588 
EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
happiest state of things, but rather one where genius and 
industry should be encouraged — not chilled and quenched ; 
where society should cheer on struggling and modest worth, 
while climbing the difficult paths which lead to honorable 
distinction, and then w 7 ith a graceful and ungrudging libe- 
rality allow to real merit its appropriate reward.” With 
most of the above we concur. 
The spirit of the age may be said to be competitive, so that 
the right man may have the right place. Capability for 
office is to be tested by an examination. No longer will 
mere patronage secure the possession of place, nor wealth 
purchase it. Mind now asserts its right, and becomes “ the 
stature of the man.” Differences of birth and station are as 
nothing. Talent finds its way into the most exalted ranks 
of society. We see this in nearly all the offices connected 
with Government, also in the Army — although in this latter 
there are some exceptions — and likewise in the East India 
Civil Service. From the daily press we learn that Parlia- 
ment, after half a year’s elaborate debate on the subject, has 
become fully impressed with the desirability of this, and has 
resolved to throw open the Civil Service of India unre- 
strictedly to competition. That is to say — 
“Any British subject, of a certain age, may propose himself as a candi- 
date for what is termed an Indian writership, this privilege being now 
derived, not as heretofore from an order in Council, but from an Act of 
Parliament. If he proves his superiority, the appointment falls to him as 
a matter of right. So far, the principle of the bill is popular. But in the 
case of the army different regulations are to prevail. In this department 
two classes are recognised — the Line, including cavalry and infantry ; and 
the Scientific Corps, embracing the artillery and engineers. Commissions 
in the Indian line are to remain in the absolute gift of the Crown — that is, 
of the Horse Guards, with its mysterious agglomeration of influences, 
legitimate or otherwise, while under a solemn pledge, though not under a 
legislative enactment, the Royal authority binds itself that the competitive 
principle shall be applied in making appointments to the scientific staff of 
the Indian army, to the artillery and to the engineers.” 
Very recently twenty gentlemen were chosen by competi- 
tive examination out of fifty-seven candidates for appoint- 
ments in the Indian Service. And from this test of fitness 
even the princes of the blood royal are not exempted. Prince 
Alfred, the second son of her Majesty, a few weeks since 
