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

were marked in the margin of the text by the Ionian government, because these were
not official translations, colonial officials paid them no attention. In addition,
Strachey did not trust Seaton and was concerned the text would be ratified without
sufficient time for the British government to comprehend the real scope of the
alterations. It was hoped the new Lord High Commissioner, Sir Henry Ward, who
would replace Seaton in the summer of 1849, would present his opinions on the
alterations to the Colonial Office prior to the reforms’ ratification. Strachey, who
believed Seaton had manipulated Grey, wanted assurances that Britain, even in
granting all Seaton’s reforms, would have final say over Ionian affairs. Seaton was
also criticised by colonial officials in the Septinsula. G. F. Bowen, the rector of the
Ionian University and Seaton’s secretary, felt Seaton gave the Ionians more political
changes than was granted the English over three hundred years. 119 “On the first May
1849 the Lord High Commissioner had more power than Queen Elizabeth” Bowen
wrote, “on the 10 th of the same May he was left with less power than Queen
Victoria”. 120
Conclusion
British alterations to the Ionian constitution were the result of Seaton’s tireless
efforts to overturn the language of “corruption”, “ignorance”, “immorality”,
119 To see more about Bowen's career in the Islands and his influence on several governors see Knox
B.A., “British Policy in the Ionian Islands, 1847-1864: Nationalism and Imperial Administration”,
English Historical Review 99 (1984), pp. 506-29.
120 Bowen G. F., The Ionian Islands under British Protection, p. 49. This pamphlet was published by
Bowen during Ward's tenure and Bowen himself was influenced by Ward in his views. Ward proudly
notes to Hawes he “induced him [Bowen] to modify many of his views. He is bitter against Lord
Seaton … since the consequences of his reforms have borne most cruelly upon them.” Ward to
Hawes, 22 January 1851, Grey Papers, GRE/B130/6/22.
219