During Yates' editorship, it was the focus of the De Leonists within the Social Democratic Federation (SDF). After writing an article critical of the SDF Executive in 1903, Yates was expelled, and the supporters of The Socialist founded the SLP.
Under Yates' leadership, the De Leonist faction within the SDF concentrated on this topic. After writing a scathing critique of the SDF's executive in 1903, Yates was ousted, prompting his supporters to found the Socialist Labor Party (SLP).