The sentence says:
- The article was (i) about the police commissioner's accomplishments.
- Some lawyers' groups argued against the tactics.
- Despite that, a double-digit drop in crime suggests the journalist's praise was (ii).

This means:
- The article gave strong praise to the commissioner.
- Some opposition exists.
- However, the outcome (drop in crime) supports that the praise was justified or appropriate.

For Blank (i):
- The article was praising the commissioner, so the tone was likely strong or enthusiastic.
- Options:
- (A) effusive = expressing feelings of gratitude or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner (fits well)
- (B) tentative $=$ hesitant or not definite (does not fit because the praise is strong)
- (C) bombastic = high-sounding but with little meaning; inflated (possible but implies overly exaggerated)
"Effusive" fits better as the article praised genuinely and strongly.

For Blank (ii):
- The drop in crime shows the praise was justified or appropriate.
- Options:
- (D) specious = superficially plausible, but actually wrong or misleading (opposite of what is needed)
- (E) presumptuous = overstepping due bounds, too bold (negative connotation, not fitting here)
- (F) apposite = appropriate, suitable, fitting (fits perfectly, given the evidence)

Hence, the answers are:
- Blank (i): (A) effusive
- Blank (ii): (F) apposite