Gov. Schaefer to O'Malley: DO IT NOW!

 It was almost as if the words were emanating from the State House where Gov. William Donald Schaefer was lying in state.

Over six weeks ago, the Department of General Services was informed that major repairs were necessary for the fountain to work.

Nothing had been done!

Dedicated to Hilda Mae Snoops, the fountain has been a point of contention among Democrat Governors since it was installed. Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., has been the only governor to insure that the cherished Schaefer fountain flowed at the governor's mansion.

As Schaefer's funeral procession arrived at the State House this morning, the fountain was empty.

Soon thereafter, workers frantically attempted temporary fixes to get the fountain working in time for the Schaefer departure.

Yes, Schaefer got the last word. As he departed Annapolis for the final time, the fountain was fully flowing.

The fountain dedicated to Gov. Schaefer's long-time companion, Hilda Mae Snoops, was empty as the funeral motorcade passed the governor's mansion this morning.