Evening star., 1943-11-16
Hoskin's S Answers
To Questions
By frederic J. Hdskim.

organizations trhtch n,6tntatn their
headquarters In Washington. Here
the Information Bureau finds the
anstoers to many of the questions
thdt newspaper readers ask. When
tDrttt''g De sure to sign your tuH name
ana address. Send your question to
The Erentng Star Information B1.
reau, Frederic J. Hdskin, Director.
Washington, D. c. Incloss stamp for
return postage.
q. What is the total area Of the
American territory held BY Japan3-
Z. L. H.
A. Japan occupies some l1l,e0o SQUARE
miles OF American territory, including
the Philippines, Guam and wake. This
is equal to the combined States Of New
York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and
Maryland.
q. Is there Pulitzer prize for musies
IT. r. 8.
A. Musical Digest says that hereafter
q prize In music Of $500 win Be awarded
for distinguished composition IN the
larger forms Of chamber, orchestral or
choral work, or for an operatic work or
ballet first performed or published by q
composer Of established residence In the
United States. Columbia University
administers the awards.
@. When were doves used IN the
launching of ships?-M. L.R.
A. The japanese were the first to use
doves IN ship launchings In this coun.
try three such birds were released from
red, white and blue ribbons when the
Chicago was launched In 1885. Mrs.
Herbert Hoover released flock of white
pigeons at the christening Of the airship
Akron.
@. What is the Latin phrase used by
the announcer on the Vatican radio
station?-W. w.
A. The phrase Is 'Laudetur Jesus
Christus," which means literally May
Jesus Christ be praised"
Q. How fast does light travel?-L. A..
A. Light travels at approximately
10000 miles per second. It Is estimated
that ray Of light can travel one and
one-half times around the earth between
the ticks Of watch.
@. Please define the term "pre-Pearl
Harbor fathers. r. T.
A. Pre-Pearl Harbor fathers are those
living with and supporting children born
before September Is, 1s42.
Q. Does q hen have q sense of taste
and smell?-W. E. N.
A. The hen does have a sense Of taste
and smell, although 1t Is not highly
developed.
Q. What are the names popularly
given to persons who have crossed the
equator?-T. U. E.
A. "Shellbacks" are persons who have
Crossed the line" Those who have not
done 50 are "pollywoss"
q. On what date will Mars be nearest
to the earth this year2-B. B. N.
A. The planet will make its closest
approach to the earth on November 3s,
when its distance will be about so 900 900
miles. The reddish color Of Mars L.
thought to be due to iron oxide on its
desert surface.
Q. What disease caused the most
deaths In the armed forces In tho last
war?-V. e. L.
A. Influenza and its complications.
@. When was the first intercolegiats
football game played In America?-
@. w. B.
A. Princeton and Rutgers, neighbor
colleges In New Jersey, realized in 1869
that each had . football team Of which
the student body was proud and 50
Princeton challenged Rutgers. The teams
met in New Brunswick, N. j., on Novem-
Der 6. 1869. and Rutgers won the first
intercollegiate game.
Q. How many decorations were
awarded for the raid on the Rumanian
oil field by American airmen?-N. E. z.
A. Decorations were awarded to l,54s
officers and enlisted men Of the United
States Army Air Forces for the attack
upon the Ploesti oil refineries.
@. What States have the most unde.
veloped water power?-O. F.F.
A. Surveys few years ago showed the
greatest amount In Washington. Other
important States were California, Ore
gon, Tennessee, Idaho, Montana and
Arizona.
9. When was the first Mummers'
Parade held In Philadelphia7-B. A. o.
A. The parade was held for the first
time on New Year Day Of 1901 to cele-
brate the turn Of the century.
9. When Is . business classified Al
small?-H. N.
A. This usually Is based upon value
OF product, number Of employees or assets.
Manufacturing establishments with an
annual value Of product less than
$2500o0 are considered small, 80 also
enterprises employing less than 20
workers or corporations with assets
totaling less than $500
q. Whom did Walter Damrosch
marry?-F. P.
A. DR.. Damrosch married MarRaret.