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| 1855 |
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| Civil service reform. The Civil Service Commission was established. In 1859, under the Superannuation Act, a certificate from the commission was required to receive a civil service pension. | 1 |
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| 1856 |
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| A banking crisis, caused by fraudulent practices and irresponsibility, led to two acts, in 1856 and 1862, which provided limited liability to banks that followed certain guidelines. | 2 |
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| March |
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| The Foreign Service Act forbade new enlistment in the military unless the soldier was willing to serve overseas. | 3 |
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