Evening star., 1939-11-22
Hoskin's Answers
To Readers Questions
By Frederic J. Haskin.

By Frederic J. H1Skin.
A reader can get the ansper to ann
question OF fact by a0riting The Epe-
ming Star Information Bureau. Fred
eric J. Hasktn, director, Washinqton,
d. C. Please tnclose STAMP for replv.
structed?-A. B. G.
A. The City of Flint was built by the
American International Shipbuilding
Corp. at Hog Island, Pa, and delivered
to the Emergency Fleet Corp. on Febru-
ary %, 1920.
@. Is the Thanksgiving proclamation
issued by George Washington in exist
ence?-L. w. H.
A. The first Thanksgiving proclama-
ton signed by George Washington was
lost for more than 100 years. Discovered
at an auction sale in 1921, it was pur-
chased by the Library of Congress for
$500, where it now reposes as one Of the
most valuable documents in the world.
@. Who played the leading feminine
role in the Theater Guild production Of
Strange Interlude" when it opened in
New York?-E. M. H.
A. Lynn Fontanne played the leading
role when the play opened in New York
at the John Golden Theater on Janu-
airy %, 1923.
Q. Did Cecil Rhodes believe that the
United States would eventually be part
Of the British Empire?-V. w.
A. Cecil Rhodes dreamed of a govern
ment of the world. To w. T. Stead he
confided his dream of cessation of all
wars, one language throughout the world,
and of federation with America. He
said: I'VE could hold your federal parlia-
ment for five years at Washington and
five years at London" In his first will
he said: COLONIZATION by British sub.
jects OF all lands where means of liveli-
hood are attainable by energy, labour
and enterprise the ultimate re.
covery of the United States of America
as an integral part of the British En-
pire the foundation of so great a
power as hereafter to render wars i'm
possible and promote the best interests
of humanity"
Q. What is dragoman?-T. J. S.
A. This is name given in countries
bordering the Eastern Mediterranean to
interpreters and professional guides who
accompany travellers and make all ar
rangements. Dragomans attached to
the embassies in Constantinople are
somewhat important official personaees.
Q. For whom is the silhouette named?
e. B. H.
A. The silhouette was named for
Etienne de Silhouette, French minister
OF finance, who was so rigidly economical
that he often withheld funds from
worthy objects. His name came to be
applied to anything imperfect or incom-
plete and eventually to the kind of pic.
ture which lacks being complete rep
resentation.
Q. What is the value of eggs and poul-
try?-D. v. S.
A. In 1888 the total value of chickens in
the United States was 1922, ,142 900 and
the farm value of eggs produced was
s6176s3,oOo.
@. How fast does tobacco auctioneer
talk?-W. H. M.
A. An expert auctioneer chants his bids
at the rate of more than 400 words per
minute.
Q. What is the name of the drug that
is said to prevent suicide?-J. HIS.
A. 1t has been demonstrated that
metrazol relieves melancholia, the severe
depression which often drives victims to
suicide.
c. For what is the Maltese Cross
awarded?-W. B. G.
A. The Maltese Cross is awarded to all
officers and enlisted men of the Marine
Corps who served in France during the
World War but who did not participate in
any engagement.
@. What city celebrates Mule day?-
c. H. w.
A. Columbia, Tenn, celebrates Mule
day annually on the first Monday in
April. This is the largest street mule
market in the world
O. Where was the first botanical garden
in the United States?-L. ]. H.
A. John Bartram, the famous botanist,
established the first garden of this kind
in America at Kingsessing, Pa, in 1923.
Q. Please give some information about
the skippet and when it was used-E. w.
A. A skippet is little silver box used
to hold the wax seal attached to treaties.
Skippets have not been used for years.
Many countries used them until 1906, and
Great Britain used skippet as late as
July 15 1918. The United States has not
used skippets since about 1857, although
they were in use here during the years
1915 to 1857.
@. What book won the latest Newbery
Medal award?-C. S. M
A. "Thimble Summer" by Elizabeth
Enright won the award which is made
annually for the most distinguished con-
tribution to American literature for
children.
@. Who was the NEUROLOGICAL god with
two faces?-M. T. H.
A. In Roman mythology, Janus, for
whom January was named was guardian