Evening star., 1928-12-19

What do you need to know? Is
there some point about your business
or personal life that puzzles you? Is
there something you want to know
without delay? Submit your question
to Frederic J. Haskin, director OF our
washington Information Bureau. He
Is employed to help you. Address your
inquiry to The Evening Star Informa-
ton Bureau, Frederic j. Haskin, di-
rector, washington, d. c., and incloSe
2 cents in coin or stamps for return
postage.
@. In the song Comm Through the
Rye" is Rye river or a field OF graln?-
S. w. S.
A. 1t refers to the fording Of the
little River Rye. Custom established a
toll of kisses to be exacted from lassieS
who were met in crossing the stream on
the stepping stones.
@. What is the jade figure In the
Smithsonian that is said to be the old
est object found in Amertca?-H. B. S.
A. The Smithsonian Institution says:
"The inquirer probably has reference
to the Tuxtla Statuette. This object
was found in the State of Vera Cruz.
Mexico. 1t is carved from jadeite, and
represents as birdlike deity with human
head. On the front and sides are Maya
hieroglyphics, including one correspond
ing to the date 98 BIC, which makes
the Tuxtla statuette the oldest dated
monument thus far found in America.
We have thousands without date which
are much older"
@. What Is the name of the Euro
pean country that has no railroadS?-
B. K.
A.. There are no railroads in Iceland.
Recently, however, Norwegian COM
pany contracted to build a railroad from
Reykjavik, the capital, to Thojorsaa, a
distance of so miles. Construction is
to begin May 1, 1929.
@. How many people can be seated
In the new auditorium of the Shrine
Temple in Los Angeles?-N. G. B.
A. The seating plat shows CAST
seats, with room on the stage for 1900
additional seats. This is probably the
torium now built.
@. Has Arthur s. Witcomb, second
leader of the United States Marine
Band, been a soloist IN any other
band?-B. w.
A. He has served as solo cornetist
in the following organizations: H. M
Coldstream Guards Band, London, Eng
land; Duke of Marlborough's Private
Orchestra, Blenheim Palace; soloist and
assistant director of the Canadian
Kilties Band. He also was leader OF
the 18th United States Cavalry Band
and the Elks' Band of Washington
| D. g.
@. What are automobile roads called
in Italy?-C. r.
A. They are known as "autostrada
Autostrada are not a part of the state
highway system, but are owned, con-
trolled and operated by private con-
Germs. The state pays an annuity to
the operating companies and they are
permitted to impose and collect tolls
Eventually the state will own the roads
@. Where are the largest oil fields
in South America?-M. M.
A. The largest oil fields In South
America are near Maracaibo, in Vene-
zuela.
Q. Has the President the power tc
raise and lower the tariff?-J. S. N.
n.
tariff act of 1924 the President may
on the advice of the Tariff Commits
sion, provide for raising or lowering
the existing tariff on any certain ar
ticle so per cent of the existing tariff
rate.
@. What is pylon in architectural
A. w. H.
A. It is a gateway building having
truncated pyramidal form, or, more
often, two such truncated pyramids,
with a gateway between them.
@. When a recipe calls for saleratus
what can be uSed?-C. s.
A. This is an old term for what
is now known as cooking soda," or
baking soda"
Q. When was the Roger William,