Evening star., 1928-11-15
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
BY FREDERIC J. HASKIN.

Any reader can get the answer to
any question by writing to our 1nfor-
nation Bureau in Washington, D. G.
This offer applies strictly to infornla-
ton. The bureau cannot give advice
on legal, medical and financial matters.
1t does not attempt to settle domestic
troubles nor undertake exhaustive re-
search on any subject. Write your
question plainly and briefly. Give fun
name and address and incloSe 2 cents
in coin or stamps for return postage.
The reply is sent direct to the inquirer.
Address The Evening Star Information
Bureau, Frederic j. Haskin, director.
Washington, D. c.
@. Have foreign countries as good
roads As those of the United States?-
d. A. A.
A. Europe does not have the motor
traffic that is present in this country,
therefore lags behind us in rapid ex-
tension of concrete, asphalt and brick
road surfaces. With the increase of
motor traffic abroad, foreign engineers
are interesting themselves in our road
building program. Leading highway Of
ficials of all parts of the world are COM
ing to the United States in 1880 in
response to an invitation extended by
our Government.
@. How many persons are burned to
death each year?-N. N. V.
A. It Is estimated that about $4,000
human lives are lost annually in the
United States as the result of fires.
@. During the long nights or period
of twilight In the Arctic or Antarctic
regions, does the moon shine?-W. H. q
A. The Naval Observatory says that
the moon shines in the Arctic and Ant
arctic regions for part of the time
during the long nights At the Pole
itself the moon is above the horizon
continuously during one-half of each
lunar month and below the horizon
continuously during the other half. In
the Wintertime full moon occurs when
the moon is above the horizon. and
new moon when It is below. while in
the Summertime new moon occurs
! when it is above the horizon, and full
moon when it is below.
O. Where is the largest room in the
world?-W. E. H.
A. The word room" is not always in
terpreted in the same way. Some OF
the places listed might be excluded un-
der some interpretations of the word
Among the largest of which we can
| find record are the Battle Gallery OF
| Versailles in France, which is 394 feet
| long. 43 feet wide. The Glass Gallery
in the same building Is 235 feet long
| IS feet wide and AZ feet high. The
Great Hall of the Vatican Library. in
Rome, is 220 feet long, while the Gal
leria Lapideria, in the Vatican. is 700
| feet long.
| @. Who rang the Liberty Bell when
the Declaration of independence was
| adopted?-A. B.
A. Andrew McNair the official ringer
of the Liberty Bell from 1759-1776
rang the bell upon the occasion of the
signing Of the Declaration of 1ndepend-
ence.
@. Why is Death Valley so hot and
| dry?-L. G.
A. The climate of Death Valley
Calf, is due in measure to it's con.
| f1guration. 1t consists of long. mar
row, parallel valley. considerably below
| sea level. The Panamint Mountains
shut out from 1t the moist winds oi
| the Fecific so that in August there is
less than one-half of / per cent ot
moisture in the atmosphere.
| @. Is there any way to keep pump.
kins throughout the Winter?-A. r.
A. Pumpkins may be kept fresh un.
til Spring If gathered Just before full,
| ripe and If the storage place is dry
| cool and protected from frost. The hes