A tract for the times

Abstract

I feel that I would be doing justice to the Maltese, and a service to my Brother-Officers, and to my Country, by declaring, in all truth, the opinion entertained in this Island of the late important, and imperatively demanded change, in the character and policy of its Local Government ; and I feel the more called upon to publish these pages, since I have perceived that the "plague spot" is extending, and its fetid humours have begun to infect, not only the villanous Papers of Malta, but those of my Country, who, finding that matters are invulnerable in principle, have given vent to their natural propensity, by attacking personally the enlightened Personage, who has been entrusted by Our August Sovereign with the means of effecting the real, and permanent prosperity of Her most loyal subjects, the Maltese. That we have proved faithless to the Maltese, is a fact; that we have hitherto misgoverned and injured, from ignorance and carelessness, their best interests, is another fact; and that they have a positive and stipulated right to much more liberal Concessions than have lately been made to them, is a third fact; and although they are in circum-stances to impeach not only our individual, but our national character, with the foulest deeds, and could assert, with great justice, that our proceedings and dealings with them, are worthy of a Nation much less civilized than we boast to be, and that we have returned ingratitude for the significant words "MELITENSlUM AMOR HAS INSULAS CONFIRMAT." They have, let it be said to their honor, shown themselves worthy of much greater proof of Royal Confidence, and have evinced more thankfulness, than the restricted concessions doled out to them after half a century of really governmental humbug, and severe trials, deserved. The Maltese, unexceptionably, consider the appointment of a Civil Governor to their Island, as amounting to their emancipation, and the partial, and most curiously modified restoration of a Right, they so positively enjoyed, and so wisely and honorably exercised, until usurped by us at a time when the Maltese were the admiration of all Europe, and when they were still bleeding for their country and our cause, has been received by them " with feelings of loyalty and gratitude to Her Majesty."