Forest inspectors, superintendents, supervisors, surveyors, rangers, and fire patrol are to be hereafter appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture wholly with reference to their fitness and without regard for their political affiliations.
(July 7, 1898, ch. 571, § 1, 30 Stat. 673; Feb. 1, 1905, ch. 288, § 1, 33 Stat. 628.)