Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-07-25
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
BY FREDERIC J. HASKIN.

This is a special department devoted
solely to the handling of queries. This
paper puts at your disposal the services
of an extensive organization in Wash
ington to serve you in any capacity that
relates to information. This service Is
free. Failure to make use of It deprives
YOU of benefits to which you are en-
titled. Your obligation is only 2 cents
in coin or stamps inclosed with your in
quiry for direct reply. Address The
Evening Star Information Bureau
Frederick J; Haskin. director, Wash
ington, D. C.
@. Why do ski jumpers swing their
arms when going through the ARD
MICA.
A. To keep their balance.
@. How much money is spent for
fireworks on the Fourth Of July?-J
W. r.
A. Figures are not available for the
money spent for fireworks. In 1927 in
SO establishments fireworks having the
value of SIS, 1856 900 were produced. There
were imported that year $3.50 worth
of fireworks and ammunition, and fire.
crackers having a value Of $3.50
@. Did Victor McLaglen, the screen
actor, serve in the World War?-L. v. R
A. He was in the British army.
O. What star is called the morning
star?-B r.
A. This popular and poetic name Is
given to the planets Jupiter, Mars. Sat
shortly before the sun and is a conspic-
uouS object in the sky before dawn.
@. How many Irishmen speak the
Gaelic language?-W. J. r.
A. At present about per cent Of the
population speaks Gaelic only; sc per
cent English only; and about Is per cent
both languages. Since the establish
ment of the Irish Free State, Irish is be-
ing taught in schools, with the idea Of
the eventual restoration of Irish as the
vernacular of the country.
@. How did a certain style of hat
happen to be called a derby?-T. r. c.
A. This stiff felt hat, with a dome
shaped crown and stiff rim, was first
worn at the Earl of Derbys race track.
@. What is the cost of maintaining
an American soldier and French SOL
dier?-E. G. H.
A. The cost of maintaining one SOL
der per year in the United States Army
is $724l4; in the French army, 300
francs, or about $3.50.
@. Why are some nat irons called
sad irons?-E. S.
A. The word sad" used in connec-
ton with iron means heavy or weighty.
@. How large is the new British en-
bassy?-C. E. B.
A. Located on four-acre tract, 1t Is
q gigantic, rambling structure of Queen
Anne and Georgian design. The con-
ception of Sir Edwin Lutyens, it has
been carried out in fisher brick-a dull,
parti-colored brick-and limestone. Va
riety and beauty of design characterize
the building There are 81 rooms, %
with baths, as well as several showers,
and a swimming pool in the back gar
oen near the tennis courts. There are
two nurseries, rooms for maids, foot
men and chauffeurs, and there are
libraries, sitting rooms, a drawing room,
a long dining room and the ball room.
@. OF what wood was the ark made?
B. E. H.
A. The Bible states that it was buEt
of gopher wood. The precise species
has not been definitely determined
Cypress. pine and cedar are the three
most likely and the general opinion is
that cypress was the wood used.
@. What coffee was called Old Gov
eminent Java?-M. K. D.
A. Mandheling and Ankola, grown in