Office of the Historian

No. 382.
Mr. Bingham to Mr. Fish.

United States Legation, Japan,
Tokei, May 15, 1875. (Received June 17.)
No. 226.]

Sir: It has pleased His Majesty the Emperor of Japan to order his ministers to issue to the defenders of His Majesty’s empire badges of merit.

I have the honor to inclose herewith a translation of this imperial order made by Mr. Thompson.

I am, &c.,

JNO. A. BINGHAM.
[Inclosure in No. 226.—Translation.]

Description of badges of merit and of military service.

It is the opinion of His Majesty that all who have displayed merit in the service of the country ought to be rewarded; therefore, he establishes the following regulations respecting the bestowment of the insignia of merit, wishing to make known his high regard for the same.

You, his ministers, aim to realize his purpose.

Second month of eighth year of Meiji.

the badges of merit,

The grades of merit are degrees instituted for the purpose of rewarding meritorious and courageous persons, and being different from official rank or degree, the badges of such degrees may be worn.

The grades of merit are divided into eight classes, viz:

1.
First-class merit.—One belonging to this class receives a first-class badge.
2.
Second-class merit.—One belonging to this class receives a second-class badge.
3.
Third-class merit.—One belonging to this class receives a third-class badge.
4.
Fourth-class merit.—One belonging to this class receives a fourth-class badge.
5.
Fifth-class merit.—One belonging to this class receives a fifth-class badge.
6.
Sixth-class merit.—One belonging to this class receives a sixth-class badge.
7.
Seventh-class merit.—One belonging to this class receives a seventh-class badge.
8.
Eighth-class merit.—One belonging to this class receives an eighth-class badge.

badges of military service.

These are bestowed, without consideration, or asking whether the receiver is an officer or common soldier, and without regard to his courage, as a sign that the receiver has seen military service. They are bestowed after returning from a campaign.

The rewards both of merit and of military service terminate with the receiver; his children will not be permitted to enjoy them.

[Page 798]

manner of wearing the badges.

Only persons belonging to the first class will be allowed to wear two badges. From the second class downward the rule is for the wearer to wear only one badge. For example: When one who wears a third-class badge is promoted to the second class, he will lay aside the third-class badge and wear only the badge of the second class. These badges are to be worn only on dresses of ceremony, (court-dresses.) On ordinary dress a ribbon may be worn on the left breast as a substitute.

The badges of the first class are to be worn suspended by a wide ribbon from the right shoulder to the left side.

Badges of the second class are to be worn without a ribbon, fastened with a pin on the right breast.

Badges of the third class are to be worn on the breast suspended by a ribbon around the neck.

Badges of the fourth class and downward, and also badges of military service, are to be worn on the left breast.

Star or medal. Connecting-knob or flower. Ring. Ribbon.
first class.
Gold, 2½ inches in diameter; sun red; rays white, incased in gold. Gold, kiri-tree; flower (7 and 5) purple; leaf green, incased. Gold, round 4 inches wide.
second class.
Gold and silver, 3 inches in diameter: sun red; rays white and double; gold casing. No connecting-knob or flowers. No ring, but pinned on with a silver pin. No ribbon.
third class.
Gold, 1.8 inches in diameter; sun red, incased; rays white, incased. Gold, kiri, (5 and 7;) flower purple, incased; leaf green, incased. Gold, oblong 1 inch wide.
fourth class.
Gold, 1½ inches in diameter; sun red, incased; rays white, incased. Gold, kiri, (5 and 7;) flower purple, incased; green leaf, incased. Gold, round 1 inch wide.
fifth class.
Gold and silver, 1½ inches in diameter; sun red, incased; rays white, incased. Gold, kiri, (5 and 3;) flower purple, incased; leaf green, incased. Gold, round 1 inch wide.
sixth class.
Silver, 1½ inches in diameter; sun red, incased; rays white, incased. Silver, kiri, (5 and 3;) flower purple, incased; leaf green, incased. Silver, round 1 inch wide.
seventh class.
Silver; leaf and flower of the kiri-tree, (Eloeococea sinensis;) 1 inch in diameter; flower (3 and 5) purple, incased; leaf green, incased. No star or connecting-link Silver, round 1 inch wide.
eighth class.
Silver, leaf and flower of the kiri, 1 inch in diameter; flower (3 and 5) silver; leaf silver. No star or connecting-link Silver, round 1 inch wide.
of military service.
Silver, round wreath of kiri-leaves Silver No ring 1 inch wide.