CHEROKEE PHOENIX
Wednesday July 30, 1828
Volume 1 No. 22
Page 3 Col. 1b

There appears to be a want of public spirit in some of our leading and wealthy citizens.  Though they possess the means of doing much good, by encouraging education, and the general improvement of the Nation they seem to stand aloof.  This is our failing as a people, and we are sorry to say that some of the offices of our government  have been and are filled by persons of this description.  From such leaders, who pay more regard to the acquisition of wealth, that the good and interest of their country, we have no reason to expect any solid and permanent advantage.  Is not our remark correct when it is considered that many (and some  who were members of the Legislative body which established the press) possessing all requisite means, will not subscribe for the Cherokee Phoenix, which costs only two dollars and fifty cents a year.  Who will encourage and uphold us, when our own citizens and patrons (they ill deserve the name) will not give us a helping hand?

 While we complain of the coldness and inactive patriotism of some, we take pleasure in rendering to a larger portion of our leading men, their proper and well merited due.  Under the direction of such men, education will flourish, our (Cherokee words are here) will not be permitted to languish and our infant institutions will be protected.  Through their exertions we hope to see established in this place, a National School, where our youths will enjoy greater advantages than in the common Schools-where our future chiefs-our judges, and the guardians of our religious, moral and political interests will be reared.- Such an institution is greatly needed, and were it not that the public funds of the Nation are so small, necessary buildings would  ere this have been commenced.  We invite the attention of our citizens to this important subject.  Now is the time when judicious efforts for the improvement of the Cherokees cannot go unrewarded, and pass away without any desirable effects.

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Send comments or questions to: George Frizzell
Special Collections . Hunter Library . Western Carolina University . Cullowhee, NC 28723 . 828-227-7474