Stephen Goldner versus the Moldavian government – the settlement of a dispute (1849-1850)

Stephen Goldner versus the Moldavian government – the settlement of a dispute (1849-1850)

 

Autor: Codrin MURARIU
Cuvinte-cheie: Stephen Goldner, comission, damages, tin, lead, lard, canning factory, customs, sum.

Among many other aspects, Mihail Sturdza’s reign (1834-1849) was also a period characterized by a high degree of corruption and abuse, particularly in the field of government practice. From this perspective, the reiteration of a certain number of complaints after the appointment of his successor, Grigore Alexandru Ghica, was expected and unavoidable. Taking advantage of the new prince’s desire to right as many wrongs of the past as possible, English subject Stephen Goldner, owner of the canning factory in Galaţi, put forward a series of claims which demanded the payment of monetary damages he had supposedly suffered from the part of the customs officials during the reign of Mihail Sturdza. Although it was later proved that these claims were actually groundless, Grigore Alexandru Ghica’s government continued to pursue those believed to have wronged Goldner, in order to obtain a refund for the sum of 3,500 ducats it had paid him.