[62] Four of the class of 1880 accepted this offer, and, as there were not then vacancies enough for the balance, some were first appointed brevet second lieutenants, and as vacancies occurred they were commissioned second lieutenants.
[63] The army is supplied with second lieutenants from four sources, viz.: First, the Military Academy; second, graduates from other military schools; third, from meritorious enlisted men, and fourth, from civil life.
[64] The Act of 1910 increased this number 25% for six years. The total number of graduates from 1802 to August 31, 1910, is 4,935.
[65] Alternates have been appointed since 1877.
[67] The Board before which a candidate is directed to appear will be, without exception, the one convened at the nearest or most convenient to his home, or to the school at which he is in regular attendance at the time of appointment.
[68] On December 8, 1910, the Adjutant General of the Army wrote to the author saying “that while it has been decided to admit the next class of cadets into the Military Academy on the 14th day of June instead of on the 1st day of March, no change has been made in the date and places of examination of cadet candidates.”