tter writing, and the proper construction of sentences; (5) elements
of the geography, history, and government of the United States.

2. Proficiency in each of these subjects shall be credited in grading
the standing of the persons examined in proportion to the value of a
knowledge of such subjects in the branch or part of the service which
the applicant seeks to enter.

3. No one shall be entitled to be certified for appointment whose
standing upon a just grading in the general examination shall be less
than 65 per cent of complete proficiency in the first three subjects
mentioned in this rule, and that measure of proficiency shall be deemed
adequate.

4. But for places in which a lower degree of education will suffice the
Commission may limit the examinations to, first, penmanship, copying,
and orthography; second, the fundamental rules of arithmetic; but no
person shall be certified under this examination of a less grading than
65 per cent on each subject.

5. The Commission may also order examinations of a higher grade or upon
additional or special subjects, to test the capacity and fitness which
may be needed in any special place or branch of the service.

RULE VIII.

No question in any examination or proceeding by or under the Commission
of examiners shall call for the expression or disclosure of any
political or religious opinion or affiliation, nor shall any
discrimination be made by reason thereof if known; and the Commission
and its examiners shall discountenance all disclosure before either of
them of such opinion by or concerning any applicants for examination or
by or concerning anyone whose name is on any register awaiting
appointment.

RULE IX.

All regular applications for the competitive examinations for admission
to the classified service must be made on blanks in a form approved by
the Commission. All requests for such blanks and all applications for
examination must be addressed as follows: (1) If for the classified
departmental service, to the United States Civil Service Commission,
Washington, D.C.; (2) if for the classified postal service, to the
postmaster under whom service is sought; (3) if for the classified
customs service, to the head of either customs office in which service
is sought. All officers receiving such applications will indorse thereon
the date of the reception thereof and transmit the same to the proper
examining board of the district or office where service is sought