1. The classified departmental service shall include the several
officers, clerks, and other persons in any Department, commission,
or bureau at Washington classified under section 163 of the Revised
Statutes, or by direction of the President for the purposes of the
examinations prescribed by the civil-service act of 1883, or for
facilitating the inquiries as to fitness of candidates for admission
to the departmental service in respect to age, health, character,
knowledge, and ability, as provided for in section 1753 of the Revised
Statutes.
2. The word "department," when used in the general or departmental
rules, shall be construed to mean any such Department, commission, or
bureau classified as above prescribed.