Two colleges, selected from the army and navy, prepare after every campaign, the list of officers who deserve the cross.
The Order is divided into four classes. The members of the first two, have the rank of Major-Generals; and those of the last two, the rank of Colonels.
It is conferred, for the taking of a fortress, for the defence of a place in the empire, for the capture of vessels, cannons and standards, or for the capturing high officers, such as generals, &c. It is also bestowed on those by whose counsel a victory has been gained, or who had forced their way through the lines of the foe, as also on those who have served in the army or navy twenty-five years,[1] or have shared the dangers of twenty campaigns on land, or eighteen at sea. In the two latter cases, the cause of the honour thus conferred is inscribed on the cross. Despite, however, these severe conditions, the number of the members exceeds now ten thousand. The Field-marshals and Generals-in-chief, possess the discretionary power of conferring the decoration of the fourth and fifth classes in times of war. The decoration of the two first classes, however, must be presented by the Emperor himself.
There is no entrance fee for this Order. The whole of the pensions attached to it, amounts to ten thousand nine hundred and seventy-one roubles.
The festival of the Order is solemnized on the anniversary of its foundation. The Generals are bound to appear at that festival in uniform without its embroidery, while the other members may attend as they like.
The St. George Cross (Tab. III. No. 13) can never be adorned with diamonds, and is worn by the Knights of the first class across the right shoulder towards the left side, by
- ↑ Since 1855, military services of twenty-five years are rewarded with the Vladimir decoration, fourth class, adorned with a bow, and containing in golden letters the number of years of service.
