served, with the requisite distinction, for twenty years in some military or civil department.
In time of war, the Order is also awarded for exploits, or severe wounds received in battle.
The first claim to the Order must begin with the lowest degree of Knights, as no degree can be passed over. Promotion requires a standing in the fourth class of four, in the third class of two, in the second class of three, and in the fourth class of five years. There are usually two distributions in the year, on the 1st January, and on St. Philip's day (1st May).
The nomination of military persons takes place on parade; and of civil, at the courts of justice, in the presence of the Grand Chancellor or his deputies.
No ignoble punishment can be inflicted on a member of the Order, so long as he belongs to it. The decoration consists of a white enamelled star with double rays under a royal crown. The centre represents on the front the efiigy of Henry IV., and on the reverse the motto: ' Honneur et Patrie' (Honour and our country), as legend in a golden field with two tri-coloured flags. (Plate 26, Tab. I. No. 2).
The star for the Knights is in silver, and for the other classes in gold.
The Knights and officers wear it at the button-hole; the Commanders round the neck. The Grand Officers wear besides upon the right breast a star embroidered in silver, similar to that of the Grand Crosses, and at the button-hole, a golden star. The Knights of the Grand Cross wear the same golden star, but somewhat larger, suspended by a ribbon across the right shoulder towards the 'left hip; and, also, on the left breast of the coat or cloak, a star embroidered in silver (Tab. I. No. 1), the centre of which contains the effigy of Henry IV., with the legend: 'Honneur et Patrie." The intervening spaces of the five wings of that star are filled with golden lances and tri-coloured flags.
