Evening star., 1939-02-27
Huskin's Answers
To Readers Questions
BIZ Frederic J. Haskt1,

To Readers Questions
By Frederic J. Hasktn.
A reader can get the ansuer to any
question OF fact by iDritinQ The Epe-
ming Star Information Bureau, Fred
eric J. Haskin. director, Washington,
d. c. Please inclose stamp for reply.
Q. What was the first flower used in
decorative design?-E. s. H.
A. The lotus was the first plant form
to be used for this purpose. It was in
troduced by the Egyptians into the mural
painting of their tombs and temples be-
cause, as perennial, 1t represented to
them the principle of immortality.
g. How many newspaper chains are
there in the United States?-E. S. H.
A. There are So.
@. Has the musical library of the late
Philip Hale, the music critic, been pre-
sented to any public iibrary?-J. T. L.
A. Mr.. Hale's library of over 1000
volumes is in the possession Of Smith
College at Northampton, Mass.
O. What is the source of the line Here
at our sea-Washed sunset gates shall
stand mighty woman with torch"?-
j. D. w.
A. 1t is from the poem The New Co.
lossus," by Emma Lazarus, which is in
scribed in bronze on the Statue of
Liberty.
an early comedian named Henry Pla-
cide.-E. S. j.
A. players and Plays of the Last
Quarter Century" says: The first Amer
ican-born comedian to gain prominent
place on the theatrical roster was Henry
Placide 1799-1870), who was born in
Charleston, S. c. His father was a
French gymnast and dancer, and
his mother dancer and pantomimist.
The boy early became one of the family q.
troupe, appeared in various balets,
finally being elevated to the position of
| giving limitations of actors. His his
| trionic career began in 1923, when he
| became member of the stock company
of the Park Theater, New York. Placide
was for 20 years member of this COM
pany, and after that, until his retire.
ment in 1865, he was popular star"
| @. Is it correct to use the expression
most unique'?-R. G. H.
A. Unique means the only one of its
kind and cannot be qualified.
| @. What is chuckwalla?-T. S. H.
| A. Next to the Gila monster, the chuck
walla is the largest lizard of the desert
region of the Southwest. 1t is IA inches
long with a broad body, stubby limbs
and f1attened tail
| @. What is the significance Of the .
three Prince of Wales feathers?-B M.
| A. The three feathers are a symbolism
Of the crest of the Prince of Wales,
adopted when England claimed over
lordship Of France They are still re-
| quired in the headdress of debutantes
presented to the King and Queen of
England.
O. What language is spoken by the
soldiers in the motion picture version Of
Idiots Delight"?-G. K. J.
A. Esperanto.
@. Can an alien be sent back to his
|
E. G. S.
A. We quote from the immigration
laws Of the United States: ANY alien not
subject to deportation who has fallen
into distress or has needed public aid
from causes arising subsequent to entry
and is desirous of being removed to his
native country may, on order of the COM
missioner general with the approval of
the Secretary of Labor. at any time WITH
in three years after entry, be so removed
at Government expense"
Q. How early did James Montgomery
Flagg begin to draw?-L. G. H.
A. He published his first drawing in
Life at the age of IA.
@. Please give the members of the
Volunteer Christian Committee to Boy
colt Nazi Germany-E. H. j.
A. They are as follows: William Jay
Schieffelin, chairman: Christopher EN-
met. secretary; Henry Noble MacCrack-
en-, Oliver LaFarge, George Gordon Bat
tie Mary E. Woolley. G. Ashton Oldham,
Paul H. Douglas, Dr. Haven Emerson,
Ralph Barton Perry, Frank p Walsh,
Arthur Judson Brown, Reinhold Nei-
buhr. Frank P. Graham, Guy Emory
Shipler, Nelson p Mead, Mrs James
Lees Laidlaw and Chauncey Stillman.
O. Who introduced the bill which gave
the Indians citizenship in 1924?-D. D. j.
A. The law providing for full citizen
ship to Indians was introduced by Con-
gresham Homer p Snyder of New York.
@. Where in Pennsylvania is there
boarding school that teaches mechanical
trades free?-E. j. H.
A. The Williamson Free School of Me-
chanical Trades is in Delaware County.
The benefits of the school are entirely
free, including boarding, instruction and
clothing. The institution has its own
post office and railroad station, William
son School