Star.
London, England, 1826-09-06 00:00:00

MALTESE PAPERS.

---r.--
I%IALTA, Jun 21.

It is impossible to remain silent upon the depredations
of the Greeks, whose fleet, originally equipped for the
' most sacred of purposes, seems now to be distributed far
and wide in search of indiscriminate plunder. No flag
is respected, no property safe from their visit—a term
under which they would cover their criminal deeds, were
not their rapacity too unrestrained to favour the device.
The Elizabeth, Longridge, the Thempsons, of Lon-
don, the Briton, Chapman, the Iris, from Malta, the
Tantivy, the New Thomas, the Albion, have all been
bo lied within these few weeks. under this
spec ce. The Madonna del Carmine, under
the Eng ish flag, which sailed from this island on the
22d ult. was met four days afterwards by two Greek
schooners; the crews of which to..k from her 175 salvos
of %heat. It is true that they gave the master a bill on
the Greek Government of Napoli di Romania, which we
trust will be paid ; but they ill-treated the crew, and
plundered the vessel of marry stores, and she was obliged
to return to Malta, leaving the object of her voyage
uneffected. The brig packet, It Wilson, which touched
at this island on her return to Glasgow, was boarded in
like manner on the 24th ultimo, on her voyage out to
Smyrna, and plundered of 21 bales and 11 cases of
British merchandise, the crew being also ill-treated and
deprived of their wearing apparel.—These are facts
which cannot be palliated by any the most legal right
assumed by a Belligerent over a Neutral Power.
We are told that there is a Prize Court sitting at
Napoli di. Romania; but we do neat find that there exists
any authority powerful enough to constrain the Greek
cruisers to submit in all cares their seizures to its alu-
dication. Without inicugning the probity of its mem-
bers, one may be allowed, therefore, to doubt the
efficacy of such an establishment. If the Government
cannot controul its aimed subjects, its institutions ate
very likely to be communed by their lawless desires;
and it is much to be feared that even the decisions of
this tribunal are more frequently influenced by the
threats of the robbers themselves, than by a strict sense
of justice, when not given under the superior influence
and presence of a British man of war. The Com-
.mander of the French naval force, it appears, has de-
clare that he will not acknowledge its authority, u hich
he has styled a system of judicial pillage; and it is
asserted by the Speclaleur Oriental that his Majesty's
ship Gannet has libereted two lonian vessels already
condemned as prizes at Nap( li di Romania.
Our naval squadron, under the orders of Captain
Hamilton, is as persevering as ever in protecting the
British flag ; but such is the nature of this petty war•
fare, that the parties have great advantages in the Het
construction of their vessels, and their intimate know.
ledge of every little creek with which their islands
abound. This has induced that experienced Commander
to adopt a more certain mode of putting them down,
by following them into their hiding places in launches,
a sharp service, in which he has been most effectually
seconded by the promptitude of his Officers and men.
Many vessels have been burned, and others, upon which
no proof of piracy was found, disarmed; and in this
manner will the celebrated Greek navy, which called
forth so much aamiration in the beginning of the insist-
rection. be gradually reduced to nothing without com-
miter:Woo, unless those in authority find some means of
putting a certain and speedy stop to transactions which
have already so deeply stained the boasted purity of
their cause.

By a letter from an Officer of bis Majesty's ship Rose,
we leara that Captain Hamilton had extended his pro-
tection even to the putting on board of the Thomsen
two Officers and eleven men of his own crew. It appears
that this vessel had been carried into Hydra ; but at the
sight of the Cambrian's broadside she was, with two
others, delivered over to Captain Hamilton. Not being
able to keep up with the fi igate on her way to Smyrna,
the above assistance was sent to her ; and fortunately it
was so, for the same night she was attempted to be
i boarded by a pirate, who was so vigorously resisted