“Statuta Confiniariorum Varasdinensium” from 1732: Latin and 'kajkavian' text

Abstract

The author analyzes text of Statutes of Vlachs published for frontiersmen/Grenzers
of Varaždin Generalate in in the 1732 in latin and kajkavian variant of croatian
language and compares this document with the older one, the Vlach Statutes / Statuta
Valachorum from 1630. year. The aim of this new document was to redefined
obligations and rights of frontiersmen in Varaždin Generalate after a long period of
social and religious disturbances during first three decades of 18. century. Author
points out that the appearance of this document must be considered in context of
military reforms in Varaždin Generalate made by Count Caspar Ferdinand von
Cordua. He reorganized military structure of Generalate establishing new military
units, but reducing the pay of frontiersmen and raising of pay for officers was not
acceptable for frontiersmen. Styrian estates although opposed his reforms warning
Vienna court that financing of Varasdin Generalate under this circumstances was
useless and that well established and equipped frontiersmen army cam also represent
potential threat for Monarchy. As for a new Vlach Statutes, they like the old
Statuta form 17th century had not consider religious and ecclesiastical issues, but
restricted frontiersmens right of free disposition of posessions and forbade buying
out military service. Most important change was nomination of military judges (auditors)
in seat of every of four captaincies, which have accomplished the duties of
previouse supreme judge and eight assessors. Auditors solved different complaints
of frontiersmen, including those against military captains (vojvode), and vojvode
have got the possibility of making final decisions in quarrels which can be solved
without official judicial procedure. Although Vienna Court supported Cordua’s
plans and promulgated them in 1733 they have been accepted only partialy, but
reforms caused disturbancies and resistence of frontiersmen and new Statuta for
frontiersmen of Varasdin Generalate were not officialy proclaimed because authorities
wanted to keep peace in Military Frontier.