Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/335

148 when by a decree of Napoleon, (February 27th, 1811), the Bailiwick of Utrecht ceased to exist, as did indeed the Teutonic Order in the whole of Germany, by a similar decree of Napoleon (24th April, 1809).

After the return of the House of Orange-Nassau, King William proposed to the States-General, the restoration of the Bailiwick, which the States consented to, and by a law of the 8th August, 1815, all the previous rights and privileges were restored to it.

The candidates must, previous to their nomination, prove their noble descent, of, at least, two hundred years' standing.

The members are now divided into Great Commanders, Commanders, and Knights, to all of whom the revenues of the Bailiwick belong. They owe obedience and loyalty to the Great Commander, as the representative of the King.

DECORATIONS AND MEDALS OF HONOUR.

1. Medal for faithful Service; was founded by King William, on the 19th February, 1825. It is bestowed in bronze for twelve, and in silver for twenty-four years of military service; it is worn at the button-hole, on the left side. (Tab. III. No. 11).

2. Medal for Courage and Loyalty, was founded on the 24th January, 1839, for the native troops of the Colonial army, who belong to no European corps. It is of silver and of bronze; the first is conferred for particular distinction, or on those who are already in possession of the latter. It is worn on the left breast, suspended by a blue ribbon. The motto: 'Im Namen des Königs' (In the name of the King), is surrounded by the legend: "Für Muth und Treue im Holländischen Indien ' (For courage and loyalty in Dutch