If this practical illustration exhibited the weakness of the President's order it also anticipated what the country afterwards recognised, that true reform must rest upon competitive examination for which the Act of March 3, 1871 opened the way, and which President Hayes had directed for certain positions.
This statement emphasizes the necessity of competitive examinations for civil service reform, a key issue of Alexander's time.
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Indeed, his administration admittedly ranked with the best that had adorned the State for a century, and his friends, including Independents and many Stalwarts, rallied with energy to his support.
More valuable still is his exposition of the Philippine question in its bearings on American life and politics.
An exceedingly readable volume, especially valuable in its analyses of conditions, causes, situations and results; and against his main conclusions no sane person can contend."--Boston Transcript.
He writes of the Filipinos as he found them, and with the knack of the true investigator, has avoided falling in with the political views of any party or faction.
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