The Press., 1898-02-24
Topeka correspondence Of the Kansas City Star
 ANEW GYPSY QUEEN.


 many gypsy band on May p next at To- peka. This will be the second gypsy cor onation ever held in the United States. On this accasion eight hundred gypsics of the ROmany tribe will assemble at TOpe- ka and hold elaborate ceremonies Sixty of the gypsies have already arrived in Topeka and are making arrangements for the cor onation. The queen-to-be, Molly Fryer. who learned only week ago that she had fallen heir to the gypsy throne by the death of her mother in Austria, is in To- peka now and is at the gypsy camp north of the city. Her mother, Sophia Fryer, died several weeks ago in Austria, having ruled the Romany band for sixty two years Molly Fryer being next ill line of succes- sion was chosen to be queen. As a queen must be twenty years of age, the corona tion will take place May p, which is her birthday.
 There are 200 members of the ROmany band in the United States, and between 800 and 1000 will arrive in Topeka during the winter and will take part in the cOro-
 
 The coronation ceremony will be perform ed by Father Metrovitch, who is the high priest of the band The crown which was worn by the aged gypsy queen so long is now being remodeled for it's new possessor and a cousin, Minnie Youngs, will bear it from Austria to Topeka, and will formal ly place it on the young queens head. It is composed of Bohemian garnets and solid gold and is said to be beautiful When remodeled it will contain several sparkling diamonds. Three months ago Molly Fryer was married at Belvidere III. to Gustav Stackovitch, a young Australian who is a member of the band. The En- glish of his name is Stanley He and his brother Louis and the latter's wife travel together and camp some little distance from the main body of the band. They have better tents, wagons, and furnishings, and live in better style. The Stanley brothers speak English fuently.
 Molly Fryer is a typical gypsy. Her skin is dark, her eyes brilliant black ,her her figure graceful, and her manner easy l CAC SpCuho DuI udS IlOl learned English well.
 | Louis and Gustav Stanley are now mak ing the arrangements for the coronation o Molly Fryer. A large field will be procur ed, where the whole band will camp. IT the midst of the camp d large tent will be erected, where the ceremonies will take place. Father Metrovitch, who lives 1T Chicago, will come to Topeka early il May and will have full charge of the cere monies. The Romany band has now adopt ed the Catholic faith, but they never a tend services in the Regular Catholi churches. When a gypsy couple is to b married and the distance is too far for Higl Priest Metrovitch he sends word to Cath ollie priest near to where the band is locat ed and the ceremony is performed in tn, usual way.
 The Romany band dates it's lineage bacl to the Pharaohs. For several hundred years the headquarters of the tribe have been in Austria. Eight months ago Moll, Fryer came to the United States and joined the band with which she now travels.
 When the news came to Louis Stanle, that Queen Sophia of the gypsy band hao died, he set about notifying all the band in the United States. A conference wa held and Topeka was selected as the plac at which the coronation should be held All the members of the Romany tribe O gypsies have now been notified of the coro nation and most of them are on their wa, overland to Topeka. The coronation of queen among this people is the grandes event known to them. The exercise vii extend through the week and the occasion will be a round of pleasure and joy At this time also the gypsy band vii formulate new rules. Queen-elect Moll, Fryer has already begun the making o her coronation dress, It will be a gaud, affair of Oriental style and made of ricl material Also she will wear many head and necklaces which will be brought b, the various bands, and she will be queer charming to the Romany tribe.