Page:A History of the Knights of Malta, or the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.djvu/590

556 assumed the reins of government than they materially enlarged the basis of power by extending the area from which they selected their native employés. One natural result of this policy was a slight coldness and alienation on the part of the class which had hitherto monopolized the entire government of the island, and this, coupled with the natural reserve of the Maltese character, always acted to prevent any real amalgamation between the two parties.

The Maltese, as such, were not admitted into the highest class of the Order. Those of them who could bring forward the necessary proofs of nobility, and were otherwise eligible, could, it is true, be received as members of the langue of Italy. In a few cases this was permitted, exceptionally, even after marriage, on the condition that the ladies should retire from the island for the period of their accouchernent. The number, however, who availed themselves of the privilege was but trifling; and even they were not ranked in the same category as the other members of the langue, being incapable of becoming either Grand-Masters or conventual bailiffs. The Order was, consequently, always regarded by the natives as a foreign body, and but little friendship or cordiality was to be traced in their social intercourse. It must not be inferred from this that the Maltese were really dissatisfied with the rule of the knights. That government was certainly a despotism, and one of the strongest kind; still, it was well suited to the habits of the people, and usually maintained with equity and moderation. Those cravings for liberty and freedom of personal action which characterize the Anglo- Saxon temperament are not so strongly felt in southern latitudes. The decrees, therefore, of the Grand-Master and his council met with ready and cheerful obedience from those who felt no very urgent desire to undertake the responsible duty of their own control. The knights placed themselves on a decided eminence over those they governed, and when the interests of the two parties clashed, it was but natural that the Maltese, being the weaker should be compelled to give way. Still, on the whole, they had not much cause for complaint, and there can be no doubt that the transfer of the island to the Order of St. John had brought many very solid advantages to its inhabitants.

Instead of a few officials and a slender garrison, they now