Chapter XII: Section XI: Sentiments of various persons on the moral condition of the Gypsies

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After the extensive survey which has now been taken of the customs and habits of this people, in the various countries they inhabit, the reader will be prepared for the conclusions of Grellmann, that Gypsies are indeed a singular phenomenon in Europe. And remarkable it is, that the combined influence of time, climate, and example, have not effected any material alteration in their state. For the space of three or four hundred years, they have gone wandering about as pilgrims and strangers; they are found in eastern, as well as in western countries; as well among the rude, as the civilized; among indolent and active people; yet they remain in all places, as to customs and habits, what their fathers were.

It is asserted, there are two causes to which this coincidence is to be attributed; one is the country where they originate, with their consequent train of thinking; the other arises out of the circumstances which have hitherto attended their situation. Their peculiar notions and customs, leave no doubt of their being of eastern origin. In oriental countries, attachment to habit is so strong, that what has been once current among them, be it ever so pernicious or ridiculous, is persevered in; any affection which has once predominated, retains its dominion for ages.

Mahomet knowing that the weak side of the Arabians was their veneration for every thing handed down from their forefathers, gave his new profession the colouring of antiquity, and affirmed it to be the religion of Abraham. The Jesuits in China, availed themselves of similar means, by referring to Confucius, in aid of their doctrines, and thus they obtained admission for their religion among the Chinese. In the eastern nations, no change is adopted merely because it is an improvement. The Chinese are acquainted with the use of glass, yet their mirrors are always made of metal; and their windows of shells.--Mechanical watches have been for ages used in the court of Pekin, but the bulk of the nation depend upon the action of fire and water; the former, by the gradual burning of a match composed of sweet smelling powder, the latter by water, somewhat resembling our large hour-glasses.

If we consider the circumstances under which the Gypsies have existed, we shall want nothing more to make us comprehend, why they have remained to the present time, what they were at their first arrival in Europe. Separating themselves as much as possible from all association, but with those of their own tribe, they avoid every means which might give a new turn to their ideas, or in the least degree contribute to eradicate deep-rooted prejudice.--Unused to reflect, and fettered by habit, they arrived in our quarter of the globe; and it does not appear that any measures have been enjoined for instructing or reforming them, except those of the Empress Theresa, which were never put in execution.

The most extreme punishments failing to effect a change in the habits of Gypsies, they were subjected in almost all countries to banishment. They had been accustomed in their own country, to live remote from cities and towns; now they became more invariably inhabitants of forests, and penetrated deeper into deserts; as, in consequence of the search which was made after them, or, at least, threatened to be made, they judged themselves more secure in seclusion and concealment, than they would have been, in frequenting places of established abode, and having free intercourse with the neighbouring, inhabitants. Thus they became, in a greater degree, outcasts from civilized society; and divested of the most, and perhaps the only, probable means, of inducing a change in their manner.

Being always either persecuted, or left to themselves, no other could be expected, than that they must ever remain in all places the same. The character of people being formed by the instruction they receive in their early years, can it be thought surprising, that Gypsies who are idlers, should be also abandoned and thievish? Is it to be expected that men should become diligent, who have been educated in laziness? Who can have a general idea of fair dealing, that has never been taught the distinction between good and evil, virtue and vice? Perhaps it is reserved for _our age_, in which so much has been attempted for the benefit of mankind, to humanize a people, who, for centuries, have wandered in error and neglect; and it may be hoped, that while we are endeavouring to ameliorate the condition of our African brethren, the civilization of Gypsies, who form so large a portion of humanity, will not be overlooked.

It cannot be denied, that considering the multitude of them, their reform must be a subject of very serious consideration to many states. The period in which banishments were generally pronounced on this people, were too unphilosophical for any preferable mode of punishment to be suggested; but it may be expected from a better informed age, that better maxims will be adopted. We send apostles to the east and west, to the most distant parts of the whole earth; and even into the very country whence the Gypsies emigrated, to instruct the people who know not God. Is it not inconsistent for men to be solicitous for the welfare of their fellow-creatures in distant regions, and to throw off, and leave to chance, those who, equally wretched, have brought their errors home to us? If it be a good work to teach religion and virtue to such as are ignorant of their Creator, why not begin with those nearest to us?--Especially as neglect in this particular, is attended with detriment to the society of which we are members.

The Gypsies have been long enough among civilized people to prove, that they will not be allured by the mere example of others, to free themselves from the fetters of old customs and vices. To accomplish that end, more effectual means are requisite.

