Herbert Hoover actually said...
On recommendation of the head of a department or independent establishment and with the approval of the Civil Service Commission, any employee of such executive department or independent establishment in the Philippine Islands who on the date of this order is in the Federal service and who for at least seven years has rendered faithful and exceptionally meritorious service in a classified position, and who has acquired a rating of at least 40 in a civil-service examination that would qualify him for probational appointment in the position, may be given a classified status.
05/14/1931