Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-05-10

FLAGS FLUTTER IN THE BREEZE.
Inspiring Music and Thrilling Ad-
dresses Pleasant Features OF The
Evenings Exercises.

A large, concourse Of people were
massed at the intersection of Royal
and Cameron streets yesterday aft
ernoon to witness the ceremonies in
connection with the unveiling of the
handsome fountain erected at that
point by Mount Vernon Chapter. Dau-
ghterS OF the American Revolution.
The weather was ideal and every fea-
ture of the program which had been
prepared was carried out to the letter
Flags and festoons were in profusion,
stretching across the intersection,
while houses contiguous were draped
in national colors. Flowers were al
so in profusion, especially upon the
stand the north corner of this tenn
porary structure being literally bank
ed with them. The pleasant stiff
northwesterly zephyrs kept the
bunting swaying to and fro.
The Fort Myer Band was stationed
in front of the old City Hotel, and Il
few minutes before four o'clock rem
dercd the "Star Sprangled Banner"
which sent thrills of enthusiasm
through the large concourSe of people
among whom were many visitors.
AT four o'clock Rev. Edgar Car
pcntcr, rector of Grace Church, who
was among those upon the stand, ad-
vanced, and the assemblage having
been called to order, invoked q bless
ing upon the proceedings and ali
present.
after the banGhatl tiiscourscd- AM
erica." Mrs. w. A. Smoot, regent Of
MounE Vernon Chapter, d. A. R., who
presided, introduced Hon. w. +. Saun
derS, congressman from Virginia, who
delivered q brief but thrilling ad-
dress. He called attention to the
fact that the company had gathered
al IL spot familiar to the father Of the
county. The surroundings were all
suggestive of George Washington
the site. of the town hall OF his days,
the old City Hotel, Alexandria Wash
inmton Lodge room, old Christ Church,
etc. Mr.. Saunders was listened with
great interest and his brief but ap-
propriate speech produced a good i'm
preston upon all present.
The formal presentation Of the foun
tain by Mrs. W. A. Smoot, regent of
Mount Vernon Chapter, Daughters of
the American Revolution, was the
next feature. Mrs. Smoot said:
"The members of Mount Vernon
Chapter, Daughters Of the American
Revolution are rejoicing today in the
accomplishment Of 4 long cherished
purpose, that of placing memorial
in Alexandria, in the form of public
drinking fountain; something that
will prove Il lasting benefit to the peO-
ple Of our town and place within easy
reach of all, the pure sparkling waters
of Cameron Run, so justly our city's
pride.
The little fountain, whose waters
will be started on their beneficial
course today, is of bronze, Of 4 unique
pattern. made in Philadelphia especl-
aIIy for. Mount vernon chapter; the
design having been submitted to them
and after careful revision finally ac-
cepted. :
The granite base upon which 1t
rests. is 6f Alexandria Workmanship.
The central column, through "hicn
the water is conducted to the top OF
the fountain, consists of an ancient
cannon. believed to have been aban-
doned by General Braddoek's forces
after the unfortunate expedition ag
ainst the French and Indians.
The bowl at the top of the fountain
hears the insignia of the National So
cety of the Daughters of the Ameri-
can revolutions; the spinning wheel
and diStaff
On the opposite side is an inscrip-
ton, stating that it is commemora-
tive of the events of Colonial and Rev
olutionary times in Alexandria.
The Alexandria Water Company
has generously agreed 10 supply the
fountain with water, perpetually, and
we wish to express our appreciation
Of this kindness.
We, also take this opportunity to
thank all those who have contributed
to the purchase of the fountain. We
hope that they may often find op-
pertunity to resort thither and qusnch