Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/397

174 (1539), (which the succeeding Popes seemed to have confirmed) to invest with the Order any one whom they should deem worthy of it.

That, under such circumstances, the Order gradually became depreciated in public esteem may easily be imagined from the vast extent to which the distribution was carried; and no wonder that it fell so low, that no one coveted its possession, until Pope Gregory XVI. again succeeded in imparting to it a dignified character, by the new regulations he made in 1840 respecting its distribution.

He decreed that henceforth the Order should be granted, as a public acknowledgment, only to those who had really distinguished themselves, either in their zeal for the Catholic religion and the Holy Chair, or in civil virtues, or in the arts and sciences. He, moreover, divided the Order into two classes: Commanders and Knights. He retained the form of the insignia as prescribed by Pope Benedict XIV., and the only innovation he introduced consisted in the Cross: he ordered that in the round blue and white enamelled middle of its obverse, the effigy of Sylvester was to be exhibited, while the reverse should show the words: 'Gregorius XVI. restituit ' (Restored by Gregory XVI). The Order is now worn suspended by a black ribbon with white stripes by the Commanders round the neck, and by the Knights upon the left breast. (Tab. III. No. 12).

The number of the first class he fixed at one hundred and fifty; and of the second class at three hundred (both, exclusive of foreigners). Every nomination that does not emanate direct from the Pope is considered null and void.

The costume of the Order consists of a red military coat, white breeches, sword and spurs.