The Nation
Nation, The ( 1865– ),New York weekly journal founded “to discuss current affairs … to maintain true democratic principles; to work for the equality of ‘the laboring class of the South’;…the elevation of the Negro; to fix public attention on the importance of public education; … criticize books and works of art soundly and impartially.” Its first editor (1865–81) was E.L. Godkin; early contributors included C.E. Norton, Howells, the three Jameses, D.C. Gilman, W.C. Brownell Fiske, Parkman, C.F. Adams, Sumner, and F.W. Taussig. Among the causes for which the magazine worked were civil service and tariff reforms, proportional representation in the legislature, and the ousting of corrupt politicians such as the Tweed Ring. The Nation was also rigorous in its criticism of literature and the arts. It was sold to the New York Evening Post (1881), of which Godkin became the editor. Under W.P. Garrison...
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