Evening star., 1943-10-30
Hoskin's Answers
To Questions
BIZ Frederic J. Hdsktn.

pOsdl q corps OF trained researchers IN
Washington Who WiH answer ques-
ttons OF fact for you. They UtH
gtUe you access to the Government
departments, libraries, museums and
galleries. Address The Euentng
Star Information Bureau, Frederic J.
Hnskin, director, Washington, D. c.
lnclose stamp for return postage.
@. To what extent have telephone
calls increased in number during the
war?
A. Since September, 1899, average
daily completed telephone calls have
increased II per cent. This figure in
cludes both local and toll calls.
@. Is it possible for an aviator to fly
upside down without knowing it?-
c. c. H.
A. The Army Air Corps says that It
is possible for an aviator to fly upside
down without knowing it. It can
happen during night flying, or when
coming out of a spin or when there is
something wrong with the instruments.
@. What Is the principle use of am
bergris?-J. E. B.
A. 1t is now used as a hxative for
the fragrance in fine perfumes, though
formerly employed as an incense, in
cookery and as a medicine Amber
girls is worth approximately its weight
in gold and as much as 100000 worth
has been taken from a single sperm
whale.
@. Were the English people ever re-
quired by law to read the Bible?-C.
H. L.
A. When the Bible was first printed
in England, royal injunction Of 1888
required every parish priest to set up a
copy to be read. Six we're placed IN
st. Paul's Church in London and the
crowds that gathered to read and dis
cuss at one time, we're so great that
the bishop had to protest because the
| noise disturbed the services
Q. What Presidents were not college
memo. F. B.
A. Washington. Jackson. Van Buren,,
TAYLOR, Fillmore. Lincoln, johnson,
/ Cleveland and Mckinley.
@. How old were Chang Kai-shek
and his present wife at the time of
their marriage?-E. L. H.
A. Chang was 40 years old and his
bride Melting, 25.
Q. What is the fastest running wild
animal in the United States?-S. n. c.
A. 1t is believed to be the pronghorn
or so-called antelope of the West.
| @. Which section of the United
States is the Wealthiest?-R. S. B.
| A. According to the Conference
Board, latest estimates show the Mid
| die Atlantic group to be the vealthiest.
This comprises the States of New York,
| New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
@. Who was Jack the Ripper?-D w.
A. Jack the Ripper was an unknown
| person who committed a series Of mur-
! ders in the East End OF London In
! 1889. He gave himself the name.
| The first murder was April 2, 1888; tn.
ninth was September II, 1885,
| O. When was the last important coal
! strike in England?-C. B.
| A. The British Information Service
occurred in the Nottingham coal fields
on September IA, 1943.
Q. What kind of ship is the q. S S.
Bridge?-W. L.
A. The U. S. S. Bridge is a storeship.
@. What is the origin Of "novena"?-
S. c.
! A. Novena is nine days public or pri-
vate devotion in the Catholic Church
to obtain special eraces, in imitation
Of the Apostles who were gathered to-
gether in prayer for nine days between
Ascension Thursday and Pentacost 1t
comes from the Latin "novem," nine.
Q. What kind of a sport is birling?-
J. E.
A. 1t is the art of navigating on logs.
The men stand on opposite ends of
log, and, upon signal each tries to
upset the other by sudden, eccentric
twist.
@. Are any Canadian conscripts sent
! overseas?-A. E.
A. A law has been passed by the
Canadian Parliament to conscript men
for overseas duty whenever it is neces-
sary for the successful prosecution OF
the war. With the exception of some
conscripted troops who participated III
the Aleutian Islands campaign, Canada
has so far not had to conscript men for
overseas service because the volun-
teer system has filled the need for men
in her armed forces abroad.
Q. What British writer made will
leaving his body to a hospital provided
his skeleton be present at all board
| meetingS?-A. R. @.
A. Jeremy Bentham who died in
1882. His skeleton, covered with the
clothes that he commonly wore and
supporting waxen effigy of his head
was preserved in the Anatomical Mu-
scum of the University College, Lon
don. Across one knee rested his favor
ite stick "Dapple' and at the foot lay
the skull, the white hairs still cling
ing to the surface Until 1924 the pre-
served figure attended every board
meeting of the hospital.
The Witching Hour
This is the mystic season. Neuer sigh