New Britain herald., 1916-01-19
LEGION OF HONOR
 IS MORE POPULAR
French Medal Was First Given By
 Napoleon-Many Wear It

(Corres pondence of The Associated Presx)
 Paris, Dec. 29.-The red ribbon on increasing numbers of weather-stain- ed blue jackets, and the frequent ap- peals to popular imagination by the military parades behind the war zone incidental to the decoration of heroes rom the front, have given a remark able increase in popularity to the Le- zion of Honor. This imperial institu- tion, handed down through the Res toration, the Second Republic and the Second Empire, was not accepted without reserve by the more democra- tic Third Republic and has gone through some vicissitudes since.
 Napoleon's first idea was to reward military devotion and gallant services on the field of battle. It was only later, when he realized the importance of making war on Great Britain's commerce as well as upon her fleet and army, that he used the decora- ton to incite civilian effort. Warnings were given at the time that abuses would result. There was no scandal, however, during the Empire and the first known traff1ce in the decoration came to light in 1922, when an agency engaged in the selling of false decora- tions was unearthed. The scandal of 1887 was more serious In that case it was a question of the sale of real decorations, involving son-in-law of the president of the republic, Jules Grevy, and finally bringing about the latter's resignation. Some less con- spicious cases have developed since, but the supposition put forth at diff ferent times, that the Legion of Honor was always for sale at price, was certainly exaggerated. There was, perhaps, more foundation for the opinion of the undecorated, that poli- tical influence had great deal to do with the distribution of the honor among civilians.
 Origin of Legion.
 At it's origin the Legion of Honor comprised a Grand Council or direct ory, composed of grand officers and 16 cohorts, each cohort counting ' grand officers, 20 commandants, 30 officers and $50 legionaries named for life by the grand council. The grand council and the cohorts were suppress sed by law reorganizing the order in 1S16, and the disposition of that law were costly incorporated into the present charter of the order, which dates from March 16, 1852. The president of the republic is the Grand of the Legion of Honor, whose affairs are now administered by Grand Chancellor named by the chief executive of. the republic, and a coun- cil of the order comprising a General Secretary, Vice President and ten m members. The corps of legionaries is of Chevaliers, Officers, Commandants, Grand Officers and Grand Crosses. The membership is limited to 20 Grand Crosses, 50 Grand officers, 250 Commanders, 2,O00 of fcers and 12,O00 CheValiers or Knights. Foreigners on whom the decoration is conferred do not figure in this limited membership, according to the rules
 In time of peace, to be admit ted to the Legion of Honor one must have exercised civilian or military functions during 20 years with hunor and distinction. To be promoted to any rank superior to that of Knight 1t is indispensable to have passed the grade immediately infer for; the period of four years as a Knight, two years as an Officer, three years as a Commander, five years as a Grand Officer. For exceptional cases of gallantry or extraordinary services in time of war or peace these periods may be reduced, but in no case may a Knight be advanced to the grade of Commander without having first been prom oted to the rank of Officer.
 Is Fivc-Pointed Star.
 The decoration of the Legion of Honor is a five double-pointed star, with medallion in the center with the head of the republic in relief, and the words French Republic, 1S70' in a circular border. On the other side the medallion bears two tricolor flags with the device, "Honneur ct Patrie.' The star which is enamel led in white is of silver for the Knights, and gold for the Officers. The only distinction made in the form of the decoration itself for the differ ent ranks is that of size, being 1 1-3 inches in diameter for the Knights and Officers, and 2 1h inches in diame- ter for the Commanders. The Knights wear the decoration on the left side of the chest, attached to q red moire ribbon, the Officers wear it the same place and with the same rib bon, but with a red rosette attached. Commanders wear the decoration around their neck, attached to a red moire ribbon wider than that of off cers and Knights. Grand Officers in addition to the cross wear on the left side of the breast five double-point- ed silver star set with diamonds The Grand Crosses wear the decoration at tached to red sash passing over the right shoulder and also on the left side of the chest another double pointed star similar to that of the Grand Officers.
 Carries Pension.
 It is not generally known that membership in the Legion of Honor rrieS with if a mansion tn sold iArS