CATARGIU (or CATARGI), LASCAR (1823-1899), Ru manian statesman, belonged to an ancient Walachian family, one of whose members had been banished in the 17th century by Prince Matthew Bassaraba and had settled in Moldavia. Under Prince Gregory Ghica (1849-56) Catargiu rose to be prefect of police at Jassy. In 18S7 he became a member of the Divan ad hoc of Moldavia, a commission elected in accordance with the treaty of Paris (1856) to vote on the proposed union of Moldavia and Walachia. His strongly conservative views, especially on agrarian reform, induced the Conservatives to support him as a candidate for the throne in 18J9. During the reign of Prince Cuza (1859-66) Catargiu was one of the Opposition leaders. On the accession of Prince Charles in May 1866 Lascar Catargiu be came president of the council (prime minister) ; but finding him s,elf unable to co-operate with his Liberal colleagues, I. C. Bra tianu and C. A. Rosetti, he resigned in July. After eight more ministerial changes, culminating in the anti-dynastic agitation of 1870-71, Catargiu formed, for the first time in Rumanian history, a stable Conservative cabinet, which lasted until 1876. Impeach ment of himself and his cabinet was threatened, but the proposal was withdrawn in 1878, and he remained in opposition until 188q, when he formed a short-lived cabinet, taking the portfolio of the Interior. In the Florescu ministry of March 1891 he occupied the same position, and in Dec. he again became president of the council, retaining office until 1895. He died at Bucharest on April 11,