be,
until otherwise ordered, excepted from the operation of the rules.

9. When a vacancy occurs in the office of postmaster of a class
not otherwise provided for, applications for the position from any
subordinate or subordinates in the office, or from other persons
residing within the delivery of the office, may be addressed to the
Postmaster-General, 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 of
the best qualified, not exceeding three, shall be certified by the
board of examiners to the Postmaster-General, and from them the
nomination or appointment shall be made; but if no subordinate be
found qualified, the said board shall certify to the Postmaster-General
the name or names, not exceeding three, of the best qualified among the
other applicants, and from them the nomination or appointment shall 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 said post-offices may be,
until otherwise ordered, excepted from the operation of the rules.

10. Special agents of the Post-Office Department shall be appointed by
the Postmaster-General at discretion from persons already in the postal
service, and who shall have served therein for a period of not less
than one year immediately preceding the appointment; but if no person
within the service shall, in the judgment of the Postmaster-General,
be suitable and qualified, the appointment shall be made from all
applicants under the rules.

11. Mail-route messengers shall be appointed in the manner provided for
the appointment of postmasters whose annual salary is less than $200.

12. When a vacancy occurs in the office of register or receiver of
the land office, or of pension agent, applications in writing from
residents in the district in which the vacancy occurs may be addressed
to the Secretary of the Interior, inclosing proper certificates of
character, responsibility, and capacity; and if any of the applicants
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 will be
made. If, however, no applicants