The plébiscite, though stigmatised as a hypocritical farce, and often no better than a formal homage paid by violence or intrigue to public right, was a derivative from the doctrines of nationality and the sovereignty of the people then ruling in Europe.
Morley critiques the plébiscite, highlighting its perceived hypocrisy in the context of European politics.
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Is it natural effervescence, or is it deadly fermentation?
There lay Ireland,—squalid, dismal, sullen, dull, expectant, sunk deep in hostile intent.
How should we look in the face of the civilised world if we had so turned our back upon our duty and sovereign task?
But Turgot was one of those severe and scrupulous souls, to whom a wicked promise does not cease to be degrading by becoming hypocritical.
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