Page:The Girl Who Earns Her Own Living (1909).djvu/161

 the Civil Service Commission. For instance, from July 16, 1883, to December 31, 1907, the State of Pennsylvania was allowed six hundred and thirty appointments, while Oregon was entitled to only forty-one.

Again, we will suppose that you have passed with a high rating and your appointment comes promptly. You may or may not be offered a position in Washington. You may find yourself scheduled for New York City, Philadelphia, Boston or San Francisco; wherever there is a Custom House in which a clerk is needed; or in Omaha, Butte or Fort Worth, wherever a Pension Office or Land Office may be in need of a Federal employee. The Government official who needs a clerk or assistant of any sort notifies the Civil Service Commission in Washington, which looks over the list of eligibles, and selects the name carrying the highest average, whose owner lives within the district entitled to the next appointment.

Now, if you do not wish to accept that position because of some vital reason to yourself, personal health or family responsibility, you can take chances on refusing it. But I am told that it is much safer to take the first appointment offered, show your ability, and later ask for a transfer.

Another supposition: Your appointment orders you to Washington as a clerk in the Treas-