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

and other Peelites, “dedicated to the preservation of a British Empire in which the
mutual interests of both colonies and Mother Country would be served”. 18 Newcastle
believed responsible government meant the transfer of the local, economic, political
and defensive responsibilities to the colonies as they matured. They were not cast off
by the Mother Country but would be helped when trouble threatened to ensure the
strength and prosperity of the Empire. Gladstone believed responsible government
was coupled with freedom and responsibility, but Newcastle believed it was based on
mutual sympathy and obligation. 19 While responsible government was appropriate
for British white settler colonies, it was not for Ionians: “mild despotism is alone
suited to such a people”. 20 Newcastle’s philosophy of “Firmness and Forbearance”
became the fundamental principles of British rule in the Septinsula.
Storks reported Ionian representatives seemed to regret the “foolish and
insensate courses” they had pursued. In addition, the suspension of public works and
funds caused by the prorogation was creating dissatisfaction in Ionian constituencies
and was blamed, Storks believed, on the Risospasti. 21 Like Young, he also requested
the power of the “dormant order in Council” which would allow him to dissolve
Parliament, arguing it was the only effective course to follow when dealing with a
“people Oriental rather than European in their impressions and influences”. 22
18 Ibid., p. 182.
19 Ibid., p. 182
20 Quoted in Tumelty J. J., “The Ionian Islands under British Administration”, p. 295.
21 Storks to Lytton, 28 March 1859, CO 136/165.
22 Storks to Newcastle, Most Confidential, 14 July 1859, CO 136/166. Storks was not the only one to
have this opinion. Bowen had similar views and believed responsible government was not fit for a
“semi-Oriental country” like the Ionian Islands, but was only made for the “credit of England”.
Bowen to Gladstone, 10 June 1859, Gladstone Papers, Add. MS 44391.
319