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

career, where he had supported electoral reforms and himself benefited from a free
press as editor of a journal, by the time he arrived in the Septinsula, he was already
regretting his support for increased franchise at home and mindful of the events in
1848. 66 He also brought with him to the Islands his experience in Spain and Mexico
and his contempt for them, and considered the Ionians to be of the same “breed”.
From his arrival in the Islands, he was critical of Grey's liberalism and Seaton’s
reforms. 67 In advocating the annulment of the free press and instituting a repressive
martial law policy, Ward was attempting to reinstate an authoritarian form of
government in the Septinsula.
Ward’s implementation of martial law and his attempt to resurrect authoritarian
rule provoked outrage among many Ionians. The moderates, many of whom worked
closely with Seaton to introduce reforms, split into two distinct groups in the
aftermath of the Cephalonian uprisings: the radicals (Risospasti-Unionists) and
reformers, which became the dominant parties in the Assembly. Prior to Ward, most
radicals and reformers looked for constitutional improvements within the framework
of the Protectorate. After the Cephalonian uprisings and antagonised by Ward's
policies, the reformers again split and became distinct political parties. 68 Ward
attempted, but failed, to work with some of the reformers, who continued to
advocate constitutional reforms within the Protectorate. 69 Other parties, angered by
Ward's “tyranny” and obsession with maintaining the Governor's power, increasingly
66 Ward to Russell, 23 March 1849, Russell Papers, PRO 30/22/7F.
67 Ward to Russell, Private, 1 February 1850, Russell Papers, PRO 30/22/8C.
68 Ward to Hawes, 19 July 1851, Grey Papers, GRE/B130/6/50.
69 Ward to Grey, Private, 19 October 1851, Grey Papers, GRE/B130/5/5.
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