The late Colonel J. Mervyn Donahue in his will provided that a fountain should be erected in San Francisco in honor of his father's memory, and that it should be dedicated to the mechanics of this city. The sum of $25,000 was devised for the erection of the fountain.

 An effort was made in the courts to set the provision aside, but the executors of the estate--Peter McGlynn and J. F. Burgin--insisted that the desire of the testator should be fulfilled, and the court decided in their favor.

 An order was adopted by the Board of Supervisors setting apart ample space at the intersection of Market, Battery and Bush streets on which to erect this fitting monument to the memory of Peter Donahue.

 The executors having $25,000 in hand and perceiving that the sum would procure a fountain graceful in design as well as massive and enduring were exceedingly anxious that the work should reflect credit on the artistic taste of California. There was no thought of having the mechanical work done elsewhere, but the question of inviting world-wide competitor for the design was discussed.

 The genius displayed by Douglas Tilden in his design for the Phelan fountain at the intersection of Market, Mason and Turk streets convinced the executors that it would not be necessary to look beyond this city for a beautiful and artistic design. Mr. Tilden was therefore commissioned to submit a design and erect the fountain in accordance with the model.

 It was stipulated by the executors that the design should be acceptable to them. He began the work and may in his first effort please the executors.