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_.

* * * * *

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 subjec