filled in accordance with the rules. Appointments to all other
positions in the customs service in said districts may be, until
otherwise ordered, excepted from the operation of the rules.

7. When a vacancy occurs in the office of collector, appraiser,
surveyor, or other chief officer in any customs district not specified
in the preceding regulation, applications in writing from any
subordinate or subordinates in the customs service of the district,
or from other person or persons residing within the said district,
may be addressed to the Secretary of the Treasury, inclosing proper
certificates of character, responsibility, and capacity; and if any
of the subordinates so applying shall be found suitable and qualified,
the name or names, not exceeding three, of the best qualified shall
be certified by the board of examiners to the Secretary, and from
this list the nomination or appointment will be made; but if no such
subordinate be found qualified, the said board shall certify to the
Secretary the name or names, not exceeding three, of the best qualified
among the other applicants, and from this list the nomination or
appointment will be made. If, however, no applicants under this
regulation shall be found suitable and qualified, the vacancy will
be filled at discretion. Appointments to all other positions in the
customs service in said districts may be, until otherwise ordered,
excepted from the operation of the rules.

8. When a vacancy occurs in the office of postmaster in cities having,
according to the census of 1870, a population of 20,000 or more, the
Postmaster-General shall ascertain if any of the subordinates in such
office are suitable persons qualified to discharge efficiently the
duties of postmaster, and if such are found he shall certify to the
President the name or names of those subordinates, not exceeding three
in number, who in his judgment are best qualified for the position,
from which list the President will make the nomination to fill the
vacancy; but if no such subordinate be found so qualified, or if the
nomination be not confirmed by the Senate, the nomination will be
made at the discretion of the President. Vacancies occurring in such
positions in the said post-office as are included in the subjoined
classification will be filled in accordance with the rules.
Appointments to all other positions in the said post-offices may