Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-07-21
NO POLITICAL Ak
OVER D. c. HEADS
Officials Will Not Be Sent to
Block Because Their Jobs
Are Wanted.
PRESIDENT TO KEEP TAB
ON DISTRICT AFFAIRS
New Commissioners Visit Capitol and
Pay Respects to Committee
Chairmen.

President Wilson will hold several con-
ferences. the first of which is slated for
this week, with the new board of Dis
trict Commissioners, relative to the
adoption of policies which are to charac-
terize Its administration Of District of
Columbia affairs.
Partisan politics will play no part In
the administration and no head of a de-
partment need fear for his job because
of pressure that may be brought to bear
for his removal on political grounds.
Wholesale changes in the Municipal
building force. in fact. are not included
in the Commissioners program.
These are the developments which
stood out most prominently as the new
regime got down to business today. They
had a decided effect in restoring conf1-
dence to District officials and employees,
who for several weeks have heard ru-
mors to the effect that there was to be
a general shaking up of the personnel.
Commissioners Newman and Siddons
were at their desks early. With the
same orderliness that characterized the
induction into office ceremonies Satur-
day the board entered actively upon Its
duties.
Pay Visit at Capitol.
After receiving a number OF friends
and heads of departments. the civilian
members of the board left for the Capt.
tol, where they paid their respects to
Senator Smith, chairman Of the SEN
ate District committed: Representative
Johnson, chairman of the House Dis
trict committed; Senator Martin, chair
man of the Senate appropriations com
mittee and Representative Page. chair
man of District subcommittee OF the
House appropriations committee.
There was no board session during the
morning, and no announcement as TO their
policies will be made by the new officials
until after the conference with the Presi-
dent. IL is understood
That the District heads will be called
TO the White House for frequent con. er-
ences is believed to be assured. The Pres
ident. 1t is known. intends to take an
active part in bringing about reforms
looking toward the establishment here OF
a model municipal COVE nment One OF
the first matters to be considered Will. in
all probability, be the eliminating or In
sanitary alleys.
While 1t is generally understood that
no District officials will be removed for
political reasons. il does not follow that
other considerations may not operate TO
effect some changes in the personnel.
For example 1t is considered likely that
heads of some of the departments may
be removed il certain reforms are to be
undertaken in those departments, and II
Is desired that tney snail oc OIIeCtcu OJ
officials who are known to be In SYM
pathy with the Commissioners views and
policies
No Program Announced.
No Intimate has been given by either
of the commissioners as to what re-
forms may be Immediately undertaken.
This is a matter which may be largely
determined by the wishes of the Presi-
dent.
Temporarily, the Commissioners will
continue the arrangements adopted by
the old board respecting the apportton-
ment of Offices to their jurisdiction. Mr.
Newman Is in charge of the accounting
and auditing divisions including such de-
partments as the Office OF the collector
Of taxes, auditor, assessor. etc.
Mr. Siddons. as Gen Johnston's success
sor. Is in charge 'Of the police. nre ana
health departments and the ONCE OF the
superintendent of weights. measures and
markets.
The Commissioners. at their first regu-
lar board session. probably will decide
upon definite appointment plan. and
also make preliminary arrangements for
commencing work on the estimates. The
lated task will keep them busy until
October.