Arizona republican., 1920-07-20
QUESTIONS AND
 ANSWERS

Q.-Does the president of the United States choose his own private secre- tary, or does the senate have to con firm the appointment?-A. H. P. A.-The president of the United States appoints his own secretary and does not submit the nomination to the senate a. it is purely a personal ap- pointment. Q.-What is a Samvat?-0. E. D.
 A.-This is an abbreviated form of the Sanskrit word Samvatsara, which means year. Samvat is the method of reckoning time used generally in India except in Bengal. Christian dates are reduced to Samvat by adding 57 to the ChrIstlan year.
 Q.-Does the richness Of cows milk vary with her feed?-R. N. s.
 A.-The richness of a cows milk is chiefly determined by heredity and cannot be permanently changed by any means. It is true. however, that COW in high state of flesh at time of calving gives richer milk for a short time than one thin in flesh
 Q.-How fast dQes the new warship "Massac chusetts" traVel?-W. L. w.
 A.-The bureau of operations of the navy department states that it is estf- mated that the Massachusetts can make 23 knots per hour.
 Q.-Why is it uniucky to have thir- teen at a dinner7-B. B.
 A-The common superstition that it is unlucky to have thirteen at table has reference, no doubt, to the Last Supper of our Lord and His disciples.
 Q.-What was the "baInn of Gilead? 2" -E. A. u.
 A.-The name balm of Gilead" Is generally applied to a liquid resinous ubstance, prized in the East not only for it's fragrance but for the medicinal properties it is supposed to possess. This balsam is mentioned not only in the Bible. but also celebrated by Stra- |. bo, Pliny4 Diodorus, Sicluus and other ancient writers as a cure for almost every disease.
 Q.-Who were the first naviqators {? A. M. p.
 Awhile ancient Egypt knew ships which would sail upon the Nile credit is usually givenSto the Phoenicians for the building of gaHeys which could stand sea travel. As early gs 900 B. C. the Phoenician war ralley hao reached the trireme stage and had decks, masts, yards, stays, sails, ct cetera.
 o;.What are circular numbers7-
 A-Numbers whose powers end with the same figures as do the numbers themselves; all numbers end- ing with O. 1. ,, and are circular numbers since in raising such num- bers the result will still end in 0, l. ,. and 6. respectively (36x36x36. or 21x21, or 5x5x5).
 Q.-Give a brief but comprehensive description of the Plumb plan for rail- road ad dlustment?-E. P. Fl.
 A.-This is a plan for the ownership of the railroads by the public and theil democratic operation by representa- tives of the public and the employees. It proposes to buy the railroads by is- suing government bonds with which to, pay for the legitimate private interests in the railroad industry. It proposes to operate them by board of E direc- tors, named by the president to rep- resent the public; elected by the exc cutive operating officers; elected by the classified employees. The earnings will be used, first, to pay operating eX- penses and fixed charges. such as in- terest on the debt. and a sinking fund charge to reduce and finally pay off the outstanding securities. Any sur plus due to efficiency of operation would be divided according to a saw ings-sharing plan.
 o.-Do some kinds of snakes kill rattIesnakes?- ?-G Il. T.
 A.-The common king snake or chain snake is an enemy of the rattle snake and remnants of poisonous snakes are often found in the stomac chs of this and of other species. Rattle snakes and other poisonous snakes should be killed, but non poisonous snakes should be spared and protected as they rank among the best friends of the farmer and the gardener.
 (Any reader can get the answer to any question by writing The Republi- can Information Bureau, Frederic J. Haskin, director, Washington, D. C. This offer applies strictly to informa- ton. The bureau cannot give advice on legal medical, and financial mat ters. It does not attempt to settle domestic troubles, nor to undertake exhaustive research on any subject. Write your question plainly and brief ly- Give full name and address and enclose two cents in stamps for return postage. All replies are sent direct to the inquirer)