The appointments from the United States at large are made by the President of the United States upon his own selection. The cadet from Porto Rico, who must be a native of that island, is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Resident Commissioner. The Secretary of War is authorized to permit not exceeding four Filipinos, to be designated, one for each class, by the Philippine Commission, to receive instruction at the United States Military Academy at West Point: Provided, That the Filipinos undergoing instruction shall receive the same pay, allowances, and emoluments as are authorized by law for cadets at the Military Academy appointed from the United States, to be paid out of the same appropriations: And provided further, That said Filipinos undergoing instruction on graduation shall be eligible only to commissions in the Philippine Scouts. And the provisions of section 1321, Revised Statutes, are modified in the case of the Filipinos undergoing instruction, so as to require them to engage to serve for eight years, unless sooner discharged, in the Philippine Scouts. DATE OF APPOINTMENTS.—Appointments are required by law to be made _one year in advance_ of the date of admission, except in cases where, by reason of death or other cause, a vacancy occurs which cannot be provided for by such appointment in advance. These vacancies are filled in time for the next examination. ALTERNATES.—For each candidate appointed there should be nominated _two alternates_. The principal and each alternate will receive from the War Department a letter of appointment, and must appear for examination at the time and place therein designated.[67] The fitness for admission to the Academy of the principal and alternates will be determined as prescribed in paragraphs 19 and 20, Regulations U. S. Military Academy. If the principal fails to qualify, either mentally or physically, then the qualifications of the alternates will be considered and if only one has met the requirements he will be admitted; if both alternates have met the requirements the better qualified will be admitted. The alternates, like the principal, should be designated _one year in advance_ of the date of admission. EXAMINATION AND ADMISSION OF CANDIDATES.[68] The following are extracts from the Regulations of the Military Academy relating to the examination of candidates for admission and will be strictly adhered to: