546

In case of the death, resignation or removal of the head of any department, office or bureau of the Commonwealth government, or his disability or temporary absence, the assistant or deputy of such department, office or bureau, shall, unless otherwise provided by law, perform the duties of such principal officer until his successor shall have been appointed, qualified and entered upon the duties of the office, or until such disability or absence shall cease. History —Political Code, 1902, § 172.