Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-05-16
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
BY FREDERIC J. HASKIN.

This Il O special department. devoted
solely TO tina handing OF queries. This
paper puts ct your disposal the services
Of an extensive organization In wash
ington to serve you In any capacity that
relates to Information. This service is
in coin or stamps, inclosed with your
inquiry for direct reply. Address The
evening Star Information Bureau, Fred
eric. J. Haskin, director, Washington,
DO.
@. OF what material are the crystal
beads made which are so popular Tor
necklaces?-S. B.
A. FOR jewelry crystal may be re-
garded as any material which, when
polished, appears more or less brilliant,
and Ia In the ordinary sense Of the word
colorless. 1t may be made from quartz
or other transparent crystals, and the
cheaper qualities are made from glass.
The glass usually contains considerable
lead oxide, which produces o high index
of refraction with increased brilliancy.
@. What Is the significance Of the
pairs Of Chinese bridal trees or jade
trees?-J. A. M.
A, In Chinese and japanese art
pair Of trees placed close to each other,
with their branches INTERVIEWING. sig
miles happiness and contentment.
q. HAS 1t ever been suggested that
cabinet members should appear upon
the floor Of the houses Of Congress?-
A. 3.
A. It has been suggested. About I'VE
years ago there was an active debate on
the subject that cabinet members could
have the privilege Of the floor Of Con-
gress, and should be empowered to state
fI.a1r syaiyainvaa and data m tina HNrsart-
ments under their superintendent.
q. When and where was the first
homestead title given to Government
land In the United States?-L. D.
A. The original homestead law was
Abraham Lincoln, to become effective
January /, 1868. On the latter date
the first homestead entry was made at
the Brownville, Nebr., land ONCE by
Daniel Freemen for $50 acres. The ap-
plication was numbered one. Final proof
on the entry was offered January 40,
1858. and final certificate issued on the
same day. The entry was patented
September !, 1859.
@. Where In the nag which hoated
over Fort McHenry In 1919 and inspired
Francis Scott Key to write 1.-THE Star
Epangled Banner"?-I. M. A.
A. This nag ls In the National Mu-
scum In Washington, D. G. It was pre-
served by Col. George Armistead, the
commander Of the fort during the bonn
bardment, and was bequeathed TO his
daughter. Georgianna, and presented by
her son, Eben Appleton, to the museum.
The nag at present IL about % by 81
feet In size, and In accordance with the
regulation design Of the United States
nag during the War Of 1924 has Is
stars and Is stripes.
q. Why did President Wilson finally
break OF diplomatic relations with Ger
many?-V. q. M.
A. In his statement to Congress on
February 3, 1917, President Wilson
stated that he had broken OF diplomatic
relations with Germany In view Of the
renewal of ruthless submarine warfare
inaugurated by Germany January 81,
1917. He stated that this declaration
deliberately opposed the solemn assur-
ance given In the note Of May 4, 1915,
by the German government. The sub
marine warfare conducted by Germany
caused the loss Of q number Of United
States vessels and Of American citizens.
q. Is alternating or continuous cur
rent used in lectrocutions?-L. G. d.
A. Both alternating and continuous