The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1873-12-26

condition of the road is vastly improved since
the last annual examination, and speak very
encouragngly of its future prospects. They
assert that the road can be made to pay
$40, 000. 900 per annum with no exertion beyond
reasonably good management. Calculating
operating expenses at 55 per cent, they esti-
mate that this will pay interest on the first
mortgage income and Government subsidy
bonds, besides per cent. of net earnings to
the Government, and leave 500 900 for dy-
dends on stock. The earnings last year We're
little over $10O00,000 They take the
ground that the road is completed in the
meaning of the act that applies per cent. Of
the net earnings to form a sinking fund.
Foreign.
The Dutch are reported to have gained a
victory over the Acheenese.
The story of Capt. Surmont, of the lost
steamer Vile du Havre, agrees mainly with
those heretofore published. lie woke at 2
o'clock. arose and went OH deck, when he saw
a large sailing vessel bearing down upon them,
and so near that nothing could avert the col
lison Then he tells the sad, tragic tale of
the passengers, who were suddenly awakened
and brought face to face with death. He be-
lieves that few lives would have been lost if
the masts had not fallen on the boats aud
crushed them, mangling their human freight,
just as they were about being launched over
the side of the vessel.
The King of the Sandwich Islands has with
drawn his proposition for a reciprocity treaty
with the United States.
The Spanish Volunteers have suffered an
other severe blow at the hands of the Cuban
Patriots Five hundred of the Spanish troops
were sent out to capture depot of arms near
Guaimaro but fell into an ambush. Only 100
out of 500 escaped with their lives but the
Cubans showed their superior civilization by
sending the wounded back to the Spanish
lines under an escort. 1t was more than the
Volunteers would ever do for them.
The surviving portion of the crew and pas
sengers of the Virginius were formally de-
liyered to the United States steamer Juniata,
at Santiago, on the 18th inst.
The French Assembly have voted to increase
the salary of President MacMahon
A bloody election riot recently occurred in
the streets of Matamoras, Mexico, in which
the Mayor and six policemen were shot and
badly wounded
Emperor William of Germany has had q
slight attack of apoplexy.
A ferryboat capsized in the river Thames,
the other day, and thirteen persons were
drowned.
Information comes from Havana that the
loo i
dispatch from Lord Granville to instruct all
naval commanders in the West Indies to inn
mediately rendezvous in Cuban ports. II is
stated that in Havana official circles it il GER
tainly known that the British Government will
demand the punishment Of Burriel.
A doubtful rumor comes from Madrid that
the Spanish Cabinet has decided to make
demand on the United States for the return of
the steamer Virginius.
Gen. Sickes has determined to tender his
resignation as Minister to Spain.
Rapid progress is being made by the Spanish
forces in the siege of Cartagena.
A Calcutta dispatch says one-half tho food
in Bengal is exhausted, and that a famine can
not be averted
A Key West telegram to the New York
Tribune gives an interesting account of the
surrender of the Virginius prisoners to Lieu
tenant-C Commander Braine, of the Juniata. 1t
appears that the Spanish authorities to the
last moment kept the poor wretches in gnor-
ance Of their prospective release, and with
base inhumanity led them to suppose that
they were to be executed. Friends were with
them, taking their confessions and dying
declarations, and imploring them to look to
God for pardon. They were taken out of
prison in despair, but on their way to the
slaughter-pen, as they supposed, their eyes
fell upon the Juniata flying the flag of the
United States. When they realized the truth,
a scene occurred which beggGrs description.
The enthusiasm knew no bounds. They
were speedily transferred TO the deck of
the Juniata, aud gave vent to the most
extranagant but touching demonstr atoms of
Joy, embracing each other, some crying. some
kissing, and others audibly Offering thanks to
the Almighty for their deliverance from the
horrors Of their dungeon and the prospect OF
an ignominious death. On the night before
the surrender the officers and crew of the
Juniata were stationed at quarters. her guns
being turned on the city. The Spanish volun-
teers having been excited to open riot by the
rumor that the surrender was to take place, a
large number Of volunteers went in body to
the Governors palace and begged permission
to attempt the capture of the Junata, saying
that they could do IL with knives alone. The
Governor refused to grant permission. The
poor prisoners presented most pitiable sight