The opening of Preface
When Napoleon proposed the institution of the Legion of Honour, he was met by the assertion that: “Crosses and ribbons were the pillars of an hereditary throne, and that they were unknown to the Romans, who conquered the world.” In his reply to this objection—after showing that Rome rewarded the achievements of her citizens by all kinds of distinctions—he added: “For the soldier, as for all men in active life, you must have glory and distinction; recompenses are the food which nourish military virtue.”
For many years a similar antagonistic feeling to the granting of Medals to all ranks prevailed in this country, although the propriety of rewarding the victors of a hundred fights with some decoration was warmly advocated by the press, and the result eagerly expected by the veterans who had survived.