Arizona republican., 1921-04-11
Questions And
 AnsWers

tSny Itdu6I cal set tIt dISWeI lO any question by writing The Repub ican Information Bureau, Frederic J. Haskin, Director, Washington, D. c. This offer applies strictly to in formation. The bureau cannot give advice on legal, medical and financial matters. It does not attempt to settle domestic troubles, nor to undertake exhaustive research on any subject. Write your question plainly and briefly. Give full name and address and enclose two cents in stamps for return postage. All replies are sent direct to the inquirer.)
 O. What does it cost the govern ment to have mails carried on the railroads? G. N. K.
 A. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1920, the transportation of the mails by the railroads cost the gov ernment approximately ss0. 0.45o.0o0.
 c. What is the difference between a limousine and a sedan as applied to automobiles? F. B. T.
 A. The American Automobile as sociation says that limousine is car having a place outside the enclosure for chauffeur and footman, while a sedan is a closed car with drivers seat inside.
 O. Can a man in government serv- ice get patent on an appliance? R. s. A. The United States patent office says that only employees of the patent office are barred from offering in ventions to the government or getting patents on them.
 0. What is the distance from earth to that white streak in the heavens known as the milkmaid's path? J. w. M.
 A The naval observatory says that you probably refer to the Galaxy | or Milky Way. The nearer stars in | the Galaxy are probably distant 15,000 | light-years, or 90 quadrillions of miles: a semi circular arch of this ! magniture would measure more than | 2S0 quadrillions of miles.
 c. Please tell me why champaqne 1 is used in christening ships. L. M. B A. In olden times it was the GUS 1 tom for priest to bless a ship and i it's crew when setting out on a voy- age. particularly a maiden voyage i Tn these ceremonies, wine was used 1 and champagne, being one of the finest of wines, became popular foI | such occasions. The date when this custom originated is not recorded.
 o. In the navy has the use o fright" and "Ieft" been substituted for "starboard" and "port?" A. M.
 A. The navy department says tha ! uuI1HS the tune JOSepHuS Idnl6lS Wal secretary of the navy he considered that it would probably be more simple for the naval authorities to substitut, the terms right and left for starboarC and port, the latter being strictl! nautical terms not generally under stood by the new men who were II the service during the period of thu emergency. This was a temporar! substitution, the navy departmen having resumed the former method.
 c. How should a small pine tre be transplanted? M. M. L. A. The bureau of forestry say that a pine tree from 12 to IS inche high should transplant successful. from a nearby forest. Dig up tn tree with a ball of earth around tn roots, being careful not to cut O injure the roots.
 O. When was black first used fo a mourning color? w. H. T.
 A The custom of wearing blacl for mourning was originated by Anne the Queen of Charles VIII of France On the death of her husband in 149s she surrounded her coat-of- arms witt black in token of widowhood ant clothed herself in black. contrary l. the prevailing habit which was fo widows to wear white