It would be vain to hope for any considerable progress in the improvement of those who are grown up. Their reformation would be a difficult task, as the attempts made by the Empress Theresa evinced:--you must begin with children, and not meddle with the old stock, on whom no efforts will have effect.

Expelling the Gypsies entirely, was not merely a premature step, it was a wasteful one. This is indisputable, so long as the state maxim holds good, that a numerous population is advantageous.

Care being taken to enlighten their understandings, and amend their hearts, they might become useful citizens; for observe them at whatever employment you may, there always appear sparks of genius. It is well known, and no writer omits to remark, what artful devices they have recourse to, in perpetrating any cheat or robbery: but this is not the only particular in which they show capacity. The following extract is from a Hungarian author, who was an attentive observer of these people.

"The Gypsies have a fertile imagination in their way, and are quick
and ready at expedients; so that in many serious, doubtful cases,
they soon recollect how to act, in order to extricate themselves. We
cannot indeed help wondering, when we attend to, and consider the
skill they display in preparing and bringing their works to
perfection; which is the more necessary from the scarcity of proper
tools and apparatus. They are very acute and cunning in cheating, or
thieving; and when called to account for any fraud or robbery,
fruitful in invention, and persuasive in their arguments to defend
themselves."

_Grellmann_.

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The recommendation of Grellmann, p. 197, to begin the work of reform with children, appears judicious; but the events of the present day justify the expectation, that benevolent exertions would not prove fruitless, should they afterwards be extended even to the "_old stock_."

Before the Circular introduced is the 10th Section was distributed, the author did not know of the correspondence on the subject of Gypsies, which had appeared in the interesting pages of the Christian Observer. But he should now consider it an injustice to those benevolent individuals, who had taken the lead in this work of Christian charity, not to give full consideration to the ideas they have suggested.

In Vol. VII. p. 91 of that periodical publication, is the following letter.

_To the Editor of the Christian Observer_.

As the divine spirit of Christianity deems no object, however
unworthy or insignificant, beneath her notice, I venture to apply to
you on behalf of a race, the outcasts of society, of whose pitiable
condition, among the many forms of human misery which have engaged
your efforts, I do not recollect to have seen any notice in the pages
of your excellent miscellany. I allude to the deplorable state of
the Gypsies, on whose behalf I beg leave to solicit your good offices
with the public.--Lying at our very doors, they seem to have a
peculiar claim on our compassion.

In the midst of a highly refined state of society, they are but
little removed from savage life. In this happy country, where the
light of Christianity shines with its purest lustre, they are still
strangers to its cheering influence. I have not heard even of any
efforts which have been made, either by individuals or societies, for
their improvement; and so thoroughly do they appear to despise the
advantages of civilized life, that perhaps nothing less than that
change of heart, which is the effect of the blessing of God on the
means employed for their conversion, would prevent their continuing
to be the pest of society. The great Shepherd of Israel despises not
these unhappy wanderers from his fold; and I am persuaded, that
neither you, nor those who read and prize your work, will be
insensible to the force of His benign example.

May the Divine Spirit suggest means, by which this wretched race may
be reclaimed from their vagrancy, and be made acquainted with that
Saviour, whom to know is life eternal!

Yours, &c. NIL.

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_To the Editor of the Christian Observer_. {201}

It gave me pleasure to observe in one of the numbers of your
miscellany, a letter on a subject that has frequently engaged my
serious attention: I mean the state of the Gypsies. It is painful to
reflect how many thousands of these unhappy creatures, have, since
the light of Christianity has shone on this Island, gone into
eternity ignorant of the way of salvation, and without one cheering
thought of a Saviour. Surely, Sir, there is an awful responsibility
attached to this neglect! If we look back into the history of the
Christian church, from the earliest ages, we shall find that the
introduction of the gospel amongst any people, has generally been
effected by means of Missionaries; and so numerous are the Gypsies,
and so desultory in their habits of life, that it might well occupy
the time of more than one zealous individual, to go amongst them, and
by plain, simple, affectionate conversation and exhortation, when
practicable, instruct them in the knowledge of their Redeemer.

Nor in this favoured land, where there are so many who zealously
embrace the doctrines of Christianity, would there, I trust, be
wanting both one, or more persons, who would devote themselves to
this truly apostolic work; and benevolent individuals who would open
their hearts and their purses, for the support and encouragement of
such an undertaking. This labour of love would doubtless prove less
arduous, than the attempts which have been made to establish missions
among the American Indians; the natives of the South-Seas; or the
inhabitants of Southern Africa.

