Cherokee Phoenix

New Echota

Published July, 30, 1828

Page 3 Column 1b

New Echota:

Wednesday July 30, 1828

We publish today Professor R's letter and two series of questions on the language and history of the Tsalagi Nation. Those on the language can be easily answered, and we hope to receive satisfactory communication on the subject from some one of our correspondents. In regard to traditions, we feel doubtful whether any can be collected which will shed any new light on our dark history, particularly as far back as 1000 years. Traditions are becoming unpopular, and there are now but few aged persons amongst us who regard them as our forefathers did. We have been desirous of obtaining them for the columns of our paper-if they do not afford any new light, they may afford some amusement. We will be thankful to our correspondents if they will send us any for insertion. Direct answers to Pro. R's questions on the history of the Tsalagi Nation will be thankfully received.

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It has been extremely warm of late, and the crops which a few days ago appeared so very promising, are now suffering for want of rain.

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We are happy to learn that there is every prospect of punctual and general attendance at each of the precincts in this District, on our election day, which is to be next Monday. Preparatory meetings have been held in Coosewaytee, Pine-log, and other places. This augurs well for the 'success of our new Constitution.'

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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.