Constructing Ionian identities: the Ionian Islands in British official ...

with “young men from England, … ignorant of the dispositions of the people, and
the language of the country”, and Sicilians directed by Maitland. Bennet predicted
the current despotic system of government prevailing in the Islands would soon
mean British authorities in the periphery and at home would face unrest and anarchy.
Peace in the Septinsula could not occur without the promotion of the interests of the
inhabitants by “giving the people an authority and influence over their own affairs”.
He proposed “something like the British constitution” as the best form of rule for the
Islands. Thomas Evans, a radical Whig, believed “the power of Sir T. Maitland over
the islands was too great for any man to be entrusted with: it was not defined, it was
not limited”. T. B. Lennard, another radical MP, expressed a similar opinion,
believing the Septinsula was given “the mockery of a constitution”. 12
Henry Brougham, advocate of parliamentary reform, also defended the
Islands. 13 For him, the Ionian issue was not just about personal disagreement
regarding Maitland’s despotic rule but was a question of principles. He had personal
knowledge and experience of the Ionian Islands and considered the Ionians fit to
handle their own affairs, thus arguing Maitland’s powers were abusive and despotic.
He was convinced “the subjects of that country lived under a dispensation of law,
which he thanked God, no other part of the empire lived under”. 14
Henry Goulburn, the Under Colonial Secretary, defended both Maitland and
his governmental department. 15 Goulburn denied “the object or intention” of the
12 Ibid., p. 1145.
13 Ford T. H., Henry Brougham and His World: A Biography, (Chichester, 1995).
14 Hansard T. C., Parliamentary debates, New Series, V, 7 June 1821, p. 1145.
15 Jenkins B., Henry Goulburn 1784-1856: A Political Biography, (Liverpool, 1996).
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