Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-07-20
INQUIRIES
 ANSWERS
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pression that your letter came from Massachusetts; in that state one may redeem property by paying taxes and costs within two years from the time of sale. M. B. L.-What business should go into to elevate myself to a rail- way mail clerk? And how long would it take to become qualified? What are the salaries paid for rail- way mail clerks?
 A. To get started toward clerk ship on a postoflce car a position in the postal service is desirable. Apply to the civil service examiner at any large city postoffiee or to the civil service commission at Washington. An applicant for a position as mall clerk must submit to a physical as well as mental examination. The mental examination is not difficult one, and covers only such branches as are taught in common schools. special stress being laid on geogra- phy and ability to read addresses quickly. The pay for the first year of service is $500.
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 c. A.A J.--What is the origin of the saying about setting the Thames on fire?
 A. In the days of our forefathers corn vas ground in rough finstru- mentl called a "temse." This was merely a stone hollowed out to re- ceive the corn and with a piece Of wood passed through it. which, being rapidly turned, ground the corn to four. If the wooden handle was turned with sufficient force the fric- tion of the wood against the stone would cause the stick to catch fire. It required considerable energy to I produce this effect, and the person who could "set the tense on fire' was pretty sure to be good worker in other ways. The tense having been superseded by better machinery the expression has become corrupted into Thames, though 1t has nothing to do with the river Thames. l -p-
 B. D. D.-Who was the ''Old Man Eloquent? (2) Which is the strong est railroad company in the United States? t3) Which is the most beautiful city in the United States? (4) How much has the exposition company expended on the Jamestown exposition?
 A. The name was originally ap- piled by Milton to s. T. Coleridge. John Quincy Adams and others. (2) Much depends upon what is meant by strength. Possibly the Pennsyl- yania railroad. The great railroad systems of the country have been re- duced to lew groups" by means of consolidation and reconciliation. Of these groups the Hartman comes first. (3) Possibly Washington, D. c. Cleveland is also a very beauti- full city. (4) Possibly the managers of the exposition might answer this question. but 1t is very doubtful.
 Ger-When was appendicitis first known and treated by surgical oper- ation? (2D what is the displacement of the largest battleship afioat. and its name? (3) Is Mount Mckinley in Alaska what was formerly known as Mt St Elias, or is it recent dis covery?
 A. One is tempted to say that there is nothing new under the sun. Appendicitis has existed for ages, either as inflammation of the bowels. typhlitia or its modern name. It is under the last name that 1t has be- come fashionable complaint. so far as I know, and appendicitis Is now a fashionable name for a variety of intestinal troubles, just as heart failure" explains many deaths. It may be fifteen years ago that surgi- cal treatment became popular. (3D The heaviest displacement of vessels in the United States navy is 16,000 tons. This Is the measure of the Kansas. Louisiana, Minnesota. New Hampshire and Vermont. (3) Mt Mckinley is located about 400 miles northwest of Mt St Elias. and was formerly known as Bulsbaia.