New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-05-29
KNIGHT OF THE ANNUNc1Ar1oN HERE


While Prince Louis of Italy, Duke of the Abruzzi.
Is in this country. those who brought into
tact with him will have the opportunity of seeing
ore Of the most remarkable orders OF knighthood
in Europe. which he wears both with his uniform
and in evening dress and all ceremonial occa-
sions. 1t is the Italian counterpart of the English
order Of the Garter. IS known by the name Of the
"Annunciation.' and was founded by that Count
Amadeus of Savoy who created first Duke OF
Savoy by Emperor Sigismund, and who reigned for
a number OF years Pope under the title of
Felix Y.
The order which is restricted TO sovereigns
and to few royal personages, and to not more
than half dozen statesmen and soldiers OF the
very highest rank in Italy. carries with 1t all sorts
Of prerogatiyes and privileges including the hon
orary status of cousinship TO the King and Queen,
a distinction which extends to the wives Of the
knights OF the order and at state functions the
knights are grouped Immediately around the King
the steps OF the throne, while their wives
have special benches assigned 10 them, which none
allowed to share save the wives of foreign
bassadors. The insignia OF the order consists of
badge upon which is represen ed a picture OF the
annunciation the Virgin by the Archangel Ga
brie and II is hung around the neck. not by a NIB
bon, but by small chain OF gold. The badge and
the which IS worn in connection Herewith
the left breast bear them the curious word
.Fert.' the meaning and origin Of which were a
matter Of end of speculation even 10 the most
learned antiquartans and historians until the mys
twy was set at rest only few years ago by the
discovery u a medal issued to commemorate the
marriage of Duke Charles Emmanuel Of Savoy to
P5rcess Catherine of Spain in the year 1880. This
medal has on one side the effigies of the royal
couple. and the reverse their arms, with the
words '.Fert refertque' ttake and retake), which
IS nothing more than the beginning of the well
knoF-n verse of Virgil on the episode Of Dido
! believe this De The only case on record where
for several hundred years reigning house has
used OF us armorial bearings fits heraldic motto
and as the motto OF principal order OF knight
hood 4 word of the meaning OF which IL was ig-
norant Until the solution Of the mystery in 1899
the most popular and ingenious Interpretation OF
the that il consisted OF the initial letters
OF the words "Forttudo ejus Rhodum tenuit' (By
his valor he conquered Rhodes. supposed 10 have
been applied 10 Duke Amadeus the Great OF Savoy.
who conquered the Island Of Rhodes from the
Turks.
The order was originally Instituted TO 1.-THE honor
OF God and OF the blessed Virgin Mary. and also
70 the honor OF all the heavenly choirs." the
knights being called upon to Ito defend and
maintain and the states and liberties of our
Holy Mother the Church Although other pro-
visions OF this VOW were modified by King Charles
Albert OF Sardinia in 1870 yet 10 this day the oath
which the knights forced take upon their
appointment 10 the order pledges them in the most
solemn manner to ''Fefendrc, rnaintenr reteblir
ia Diguite de la Sainte Eglise ct du ct.
Siege apostolique de Rome