Upon the check'rd battle fie'd

Puzzle

Upon the check'rd battle fie'd,
I'm foremost in the ranks;
My second makes a certain ga'n
'Mongst railways, stocks and banks.
My whole though sanctioned by the law
To succor the distress'd,
Is but, at least I think it so,
A doubtful good at best.

Hint

Answer

References

• Loyd, Sam [1914]. in Loyd, Sam, Jr.: Sam Loyd's Cyclopedia of 5000 Puzzles Tricks and Conundrums (in English). New York: Lamb Publishing company, page 43.