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

these changes rather than be seen to act under the pressure of “petitions now in
circulation”. 75 Radical Ionians, like Antonio Gaeta, were already circulating a
memorial expressing impatience at the slow progress of constitutional reform and
requesting reforms including freedom of the press, trial by jury, universal suffrage
for literate inhabitants, vote by ballot, and annual parliament. 76
Grey allowed the Legislative Assembly to administer the finances of the Ionian
state and sanctioned a free press, with an added provision against publications of a
“libellous, seditious character”. 77 Before allowing free municipal elections, Grey
needed to know exactly “what effects may be anticipated from the proposed
changes”. 78 Not all colonial officials approved of Seaton's reforms. James Stephens
was critical of them, believing it was not the right time to adopt any constitutional
reforms in the Mediterranean possessions. 79 Although Grey supported Seaton’s
reforms and representative government in the Islands, he also wanted to preserve
British colonial power. 80 Like Canada, Grey wanted these reforms to keep the Islands
close to the Empire rather than allow their independence. Seaton, rather than
considering Grey’s concerns, proposed a more radical Ionian request: free
parliamentary elections, which would abolish the Primary Council and the Double
lists that controlled the Assembly’s seats. 81 This proposal was at the heart of Seaton’s
75 Grey to Seaton, Private and Confidential, 24 March 1848, CO 136/128.
76 Seaton to Grey, 31 March 1848, CO 136/128.
77 Grey to Seaton, 24 April 1848, CO 136/128; Grey to Seaton, 19 July 1848, CO 136/128.
78 Grey to Seaton, 24 April 1848, CO 136/128.
79 Grey to Stephen, Private, 23 March 1848, Grey Papers, GRE/B126/13/47. Grey also wanted to
grant a representative constitution to Malta.
80 See minutes in Seaton to Grey, 8 June 1848, CO 136/128; Grey to Stephen, Private, 23 March 1848,
Grey Papers, GRE/B126/13/47.
81 Seaton to Grey, Confidential, 22 July 1848, CO 136/128.
206