Evening star., 1932-12-28

The answers to questions printed
here each day are specimens picked
from the mass of inquiries handled by
our great Information Bureau MAIN
tanned In Washington, D. C. This
valuable service is for the free use of
the public. Ask any question Of fact
you may want to know and you will
get an immediate reply. Write plainly
and inclose 3 cents in coin or stamps
for return postage. Do not use post
cards. Address The Evening Star In
formation Bureau, Frederic j. Haskin,
Director, Washington, D. c.
@. Has the New York moving pic
ture theater showing news reels ex-
clusively proved success?-F. NJ
A. Motion Picture Producers and
Distributors of America says that in
1880, the first year Of its operation,
which was its peak year, the News
reel Theater in New York City played to
1900, 900 admissions. 1t has since been
closed, but has now been reopened after
being enlarged and is considered to be
successful project
@. Has the Governments rental bill
been materially reduced since the new
building project got under way?-F. T
A. In 1929, the year prior to the oc-
cupancy of the first Of the new build
ings, the rentals amounted to S1,381,-
38802. For the fiscal year 1888 rented
space will cost $873,05218.
Q. What country uses the greatest
amount of silk?-H. S.
A. The United States consumes much
more silk than any other country.
Q. Has Cairo, Egypt, a broadcasting
station?-F. K.
A. There have been seven stations
operating in Egypt-three in Cairo,
three in Alexandria and one in Port
Said. When the new station near
Cairo. for which Marconi has con-
struction permit. is completed, the
seven stations will be eliminated
O. How many proposed amendments
have been introduced in Congress since
the adoption of the Constitution
F. w. A.
A 1t is impossible to say how many
amendments to the United States Con-
stitution have been introduced in Con-
gress since 1789 A great many amend
referred to committees where they die
a natural death Tyler Page says that
"a amendments to the Constitution
have been submitted to the States for
ratification OF these 19 have been
duly ratified and are now part Of the
Constitution. Two amendments passed
by Congress are before the StateS-the
child labor amendment and the Norris
amendment, known as the lame duck
amendment The one first ratified will
constitute the twentieth amendment.
Q. Was coral ever considered lucky?
%. NJ
A. The Romans used to hang beads
CT red coral on the cradles and round
the neck of infants to preserve and
fasten their teeth" and save them from
.Jhe falling sickness" 1t was cCnSid-
cred by scothsay5ra as charm as@ins-
lightning, Hhirlwind, sh!pwreck and
fire. paracelsuS says it should be worn
round the neck of children IS pre-
servat-ve against fits, sorcery, charms
and poison.
@. What is cartel?-E. H.
A. A cartel is form Of combin2tio
smcng manufacturers by which the in
dependent firms and est2 blishnents In
particular trade or process contract
to regulate their output and in certain
cases their prices.
O. How is mail handled after it is
dropped in the nail box?-N. S.
A. Mail deposited in street letter
boxes is collected and taken to the mail
ing division in the main post Office OF
branch post Office. Here it is faced
pcstmarked. sorted, sent by motor truck
to proper substations for delivery or tc
trains which will carry it to other cities
and States In the sorting room there
are facing tables. usually circular. upon
-, ,o1, 1oI fa1, lie
grouped around the table, place the let
ters in a little trough at its edge with