Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/572

Rh declare ourselves Grand Master of the same, which dignity shall pass, after us, to the successcr and heir of our throne.

"2. There shall be only one class of Knights in the Order, consisting of natives, or resident foreigners.

"3. The Knights shall wear a blue enamelled cross, the round middle of which shall bear on the obverse, the initial of the founder, and on the reverse, the words: 'Al Merito Civile, 1831' (Plate 77. Tab. II. Nos. 8 and 9).

"4. This cross shall be worn on the left side of the breast, suspended by a blue ribbon with two white stripes.

"5, The decoration shall be conferred:

"a. On the higher functionaries of our government, for zeal displayed in their respective departments. b. On literary men and authors, who shall have published at home, or (with our permission) abroad, some important work of literary merit. c, On engineers, builders, and artists of distinguished merit. d. On those who have discovered a new useful invention, or wrought important improvements in the old. e. On professors who have effected much good in education, and acquired a great name by their knowledge and writings on subjects connected with it.

"6. The candidates for the Order shall submit to us their request, accompanied by the necessary testimonials, through our Secretary of the Interior. The petition shall then be forwarded by us to the Council, composed of seven Knights, and a President appointed by ourselves.

"7. The Council shall take proper information of the social position, merits, and principles, both moral and political, of the aspirant.

"8. This done, a secret vote is to be taken, and report made of the result of the votes.

"9. Our Minister of the Interior shall then communicate to