of one inch in diameter round the neck suspended by a ribbon about one inch three quarters wide.
The third class, or Knights, suspend the decoration of three quarters of an inch in diameter, at the button-hole by a ribbon about one inch wide.
The decoration of the fourth class, or privates, is of silver, three quarters of an inch in diameter, and is worn by a ribbon about one inch wide without bow or rosette.
The Order has three functionaries, a Chancellor, a Treasurer, and a Secretary. The two first must be Commanders, the third is chosen from amongst the Knights. The salary of the Chancellor is 2000, of the Treasurer 1500, and of the Secretary 1800 lire. There is also a Herald with a salary of 800 lire. With the exception of the Crown Prince, who may without further ceremony be nominated by the King, provided he has been present in one or more campaigns of the country, no one can be admitted to the Order without first submitting to the following formalities:
The candidates must apply direct, or through their superiors, to the War Chancellory, which then communicates the request to the Secretary. This functionary submits the petition to a tribunal composed of two members of each class, always chosen by the Grand Master from the resident Knights of the place. The oldest member of the first class is invariably President of the Tribunal. Having examined the merits of the petition, and found them well founded, the tribunal reports the case to the Grand Master, and proposes the class to which the candidate ought to be admitted in conformity with the following principle.
To the fourth class, for a deed of personal valour.
To the third class, for personal valour and skilful guidance displayed on occasions wherein the candidate commanded a detachment.
