-G.O.P. Nominee for Congress boosts Coolidge in "Chinook" tongue
INCHELIUM - Ed Ferguson, republican candidate for Congress, today made a campaign speech in Chinook to Indians of the Colville Reservation. It was the first time the Indians, who were recently given the right to vote, were addressed by a candidate, and was probably the first political speech in Chinook, a language used by Indians and whites in the early days.
Ferguson, accompanied by Mrs. Ferguson and former State Senator Whitney, came to Inchelium from a campaign of the Columbia River valley to make the first talk to Indians. He spoke in a confectionery store, where 25 Indians assembled. The Indians enjoyed the novelty. They laughed two or three times, made a few remarks during the talk, and all shook hands with Ferguson when he concluded. A sample ballot was pinned on the wall and explained by Ferguson.
Nods of approval were given by the Indians when Ferguson, relating some incidents of pioneer times in the Wenatchee Valley, mentioned Long Jim of the Chelans and Chief Felix of the Wenatchee were "nika tilicums" — Chinook for "my friends."
Before leaving Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson joined the Indians in a "pop party," when Ferguson toasted to "the success of Calvin Coolidge and the republican party."
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