HONOR FOR PRES. LOWELL

Through a late despatch received yesterday afternoon, it was learned that the distinction of officer of the Legion of Honor has been conferred upon President Lowell by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the French Republic. The degree of knight of the Legion of Honor is itself highly esteemed; but the full value of the degree of officer will, be apprepreciated when one realizes that there are ten times as many knights as officers, and that the position held in the Legion by President Fallieres is but two grades higher than that which was conferred upon President Lowell. A comparatively large number of Americans have received the red ribbon of the knights but those who hold the rank of officer are extremely few.

The Legion of Honor was founded in 1802 by Napoleon. It first included only officers of the army but later was extended so as to bring in men of distinction in any line of service. In 1870 the rules were again revised, admitting foreigners and women of merit. The total membership is at present something over twelve thousand and includes the greatest citizens of every land.