The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-08-21
QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS

o-Does tiSe name Of hotel on an
envelope act as return address in
case the letter can not be delivered?
& C.
A.--The postoffice department saws
that unclaimed letters bearing the card
Of Il hotel, club. school. college or other
public institution which has evidently
been printed upon the envelopes to
serve as an advertisement viii not be
returned unless the sender adds such a
request.
Q.-What are paper profits?"-F. S,
A,-Profits on a given transaction
which can be figured out but have not
yet been realized on are referred to as
paper profits"
Q.-Do pygmies still exist?--M w l.,
A.--There are races OF pygmies in
Africa, In Asia and in some OF the
islands Of the Pacific ocean,
Q.-What is spontaneous combustion?
IL a,
A.-The ignition OF substances with
out any direct cause is called spon-
taneous combustion. When quantities
Of linen, paper, soil, cotton. or wooden
stuffs become soaked with relatively
small amounts OF oils, particularly dry
ing oils, and are exposed to a limited
access OF air, they may take fire. The
presence OF moisture aids this process.
Q-What New York hotel contains
the celebrated Amen CornerP'-T. p.
II.
A.-The Amen Corner was a por-
ton OF the entrance hall to the old
Fifth Avenue hotel In New York city,
where Chomas c. Plat, Republican
leader, used to gather his political
friends and associates for conference.
Q--Is ii true that alien private prop
erty in the hands Of the alien prop
erty custodian win shortly be returned
to the OWNERSHIP. NJ
A--Under certain conditions, and
upon consideration OF a claim filed with
the alien property custodian, some prop
erty Is being returned
OFF It We're possible to stand at
the North Pole with right arm extend
cd, in what direction would 1t point?
l. o. N.
A.---The naval observatory says that
a person at the North Pole extending
his arm would point toward the south,
Q,.-when a gun gets loaded, how can
IL be cleaned ?--E. c. S.
A,-Wet the tow on the rod win
spirits OF turpentine. Quicksilver or
paraffin may also ne used. Never
touch the grooves of rifle with emery,
as Il will dull the edges and affect
the shooting power,
Q.--Is the flag Of ireland green or
blue?--J. A. NJ
A.--The flag that Is generally used
today has green ground with harp
on II, but on the present standard OF
the British empire, the Irish portion
is blue with a gold harp.
Q.-Why are pearls considered an
emblem OF tears?-S. S. ID,
A.-There Is an old superstition that
pearls are the cOngeaied tears of heav-
en-, There was a belief In the East
that at the fun moon, the pearl oyster
80 h, nf hA So
opened to receive the falling dewdrops
from heaven. which hardened into
pearls
Q.-Can you give n formula for siz-
ing rugs at honey. M. G.
A.--Take. once gallon OF hot water,
and one quart of powdered or dry glue;
keep on stove until all the glue is dis
solved. Stretch the rug or carpet and
tack wrong side up on the floor. With
whitewash brush go over 1t with the
solution, being careful to wet 1t even
~. especially the edges. Paper should
be put under the edges of the rug to
protect the floor. Use the solution hot
and leave the rug tackled until dry,
Q.--How does rubber get its name?
A. NJ. p.
A curious vegetable product which
came from South America was found
To have the property OF erasing pencil
marks when they were rubbed with
this substance; hence the name rubber
This material is now used in the manu-
fIrlure - nearly 30, oo0 different articles
Q.-Would an unwitnessed will. writ
ten in the handwriting Of the testa-
tor, be accepted?-A. NJ. w.
A.-Such is not the general law OF
the United States, England, or Ireland,
but the law in Scotland, Quebec, Mani
49, 80, as well as most OF
/ continental Europe does not reuuir~
that a hologra phlc will be attested by
witnesses.
tAny reader can get the answer to
any question by writing The News
Scimitar Information Bureau, Frederic
j. Haskin, director, Washington, d. c.
This offer applies strictly to informa-
ton The bureau can not give advice
on legal medical and financial matters.
II does not attempt to settle domestic
troubles. nor to undertake exhaustive
research on any subject. Writa your
question plainly and briefly. Give full
name and address and inclose cents
in stamps for return postage All re-
plies are sent direct to the inquirer)