The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-11-15
WHAT MEN WILL PAWN.

Philadelphia Press.

SnllaOelpnla HreSS.
This soldier pawned his valor for cents.
In a window of Philadelphia pawnshop
hangs the bronze octagonal medal for
which young soldier faced death.
Driven to despair by hunger and want,
this priceless treasure went for a trife
Nor did it come to the pawnshop alone,
for by itself it would bring scarcely enough
to buy loaf of bread
The medal in chief hangs suspended by
two chains of four or five small links from
cross-bar bearing the word "vafor." A
raised figure of soldier in campaign uni
form stands at parade rest. Beneath him
are the words, "July-August, 1895"
Over the head are the words Presented
to-" and directly under them is a blank
space for the name of the recipient of the
award for services in the war with Spain.
"Oh, yes" said the money lender in
matter-of-fact way, II have had number
of them. They amt worth anything,
though. / only take them along with q lot
of other stuff. No. they are very seldom
redeemed
After the time runs out on them I hang
them w in the window and some we'll
dressed chap comes in and buys one. The
only kind of service he's seen was behind
a counter. but when he goes out of town
where nobody knows him he'll pose as
hero"
In another shop on Sixth street there is
Grand Army badge. Covered with dust,
and with the little flag, joining the eagle
to the pentagonal shield half torn, 1t has
lain there for over two years.
Il can't remember how that came here"
woman brought 1t in with a couple of
swords. 6 melody bought the swords for
an amateur theatrical show"
The badge isn't worth anything You
see this kind of badge is out of style now
The Grand Army veterans mostly wear
oroaze buttons in their huttonholes. Years
ago soldier would think it disgrace to
see this in the window of pawnshop, and
he would hasten to buy il.
Il guess I'll keep it for luck
Presented by citizens of Philadelphia to
In vlnr Inn 70 fy.-sR
the story of beautiful medal, or rather
two of them, which stand out conspicuously
amidst mass of rings, revolvers, boxing
gloves, knives, opera glasses, etc., in the
window of a pawnshop on Front street was
given only on the promise that the name
would not be mentioned.
These medals are companions. On one is
engraved the above quotation. On the other
is: For Humanity and Heroism DISPLAYED
n Rese pn the Pass e; and Crew Of the
Citizens Of Philadelphia to Officers and
Crew of Steamship Missouri"
The medal is extremely beautiful. The
crossbar is fully two inches long and repre-
sents heavy timber of a wrecked ship In
the center of the crossbar is a life pre-
server. Coiled around either end of the bar
and extending diagonally downward are two
cables, studded with miniature pulleyS
They support the medal proper
The figure of ministering angel on pend
ant wing graces one side of the disk. In
one hand she offers a wreath of laurel to a
blessing is given.
This one is made of silver The other. in
gold, represents the American eagle soaring
aloft with a crosSbar of wreckage tightly
gripped in its powerful talons. Hanging
from the eagles prize are two chains which
carry the story of the rescue.
This is the story of their pawnng:
Fully eight years ago a man somewhat
past the prime of life came into my shop
and drew this case from his pocket with
trembling hand" said the pawnbroker az
saw that he was UP against starvation He
said to me: L have not cent in the world
Everything else has gone Now these must
go too, for / must live. Keep them carefully
for me. Some day L will come for them
If L ever go to sea again. Give me as much
as you can and take two years interest out
Il did so and l guess he went TO sea
again, for L have received three remittances
of interest money from as many different
foreign countries.
Il haven't heard from him for two years
Perhaps he is dead. L will keep these medals
a while longer In hope that he will turn up.
Aside from their sentimental value they
are worth considerable.
So on, throughout the city one may find
hundreds Of the badges OF courage con-
signed to the pawnshop.
Back OF each there is story of pathos.
romance or crime.