Evening star., 1939-05-08
Huskin's Answers
To Readers Questions
BIZ Frederic J. Hasksn.

A reader can get the ans,per TO any
question OF fact by ,Drtting Tho Epe-
ming Star Information Bureau, Fred
eric J. Haskin, director; Washington,
d. c. Please inclose stamp for reply.
@. When did ALA Nazimova come to
this country?-T. j. H.
A. Nine. Nazimova came to the
United States in 1905 with q Russian
theatrical company. Her first appear
ance was in New York that year, when
she played the part OF Liza in THE
Chosen People"
@. Please give the origin Of Singing
Day at Benton, Ky-S. H. G.
A. The movement for the revival OF
the old-fashioned mass harmony singing
began in Benton in 1884 when James r.
Lemon, his brother George, and few
others, gathered at the old Benton Semi
nary and sang songs from the Southern
Harmony" "Singin' Billy" Walkers book.
Frim this simple beginning has devel-
oped the unique festival held regularly
for 81 years in the courthouse in Benton,
with many thousands attending from
all over Western Kentucky, Tennessee,
Missouri and Illinois. The fourth Sum-
day in May is the regular date for Sing
ing Day.
@. How large is the Big Thicket in
TeXas?-K. H. G.
A. 1t has an area of about 100000
acres in dense forest, with vines which
make an almost impenetrable jungle.
@. Who was the first white child born
In America?-H. S.
A. Virginia Dare was born in August.
1887, at Roanoke Island, Va, which is
now part of North Carolina. She was
the granddaughter of John White, the
Governor of the colony sent out by Sir
Walter Raleigh.
@. Was baseball played before 1882
S. j. H.
A. While the first game under the Alb
ner Doubleday rules was played in 1889.
IL was evidently children's game long
before this. v. v. Parma, curator of
rare books at the Library of Congress at
washington, D. c., recently showed
childs book entitled "A Little Pretty
Pocketbook," printed in 1887, which con-
tains verse on baseball illustrated
by woodcut of boys playing the game.
@. Why do Jewish people refuse to eat
pork?-H. B.
A. The eating of pork or the flesh of
swine is strictly prohibited to those of
the Jewish faith in the Book of Le-
vlticus xi.7-8: And the swine, though he
divide the hoof and be cloven footed
yet he cheWeth not the cud; he is un-
clean to you. OF their flesh shall We not
eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch;
they are unclean to you"
@. What Presidents of the United
States were elected by the House of Rep
resentatives?-R K.
A. Thomas Jefferson in 1901 and John
Quincy Adams in 1925 were the only
Presidents elected by the House of Rep
resentatives.
@. How much has the Government
spent on maintaining American ceme-
teries in France?-E. T. Mob.
A. From the period of the World War
through 1925, the total cost Of the Ameri-
can cemeteries in France was S1,210.674
for purchase of land, establishment of
cemeteries and maintenance. Since 1925
these cemeteries have cost about 500 900
per year for maintenance.
@. Is it possible for a boy from the
United States to work his way through
college in Mexico?-E. V.
A. 1t is not legally possible in Mexico
for foreign students to secure part-time
work to finance their college courses.
Q. How many slaves were there In the
United States in 186O?-C A. T.
A. In 1860 there were 1888, ,76O slaves in
the United States.
q. What causes steam to rise from Q
stream in the early morning?-E. D.
A. The United States Weather Bureau
says: "On cool mornings the cold air
near the ground flowing over a relatively
warm stream is cold enough to condense
some Of the water vapor which has
evaporated from the stream. This con-
densed water vapor directly over the
stream has the appearance of what is
popularity referred to as 'steam.'"
@. Is there breed of cattle known as
Polled Durham?-E. R. H.
A. The breed now known as Polled
Shorthorn was formerly called Polled
Durham. The name was changed in
1919.
@. Please give some information about
the John Armstrong Chaloner Art Foun-
dation.-S. P. M.
A. The Chaloner Prize Foundation was
founded in 1890 by John Armstrong
Chaloner. The purpose of the prize is
to enable talented American painters or
sculptors to study abroad. The prize is
subject to adjustment, but normally
consists of about $1,000 year for three
years. At the discretion of the trustees
the prize winner is required to spend a
certain period of this time in study in
this country. The prize is open to un-
married art students of either sex under
80 years of age. Only those financially
unable to pursue their art study abroad
are eligible
@. Is there available book discussing
rare coins?-L. B. c.