rable with it. It is of special value in that it induces young
men of exceptional ability and training to enter the lower grades,
for they have the certainty that faithful and efficient work will in
the end earn for them the highest positions.

On February 25, 1909, the director of civil service made the following
statement with respect to the observance of the law:--

"A careful study of Act 5 and all acts amendatory thereof will
show that there has been no change in the policy adopted by the
Commission at the outset to extend the classified service as widely
as possible and to fill by promotion all the higher positions so far
as practicable. The provision requiring the higher positions to be
filled by promotion so far as practicable has always been regarded by
the Philippine Commission, by this Bureau, and by others interested in
obtaining the best possible government service in the Philippines as
one of the most important provisions of the Civil Service Act. It has
been faithfully observed by all Governors-General....With the exception
of the positions of Governor-General and Secretaries of Departments,
the Philippine Civil Service Act requires the highest positions in
the executive civil service, namely, chiefs and assistant chiefs of
Bureaus and Offices, to be filled by promotion from the entire service
in all cases except when in the opinion of the appointing power there
is no person competent and available who possesses the qualifications
required, and this provision has been faithfully observed heretofore."

The enforcement of the law by the commission has received the
following commendation from the executive committee of the National
Civil Service Reform League:--

"We have further to note with satisfaction the course of the Philippine
Commission, by which, if it be persevered in, the merit system will be
established in the Islands of that archipelago at least as thoroughly
and consistently as in any department of government, Federal, State,
or Municipal, in the Union. This must be, in any case, regarded as
a gratifying recognition of sound principles of administration on
the part of the Commission, and justifies the hope that, within the
limits of their jurisdiction at least, no repetition of the scandals
of post-bellum days will be tolerated."

Up to the time of the appointment of Governor-General Harrison the
provisions of the Civil Service Act and rules were firmly supported
by all of the governors-ge