Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/183

 DENMARK.

THE ORDER OF THE ELEPHANT.

Before entering on the history and statutes of this illustrious institution, it will be as well to give a few prefatory remarks concerning the general principles which regulate the two Danish Orders. Of both, the King is the head, and distributes them at pleasure. The affairs of both are managed under his presidency by a 'Chapter of the royal Orders,' established at Copenhagen on the 28th June, 1808. Its chief business is to watch over the conduct of the members, to report on them, and endeavour to settle their private disputes amicably. The officers of the two Orders consist of a Chancellor, ViceChancellor, Bishop, Secretary, Marshall, Treasurer, Master and Vice-Master of ceremonies, Vicar and Historian. The festival days, common to both, are the 28th June, the birthday of King Waldemar, and the respective birthdays of the reigning sovereigns. The Chapter meets on both days; at the Castle of Frederigsborg on the 28th June, and at the Castle of Rosenberg on the birthday of the reigning King.

The Order of the Elephant is one of the most striking proofs that the dignity of an Order is elevated in proportion to the rarity of its bestowal. For, though Denmark only occupies a third rank among European states, the Order of the