and
then in a flow of Chinook jargon went on
to plead his clients cause. There was NOT
a man on the jury but what understood
every sentiment Clark convened wherea :
the high flown language of the imported
attorneys had been utterly lost on them.
In vivid Chinook Clark painted a word
picture of the trials and tribulations of
the settler in the wilds of Washington
forest. OF the desperate effort necessary
70 maintain wife and babies. And be-
cause his client had hauled q wagon load
Vi cordWood TO the village store to trade
Tor FOOD he had been arrested. and his
family deprived of his support
There was possibly not one in the iurv
box but what had at some time been in
the position Clark pictured. Every svm-
pathy an them was aroused. Tears trick
led down their rugged cheeks as c,lark' 8
Chinook flowed on.
The lawyers from afar were awake r.
the disadvantage they were being placed
under An objection was entered r.
clark use of Chinook or any other Ian.
guage which the opposing counsel could
not understand
FOUR honor answered Clark. 'the
jury here is to decide this case. The en-
lhent gentlemen for the prosecution have
used language so grandiloouent thar MOI
one of the jury has understood its nur.
port am speaking TO them in the sim
pie talk of the Western frontiersman. IN
derstood alike by both Indian and white
man who traverse and have been instru.
mental in the development of this north.
west. My language, call it targon If YOU
Wlsh' explains to the jury, and If I mis-.
take not also, your honor, the situation
nave out few words more to say, and
| in Chinook
The permission was granted and Clark.
chent acquitted without the jury leav.
| ing their seats"