Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-06-14
THE ICE WATER FOUNTAIN.
An Eccentric NiIiionaire-s Gift 10 the
City OF Washington.

The Cogswell fountain, which was for so long
time O matter of contention between the
donor, DIR. Cogswel and the District Commits
sioners is now in course of erection, at the cor
ner Of 18th street and Pennsylvania avenue. and
will be completed, 1t is expected, by next Satur-
day, and ready to supply ice water to the thirsty
millions. The fountain, or, rather, the granite
pavilion in which it will stand, Will be conspc-
uous object on the avenue, as the head of the
bronze stork which win surmount Il will be 20
feet from the ground. The fountain will stand
in space 10 feet square, divided of from the
sidewalk by granite curling one foot wide. At
each corner of this space lamp post OF hand
some design will be placed. Next to the curb
Ing. inside the square space, will be an asphalt
walk. two feet wide, around the base of the
fountain. The base course OF the fountain will
be nine feet square. granite platform seven
feet square. rests upon this base forming. with
the base, two steps. Upon each of the four
corners of the platform will stand a granite
pedestal surmOuIlted by a DOric column These
columns support the cap. which Is dome-shaped
inside and richly moulded. The outside is pyra-
midal In form, diminishing off to an apex, on
which will stand the bronze figure of Japanese
stOrk. about six feet I'm height. In the center
underneath the dome, will be the drinking foun-
tain. This will consist of a pedestal of polished
granite, which will support two bronze dolphins.
The water spOuts will be in the mouths OF the
dolphins, and cups will be attached.
THE SUBTERRANEAN REFRIGERATOR.
In the foundation, which is two feet below
the ground, there will be a refrigerator, built Of
bricks and cements. The water pipes. colled in
worm, pass through this refrigerator. 1t will
hold ice enough to last a week without replen-
lshng. At one side of the pedestal is trough
for dogs. which will be supplied with water by
pipe carrying off the waste from the spigots
above. The fountain will cost between five and
civ md dA1ln
which the fountain was donated to the CITY is.
that the municipal authorities shall supply the
water and ice and keep the lamps lighted Dr.
CogswelFs original proposition was to have a
statue. supposed to represent himself upon the
top OF the fountain. To this however the Dis
trct Commissioners strongly objected, and the
stork was substituted "The Objectionable fig
ure. said Mr.. Alexander Mcdonald. who is
building the fountain for DR.. Cogswell, was
supposed to represent the guardian OF the foun-
tam; put tne trouble was that it looked very
much like DR.. CogswelI." The name OF DIR.
Cogsweu will be perpetuated. however. by an
inscription on the pedestal of the fountain
which will read: Presented by DIR. Henry ID.
Cogswell. OF San Francisco, California" 0nthe
cap piece will be inscribed the words Faith"
Hope, Charity" and Temperance"
THE DONOR.
"Dr. Cogswell." said Mr. Mcdonald, who was
experimenting the construction Of the fountain
when STAR reporter addressed him, lis q
wealthy citizen Of San Francisco. He made all
his money honestly and is said to be worth
&. 00O. 900. He got hold Of land there years ago
which is now In the center OF the city, and he
grew rich without knowing it. He don't know
how to live with so much money. He does not
spend more than a dollar or two day to live.
He is great temperance man, and got the Idea
that 1t would be a-good thing to give the people
fountains If man can get drink Of ice water
when he wants it he won't buy glass Of beer
There is not bit of advertising In this, as DR..
Cogswell is not In business of any kind"
DIR. Cogswell has erected similar fountains I'm
San Francisco, Pawtucket and BROOKLYN Mr..
Mcdonald has five more ready now to be set up
in thirsty cities. He is making also a granite
to be placed in DIR. CogswelIs lot in
San Francisco, which will cost $4,000. The lot
and monument, with their ornaments will cost
altogether about 100000.