During this period the system of promotion by merit was brought into full operation. In the three metropolitan offices, when a vacancy occurred, application for appointment was open to all; the respective claims were carefully compared, and without the admission of any other consideration whatever, the claim which was adjudged to be best carried the day. How strict our practice was may be shown by the following incident. To keep our course free from disturbing influence, it had been laid down that any intercession from without in favour of individual officers should act, if not injuriously, at least not beneficially, on the advancement of those concerned; and, as the rule had been sanctioned by the Treasury, it certainly was not from that quarter that I should have expected its breach. It is much easier, however, to authorize the establishment of a rule than to bend old habits in conformity with its tenour, or even to remember its very existence; and, not a little to my amusement, I received an interceding letter from the very Secretary of the Treasury, my friend Mr. (now Sir William) Hayter. The following was my reply:-- "27th December, 1855. "MY DEAR HAYTER,--We really do mean to carry out the Treasury regulations as to promotion honestly and with an utter disregard of all conflicting interests, however potent. "With this view the inclosed circular has been issued, and every violation of the rule laid down, even though it extend no further than the suggestion of an application such as that which you have forwarded, is punished by reprimand and probable degradation. "Fortunately young ----'s conduct is so good, especially as regards the observance of the rules of the office, that I feel justified in assuming that he is not to blame in the present instance, but I cannot communicate the application to the Duke, neither can I allow it to influence any advice I may have to give him. "I am sure you will concur in these views. "I am, &c., "ROWLAND HILL. "The Right Hon. W. G. HAYTER, M.P."