The Worst of all Possible Systems

is simple promotion by seniority. It is, I believe, essential to the welfare of every large and important institution that the principal officers should attain their position before they are too old; that they should be promoted to positions of increased responsibility while they are in the prime of life, with their vigour and energies unexhausted. Under a strict system of promotion by seniority this is not possible; and I therefore believe that