The dread of the magistracy in this country, would prove a protection
from personal injury, while the painful relinquishment of friends and
country would not be required. I will also beg leave to mention
another suggestion: I have understood that, in different parts of the
kingdom, the neighbouring clergy meet at stated times, for the
purpose of conversing on the important duties of their pastoral
office. At such times, would it not be well to take into
consideration, the perishing condition of so large a part of the
community, as that, which forms the subject of this letter? Some
plan might probably be thus devised, which, through the blessing of
the Lord, would prove effectual for the salvation of this out-cast,
and hitherto neglected people.

I would also take the liberty of recommending the cause of these
unhappy partners of our kind, to the humanity of our dissenting
brethren; and most earnestly solicit Christians of all denominations,
to unite in prayer to the God of all grace, that he would prosper
every attempt which may be made, to communicate to them the knowledge
of His will. I trust, Sir, I shall obtain your excuse for detaining
you on this important subject; and as I know your pages are read and
valued, by real Christians of various denominations, perhaps they
may, through the Divine Providence, be the means of exciting
effectual attention, to the spiritual wants of this deplorable set of
beings; and the same benevolence which induced you to exert your
talents and influence in behalf of the oppressed negroes, may be
again successfully employed, in ameliorating the condition of a
numerous class of our fellow-creatures, who are second only to them
in wretchedness, and spiritual misery.

I am, &c. FRATERNICUS.

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_To the Editor of the Christian Observer_. {205}

The insertion of the letter of "Fraternicus," on the moral and
religious state of the Gypsies, in a late number of your work,
(August, p. 496) implies, I presume, an approbation of its contents.
It is a subject that cannot fail to interest the feelings of a real
Christian.

The writer of this, has it in his power to contribute some pecuniary
aid towards such a truly Christian undertaking, and would most gladly
afford it. He commiserates, equally with Fraternicus, the wretched
state of this people, and hopes to see the day when the nation which
has, at length, done justice to the poor negroes, will be equally
zealous to do their duty in this instance; and attempt to raise the
Gypsies from their state of degradation. If any way can be devised
through the medium of your work, to set about this labour of love,
twenty pounds per annum shall be regularly contributed by the writer
of this; and you are at liberty to make whatever use you can of this
offer. If any good, which I pray God it may, should arise from the
present communication, the name of the writer, who is a constant
reader of the Christian Observer, shall be made known, when thought
necessary by the conductor.

H.

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_To the Editor of the Christian Observer_. {206}

I am much pleased with the interest which your two correspondents,
Fraternicus, and H. appear to take, in the spiritual and eternal
condition of that ignorant and degraded class of human beings, the
Gypsies.

I wish much to see appropriate and active measures adopted,
immediately to put into execution the benevolent suggestions of your
worthy and sensible correspondents. I cannot do a great deal in a
pecuniary point of view, but in counsel and influence I could do
more.

I feel no hesitation in inviting your correspondents to a meeting on
the subject, with a view to the formation of some plan, and the
consequent commencement of active exertions. One of the first
objects to be aimed at, is the introduction of cleanliness and
decorum.--Another object to be attended to, is, the teaching of them,
especially the young, to read; and then the supplying of them with
testaments and religious tracts.

There are many of the latter which would be both entertaining and
useful to them; but the most direct means to do them good is, by
frequent intercourse with them, and plain and familiar conversation,
prudently conducted. And if any thing be done, it must be undertaken
in a patient and persevering spirit.

The soil which it is proposed to cultivate, is remarkably barren and
unpropitious; of course a plentiful harvest must not be soon
expected. The persons to be employed in this work of faith and
labour of love, must not only be men of prudence and discretion, but
men of information, and possessing clear and cool heads, and warm
hearts.

I have no doubt, but that in these times of active benevolence and
zeal, when a good plan is laid, and funds provided, instruments will
be found, who with love in their hearts, will go seek those wandering
sheep in the wilderness, for whom no man hath yet cared.

Many good hints, Mr. Editor, are often fruitless for want of
immediate attention; and many a good work long talked of is not only
suspended, but never begun, for want of some one to put forth the
hand and begin. I for one, say to your two correspondents, "let us
arise and build; let us begin; there is no fear of progress and
help."

I remain, &c. MINIMUS.

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_To the Editor of the Christian Observer_. {208}

_June_ 13, 1809.

