Essay on the Improvement of the Gipseys.

It would be a lamentable case, if the before-mentioned regulations were merely pious wishes. Let us hope something better! The work has been commenced;—a great empress, Theresa, laid down a plan to win over these poor unfortunate people to virtue and the state. But it is to be regretted, that the execution of her wise dispositions, respecting the Gipseys in Hungary, seems to have been entrusted to people inadequate to the task.

What was done, in her time, towards the accomplishment of this work, may be seen by the following article, extracted from the Newspaper already often quoted, called Anzeigen aus den Kayserl. Königl. Erbländern (Intelligence from the Hereditary Imperial Royal Dominions): “Since the year 1768, several decrees regarding these people have been published in the country (Hungary), and the strictest orders dispatched to the several districts in consequence. They were prohibited from dwelling in huts or tents; from wandering up and down the country; from dealing in horses; from eating animals which died naturally, and carrion; and from electing their own wayda or judge. It was intended to extirpate the very name and language of these folks, out of the country. They were no longer to be called Gipseys, but New Boors (Uj Magyar); not to converse any longer with each other in their own language, but in that of any of the countries in which they had chosen to reside. Some months were to be allowed, after which time they were to quit their Gipsey manner of life, and settle, like the other inhabitants, in cities or villages; to build decent houses, and follow some reputable business. They were to procure boors’ clothing, to commit themselves to the protection of some territorial superior, and live regularly. Such as were fit for soldiers, to be enlisted into regiments.” Nevertheless, although these regulations were calculated entirely for the good of these people and the state, the greatest part were not in the smallest degree benefited by them. The effect which was produced gave occasion, in the year 1773, for these orders not only to be repeated, but made more rigid; and as even this measure would not answer the end, it was then thought necessary to proceed to extremity with them. Wherefore it was ordered, That no Gipsey should have permission to marry, who could not prove himself in condition to support a wife and children: that from such Gipseys who had families, the children should be taken away by force, removed from their parents, relations, and intercourse with the Gipsey race, to have a better education given them. A beginning was made in some places; and where they would not comply voluntarily, they were compelled to submit to the decree. At Fahlendorf in Schütt, and in the district of Pressburg, all the children of the New Boors (Gipseys) above five years old, were carried away in waggons during the night of the 21st of December, 1773, by overseers appointed for that purpose; in order that, at a distance from their parents or relations, they might be more usefully educated, and become accustomed to work. Those boors who were willing to receive and bring up these children, were paid eighteen guilders yearly from government. On the 24th of April, 1774, between five and six o’clock in the morning, the children of the Gipseys, which had been growing up from December of the foregoing year, were again removed from Fahlendorf in Schütt and Hideghid, for the purpose of being put under the same course of discipline as the others. Among the children taken away on this occasion, was a girl fourteen years old, who was forced to submit to be carried off in her bridal state. She tore her hair for grief and rage, and was quite beside herself with agitation: but she recovered a composed state of mind; and, in 1776, in Fasching, obtained permission to accomplish her marriage.

So far our intelligence quoted from the Gazettes; by which we may see how prudently every thing was concerted. It is true, the means here used are compulsory; but such measures were necessary, and the only ones capable of insuring success. Moreover, it may at the same time be observed, although the publisher of this information endeavours to conceal it, how little these salutary regulations were put in force: there were scarcely two places in the kingdom, where even an endeavour was made to give them proper effect. This supineness must have been unknown to the emperor Joseph, or he would certainly have again enforced them, to all chiefs and governors, at the same time that he gave orders for their being observed in Transylvania.

The tenor of the decree just mentioned, which was published in the year 1782, was consonant with the intention of Theresa with regard to the Hungarian Gipseys, namely, that those also in Transylvania should become better men, and more useful inhabitants. For the accomplishment of which, it prohibits their wandering about and living under tents; requires that they become settled, and put themselves under some territorial chief. In order to strike immediately at the root of the evil, necessary and minute directions are given for the improvement of their religious ideas and opinions, and, by correcting their vicious habits, for rendering them good citizens. First, with respect to religion, they must

1. Not only be taught the principles of religion themselves, but send their children early to school:

2. Prevent, as much as possible, their children from running about naked, in the house, the roads, and streets, thereby giving offense and disgust to other people:

3. In their dwellings, not permit their children to sleep promiscuously by each other, without distinction of sex:

4. Diligently attend at church, particularly on Sundays and holidays, to give proof of their Christian disposition:

5. Put themselves under the guidance of spiritual teachers, and conduct themselves conformably to the rules laid down by them.