In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, social decay and corruption plagued Serbia. One publication to highlights this was Die Korruption in Serbien (“Corruption in Serbia”), which presented a series of incidents of corruption, judicial failure, and moral decline within Serbian society.
The Border Guard Affair
One of the incidents highlighted in the publication concerns a dispute involving a Serbian customs officer and a victim identified as Pfeffer. According to the author, the Austro-Hungarian envoy Ritter von Schießl appeared before the Serbian government in Belgrade to demand compensation for the widow and surviving children of a man who had been killed by a Serbian customs guard.
The Serbian government reportedly expressed regret over the incident but initially refused to provide compensation. The author further states that the customs officer was rewarded with a more lucrative position and that sections of the Serbian press celebrated him as a hero. Although the government later agreed to grant the victim’s family a lifelong pension, the author argued that financial compensation alone could not address the moral dimensions of the case.
Criticism of the Legal System and Public Morality
The publication also attacks the Serbian legal system and social order. One example concerns a young woman whose statement regarding sexual misconduct was allegedly ignored by the authorities. According to the author, no action was taken against the accused individuals, and this case became emblematic of a wider failure of justice.
From this example, the author develops a broader critique of Serbian society, stating that adultery, sexual exploitation, and other forms of misconduct often went unpunished in practice. He argues that weak law enforcement and social tolerance of immoral behavior undermined family life and contributed to the deterioration of public morality.
The author further contends that serious crimes—including murder, robbery, and acts of public disgrace—frequently escaped meaningful punishment. He portrays a society in which well-known offenders continued to enjoy social standing and public honors despite their alleged crimes.
Economic Conditions and Political Repression
A final theme of the work concerns Serbia’s economic and political situation. Drawing upon remarks attributed to King Milan, the author warns of financial collapse if existing patterns of governance continue. He depicts a country burdened by corruption, mismanagement, and political instability.
Particular criticism is directed at the government of Stojan Novaković. The author describes a harsh police apparatus that allegedly imprisoned political opponents and subjected citizens to arbitrary detention. According to this, only those willing to cooperate with the authorities or provide substantial bribes could hope to avoid prolonged imprisonment.
To illustrate these accusations, the publication reproduces a petition reportedly signed by three thousand residents of the Požarevac district and addressed to the Serbian monarch. The petition state that innocent citizens, including respected local leaders and wealthy landowners, were being held in prison on fabricated charges. The document is presented as evidence of official abuse and political persecution.
Conclusion
Die Korruption in Serbien provides a revealing example the social decay and corruption plaguing Serbian society in the 19th century. Its author sought to demonstrate that corruption, judicial weakness, and political repression were deeply rooted in Serbian society.
Source
Anonymous. Die Korruption in Serbien: Aufklärungen über die politischen Zustände des Königreiches Serbien. Vienna, late 19th century.