I was afraid the Gypsies had been quite forgotten; and therefore it
gives me real pleasure to see, by your last number, for May 1809,
that another correspondent has taken up their cause. If the subject
was once fairly before the public, I am persuaded it would interest
the feelings of many amongst us; and should good arise from it, which
with God's help and blessing, could not fail to be the case, we might
confidently look forward to a daily increasing fund for its support.
Surely when our charity is flowing in so wide a channel, conveying
the blessings of the gospel to the most distant quarters of the
globe, we shall not hesitate to water this one barren and neglected
field, in our own land.

My attention was first drawn to the state of this miserable class of
human beings, by the letter of "Fraternicus;" and looking upon it as
a reproach to our country, that amidst the great light which
prevails, so many of its children should be walking in darkness and
the shadow of death, I was anxious to contribute something out of my
abundance, towards their spiritual welfare. I perfectly agree with
your correspondent, that no time should be lost in devising some
plan, which may give consistency and effect to this work of faith,
and labour of love. In this short and uncertain life, no
opportunities of usefulness should be neglected. It is a call which
may never again be repeated. I am ready and desirous, to give
Minimus the proposed meeting; and the time and place might be
appointed through the medium of the Christian Observer.

I must however premise, that the writer of this is a very humble
individual in all respects, both in abilities, and in influence. My
habits are very retired, and at present, my time is occupied in
attending to the ministerial duties of a populous village. I shall
most gladly adhere to my first proposal, and might be induced to do
more, if need required.

In the meantime, it is my earnest prayer to God, that this may not be
one of those projects, which are only talked of, and never begun; but
that it may tend to the glory of his name, and to the bringing back
of those poor lost sheep to the fold of their Redeemer. Amen.

Yours, H.

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_To the Editor of the Christian Observer_. {211}

As I am not in the constant habit of seeing your publication, it is
only lately, in meeting with your number for February last, at the
house of a friend, that I was aware that the spiritual state of the
Gypsies, had excited interest in the breasts of some of your readers.

They are a race who have long excited interest in mine; so much, that
in the year 1801, I had written a letter upon the subject to the
society for bettering the condition, and increasing the comforts of
the poor; but I thought on further reflection, that any attempts to
civilize a race of beings so degraded, and held in so much contempt,
would be considered so very visionary, that I gave up the idea and
did not send it. A greater lapse of time, farther observation, and
the suggestions of your correspondents, induce me to trouble you with
the few following remarks; recollecting that in literary attempts and
works of beneficence, it is the same as in pecuniary subscriptions;
that great effects are not always produced from the stores of an
opulent individual, but from the willing contributions of the many.

It does not appear to me, that a few, or even many Missionaries,
according to the suggestion of Fraternicus, Vol. vii. p. 496, would
answer the purpose of imparting religious knowledge to the Gypsies;
since on account of their wandering mode of life, and from their not
travelling in any numbers together, it would be difficult to form
congregations. What the number of Gypsies, and of those who lead
vagrant lives, like them, may be in this kingdom, I cannot even form
a conjecture; and Mr. Colquhoun, I think does not mention them in his
treatise on the Police of the Metropolis. Neither am I acquainted
with their numbers and modes of life at Norwood, {212} which I
understand is the chief residence of them; what I have to say,
therefore, is only from observations made upon those who frequent
this neighbourhood, and from others seen occasionally when I have
been travelling.

The suggestions of Minimus, Vol. viii. p. 286, appear to me to be the
most practicable: and I hope that there are many Gypsies who would be
inclined to profit by any judicious and kind exertions made on their
behalf. There are already several families of them within my
knowledge, who reside in houses during the winter, and travel about
only in the summer. Their means of subsistence are tinkering, and
fiddling at feasts and fairs; by which some, I believe, make a good
deal of money, which helps them out in the winter, when there is less
work and less dancing.

A young man with a large family, whom I have long observed near this
place, in my walks, about six years ago, when many inclosures took
place in this neighbourhood, and he found it less convenient to be
out in the fields, or rather that the farmers were less willing to
let him encamp upon their grounds, took a small house, with a garden
annexed to it, in the suburbs of this town, and has since lived here
constantly in the winter, but travels in the summer. He is now about
38 years of age. He married when 20, and has 8 children, all of whom
have been baptized in the several parishes where they were born. He
is a very civil man, and is much respected where he is known; having
a good character for honesty.

