Evening star., 1897-03-20

by the ancients in various ways. Among
the Romans victorious general was usual
ly honored with triumphal procession
and pageant. When a Roman saved the
life of fellow citizen he was crowned with
a chaplet Of oak, the possession of which
gave him many valuable state privileges.
The Greeks had no trumphs, but citizens
who saved or protected the lives of others
were honored by a crown and a complete
suit of armor. Among them want of mill
tary virtue was oftener punished than valor
was rewarded. This was especially the
case with the Spartans. among whom bra
very was accepted matter of course
and as not worthy Of any special recogni-
ton. There is a tradition that the only
Spartan who survived the battle of Their
mopylae was branded as a coward and his
face shaven on one side mark of dis
grace. 1t is further recorded that stung
by the reproaches he received he sought
an honorable death the following year in
the ranks of the Greeks In the battle of
Plataea. but the stern Justice of his coun-
try forbade him even an honorable burial
his death being considered act Of de-
SPAR rather than of bravery and devotion.
The Medal of Honor.
Things have changed considerably since
those early days, and now nearly all the
civilized nations of the world give special
marks of distinction to such of their peo-
pie as have rendered noteworthy service
to the state. The medal of honor Of the
United States properly takes rank with
similar tokens of the older countries of
Europe, and is equally sought for and
displayed. The badges of the Loyal Le-
gion. the Grand Army of the Republic and
kindred associations are honorable re-
minders of the grea: struggle for the pres
ervation of the Union. but, unlike the sim
pie medal of honor, they do not mark In
dividual acts of courage self-sacrifice
on the part of the wearers The record of
many of the exploits for which the medal
has been given shows them to have been as
brilliant any of the much auded deeds
of knights during the so-called age of
chivairy. The War Department has
Gently published a list of officers and en-
listed men who have received the medal
for distinguished services during and since
the war and includes the names of over
LOO gallant Americans, many of whom
have long since gone to their eternal rest.
The medal of honor was instituted by
Congress in 1858, and Is similar in charac-
, ter to the Badge of Merit instituted by
Washington in the earliest days of the
republic. 1t Is the only authorized mill
tary decoration for valor in this country.
Although of small intrinsic value, it Is
highly priced a national testimonial of
herotsm on the part of the possessor either
in the capture of flags. the rescue of
wounded comrades under perilous circum-
stances or similar acts of unself1sh devo-
tion during the civil war and in the subse-
quent thrilling campaigns on the frontier
against the Indians.
For Heroes of the Revolution.
In August. 1852. General Washington is
sued order from his headquarters at
Newburg, N. Y, in which he said the
general, ever desirous to cherish a virtuous
ambition in his soldiers as well as to
| foster and encourage every species of mill
tary merit, directs that whenever any sin
gularly meritorious action is perfomed the
| author of it shall be permitted to wear on
his facings. over his left breast. the figure
| of feart In purple cloth or silk edged
with narrow lace or binding. Not only in
stances Of unusual gallantry but also of
extraordinary fidelity and essential service
In any way shall meet with due reward.
The road to glory in a patriot army
and free country is thus open to ALL -
| Honorary badges were also provided at the
same time for long and faithful services"
Before this. however, in March. 1776, Con-
gress ordered that gold medal be struck
and presented to General Washington for
| his wise and spirited conduct In the siege
and acquisition of Boston" Other medals
were also struck by order Of Congress in
| favor of other heroes of the revolution.
They were made In France under the super
vision Of Benjamin Franklin.
Although the first medal voted by Con-
greSS was the gold one intended for General
| Washington, the first medal actually struck
| was silver one intended for Lieutenant
| Colonel Fleury, an officer Of the French
| army. who rendered service to our country
| in the dark days when the republic as
struggling for existence. He enlisted as a
| private soldier, and by gallant and valuable
| service rose to the rank of lieutenant
| colonel. His memory is perpetuated in one
of the four figures which adorn the sides
| of the Lafayette statue in Washington.
| BY Special Act Of Congress.
According to the records of the War De-
| partment. but eighty-six medals in all
| have been struck by special act of Con-
| gress since the foundation Of the govern
| ment of the United States, and only three
of these commemorate episodes Of the war
| Of the rebellion. OF these three one was
voted to General Grant for his victories
one to Cornelius Vanderbilt Of New York