Evening star., 1933-08-19

Have we had the pleasure Of serving
you through our Washington Informa-
ton Bureau? Can't we be Of some
help to you In your problems? Our
business Is to furnish you with authori-
tative information, and We invite you
to ask us any question Of fact in which
you are interested. Send your inquiry
to The Evening Star Information Bu-
reau, Frederic j. Haskin, Director,
Washington, D. C. Inclose 3 cents in
coin or stamps for return postage. Do
not use post cards.
O. What Is meant by "key posi-
ton" in the Government service?-O. z.
A. It generally refers to q position
where the incumbent may have the de-
Gliding on definite policies.
Q. What size are the largest and
smallest pipes in the pipe organ in the
d. B. T.
A. The largest pipe measures 16 feet
In length and is l5h inches square,
Weighing approximately 800 pounds. In
contrast to this Is the speaking length
OF the smallest pipe, which is only "a
Of an inch and of the diameter Of a
wisp OF straw and weighs half an ounce.
O. How many factories are there that
can rattlesnake meat?-E. E.. Y.
A. There Is said to be but one such
factory. 1t Is In Florida.
@. Please give some information about
the Isles of Juan Fernandez, OF the
coast Of Chtle.-H. NICE.
"A. The Isles Of Juan FernadeZ are
two rocky islands in the Pacific. 42O
ana $40 miles, respectively, west of VAL
paraiso, Chile, to which they belong.
The principal island is called Mas-a-
TERRA, meaning nearer land in Spanish,
to distinguish 1t from the smaller island,
Mas-a-Fuera, meaning farther out. The
nrst mentioned, which is the more i'm
portant island, Is l3 miles in length
and miles in width, and consists of a
series OF precipitous volcanic rocks
wnich are rudely piled into irregular
blocks and pinnacles, and which con-
trast strongly with the rich vegetation.
A wide Wiley collecting streams from
several OF the ravines on the north side
OF the island Is partially inclosed and
cldtavated, and the island now has a
population OF about 800 It has been
used from time to time by the Chilean
government as q state prison.
9. What is the Kleist Prize7-L. w
A. 1t Is awarded by the Kleist Foun-
oatlon, established In memory of the
German poet, Heinrich Won Kleist, by
fI1tz Engel. The prize is awarded to
impecunious German poets and NAV
amount to 1900 marks.
G. Can a pilot fly upside down with
out knowing it?-W. J. P.
A. The Army Air Corps says that it
Is not possible for pilot to fly upside
down and not be aware of the fact
me force OF gravity pulling against his
oelt would make him realize it.
Q. How did the bachelors degree
originate?-A. T.
A. The title of bachelor was not a
degree at the time of its first appear
ance, IN the thirteenth century. but
merely indicated that its possessor had
fulniled certain preliminary require
ments for the degree of doctor or mas
ter. As the medieval courses varied
from four years in arts to fourteen in
theology, the importance Of the pre-
nmlnary title varied much among the
different faculties. In the higher
faculties, and eventually IN arts, it took
on the significance of a degree, except
in France, where to the present day it
represents merely the completion Of a
secondary education. Some writer's on
the subject say that the "hcentiate"
was In the Middle Ages in early uni
versities the equivalent Of the masters
degree.
9. Are there more murders or sui
cides in the United States in year?-
J. L.
A. In 1881 there were 1884 homi-
cides and 20,870 suicides.