Dr. Frane Madirazza
Dr Frane Madirazza

Summary/Abstract: Dr Frane Madirazza was a significant figure in Trogir at the turn of the 19th century. He was both a highly positioned civil servant and a prominent intellectual with a vivid interest in the history of his homeland. During his long and fruitful career, he worked in several Dalmatian towns as a highly positioned civil servant: in Knin, Šibenik and Split he was appointed head of the district. On 16th August 1914, that is immediately after the outbreak of the Great War, the City Council was dissolved. The dissolution order was issued by the Governor’s office. After reaching agreement with the National Committee of the Kingdom of Dalmatia, the Authorities appointed Frane Madirazza as Municipal Administrator. The citizens approved of his appointment, since he was known as an expert in administration with a clear vision for the future of the city. He stated that his focus would be on public order and safety, public health and a regular food supply. The Municipality was in financial difficulties and he worked hard to lessen the negative effects. He managed to maintain the authority of the local council in relation to a large number of local issues. Madirazza was also a fervent advocate of the Croatian identity of the Municipality. He informed the public about military successes and encouraged the citizens to decorate the city with both the state and national flags. Madirazza’s main preoccupation, however, in those years of deprivation was of a humanitarian character. To help war veterans through the rehabilitation process, he organized courses in Trade school. He granted financial aid to the families whose members were soldiers on the front lines and made the decisions about the distribution of the rationed food supplies to the citizens. He remained in office until October 1917, when he was reinstated in civil service as the head of the district in Knin. Madirazza left office in Split on 25 November 1917 and departed straightaway. He would be remembered as a man of integrity.

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