Evening star., 1943-10-11


reader can get the ansper to any
question OF fact by ,Drtting The Epe-
ming Star Information Bureau, Fred
eric J. Haskin, director, Washinqton,
ID. c. Please tnclose stamp for reply.
Q. How much money was contributed
anonymously to the Government last
year?-J. T.
A. The amount contributed TO tho
Conscience Fund Of the Treasury De-
partment for the fiscal year ending
June, 1943, was s105,341.88.
Q. What is the weight OF the heaviest
shells used in our large guns?-G. B. w.
A. The War Department says that the
l6-inch gun, the largest gun used in
the United States, fires a projectile
weighing about 2,340 pounds.
Q. Can oil pipelines be operated the
year 'round?-J. D.
A. They can. 1t is estimated that in
winter the capacity Of crude oil pipe
line would be reduced between and IS
per cent below summer pumpings, de-
pending, Of course, on the severity Of
the weather.
@. How long has the Catholic Total
Abstinence Union been in existence?-
F. S.
A. 1t was founded in 1872 to promote
total abstinence from alcoholic drink in
honor Of the Sacred Thirst of Our
Saviour, and has an estimated mem.
bership of $4,000 in nine States.
Q. What is the correct way to abb
breviate II o'clock midday?-H. S.
A. Twelve o'clock noon is written "a
m, and IL o'clock midnight u pm.
The m is for meridies, or noon, and
noon.
@. What are the dimensions of the
aluminium cap on the Washington Monu-
ment?-E. L. H.
A. The capstone is crowned by a small
right pyramid of pure aluminium, Sc
inches at its base 9.9 inches high and
weighing 100 ounces. 1t was the largest
piece of this metal ever cast in any
country when put in place in 1884
@. Can pepper be cultivated In the
United States?-M. T. R.
A. 1t cannot be grown successfully in
this country because the climate is un-
suitable. Pepper is the most widely used
spice. During the Middle Ages it was in
great demand to conceal the unpleasant
favor Of tainted food.
@. What is the usual thickness Of
veneer used in furniture making?-M. G.
A. The Forest Products Laboratory
says fancy veneers are usually cut to l28
Of an inch in thickness. Veneer used for
doors and interior trim frequently is
thicker.
@. What is the greatest number OF
hookups Of radio program?-R. c. H.
A. Some programs are heard over as
many as l35 stations.
". WQere are Lne famous COOrS LndL
Ghiberti took 40 years to complete?-
H. E. V.
A. The Italian sculptor won a COM
petition to execute bronze door for the
baptistery of San Giovanni in Florence,
and after 81 years was requested to do
second. These doors Michelangelo said
were worthy to be the gates of paradise.
@. Were the 220 women who served as
telephone operators in the last war con-
sidered veterans?-S. P. D.
A. The Signal Corps says that men,
bers of the Signal Corps Overseas Female
Telephone Unit were appointed in the
Signal Service at large under blanket
authority of the United States Civil Serv-
ice Commission. The women served as
civilians and were never accorded mill
tary status.
@. How is st. Elmo's Fire produced?-
B. F. S.
A. st. Elmos Fire is the glow accom-
panying the brush-like discharges Of
atmospheric electricity which usually ap-
pear as tip Of light on the extremities
of pointed objects such as church tower
or the masts of ships during stormy
weather. 1t is commonly accompanied by
cracking or fizzing noise. The name OF
st. Elmo is an Italian corruption through