Evening star., 1932-04-06
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
BY FREDERIC ]. 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 1t depriveS
you of benefits to which you are en-
titled. Your obligation is only 2 cents
in coin or stamps inclosed with your
inquiry for direct reply. Address The
Evening Star Information Bureau,
Frederic ]. Haskin, Director, Washing
ton, D. C.
@. Does 1t cost more to drive an au-
tomcbile at go miles an hour than at
40?--J. L. F.
A. The Chicago Motor Club has come
to the conclusion, after an exhaustive
investigation. that it may safely be said
that a mile minute in an automobile
is from three to four times more ex-
pensive than when the Speedometer
says 40 to As. The conclusion was ar
rived at after checks made at various
speeds. These results were cited: Oil
consumption at SIS miles per hour Is
seven times greater than it is at 80;
tire wear at so is twice as much as at
40; gasoline consumption at SIS Is one
fourth more than at 30. In addition
THERE u LIit wear anu bCdl VII IliN ldA
at the higher speeds.
O. What Jewels are considered the
least durable?-E. H. A.
A. Oriental pearls and opals are the
least durable.
@. Why does it hurt a tree 10 pile
dirt around its base?-T. j.
A. The Forest Service says that pill
ing dirt around the roots Of tree OF
mature age will have almost the sane
effect as betting 1t. Such earth pre-
vents the tree from breathing properly
and also prevents the moisture from
getting at its roots. A tree so treated
will eventually die.
@ Is it lawful to destroy or deface
United States money?-D. U.
A. It Is not unlawful to destroy
United States currency. 1t is unlawful
to deface United States currency or
mutilate coins and restore them to cir
culation.
O. Does the uniform Of the United
States Army have rank insignia on the
sleeve. as the uniform Of the Navy does?
e. H.
A. Officers wear their insignia Of
rank on the sleeves of their full-dress
and SpeCldl IuA-OI COS COdIo duu OlA bIlC
shoulders of their dress and service
coats.
@. Is Columbia University a secta-
rian school? Who keeps it up?-E. N.
A. Columbia University is nonsecta-
rian and is privately controlled. 1t is
maintained by proceeds from an endoW
ment fund exceeding S15,000,0C0, by
tuitions, fees and occasional gifts for
particular objects.
@. What is "plumcot" H.
A. 1t Is a cross between a plum and
an apricot. L.
C. e p. 5s Ell Sfen'ei SWe0lsn or oermAn'
A. Ell Brendel has made a speciality
of Swedish characterizations since 1917.
He made his debut in 1911 in heavy
German impersonations. With the ad-
vent of the war, German comedians
went out of existence After doing his
share of fighting, Brendel returned to
the stage as a Swedish comedian. Bren-
del is neither Swedish nor German. He
was born In Philadelphia, Pa.
@. Why aren't the gondolas in Venice
painted in gey cclors?-H. M.
A. In 1862 sumptuary edict was
passed bv the Great Council of Venice
aking black the compulsory color of
the gondolas.
@. When is bread stale?-C. w.
A. Definition and explanation of
stating: "It is rather difficult to de-
fine statement fully in few words.