ORDERS OF INDIA.

XXXIX

“ The Second Class is to be composed of Native Commissioned Officers indiscriminately, with thesame limitation as to number, viz. 50 for Bengal, 33 for Madras, and 17 for Bombay, and an allow-ance of one rupee a day each, in addition to their usual allowances and pensions.

“ The Native Officers on whom the Order of British India may be conferred, in the firstinstance will be entitled to the extra allowance attached to that distinction from this date.

“ The Insignia of the Order is to consist of a Gold Star [Badge], pendent from a sky-blue Ribbandone inch and a half broad, to be worn round the neck on the outside of the collar of the coat, on fulldress parades and other occasions of particular ceremony. In the centre of the Star [Badge] is to beinscribed, in English only, the order of British india.

“ Subadars having the First Class of the Order will receive the title of ‘ Subadar Bahadoor,’ andNative Officers of the Second Class of the Order that of ' Bahadoor.’

“ A descriptive Roll, specifying in a column for remarks, the general conduct, character, andservices of every Subadar and Jemadar in the Armies of the three Presidencies, will be immediatelyforwarded (and a similar Roll transmitted annually on the 1st of May) by Commanding Officers ofCorps respectively, through the prescribed channel of Military correspondence, to the Secretary to theGovernment of India in the Military department, for the information of the Governor-General inCouncil. In forwarding these Rolls, His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief in India, and theCommanders-in-Chief of Fort St. George and Bombay, are respectively requested to offer such recom-mendations grounded on the statements of conduct, character, and services of each Native Officerreported upon, as may facilitate the selection by the Supreme Government of the most deserving ofthem, for a participation in the honorary rewards and solid emoluments attached to the Order. TheRolls from Fort St. George and Bombay will be transmitted through the local Governments of thosePresidencies. Native Officers of Cavalry, Artillery, and Infantry of the Line, of the Sappers andMiners, and of the irregular Cavalry of Bengal and Bombay, are eligible for admission into ‘ the Orderof British India.’

“ The number of both Classes being fixed and permanent, every vacancy which may occur afterthe completion in the first instance of the whole promotion, will be filled up by the Supreme Govern-ment from the Rolls recorded in their Secretary’s Office. Vacancies can only occur from death, orremoval for misconduct; and admissions into the Order will be announced in General Orders by theGovernment of India.”

The Badge for the First Class is entirely of gold, radiated, in the shape of a Star, having, in theupper part, the Crown of England, and in the centre, on a ground of blue enamel, a gold Lion, statant,within a blue circle containing the words order of British india in gold letters, surrounded by awreath of laurel of gold, in strong relief.

The Badge of the Second Class is like that of the First, but rather smaller, and has not the Crownin the upper part.

ORDER OF MERIT.

“ The object of this Institution is to afford a personal reward for personal bravery, without referenceto any claims founded on mere length of service and general good conduct.

“ The Order is to consist of Three Classes; the two junior to be distinguished by a Badge ofSilver, and the senior by a Badge of Gold, in the shape of a Military laurelled Star, bearing in itscentre the inscription, the reward of valour. This Badge is to be worn on the left breast,pendent from a dark blue Ribband with a red edge.

“ The Third Class is to be obtained by any conspicuous act of individual gallantry, on the part ofany Native Officer or Soldier in the Field, or in the attack or defence of fortified places, withoutdistinction of rank or grade.

“ The Second Class is to be obtained by those only who already possess the Third, and for similarservices.

“ The First Class is to be obtained, in like manner, only by those who already possess the Thirdand Second Classes. t