The  publication  of  "  Looking  Backward  "  had  led  to
the  formation,  In  Boston,  of  "  The  First  Nationalist
Club,"  to  be  followed  rapidly  by  many  others,  and  to  the
publication   of   the   monthly  magazine,    The  Nationalist,

602


EPILOGUE  603

With  this  movement  the  writer  naturally  came  into  con-
tact, and  allied  himself  with  interest.  The  movement  did
not  last  long,  however.  Its  aim  was  good  and  its  work
was  good,  but  it  was  ahead  of  the  time  destined  for  per-
manent results,  or  even  for  continuity  of  method.  It
broke  the  ground,  supplied  the  inspiration  and  revealed
the  popular  willingness  to  respond;  but  It  failed  to  offer
a  concrete  programme  capable  of  immediate  furtherance.
Its  body  soon  fell  away,  but  its  spirit  went  marching  on.
