The Express.
London, England, 1849-10-31 00:00:00

THE lONIAN ISLANDS.

We are in receipt of files of Corfu newrpvers, ex.
tending from the middle of September to the middle
of October. Of these, the most rcn:arkablo are the
journals Putria and 11 Tim one. Both are in opposi-
tion to the government; the former is the more mea-
sured, the latter the more vehement in its language.
But both in their d;scussions of the recent events in
Ceptlalonia, and the measures adopted by the govern-
ment in ccoseguence of them, are characterised by a
firm, yet judicious tone. In respect of literary ability
both are eminently respectable.
In the columns of II Thome, we find less that is
available for English readers respecting current
events than in those of Perin. Considerable apace
is devoted to some minor local grievances—intrusions
of pic-nic parties on consecrated ground and the like
—on the merits of which it iP at this distance impos-
sible to form a judgment. There is, however, one
valuable article on the subject of " pablicity, rep wet-
ing which there can be no doubt. The practice which
prevails in the lonian senate, of transacting business,
and especially voting the annual estimates with closed
doors is ably discussed.
In three successive numbers of Palria articles are
devoted to the proclamation of the Lord High Com-
missioner, the address of the Cephalouiots, with the
eprech of the deputation which presented it, and the
reply of the Lord High Commissioner ; and the recent
arrests in Corfu. The topics of the two firet men-
tioned articles are not new, yet some points in them
deserve notice.
The paper, on the proclamation of the Lord High
Commissioner speaks respectfully, and on the whole
favourably, of that document. It throws discredit,
however, on the assertion that the disturbances is
Cephalonia had been occasioned by secret politioel
associations. It denounces such bodies as foolish and
mischievous should they exits% but frankly declares
that after the groundless stories of the same nature,
circulated to alarm (or justify) the government in
1817 and 1840, it has no futh in their existence.
That there is political discontent in the islands is ad-
mitted ; but that the discontented are mad enough to
dream of provoking a conflict with England is de-
nied. The discontent is accounted for by the
tardy and reluctant progress of government In
conferring really free institutions. The necessity of
responsible government is insisted on. An indignant
protest is entered against the excesses committed
under the name of martial law in Cephalonia.
The second article relates to an address signed by
626 of the principal inhabitants of Corfu, and pre-
sented to the Lord High Commissioner on the 15th
of September. The general tenor of the address is
highly praised, and the journalist infers from it that
had the authorities invited the co-operation of the
Cephaloniots to repress the disturbances and drag the
guilty to light those ends might have been at-
tained withoat having recourse to martial law.
The
_p raise bestowed on the address is not
extended to the deputies who presented it. A speech
made by one of their number, in the name and with
the assent of all is severely criticised. This is not to
be weiedssed at if these worthies are justly accused of
=l
iatteir upon them to assure the Lord High
that no farther extension of free insti-
Mims was desired by their compatriots, the tenor of '
the address not warranting any such declaration.
Oa the other heed an eulogiumis passed on the liberal
sentiments expressed in the Lard High Commis-
sioner's reply.
The third article relates to the unexpected and
legally informal arrests which took place in Corfu on
the 30th of Sept. The names of seven individuals
arrested on that day are given. They appear to have
been arrested en the night of the 30th ult., placed is
solitary confinement, and examined separately. Do-
miciliary visite and the seizure of all their papers fol-