Chapter XII: Section 2: And be it further enacted, That no person shall be

appointed, after the date of this Act, to any civil office under the United States, whether by way of original appointment or promotion, unless recommended by a certificate of the Board: _Provided_, That this shall not apply to offices the appointing power to which is by the Constitution vested in the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate: but applicants for such offices shall be examined by the Board, if they present themselves, and shall receive certificates in the same manner as other applicants.