III. “Greek Fire” The Grass Roots Response A. Expression of Public Support for the Greek Cause
A3. A Resolution by the Students of Columbia College
(Robinson pp. 150–51) December 9, 1823
Resolved, That the Students of this Institution unite with their fellow citizens in the anxious wish that Greece may once more be free; and desire equally with them, to be of some assistance to her in her present glorious struggle. It may be thought unbecoming in persons of our age, and devoted, as we are, exclusively to study, to interfere in the politics of the day; but the present occasion, it is conceived, is one on which without fear of censure all ages and all classes may come forward. We indeed are peculiarly called upon; our daily studies bring to our recollection Greece in the period of her glory; and if we did not sympathize in their misfortunes, and rejoice that she has at length awakened from her long degradation, to a remembrance of what she once was, we should be strangers to those generous feelings which in youth it may be sometimes pardonable to carry to excess, but which to be devoid of, would be considered in the highest degree dishonorable to the enlightened and liberal mind.
First Resolved, That a Committee of eight to be appointed, two from each class, for the purpose of receiving subscriptions, and that the sum thus collected be forwarded to the General Committee of this City.
Second Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed for the purpose of raising a sum from the students to publish the articles which appeared in the American for the golden medal, the proceeds of sale thereof to be applied to the Grecian fund.
(Hatzidimitriou 143)
Source: Constantine G. Hatzidimitriou, Founded on Freedom and Virtue: Documents Illustrating the Impact in the United States of the Greek War of Independence, 1821-1829 (New Rochelle, New York: Aristide D. Caratzas, 2002).