Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-06-06
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
BY FREDERIC J. HASKIN, ;

tons. which are joined under federal
constitution, with large powers of local
control retained by each canton. The
national authority vests in a Parlia-
ment and National Council.
Q. When was THE Merry Widow"
first produced?-J. E. p.
a: Franz Lehar, Austrian composer,
wrote the opera, die Lustige Witwe"
cThe Merry Widow, and it was first
produced in Vienna December 80, 1908.
II was very successful both abroad and
in the United States.
q. Which languages are considered
most melodious?-M. L,
"A. opinions differ to some extent
One linguistic expert says that he con.
slders Italian, Turkish and Telugu g
language OF Southern India) the most
melodious.
9; How did coats Of arm: originator
A. The coat of arms consists of the
armorlal bearings of any person taken
collectively. 1t used to be the CHIEF
PRIDE OF warrior to keep his shield
FURNISHED like mirror, for it was just
plain surface OF metal, with never a
mark save those which had been made
upon 1t by the spears of the enemy.
But when the Crusades began, in which
knights from all over Europe took part,
IT was found confusing to have no dis
tlngulShlng marks. The armor was all
alike. the shields differed little from
each other, and the visored helmet con-
cealed the face. Gradually. therefore.
there grew up the custom of emblazon
ing on the shining surface of the shield
some device by which the owner might
be known. Unregulated choice led to
confusion. Heralds empowered by the
King were empowered TO supervise all
coats OF arms. in order that no ones
rights might be infringed upon.
@. Why can't tobacco be burned and
used as fertiliZer?-B. T. F.
A. The tobacco division says that to-
bacco ash contains some potash. but the
tobacco leaves are so valuable that they
would never be burned to produce ash
in sufficient quantities to be used COM
mercially as fertilizer. Stems and I'M
desirable tobacco are often used for the
manufacture of fertilizer and are ex-
cellent as such.
Q. What was the Ford Motor Co.
called before it bore this name?-C. E.
A. The Detroit Automobile Co. was
organized by Henry Ford and was the
predecessor Of the present company.
G. Where Is Lafayette buried?-S L.
A. Gen. Lafayette Is buried in the
Cimctiere de Piopus. private burial
ground for emigres and descendants Of
victims of the Revolution. American
soil was specially sent to cover the coffin
CT Gen. Lafayette, and the United
States flag Surmounts his grave.
@. When were the slaves in the West
Indies given their freedcm?-F. G.
A. The Negroes in the British West
Indies were granted their freedom in
1889. France granted freedom in its
possessions in the West Indies in lS48.
and Holland in 1859. These were by
legislation and not by force Of armies
or revolt.
@. In what play is the line, This
is Liberty Hall"?-C. B.
A. In Goldsm!ths comedy, "She
Sleeps to Conquer" Squire Hardcastle
says to young Harlow and Hastings
when they mistake his house for an
inn, This is Liberty Hall. gentlemen;
you may do just as you please here"
: Q. What makes peppers so l,ot?-
L. B.
A. The Bureau Of Plant Industry says
that that which makes peppers so hot
is glucoside contained in the fruits
close to where the seed is attached. The
pungent principle derived from this
glucoSide is an essential oil