The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-10-27
J, 5, Inspector VIII Put X-Ray
 on Republicans
BEGINS HIS WORK TO-DAY
Under Instructions from Washington Mir. Wannamaker Will Ascer- tain Extent Office Holders
 Are in Politics.

Fred Wannamaker. eivIa1 service ax- aminer, arrived in Birmingham vester- uay morning and he will begin today an othclal Investigation here in reference 10 the "pernicious political activity of prominent office holders who have of nces in the federal building.
 This morning Mir. Wannamaker will eo 10 the federal building and ask for the use Of one of the rooms There he will conduct his investigation by summoninq and examining witnesses.
 I IL Will be remembered that MT. Wan namaker was in this city about two weeks ago to conduct a civil service ex- animation. While here he made nre- liminary investigation concerning offoo holders in politics. which he is now in the city to complete. He has completed HIS Flslts to number of cities in the south for the purpose of holding civil service examinations, and under orders rom Washington is in Birmingham now to make an investigation in regard to the | political activity"
 Charges Made.
 MT Wannanlaker was seen last nigbt and asked about his mission in the c,t,, ne sala; T will make a most thorough investigation of the charges contained in a petition sent to Washington several weeks ago, relative to the political activi- " Of seevral federal office holders in Birmingham"
 ne refused to divulge any names in con- neetion with the matter. It is very nrob- apie that all of those holding office in .ne leoeral building from the highest eo the lowest will be required to give testimony during the investigation. This proceeding will be followed under an order from President Roosevelt in inc elVii service regulations, promulgated by nm In December, 1901 which is that every otiice holder and employe in the public service must give all proper and com petent information and testimony in re- gard to all matters inquired of by an in- vestigator.
 Fresldent Roosevelt has taken the stand that every executive office holder Is under him and the orders he issues as to the conduct of officials has the force of law.
 Civil Service.
 circular issued by the civil service | commission contains the following sec- tion, The influence of federal office holders should not be felt in the manipu- lation of political primary meetings and nominating conventions. They have no Fght as office-holders to dictate the poIi- tlcal action of party associates or to throt tie freedom of action in party lines by methods and practices which pervert ev- cry useful and justifiable purpose of parry organization"
 Humol's as to the probable action of the President in reference to federal officials here have been in the air ever since inc removal of Williapi Vaughan from inc office of attorney for the northern dis trict of Alabama. No removals since 1 Vaughans have heen made, but it IS thought that aetion of some kind may he taken by the President any day and that back of it is his disapproval and dissatis- faction at the manner in which the re- pupllcans of Alabama eliminating the ne- gro rom the Alabama republican con vention. held in this city in September.
 All along the line, and especially in Alabama and South Carolina, the same condition prevails as here. From Birming- ham MT. Wannamaker will go to Colum- bia, s. C., to conduct a similar exam nation as the result of a petition receIv- ed at Washington from negro, Deas, who is chairman of the republican state executive committee of South Carolina. There the conditions are much the same as in Birmingham, only perhaps, more office-holders are involved in the investi- gations to be made. In South Carolina there is family row among the repub- licans with the negro as d prominent factor
 MT. Wannamaker will probably be in the city until Wednesday. When he has finished his investigations he will send a report to Washington. MT. wannamaKer is stopping at the Hillman