12 APRIL 1913, Page 15

PACIFICLST, PACIFIST, OR.— [To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]

Sin,—In our endeavours to get hold of the right idea, let us at least try and get hold of the right word. It is high time that some competent etymologist or word-coiner should decide. We want something shorter, or easier to pronounce, than pacificist ; but I cannot swallow pacifist (or, indeed, any other fist). If our aim is to establish (or to discredit) the law of universal peace, and not merely to make peace between com- batants, cannot a verb more suitable than facere be utilized? Philopacist seems to be etymologically correct, but it is terribly cumbrous ; and, if it is correct, would not pacist also be so P I am, as you will see, almost ignorant of the rules of logonomy.—I am, Sir, &c., C. S.