New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-08-01
ORDERS AMI THEIR VALUE
THE PRIVILEGES AND PREROGATIVES
CARRIED by FOREIGN DECORATIONS
ALIENS WHO POSSESS THEM

and Of colored ribbon that adorn the uniform
and the evening dress of many foreigners,
yet 1t is impossible to deny that there is
strongly developed taste in this country for
what known as orders and decorations
Indeed it is rare nowadays 10 find any military
uniform in the United States that is not en-
belshcd by one or more badges indicating men,
bershp in some patriotic association They are
nothing Of which to be ashamed-quite the con-
trary: ard they contribute to the picturesque
effect of the uniform. and tend to Tighten up
and relieve the sCmbre simplicity Of ordinary
evening dress.
Foreign orders are every bit as decorative, and
differ from the insignia much worn in this
country in that their distribution is restricted
to governments and to rulers. instead of being
left in the hands Of patriotic organizations
of one kind and another. As general rule.
they conferred for services rendered by the
recipient, while sometimes they accorded
by way Of compliment. a recognition for
eminence in art science, literature, industry
and commerce. Their value Is enhanced by the
fact that in many instances their gift does not
depend solely the favor Of ruler but
has to be sanctioned beforehand by one or more
of his Ministers and constitutional advisers. who
represent the nation as delegates Of the para-
mentary majority. This is particularly the case
with the Order Of the Legion Of Honor in
France, and that of Leopold in Belgium. Con-
seQuent!y. in instances such these, the grant
Of decoration may be regarded by the person
thus distinguished as tribute of regard. not
on the part Of the executive alone. but from the
people of which he is the figurehead.
Each year shows increasing number Of
Americans thus compmented by foreign ma
tons. the last issue Of the Government Ga
zette" at Paris containing the names Of a couple
Of citizens of the United States among the
newly created knights Of the Legion Of Honor,
while it is understood that Congress has under
cOnsid Grafton request on the part Of those
Government representatives who attended the
Cars coronation for permission to wear the
medals and orders which were conferred upon
them by the Muscovite Emperor in connection
with the celebration. There are at the present
moment at least couple of hundred Americans
who are commanders officers and knights of the
French Legion of Honor; while hurried peru
sal OF the rosters of the national orders OF
knighthood Of SPAIN Portugal, Italy. Austria
Germany, Scandinavia, Russia and Turkey will
reveal the presence Of many other names more
or less familiar to the of people this
side of the Atlantic as being those Of fellow
Countrymen.
THE DIVISION INTO GRADES
Napoleon I. when he created the Legion Of
Honor. divided it up into five grades classih-
cation which has been adopted In the case Of all
Continental orders except those very highest OF
ALL such the Golden Fleece in Austria and
Spain. the Annunciation in Italy. the Black
Eagle in Prussia the Seraphim in Sweden, the
Papacy's Order Of Christ. the St Andrew Of
Russia. and the Elephant Of Denmark. all Of
which have only one single class, namely that of
the Grand Cross
The five grades Of the Legion Of Honor are as
follows: the knight Grand Cross who wears a
silver star on his left breast. and broad sash
OF red ribbon over his right shoulder and united
In rosete. to which the cross OF the order is at
tached. When donned with evening dress the
red sash is worn beneath the coat and over the
waistcoat. though some people, such as for in
stance President Faure. wear it under the waist
coat. The next grade is that Of Grand Officer
and in this case the star is attached to the
right breast, there being, however. no scarlet
sash Gordon. The third grade is that Of Com
mander. and in this the gold and white
enarnelled cross of the order is worn around the
Next comes the grade Of Officer Here the cross
is smaller in size. and Is pinned to the left breast
by piece of red ribbon. which is embellished
with a rosette Of the same color The lowest and
fifth grade is that of Chevaer or ordinary
knight. The of the latter is of white enamel
and silver and the ribbon to which it is sus-
pended is devoid Of rosette.
Besides the Legion Of Honor there are two
other French orders. recently instituted,
known the Mtrte Agricsle. which is divided