THE WAR OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE 1821 TO 1833 BY W.ALISON PHILLIPS 1897

ANARCHY IN GREECE 227
bly dissolved, its work dissolved with it.
state
In the actual
of the country force was the only principle of
government that found recognition; and every adventurer
who could command a dozen cut-throats
thought himself entitled to a share in the spoils of
office. The provisional government, which had been
appointed till the arrival of Capodistrias, was as corrupt
as it was incompetent ;
and it was indeed characteristic
of the state of Greek politics that this had been
entrusted to two rogues and a fool.
George Mavromichales
1 and Miliaitis, intent only on making
their fortunes
while they might, found the readiest way to this
end in selling their countenance to the pirates who had
now begun to swarm in the zEgean, a scandal which
Nakos was too imbecile to prevent.
The Senate which, under the terms of the constitution,
had been elected for three years, was a mere
debating club, and hardly even that. Kolokotrones,
in derision, had insisted in forcing its presidency on
Dr. Reniaris, a deaf old Cretan, who at the time of his
election had in vain sought to escape from the dangerous
honour by hiding behind an almond tree ! 2
Even had the Government been honest and com-
1
George Mavromichales, who afterwards murdered
Capodistrias, had the virtues and the vices of a brig-and
chief. As a Mainote he could have no objection to piracy.
2 Mendelssohn, i. 461.