Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/205

Rh deteriorated much from the value of the decoration. The Restoration, though it retained the Imperial Order of the Legion, by no means resigned the legacy of the old monarchy with regard to orders.

The Order of the Holy Ghost was the first rescued from oblivion. The Legion was converted into an Order, and lost its original character and signification. The number of the educational establishments, in connection with the Order, was greatly reduced, the effigy of Napoleon was exchanged for that of Henry IV.; while the Eagle—despite its five wings—was christened ' Cross.' The Knights of the Grand Eagle became Knights of the Grand Ribbon (Grands Cordons), and the Legionaries, became Knights. Moreover, all the nominations which had taken place during the Hundred Days, were nullified by Louis XVIII. on his return to Paris, after the battle of Waterloo. In 1816, the pay of the members was reduced to half, and compensation was only granted in 1820. During the Restoration, sixty-three ribbons of the Holy Ghost, and twelve thousand one hundred and eighty crosses of St. Louis were distributed, while the members of the Legion increased to forty-two thousand.

The present statutes of the Legion provide:—

That the Order is to be conferred by the King as President, for important civil or military services rendered to the state.

That it is to consist, besides the royal family and foreigners, of eighty Knights of the Grand Cross, one hundred and sixty Grand Officers, four hundred Commanders, two thousand officers, and an unlimited number of Knights.

The candidates, in time of peace, must prove that they have