Executive Order 256

All positions in the civil service of the War Department in the Philippines, except those filled by persons employed merely as skilled or unskilled laborers, and by persons appointed by the President, will be treated as classified under the civil-service rules. The present occupants of these positions who have been specially commended for retention by their chiefs, with the approval of the Secretary of War, and whose names appear on the list furnished the United States Civil Service Commission, may be retained, and after three years' service in such positions shall be eligible for transfer to competitive positions in the United States, subject to the civil-service rules and regulations.

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 * March 1, 1904.