GRIEVANCES OF TI1E MALTESE.
Ma. Joilm AUSTIN and Mr. CORNWALL LEWIS have ere this arrived in Malta, with a commission from the Colonial Office to inquire into the grievsnces of which the Maltese complain, and to suggest remedies for them. That the inhabitants of that grossly-misgoverned colony are disposed to hope the best from their proceedings, is evident from the confession of a correspondent of the Morning Post, whose letter was published in that jouinal on Thursday. This person, though evidently one who has the best reasons for supporting the existing system, admits that the approach of the Commissioners has quieted the clamour," as lie calls it, of the complainants.
From the honesty of purpose, the industry, and sagacity of Mr. AUSTIN, we expect a searching investigation of the causes which have converted a submissive into a discontented and irritable population ; but whether the Colonial Office will have the courage and good faith to act in accordance with the recommendations of their Commissioners, is inure than we dare affirm. It is a fact, that on the 22d of July lass, Sir GEORGE GREY, by §ion of Lord GLENELG, informed Mrs- EWA RT, that in consequence of the strong representations of the Maltese merchants, the Government intended to "despatch instruc- tions to Malta by the next mail, for the discontinuance of the system - which has for some years past been pursued in regard to that branch of the trade of the island." But what says the correspondent of the Post ?—one of those, we have little doubt, who profits by the mono- W.-. Ile writes from Malta, on the 8th of October, almost three al:er as follows. The idea that his Majesty's Ministers intend to throw the snpply of bread-- corn for the people wkolly into the hands of merchants, cannot be entertained here, and is a proof of the mistakes which may be made in this respect. The very rumour of it has created a sensation which has assisted much in con- vincing the sensible portion of the community of the reckless views of the party who have obtained this concession, as it is stated, through the exertions of Mr. Ewat t. To throw the existence of a confiding population into the power of monopolists, is an act discreditcide to the British nation ; and one would rather suspect the honourable Member of an egregious blunder in making sure that lie has obtained such a neomise for his friends, particularly as the intention has not yet been officially declared, than be guilty of the dis- loyalty of supposing for a moment that his Majesty's Government has finally-. decided upon so essential a question without examining into all the eircum- -- stances of the place, and attending to the feelimls, the interests, the well- being, nay, even the prejudices of a faithful, inuustrious, and well.disposed people. If we are to have a monopoly,' say they, 'let it rather be 10 the Hands of the Government, as in former times, than depend for our very existence upon the sordid palm of a cormdealer."
Mr. EWA la made DO blunder : he had the direct assurance of Lord GLENELG'S intention to discontinue the corn monopoly. If he was tricked by the Colonial Office, (and most people are tricked who have any thing to do with that office,) it is no fault of Mr. EWART. We do not wonder at the pertinacity with which the . Government establishment for purchasing corn is defended. From Parliamentary returns we learn, that the salaries and expenses of the grain depart.. merit in Malta amounted, on an average of the last ten years' to nearly WOOL a year. This sum does not include the losses on the Govern- ment purchases, which have been heavy. The injury done to the pri- vate solder. by the Government jobbing in grain, should also be consi- dered ; but more than all. the cruel tax of hay per cent, on the staff of life, which is levied on the poor inhabitants of Malta. Altogether, we question whether the history of Colonial misrule cl.scloses a more fla- grant ahese than the interference of Government with the supply of corn to Malta. In 1F'40, the total abolition of the system was re- commended by the a1ialtese Commissioneis of Inquiry; but what could their recommendation avail, asainst an abuse which put patronage of places won tis several thousands a year at the disposal of a Colon's! Minister? We are persuaded that nothing but repeated appeals to the people through the press, and motions upon motion in Parliament, will ever put an cad to the abuses which swarm in Malta, and are pro- tected by the Bumoureatieracy in Downing Street. The Morning Post, commenting upon its correspondent's letter, says- !, it to he believed that so valuable a possessioa—that one hundred thou- sand of his Majesty's dutiHtl sultjeeis have been so long let under the com- mand (we cannot say the plVel patent) of a seaior Colonel of a girt ison, acci- &malty the seaioc. Who, tit the usual come of milicary service and the change of regiments. is liaide ;.o be moved oc sopetseded every six Of eight months? WC have had twee in ..evemeen montits—Colonel BAUCIIVi9, Colonel Cardew, aarl now Colonel Tbontal Evans. Cal such persons. however I), ave and men- to, imp, iii thmL.i liw. k low much about cis 1 government, or can they be expected to care notch abthit the civil coaditioa of tar people."
The Post should learn something of the administration of aTairs in :refo-e it ventures to depast from the brief of its correspon- dents to irske an original observation. The govet nment of Malta has not been committed to any Colonel; but, during the presence as well Se absence of the ostensible Governor, has been managed by Sir FREUERICK HANK EY, the Chief Secretary, assisted by a little knot of farottritea, enjoying lucrative places, but not the respect or confidence Of .the 1,1 iltese by any means. If it he true, ass the Morning Post ear, that for sixteen months Sir FREDERICK PONSONEY has been drawing his 5C30/. a year from Malta, While he has been loungingin St. James's Street and Cheltenham, it is Only one proof among many, that the grossest jobs are countenanced by tbe.Coloniel Office, and another ground for suspicion that the profession of 's desire to remedy the grievances of Malta is" all a sham."
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