A Review of the Relations and Collaboration of Marun and Radić Through Their Correspondence

Autor u ovom radu obraduje i analizira sadriaj pedesetak satuvanih pisama izmijenjenih izmedu jra Luje Maruna i Frane Radića u razdoblju od 1889.-1920.godine. Satu.vana dopisivanja prikazuju i rasvjetljavaju njihove medusobne odnose i suradnju, kako na polju istraŽIvanja i proučavanja starohrvatske spomeničke baštine, tako i 1/ pogledu utemeljenja, priredivanja i tiskanja glasila "Kninskog starinarskog društva” "Starohrvatske prosvjete", čiji je prvi urednik bio Frano Radić.The contents ofthe letters sent fry father Lujo Manm from Knin, Skradin and Sinj to Frano Radić in Korčula, Dubrovnik and Bol al the island ofBmč, over some thirty year.; (1889-1920) show the beginnings and all the obstac/ed that accompanied the development ofour national (old-Croatian) archaeology. Even if there were no other sources (there are reports from the Croatian AntUjuities Society member.; meetings, various money rising applications and other documents addressed to various ecclesiastical and state authorities, from municipal to regional, as well as various manuscripts and field notes), we dear to say tiJat the large number of letters, with their lengthiness and detail, vel) much enahled reconstruction of activities in the field of oldCroatian archaeology in th is thirty-years\u27 period The letters produce a true image of this first period of development of the oldCroatian archaeology where the fOUndations of our national archaeology were laid, archaeology that was to become a separate archaeological disCipline Its beginnings and development may be watched in the context of the then social and political circumstances encountered by the Croatian nation. That is the time ofthe Croatian national revival, when an increased interest for the Croatian past and the oldCroatian monuments appeared lvith a part of more educated Croatian population (teachers, clergy, but other categories ofpeople as well, such as lau.yers, physicians, marine captail1S). From thr numerous early researchers, d{?1)otees of the Croatian national history and heritage, stand oUl father Lujo Marun and Frano Radić who, by their [ntblic work, marked the initial period in tbe development of our national archaeology. Although th ese first researchers had no training adequate for the work they did, they had great love for collecting and finding of monuments oflhe oldCroatian epoque. The above mentioned circumstances caused the development ofthe old-Croatian archaeology ofthe period to move into a romantic-idealistic enthusiasm in interpreting the Croatian history and its heritage. The amateur approach in the archaeological research methodology, as well as the visions of a distinct development of the national archaeology aimed to collecting the oldCroatian monuments, to be housed under a common roof, in a particular old-Croatian heritage museum, opposed the views and standpoints of the, then still feu\u27 educated e:..perts. Therefore, the entire initial period lviII be accompanied by conjlicts between the two contraposted groups, sometimes concealed, sometimes open. While reading the Marun\u27s letters, before our ~yes resumct the image of a patriot and lover for the Croatian history and heritage, a man ofclear vision ofthe role and future development of the old Croatian archaeology. We see him as a per.;on of strong character, sturdy about his view paints and decisions. Ha ving no proper education in the profession to which he dedicated himself, he did not reconcile with the experts\u27 opinions, although he did respect them . He preferred doing everything by himself Having expanded his researches over a wide area of the vicinilies of Knin, and even wide1~ and unable to get everywhere and to control everything by himself, he surrounded with col/aboratars of similar political opinions and like-minded on the practices and future of the old-Croatian archaeology. As a keen patriot, devoted to old-Croatian history and monuments, a diligent researcher and devoted col/aharatar and likeminded person, Marun recognised the young Frano Radić and his past work in Korčula. They will he brought close by their common love for old-Croatian monuments and simi/arity oftheir opinions, besides the mutual respect. Thy will start a fruitfitl collaboration, that was to grow into a true and permanent friendship that lasted tili the RadiC~ death. Marun considered Radić a Inte and loyal friend, and, having an unlimited tnlSt in him, he enIMted him with many impOItant tasks in the Society (the SCientific Committee, ediling ofthe Starohrvatska prosvjeta, and others). Marun advised him ofpracticaliy each and every archaeological find, not only in the vicinities of Knin, but all over Dalmatia, and even in Bosnia and Herzegovina, that he received from his ardent field commissioners. He also wrote to him oftheproblems of hisfield work, related to researches or accidental archaeological finds, lootings and conflicts with distrustful peasants of both religions. He regularly advised him of the activities and situations in the SOCiety, annual meetings and resolutiOns, his plans aboutfutu.re researches, funds. Numerous lines of text are dedicated to his relations and conflicts wilh the rev. F. Bulić and the opposition ill the very Society Board. Deeming Radić a tnte and loyal friend, he sought his advices about every important decision that was to be made in the interest of the Society He even entnlSted him with his personal wishes, hopes, anguishes and fears. G\u27llderstanding the Radić\u27s problems about his acting on the island ofKorčula, as well as his greatest\u27wish to improve himselfin the profeSSion, he tried to help him about getting a lectU1\u27er~ job at the Teachels College at Zadar. More than anything, he wanted to have him next to himself in Knin, as the SOCiety secretary, wbere he could be ofgreatest help to him. Even following tbe deployment of Radić to the Women Teachers College at Dubrovnik, Manm maintained the contacts with him, as well as while Radić was spending his hard retirement days in his native Bol at the island of Brač