Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-07-03
MORE FOUNTAINS FOR THE CITY.
Colonel Bingham Has Given Much
Thought t., the Subject.

COlOneI binEhQm Has Uaven MucH
Thought to the Subject.
Col. Theodore A. Bingham, superintend-
ent of public buildings and grounds. is CIV
ing great deal of thought to the subject
of more fountains for Washington, and 1t
is probable that in his annual report he
will make some recommendations which, If
backed properly by the citizens, may result
in securing some additions to the beauty CT
the city.
Col. Bingham has given the subject such
study that he can show that Of all the
capitals in the world Washington has the
fewest fountains of an ornamental or useful
character. He can show that in this coun-
try dozens of cities are ahead Of Washing
ton in the matter of attractive and cooling
fountains. He can show that Washington
has nothing which can properly be called a
fountain that would rank with any of those
in the capitals of other countries.
Col. Bingham will next be able to show
that number of beautiful fountains could
be quilt here at comparatively little cost.
and that Congress ought to give these and
plenty of water to run them. although the
question of water can be arranged by the
building of electric machinery which will
pump the same water over and over again.
The city of Brooklyn recently built per
haps the finest fountain in this country. 1t
cost s35,oOO. 1t is estimated that there is
not a fountain in this city which cost over
81 900, while the vast majority cost but a
few hundred dollars. The Bartholdi foun-
tain in the Botanical Gardens and the
fountain on the west side of Rock creek, on
Pennsylvania avenue, are the coStliest in
the city. One Of the prettiest fountains in
The city is on the lawn in front of the
White House. This Is a small one and
cost very little.
All these facts may be given to Congress
10y Colonel bingham, who will ask for an
appropriation for at least one large and
beautiful fountain. and may Intimate that
he would like to build two or three others
as soon as possible with the prospect Of
Keeping the work up for a number of years
II there is any question about a scarcity of
water, the suggestion will be made that
these fountains shall be operated by cleo
tr.ctty, using over and over the water sup
Piled each morning The electricity will, at
the same time, be used to light the foun-
tains at night.
one OF the great attractions Of Rome is
the tinklng OF falling water in all portions
OF the city. In public and private places
Inc fountains are always playing. They
furnish something for travellers to always
remember Colonel Bingham thinks that
! , mere were haif as many fountains in
washington as in the ancient city, WASH
lngton would be far more attractive to
travellers than Rome. Nothing, he thinks,
would give Washington a greater reputa
ton and add more to her beauty
Col. Bingham Is confident that he could
ma plenty of places to put the fountains.
He thinks that almost any of the parks.
or Judiciary Square. or the White House
GROUNDS, or dozen places. could be made
mere attractive by beautiful fountains
The complaints of the waste of water are
Well founded. Col. Bingham thinks. STA
tistics show that in the European capitals.
FAMED 1or their fountains, the allowance OF
water per capita is from ten to fiffv times
less than In American cities. Some years
ago the daily allowance per capita in Ber-
lin was IL gallons: in Madrid, 49, In Wash
ington in 1870 the allowance was 1877 gal
loLs; in 1874. 13S gallons in 1882. 176 gal
Ions This waste can be curtailed, so that
more may be allowed for the fountains
The fountains with electric attachments
would not be wasteful There Is no trouble
now in filling the basins each day. The
waste Is in the running off of the water
Instead of the number of fountains in
ereasing. 1t Is growing less. Recently the
fountain in Iowa Circle, one of the pref
test in the city, was moved to make room
for the statue to General Logan.