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

1820s he supported Catholic Emancipation, parliamentary reform and helped draft
the Reform Act of 1832. During Melbourne’s administration (1835-1841), Russell
was Home Secretary and instigated a number of liberal reforms in Ireland and
Britain. In 1837 Russell opposed the radicals’ call to reconsider the Parliamentary
Reform Act of 1832. In 1838, however, when the economy slid into recession and
the Chartist movement was established, Russell refused to contemplate emergency
legislation against Chartist leaders. 124
As Colonial Secretary, Russell exercised liberal imperial policies. In New
South Wales he contemplated ending the convict system, while he decided to annex
New Zealand to forestall French occupation and to save the indigenous population
from uncontrolled British settlement. 125 He appointed Poulett Thomson to oversee
the union of Upper and Lower Canada and resolve the issues over land reservations
for clergy of different denominations. 126
In the Ionian Islands, Douglas, aware of Russell’s liberal reputation, was
concerned about changes in the Colonial Office. Although Russell was impressed by
Mustoxidi’s memorial, he dismissed the claim of misgovernment, arguing the
124 Ibid. Melbourne reluctantly supported parliamentary reform, hoping it would prevent disorder. His
administrative reforms included the Municipal Corporations Act (1835), which replaced 178 closed
boroughs with a network of elected borough corporations and increased the power and influence of
nonconformists, and Civil Registration of Births, Marriages and Deaths (1837). However, the
economic polices of his Chancellors of the Exchequer, Thomas Spring Rice and Francis Baring, led to
a £3 million government deficit. In May 1841 the government was forced out after losing a noconfidence
motion. Melbourne tried to ensure the Whigs remained in office after their long period in
opposition from 1807-1830 by cultivating a close relationship with Queen Victoria during his tenure
as prime minister and afterwards, acting as her mentor and advisor. On Melbourne see, Marshall D.,
Lord Melbourne, (London 1975), Newbound I., Whiggery and Reform, 1830-41: The Politics of
Government, (London 1990).
125 Morrell W. P., British Colonial Policy in the Age of Peel and Russell.
126 Knaplund P. (ed.)., Letters from Lord Sydenham Governor-General of Canada, 1839 to 1841 to
Lord John Russell, (London, 1931).
180