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that it is not a "self-acting test which enables us to distinguish with unerring precision, and with mechanical regularity, between the worthy and the unworthy candidate." This objection is true without being forcible. The fallibility of the competition test could only be fatal to the principle of competition if the existing test, or some other practicable test, were proved to be infallible. As the facts at present stand, the real question is, whether, as a means of discovering fitness, Competition is not better than mere Nomination. If the alternative were—fallible Competition against infallible Patronage, the question of a choice between them could be raised only to be dismissed; but, both plans being liable to error, it is allowable to ask whether Competition is not the safer plan of the two, and so much the safer as to justify its extensive application to the public service. Undoubtedly I do not contend that Competition is an unerring test: I limit my recommendation of it to the mere statement that it is the best test that can be found, and immeasurably better than the no-test of Patronage.
When, therefore, it is said that a literary examination furnishes no sure test of official aptitude, which consists mainly in industry, intelligence, sound judgment, and various moral qualities, the reply is—Does it not furnish a better test of these qualifications than the system of Patronage? It is quite true that success in a literary competition affords only a presumption of the existence of the requisite ability and fitness; but does nomination by a patron furnish anything more? If, indeed, the system of Patronage implied the possession by the nominator of an intimate acquaintance with the character, attainments and special abilities of each nominee, it might be reasonably urged that the presumption afforded by competitive examinations could not possibly equal the certainty derived from such official omniscience; but, however perfect may be the theory of Patronage, it is perhaps permissible to imagine that, in practice, most of the nominations are bestowed for other reasons than well-ascertained desert; and in the absence of a thorough knowledge by the patron of his client's fitness, the question
