It would be a mistake, however, to conclude that the American Federation of Labor was solidly in support of Mr. Gompers' program. On the contrary, at each national convention of the Federation the socialist members attempted to carry the organization over into direct political action. These attempts were defeated each year, but close observers of the labor movement discovered that the socialists were electing a large number of local and state trade-union officials, and those who hope to keep the organization in the old paths are anxious about the outcome at the end of Mr. Gompers' long service. FOOTNOTES: [47] _Report of the Commissioner of Corporations on the Steel Industry_, July 1, 1911. [48] Moody, _The Truth about the Trusts_, p. 493. [49] Professor W. Z. Ripley, _Political Science Quarterly_, March, 1911. [50] _The Trust Problem_ (1900 ed.), p. 210. [51] See the Parker episode, below, p. 268. [52] Mr. Hanna was drafted in 1864, but saw no actual service. Croly, _Marcus A. Hanna_, p. 44. [53] Croly, p. 113. [54] _Ibid._, p. 160. [55] Croly, p. 183. [56] _Ibid._, p. 149. [57] Croly, p. 219. [58] Croly, p. 81. [59] _Ibid._, p. 264. [60] Croly, p. 417. [61] See above, Chap. II. CHAPTER X THE ADMINISTRATIONS OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT The administrations of Mr. Roosevelt cannot be characterized by a general phrase, although they will doubtless be regarded by historians as marking an epoch in the political history of the United States. If we search for great and significant social and economic legislation during that period, we shall hardly find it, nor can we discover in his numerous and voluminous messages much that is concrete in spite of their immense suggestiveness. The adoption of the income tax amendment, the passage of the amendment for popular election of Senators, the establishment of parcel post and postal savings banks, and the successful prosecution of trusts and combinations,--all these achievements belong in time to the administration of Mr. Taft, although it will be claimed by some that they were but a fruition of plans laid or policies advocated by Mr. Roosevelt.