The Hawaiian gazette., 1870-09-28


In March, 1911, Frederick William Ill,
of Prussia, father of the present seve-
reign, instituted the Order of the Iron
Cross, for peculiar military or civil dis
tinction in the war then carried on against
Bonaparte. just at that time Prussia,
long depressed, had taken place in the
van, and her troops were part of the great
German Army of Liberation. The So
called Confederation of the Rhine of
which Bonaparte had been the head, had
been dissolved. Frederick's motto was
Honor and our Country" and this was
also adopted by Alexander of Russia.
Frederick William had invited his sub
jects to pour their gold and silver orna-
ments into the public treasury, whence
they would receive iron ones, fashioned in
the same forms to preserve in their fami-
lies-indicating past wealth and present
patriotism-and the call had been nobly
responded to. Bracelets, necklaces, rings,
breaches, crosses, solitaires, earrings Of
gold, and jewels were taken to the treas
ury, and then exchanged for similar BIZ
joux, beautifully worked in bronze, and
inscribed, 81 gave gold for iron. 1913"
From that time until the war was ended,
golden ornaments were never worn. and
hence arose the beautiful Berlin bronze
ornaments, so we'll known and so highly
priced throughout Europe, as well as the
order of the Iron Cross of Prussia
The present King of Prussia has reviv-
ed this, the most honorable national deco
ration, conferred only for services and
high merit during the war of liberation
in 1918 and 1915. No other rank will be
handicapped for the chase of this reward
of courage exhibited on the field of battle,
or in shielding the household gods at
home, but that of merit. The soldier Of
Prussia has now before him two classes
and grand cross. The frst-class ribbon
is to be worn the instant he wins Il, on
the left breast, where his heart beats, the
second-class in the button-hoie, where Of
all places should be supported the flower
of valor; the third, double-sized medal,
to dangle round his neck as cross round
the throat of crusader But to possess
the second he must make good his title to
the first. The Grand Cross will be no
thing less than signal victory accomplish
ed, the conquest of an important position
or place, or the brave defense of for
tress The iron cross was the glory of
glories during the wars of liberation.
Even when you had won it, it yet remain
ed TO be won; for the number of these
precious badges were limited, and its re-
cipient had not only TO distinguish himself
against the foe, but to wait till one of his
fortunate fellow-countrymen possessing it
died. He might, however, have handled
it down to his son as an heirloom Here,
then, bit of east iron, whose intrinsic va
lue would be magni6cently paid for by
few cents, becomes more valuable, TO a
brave man, than the Sanity diamond or
The Kohinoor could possibly be, for it is
he perpetual testimony Of valOr, honor,
owe of freedom, and the fatherland-
Louis Napoleon may distribute baskets
nll of the insignia Of his uucle's celebra-
ed order, but what is their value compar-
d with that of the simple iron cross of
Prussia, in itself trophy and history:
/ has been revived, King William declar-
st to his German friends and subjects,
in consideration of the serious situation
n which the country is now placed, and
n memory of the heroic actions of our
athers during the War of Liberation