But  in  March,  1910,  Republican  insurgents,  aided  by  the
Democrats,  deprived  the  Speaker  of  some  of  his  powers.  As  a
result,  members  of  the  House  have  more  control  over  its  pro-
ceedings. The  House  of  Representatives  now  elects  its  own
committees,  instead  of  permitting  the  Speaker  to  appoint
them.
The  insurgent  movement  continued  to  gain  force,  until
in  the  presidential  campaign  of  1912  it  led  to  the  formation  of
the  Progressive  party.  This  new  party  was  made  up  of  the
supporters  of  ex-President  Roosevelt,  who  again  became  a
candidate  for  the  Republican  nomination  in  1912.  But  the
Republican  convention  renominated  President  Taft,  whereupon
the  Progressives  held  a  separate  convention,  and  nominated
Roosevelt  amid  wild  enthusiasm.  This  split  in  the  Republican
ranks  made  certain  the  election  of  the  Democratic  nominee,
Governor  Woodrow  Wilson  of  New  Jersey.  Of  the  531  elec-
toral votes,  Wilson  received  435,  Roosevelt  88,  and  Taft  8.
The  Democrats  also  secured  control  of  both  houses  of  Congress,
and  thus  were  in  a  position  to  carry  out  their  policies.
President  Wilson  and  Mexico.  Among  the  important
measures  of  President  Wilson's  first  administration  were  the
Underwood  Tariff  Act,  the  Federal  Reserve  Act,  and  the  law


OUR  OWN   TIMES  AND   ITS  PROBLEMS  551

establishing  a  Federal  Trade  Commission.  While  Congress
and  the  President  were  considering  these  questions,  our  relation
with  Mexico  reached  a  critical  stage.  The  revolution  against
President  Diaz  in  1911  overthrew  the  leader  who  had  ruled
Mexico  with  a  strong  hand  for  thirty  years.  A  succession  of
revolts  now  seemed  likely  to  prevent  the  establishment  of  any
government  strong  enough  to  maintain  law  and  order.  The
successor  of  Diaz  was  President  Madero,  but  he  was  soon
assassinated,  and  General  Huerta  proclaimed  himself  President.
