Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/76

38 hundred thousand small ones. The number has since, no doubt, considerably increased.

7. The Distinction and Badge of Confidence—To mark the merit of soldiers from the degree of sergeant downwards, as also to promote re-engagements in the army, distinction plates were introduced, worn on the left side of the breast. Native soldiers may receive them when still in service, or have re-enlisted after having completed the prescribed term of service. The forms are: (Plate 6. Tab. III. No. 18) for the first, and form No. 17, for the second re-engagement.

THE ORDER OF FRANCIS-JOSEPH.

This Order (Plate 8. Tab. V. Nos. 32 and 33) was founded by the present Emperor Francis Joseph I. as a public acknowledgment of distinguished merit, indiscriminately for all classes of society. The first statutes were published on the 2nd December, 1849; but were modified in the succeeding year on the 25th December, 1850. They provide: 1. The annual festival of the Order to be held on the anniversary of the accession to the throne of the present Emperor.

2. The Order to bear the name: The Order of Francis Joseph, with the motto ' Viribus unitis.'

3. The Order to be conferred on individuals of distinguished merit, without regard to birth, religion or rank.

4. The members to be nominated by the Emperor himself, their number being unlimited.

5. The dignity of Grand Master to be inseparably vested in the Austrian Crown.

6. The Order to consist of three degrees: Knights of the Grand Cross, Commanders, and Knights.