BENJ.  HARRISON.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

EXECUTIVE ORDER.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, May 25, 1891.

It is hereby ordered, That the several Executive Departments and the Government Printing Office be closed on Saturday, the 30th instant, to enable the employees to participate in the decoration of the graves of the soldiers and sailors who fell in defense of the Union during the War of the Rebellion.

BENJ.  HARRISON.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, D.C., July 6, 1891.

To the People of the United States: 

The President, with a profound feeling of sorrow, announces the death of Hannibal Hamlin, at one time Vice-President of the United States, who died at Bangor, Me., on the evening of Saturday, July 4.

Few men in this country have filled more important and more distinguished public positions than Mr. Hamlin, and in recognition of his many eminent and varied services and as an expression of the great respect and reverence which are felt for his memory it is ordered that the national flag be displayed at half-mast upon the public buildings of the United States on the day of his funeral.

BENJ.  HARRISON.

By the President: 
  WILLIAM F. WHARTON,
    Acting Secretary of State.

AMENDMENTS OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, August 6, 1891.

The civil-service rules are hereby amended as follows: 

GENERAL RULE II.

In line 1 strike out the word “four” and insert in lieu thereof the word “five.”  Add at the end of the rule the following: 

  5.  The classified Indian service.

GENERAL RULE III.

Strike out paragraphs 1 and 2 of section 6 of General Rule III and insert in lieu thereof the following: 

So far as practicable and useful, competitive examinations shall be established in the classified civil service to test fitness for promotion, under such regulations as the Commission may make.  Until such regulations have been applied to any part of the classified service promotions therein shall be made in the manner prescribed by the rule applicable thereto.

DEPARTMENTAL RULE VI.

Strike out the first sentence of section 6 and transfer the remaining sentence to section 5.  Change the numbers of sections 7, 8, 9, and 10 to 6, 7, 8, and 9, respectively.

CUSTOMS RULE III.

Strike out the first sentence of section 5 and transfer the remaining sentence to section 4.  Change the numbers of sections 6, 7, 8, and 9 to 5, 6, 7, and 8, respectively.

POSTAL RULE III.

Strike out the first sentence of section 5 and transfer the remaining sentence to section 4.  Change the numbers of sections 6, 7, 8, and 9 to 5, 6, 7, and 8, respectively.