Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1880-09-09
The Gypsy at Home.

In Hungary, the Gypsy is to be seen In
the purest type, strongly resembling the
mulattO except that the eye is generally
more liquid. like that of the Spanish or
Italian races AS rule, the men are finer
looking than the women, their picturesque
costume, gold earrings and long cWls adj
ding greatly to their good looks. Once
in while, however, one sees among the
young girls real Eastern beauty, who
might serve for model of Cleopatra but
usually their principal attraction lies in
their peculiar dress-a bright handkerchief
wound around the blacklist Of luXuriant
hair in fantastic fashion, fastened with gold
pins, dangling Ornamens, and sometimes
bunch of flowers.
Many of the gypsies have beautiful
houses and extensive estates in Sieben-
burgen; are rich not only in money and
lands, but possess treasures in plate and
rare old furniture, for which they may well
be envied. Notwithstanding these attrac-
tions at home to induce them TO lead domes-
tic lives, this race, upon whom the curse of
disquetude seems to rest, can only enjoy
their homes for short periods. After few
months of ease and luxury, even the wealth
lest among them leave civilized life, and
JON wandering bands TO go off for months
of travel, without any apparent aim except
the fultillment of that destiny which has
made them wanderers on the face of the
earth.
The whole world seems arrayed against
them, and, except in their own little col
ony, they are only allowed to dwell with
their fellow w-beings for few days at time.
Even this short intercourse is granted by
special written permission from the chief
of police, without which no gypsy can
enter or remain over night in any village.
They are obliged, however, to serve in
the army, but are dishked and mistrnsted
by both comrades and officers for their dis
honesty and insincerity. Several officers
in the Austrian army, who have had them
under command, told us that the Zigeuners
made very poor soldiers, insubordinate, and
deserters whenever the chance offered, al
though cringing to the last degree when in
the presence of their superior officers.
eve can always detect a gypsy in the
ranks" said Major b, ''by the SER
Witty of his salute" Yet among them
selves they are brave and law-abiding, hav-
ing generally male leader TO each band or
tribe. AS far as we could learn, the
gypsy queen" is theatrical creation; but
the wives and daughters of the leaders are
held in high esteem, as are also the decend-
ants of their ancient chiefs. There is
pride and independence about them that
would lead us TO believe that they had their
origin in ancient royalty.
Baron Y, wishing TO get rid OF q
band which had encamped on his grounds,
offered them money to ''move on" which
the leader Indignantly refused, saying:
Il don't want your money; my estate in
Siebenburgen would buy yours out a dozen
times"
The baron told us he lad no doubt that
the mans statement was true, for, when
on the road, rich and poor meet on an
equality, living the same simple camp
life.
They travel in comfortable caravans,
varying in style, according to the owners
means, from the canvas-covercd wagon,
or such one as that in which Mignon is
introduced TO her audience, TO quite nice
cottage on wheels. They generally select
ii resting place either in the woods or
groves near some town, or by the margin
of some retired lake or river, buying what
ever provisions they cannot beg or steal
The time of encampmenL is spent in
trading horses, repairing or making tin
ware, and giving al tresco entertainments,
consisting of music, dancing, and fortune
telling. If gypsy comes to your house
inquiring if your tins need mending, you
may as well yield up some article at once,
for he will not leave until he has obtained
a job, frequently pushing his way into the
kitchen if refused, and carrying off a pan
or boiler by force. He will return i. in a
few days, repaired and FURNISHED up equal
to new, but demanding double its original
price for his labor. 1t is in vain to remind
him that he did the work against your will
and that his price is exorbitant; he will
only assure you, with the utmost GOODNESS,
that the article is much better now than
when it was new, and repeat his demand
for pay. So feared is the Zigeuner's displea-
sure that few people have the temerity to
argue the point, and his request is usually
complied with, however exorbitant.
hObsOn's Fine.