He attends church constantly on a Sunday; and though he has not any
regular notion of the peculiar doctrines of Christianity, he has some
very good general ideas of religion and morality. He is no swearer;
and he would consider it wicked in his wife to attempt _to tell
fortunes_.

He is frequently employed to fiddle, at the houses of respectable
farmers and trades-people at Christmas. His other occupation is
tinkering; and he is ingenious at mending fiddles, and making cases,
&c.

Neither he, nor his wife, can read; and none of his children have
been hitherto sent to school. His third boy, who is about 9 years
old, he has, at my suggestion, promised to send to the new school
which has been established here on Dr. Bell's and Mr. Lancaster's
plan: he accepted the offer with great thankfulness. The boy is to
come into the school at Michaelmas, when the family return from their
summer's travelling. The father would be very glad to have all his
children brought up to any other mode of life; and even to embrace
some other himself; but he finds a difficulty in it.

He himself, from not having been brought up to work in husbandry,
could not go through the labour of it; and few, if any persons, would
be willing to employ his children, on account of the bad character
which his race bears; and from the censure and ridicule which might
attach to taking them, where they might be willing to do it from
motives of benevolence.

There is another family of Gypsies resident in this place in the
winter, the father of which was formerly a musician in the guards.
He has a boy now in the school.

These circumstances lead me to think, that were encouragement given
to them, the Gypsies would be inclined to live in towns and villages
like other people; and would in another generation or two become
civilized, and with the pains which are now taken to educate the
poor, and to diffuse the Scriptures and the knowledge of Jesus
Christ, would become a part of the regular fold: while in the mean
time, from personal intercourse with their pastors, and from
attending public worship, the spiritual condition of the present
generation would be materially improved. It would, however, require
much patient continuance in well doing, in those who attempted it;
and they must be prepared, perhaps, to meet with some untowardness,
and much disappointment; but in due season we could not fail to reap,
if we fainted not.

All Gypsies must have some parish to which they belong; and if these
parishes were to provide habitations for them, and to hold out
encouragement to them to come and settle, and were to bear for the
present with any ways which might be different from those of the
regular inhabitants, affording them work as tinkers, &c. and
providing education and work for their children; and for the present,
even bearing with their travelling in the summer; this now almost
unprofitable race of beings might be reclaimed to society. Many of
them are accustomed, in the seasons, to undertake hay and harvest
work. These, I think, with proper encouragement, might be induced to
get their living by husbandry work throughout the year.

Should these suggestions lead to any farther discussion upon the
subject, or to adopting any measures to promote the desired object;
it would give me sincere pleasure to lend my assistance, either
pecuniary or personal.

I am, Sir, &c. J. P.

_Cambridge_, _April_ 28, 1810.

P.S. I recollect having heard that the benevolent Jonas Hanway took
a Gypsey for his servant, but I know not on what authority this was
said.

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_To the Editor of the Christian Observer_. {217}

The candid acknowledgment of your benevolent correspondent, in the
Christian Observer for February last, that his attention had been
first drawn to the state of the Gypsies by the letter of Fraternicus,
was matter of unfeigned satisfaction to me; and as it is probable
there may be no want of inclination in the Christian world, to extend
relief effectually to them, permit me to solicit a place in your
pages, for a thought which has occurred to me in my meditations on
the subjects.

It appears from a letter in your number for May, that they are not
totally destitute of a desire for the benefit of instruction.
Information might easily be obtained, as to what part of England they
are to be found in the greatest numbers; and if a free school could
be instituted, and the means of instruction provided for those of
their children who were willing to attend, at least in the winter
season; might it not be a means of conveying useful knowledge to
them?

By degrees, they might be brought to attend divine worship regularly;
and if in the parish of a pious clergyman, he would probably embrace
the opportunity of teaching them, more particularly, the way of
salvation. Much, however, might be done by a pious schoolmaster, and
a schoolmistress, by whom the girls might be instructed in different
kinds of work, knitting, sewing, &c.; and if any of the parents
should evince a desire for instruction, they could be admitted at
different hours in the day. It would be an interesting inquiry, what
becomes of orphans among them, and whether there is not a possibility
of at least rescuing them from their present state of ignorance and
misery.

Should these suggestions be deemed worthy of your insertion, they
might, perhaps awaken the attention of some benevolent persons, whose
superior talents and experience in the ways of beneficence, would
enable them to perfect and carry into execution, a plan for the
effectual benefit of those unhappy partners of our kind. That He may
grant it, from whom every good thought proceeds, is the fervent
prayer of

FRATERNICUS.