The 1836 Austin and Lewis Commission : an analytical review of private : correspondences and reports

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to analyse, through their private correspondences and general reports, the work done by the 1836 Austin and Lewis Royal Commission. The coming of this commission was a defining moment in 19th century Malta; it was the British response to decades of Maltese agitation and consequently, a beacon of hope for Maltese liberals. Despite recommending quite conservative proposals, with the exception of some, the 1836 royal commissioners gave the Maltese economy and administration the power to strive forward, thus making it a significant phase in 19th century Maltese history. The four chapters in my dissertation will focus on different areas the royal commissioners investigated, namely the press, taxation, the constitutional discussion and other matters respectively. In each chapter, I will be focusing on the context of this area prior to the commissioners’ arrival, what led to the need to review the respective areas by the royal commissioners, their investigation and the results of their enquiry.