Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Mass.) 1828-1830, 1828-05-13

This alphabet, as will be seen, consists of
eighty-six characters; they are principally
syllable, and the combinations of them form
all the words of the language. Guess, at
the time he invented this alphabet, could not
read any language, nor speak any other than
his own. He by some means became ac-
quainted with the principle that marks can
be made symbols of sound, and uninstructed
as he was, conceived the notion that he
could express all the syllables in the Chero-
kee language by separate marks or charac-
tiers. On collecting all the syllables which
after long study and trial he could recall to
his memory, he found the number to be
eighty-two. In order to express these, he
took the letters of our alphabet for part of
them, and various notifications Of cur let
| ters, and some characters of his own inven-
| ton, for the rest. With these symbols he
set about writing letters; and very soon
correspondence was actually maintained be-
tween the Cherokees in Wills Valley, and
their countrymen beyond the Mississippi,
500 miles apart. This was done by individ-
uals who could not speak English, and who
had never learned any alphabet, except this
syllable one, which Guess had invented,
taught to others, and introduced into prac-
tice. Young Cherokees, such an interest
did the matter excite, travelled great dis
lance to be instructed in the new method of
writing. In three days, it is said, they were
able to write, and return home to their ma
tive villages prepared to teach others. -Four
gsyllables have since been added, either by
Guess or some one else, making the number
of eightysix. The alphabet is said to be
now understood in all parts of the nation
Some account of the government which has
been organized in the Cherokee nation NAV
not be uninteresting at this time. We copy
the following from late work, written bv
native Cherokee =
:" The population of the Cherokee nation increas-
ed from the year 1910 to that of 1924 two Thousand
exclusive of those who emigrated in 1915 and 1919
TO the westof the mississippi of those who reside
on the Arkansas, the number is supposed to be abou
five thousand"
g The government, though Reflective in many re-
spects, well suited to the condition of the inhab
tants As they rise in information and refinement
changes IN it must follow until they arrive at that
state OF advancement, when trust they will be adj
united into all the privileges of the American family
!" The Cherokee nation is divided into eight dis
trlcts IN each Of which are established courts of ms
tice, where all disputed cases are decided nv inrv
under the direction Of circuit Judge who has inris
diction over two districts. Sherifs and other nub
lie officers are appointed to execute the decisions of
the courts, collect debts and arrest thieves and 9TH
er criminals. Appeals may be taken to the SUPERIOR
Court, held annually at the scat of government
The legislative authority is vested in general court
which consists of the national committee and conn
ell. The national committee consists of thirteen
members, who are generally men of sound sense and
fine talents. The national council consists of thirty
two members, beside the speaker who act as the
representatives of the people. Every bill PASSING
these two bodies, becomes the law of the land
Clerks are appointed to do the writings and record
the proceedings of the council The executive
power is vested in two principal chiefs. who hold
their office during good behaviour, and sanction all
the decisions of the legislative council Many of
the laws display some degree of civilization, and es
tablish the responsibility of the nation
p" Polygamy is abolished. Female chastity and
honour are protected by law. The Sabbath is re-
spected by the council during session. Mechanics
are encouraged by law. The practice of putting
aged persons to death for witchcraft is abolished
ana murder has become governmental crime"