The Topeka state journal., 1919-11-17
QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS.

Q. How can 1 restore the rich, black
color to my fur coat2-E. A.
A. To improve the lustre of fur. heat
corn meal in an iron skillet to a rich brown
color. but without burning. While the
corn meal is still hot. sprinkle 1t over the
fur and rub with flannel cloth. Remove
by shaking and brushing.
Q. WAS Lafayette a cIason:-E. d.
A Lafayette was made a Mason in n
small room over the bar room of. the old
Freemans Tavern in Morristown, \; j.. In
17Tf. General Washington presided in per-
son at the meeting.
O. What is the record time for sheering
a sheep * d. H.
A. At sheep sheering contest in Column
two minutes and three seconds. the best
time on record Men who earn their liveli-
hood by sheering sheep average about two
hundred sheep in ten hour day.
O. In the event of the death of con
gressman. does his widow receive any
money from the government? III. ID. g.
A The clerk of the house of representa-:
tives says that she receives the salary of
her husband, amounting to $500. for a
year. This is merely an old custom of
congress-there is no statute covering it.
Q. Under wartime prohibition. is it pos
sible to export liquor, and if So. do you
have TO pay the regular tax of sG.4o gal
lon?-J. E. d.
A. Liquor may be exported at the pres
ent time, and there is no tax on it Since
the first of the year, approximately a.
0009OO gallons of distilled spirits and wines
nave Deen exported
O. What is the population of China. and
how many natives have been converted to
Christianity IS B.
A The estimated population of China is
442. 0o0. coo. OF this number 1.363,597 have
been converted to the Roman Catholic
faith. while there are 325,o0o Protestant
Q. Have pumpkin seeds any food value?
A They contain a considerable amount
of fat and have often been eaten as nuts;
kin goods 70 alsn Hsad for medicinal
O. Give me some brief facts about
A. Luther Burbank. the naturalist and
originator Of new fruits, flowers AMI
plants, was born in Lancaster. Mass. on
burbank Experiment Farm at Santa Rosa
Calf. He has more than 5000 extensive
experiments under way, and is now grow
ing more than 5000 distinct botanical spec
linens taken from all parts of the world
1t is said that he raises more than
million plants every year for the purpose
of his experiments.
o. Did Abraham Lincoln profess to be
a member of any religious faith IN. NJ.
A. While Lincoln was president. bis
secretary was quoted saying that mo
man on earth had firmer faith in Provi-
dence that Abraham Lincoln. He believed
Hcve in eternal punishment. but In rest
after this hfe. He valued the truths Of the
nomination. he made the Golden Rule his
practical creed"
O. How can ] soften a paint brush that
has become hard Il S. I.
A. Soak the brush in raw linseed oil for
twenty -four hours, and rinse 1t ont in hot
turpentine Repeat this process several
times, until the brush becomes soft
(Any reader can get the answer to any
question by writing The Topeka state
journal Information Bureau, Frederic J.
Haskin. Director. Washington. D. c. This
offer applies strictly to information. The
Bureau cannot give advice on legal, medi-
cal. and financial matters. 1t does not at
tempt to settle domestic troubles. nor to
undertake exhaustive research on any sub
ieet Write your question plainly and
briefly. Give full name and address and
enclose two cent stamp for return postage
All replies are sent direct to the inquirer.D