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Vol. 95 (2001): Our Past

Articles

Conflicts of priest Antoni Kantecki with Prussian legislation

  • Grażyna Gzella
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52204/np.2001.95.241-259  [Google Scholar]
Published: 2001-06-30

Abstract

Antoni Kantecki (1847-1893) was a priest who combined his pastoral duties with political, social, editorial and journalistic activities. The laws of May 1873, whose aim was to introduce Polish pastors to the area of German culture, made it difficult for Kantecki to officially take up pastoral work after completing his university studies. For this reason, he took up the position of tutor to Prince A. Czartoryski and at the same time performed pastoral duties, which led to a conflict with the Prussian authorities. In March 1875, he was sentenced to 83 days in prison, which he served in prisons in Ostrów and Koźmin. After serving his sentence, from July 1, 1875, he worked in the editorial office of the "Kurier Poznański" newspaper. This work and his frequent participation in protest demonstrations exposed him to further trials. Due to an article in issue 159 of "Kurier" of July 15, 1876, he was fined 300 marks. The reason for the long-term investigation was the correspondence published in issue 213 of September 19, 1876. Because Kantecki did not want to reveal the author's name, he was first fined 100, then 300 marks, and finally arrested on November 27, 1877. This not only caused strong outrage in journalistic circles, but also became the subject of an interpellation by MP Roman Komierowski in the Prussian Landtag and the German Parliament. Kantecki was imprisoned in Poznań until April 18, 1878. He also risked imprisonment by publishing articles about the deportation of Poles from Prussia (October 1885) and about the conditions of education in Warmia (April 1886). In related trials, he was sentenced to two months in prison. Fines were also imposed for his speeches and published books. Antoni Kantecki was one of many clergy in Greater Poland who were able to combine their pastoral duties with activities for the Polish population harassed by the actions of the Prussian authorities.

References

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