Evening star., 1932-01-23
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
BY FREDERIC ]. HASKIN.

as cane, beet or corn, Is the same chem
ically. The basic element in ths raw
sugar from whatever source Is known
as sucrose, which is definite chemical
compound, and is therefore always the
same. Raw sugar, of course, has vary
-ng degrees Of sweetness, depending on
the impurities. Raw sugar cane Is
sWeeter than raw corn.
@. How was the liquor called bacardi
named?-W. w. @.
A. Bacardi is Cuban LIQUOR In
vented by a well known Cuban BY that
name, native of Santiago de Cuba
Province of Orlente. The liquor is called
ron bacardi In Cuba, while the drink
made from 1t is called Daiquiri cocktail.
@. Who visited American shores be-
fore Columbus? G. S.
A. According to the old Morse sagas,
America was discovered by Left Ericsson,
who in 1909 AID. visited the north
eastern coast of America. The continent
Of America was therefore rediscovered
by Columbus. Its existence was not
known to the world at large until cfter
the visit of Columbus Recently. how
ever, there has been considerable re-
search made on this subject and
! NAN-tCAA ASASo oAC VA bL1C OpllllOtl LILhb II is
possible that the continent was visited
even before this time. Some state that
| the Irish probably preceded the Morse
in reaching Newfoundland. The Atlantic
may also have been crossed some time
before the Christian era Herodotus
states that the Egyptians circumnavi-
gated Africa before Christ was born.
This, however, is merely matter Of
conjecture.
@. Is there a difference between
pimento and pimiento?-C. r.
| A. Pimento, as used for iavoring, Is
an allspice obtained from the dried,
unripe, aromatic berries of the pimento
| tree. Pimiento Is Spanish sweet
pepper.
! G. What is the difference between a
storage and a dry battery?-F. p.
| A. The storage battery merely stores
up electricity which is put into it and
gives 1t out as needed. A dry battery
makes electricity out of chemicals. It
is not really dry. 1t contains watery
solution of the necessary chemicals, but
this is absorbed by charcoal or some
other porous substance SO that 1t will
not spill or leak out.
@. What Is the estimated amount OF
foreign bonds floated in the United
States since the World War?-A. w. s.
A. About $4,000, 100000 worth of for
eign bonds have been foated and about
one and one-half billion dollars worth
of such bonds have been retired.
! @. with what acid can one write or
print on celluloid?-A. J. 8.
A. 1t is possible to write on celluloid
with solution of asphalt in solvent
naphtha, xylol or other solvent. The
pen must not be too full, or blur will
result. This writing remains on the
surface of the celluloid and can be
wiped off with bit o. absorbent cot
ton or rag moistened with benZol.
The solution viii tend to bite in the
celluloid If glacial acetic acid, or pos
sibly better, acetic anhydride, is used
instead of part of the naphtha or xylol.
A solution of nitrocellulose is said to
be used instead of oil for making ink
with which to print upon celluloid. AS
the celluloid itself Is chiefly nitrocellu-
lose, ink of this kind will adhere to 1t
very firmly.
Q. What is the value of the Cuban
tobacco crop?-B. A.
A. It is worth from $4o,Ooo,o00 to
$50,o00,o00 yearly. .,..-....-r.
Q. Is Alaska represented in Con-
gress?-J. L.
A. Alaska has the status Of a Terri
tory in the United States Government
and is represented in Congress by q
Delegate. Citizens of Alaska do not at
present have the right to vote for
President, but have a Legislature OF
their oWn.s - .se....