Evening star., 1940-09-21

ming 'Stdr Information Bureau, Fred
eric J. Haskin, director, Washington,
D. c. Please inclose stamp for reply
@. Kindly inform me when the next
President OF the United States takes
off1ce.-M. T.
A. The next President of the United
States will be inaugurated on January
20, l941. Congress will have convened on ,
January 3. The Vice President is in
augurated on the same date as the Pres
ident.
@. Please tell me when fundamental
ism originated-R. G.. w.
A. The movement originated among
number of Baptists, who. in 1920, pro-
tested against the growing liberalism
which they declared was subverting the
faith of the fathers. The term funda-
mentalism was first used by DR.. c. L.
Laws, editor Of the Watchman-Exam-
iner, Baptist publication.
@. Will you explain the historical sig
nifcance of the notch extending from
Massachusetts into Connecticut? &C.
M C.
A. The reason for this peculiar devia-
ton from straight boundary known
as "Southwick jog" is that in adjusting
errors in the boundary line previously
run by compass long, narrow strip Of
land was given to Connecticut and the
SouthWick Jog which was ceded to Mas
sachusetts is intended to be an equiva-
lent area
@. How long does it take trees to
petrify?-L. c. w.
A. The conversion of trees to stone is
effected by gradual replacement of
woody matter by silica deposited by un-
derground water. This process has
taken place in the course of ages. The
length of time required for petrifcation
depends on the reaction of the chemicals
within the tree
@. What is the best location for bird
bath?-C. Mex.
A. Place it in the open, away from tall
plants where cats might hide See that
it is fixed firmly and is not too deep
for the birds.
@. Please tell me why the islands OF
Florida are known as keys.-C. H.
A. The islands & the southern tip of
Florida are called keys from the Span
ish word cayo, which means reef. The
keys are composed of islands and low
reefs which are submerged at high tides.
@. I should like to know the meaning
Of the term, The Big Stick."-F. M. G.
A. The quotation: Speak softly. ard
carry big stick" attributed to the late
Theodore Roosevelt, is taken to mean
that one should avoid all possible con.
fict with other official bodies. but should
be prepared, if the occasion arises. to
speak with authority and to enforce that
authority by just means.
@. Please give the history Of the moon
and-star pattern Of early American
pressed glass.-L. B.
A. The noon-and-star pattern was
made by Adams & Co. of Pittsburgh.
whose trade name for 1t was Palace" It
appears to have been made in the 1906.
@. What is the origin Of the word tro-
phys. E R.
A. The Greeks used to build tropaIon.
or monument consisting Of captured
arms and spoils to commemorate victory
in war. Hence trophy means something
taken from a competitor and preserved
as sign of victory.
Q. What can I do to restore manila
rope that has become very dry?-M. z.
A. The National Bureau of Standards
says that manila rope contains from 10
to Is per cent of cordage oil lubricant
when it is first manufactured A rope
which has become dried out should have
the oil renewed. Mixtures of oil suitable
for the purpose can be obtained from
the cordage manufacturers.
Q. For what are black diamonds used7
"A. T.
A. These very hard diamonds, found
largely in Brazil, are used In large GUAM
titles for rock drilling and prospecting
operations. truing abrasive wheels, and,
TO less extent, for wire drawing dies
for specially shaped tools used in working
metals and for saving marble and