Evening star., 1934-01-29
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
BY FREDERIC J. HASKIN.

Any reader Of this newspaper Is well
come to make use at any time OF the
free information service Of this de-
partment. Address your inquiry to The
Evening Star Information Bureau,
Frederic j. Haskin, Director, Washing
ton, D. c., and you will receive a per-
sonal letter In reply. Inclose 2 cents
in coin or stamps for return postage
Do not use post cards. Be sure to state
your question clearly, and to write your
name and address plainly.
O. How much did self-starters for
automobiles cost when first put on the
market?-T. A.
A. One of the first, placed on the
market in 1912. was a huge affair
which cost the car owner $3.50.
@. Is Soviet Russia represented on
the International Olympic Committee?
u. F. r.
A. It is not represented on the Inter-
national Olympic Committee, which
has representatives in 81 nations.
@. Isn't It true that President Roose-
velt uses exceptionally good English?-
G. F.
A. The President Of the National As
sociation Of Teachers of Speech recent
ly cited the speech of President Roose-
velt as an example Of the best Amer
ican English" spoken in this country.
@. To what extent is sterilization
being practiced in the various States
at present?-R. M.
A. Sterilization is now legal in 81
States. They are Alabama Arizona
California. Connecticut, Delaware, Ida
no, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine,
Michigan, Minnesota. Mississippi, Mon
tana, Nebraska, New Hampshire. North
Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma
Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont
Virginia, Washington. West Virginia
and Wisconsin. OF IS States report
ing, 6,246 operations were performed
on the insane, 1888 on the feeble
minded. SIS on epileptics. 16 on crimi-
nails and five on persons suffering other
nervous disorders.
O. How long have Simon and Schus-
ter been in the publishing business
H. L.
A. Since 1921. Simon was then only
% years old and Schuster was "a.
O. What causes electricity in the
harry. K.
A. Electricity in the hair as evi-
denced by the cracking sound made
when the comb passes through the hair
is due to the friction of the gutta-
percha comb upon the hair This fric-
ton. or movement. produces small
amount of electricity. hence, the sound.
@ How many cases of pineapples are
being packed in Hawaii this year?-
D. K
A. The Pineapple Producers Co.
operative Association authorized pack
figure Of 100000 cases for the year
from June /, 1888, to June l. 1884.
@. In what parts of the earth is
there greatest natural activity in the
production Of mountains?-C. w.
A. Mountains are in process Of de-
| on the Pacific Coast of North and
South America. the process being &C
companied by earthquakes.
@. Is 1t necessary to ratify the child
labor amendment to the Constitution
| now that NJ r. A. codes are in effect?
&C. C. L.
A. N. r. A. officials urge ratification
of the pending amendment. declaring
that permanent uniform child labor
standards must be fixed and enforced
by the Federal Government.
@. Why doesn't mercury make cloth
wet?-E. j. S.
cohesive forces within the mercury are
greater than the forces of attraction
between the cloth and mercury.
O. When did Loeb and Leopold enter
upon their sentences of life impriSon-