Mr.Taft was always an enthusiastic supporter of the merit system.
Governor-General Forbes in his inaugural address made the following statements:-- "It is necessary that the civil service should be rigidly maintained and its rules carefully observed.

One very distinguished Filipino has recently been appointed to administrative control of one of the most important departments of the Government, equal in rank to any executive position in the Islands with the exception of the Executive head.

In the executive branch of the Government, the Filipinization of the service must steadily continue.

As vacancies occur Filipinos will be gradually substituted for Americans as rapidly as can be done without positive detriment to the service.

At the same time, care will be taken to provide a suitable career for honest and capable Americans who have come out here in good faith.