The Legion of Honour, the Napoleonic order of chivalry, which,
in spite of the numerous scandals that have been con- nected with its lower ranks, fills so large a place in French public life, is going through a curious crisis. Last Saturday the Chamber passed what was equivalent to a vote of censure on the Grand Council of the Order for not having erased the name of M. Eiffel, who was said to have obtained his decora- tion corruptly, and who was, at any rate, mixed up with the Panama scandals. On Tuesday the Grand Council, which is -composed of some of the most distinguished Generals and Admirals in France, resigned in a body, and on Thursday, the President of the Republic accepted their resigna- tion, it being notified at the same time that a Bill 'would be introduced for the reorganisation of the Order. Curiously enough, the Chamber only six months ago gave the Grand Council further powers in regard to nominations. On the whole, public opinion is said to favour the Grand Council, which is admitted to be a body of the highest standing, and it is rumoured that many of the Deputies now regret the vote of Saturday as having been hastily given and without due Tegard to the facts. It is said, indeed, that the real cause of the vote was the conscientiousness of the Council in the /natter of appointments. This has made it unpopular in political quarters. It has been suggested that in future the Council should be elected by the Members, and also be given the power to bestow the ribbon. It is certain, however, that no Ministry will ever agree to such a proposal.
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