State Ex Rel. George v. Seattle

This is a mandamus action to compel the reinstatement of a civil service employee to the position formerly held by him and, further, to compel the issuance to him of salary warrants covering the period of his enforced lay-off. Upon a trial to the court, a decree granting the relief prayed for was entered. The defendants have appealed.

The question before us involves, primarily, the right of priority between two civil service employees claiming the same position, namely, that of lineman. The facts are not in dispute.

The government of the city of Seattle is divided into fourteen departments,…