"VOX POPULI, VOX DEL"
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."] SIR,—False nomenclature, as you have already justly observed,
is always to be deprecated, and inasmuch as your own name seems destined to be immortally associated with the word " Referendum," you must see to it that it is not unduly dis- paraged by neologists, Esperantists, obscurantists, or any other species of phonetic philistine. Your correspondent's recommendation of the phrase " Special Poll" is too suggestive of "Poor Poll" to be at all attractive, and the word "Refer- ence " implies less the purpose to consider proposals than the expression of opinions already formed. Philologically and philosophically the title " Referendum " is the right word in the right place. Of its superior sonority no one can doubt, and it may well become the watchword of the future,—the rallying- cry of democracy no less than the shibboleth of the demagogue and the password of posterity :—
" Quod erat demonstrandum Nunc nihil d.esperandum Nec iterum disputandum Elmo bibendum et ridendum Omne malum corrigendum Omne votum inscribendo.m Neque vulgus negligendum Monstrum ingens et horrendum
Quod ab omnibus discendum Quod ubique diligendum Donum Danaum timendum Sic semper Referendum."
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