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I Foreign News. The steamer City of Washington, from Europe, has arrived, with dates to tho 8 th inst. McIIenry fc Co. quote a decline of 6d Is in Hour. A dispatch from Madrid says that the gov ernment of Mexico recognizes the justice of the Spanish demand. Tho diplomatic rupture between Austria and Sardinia is not likely to be adjustod, but neither contemplates hoilities. Commercial advices from Australia are un favorable. In consequence of tho spread of murrain in tho north of Europe, England has prohib ited the importation of cattle, skins, &c., which, it is thought, will affect tho provisiou trade. Murrain had also appeared among the cattle in Austria. Gen. Ashburnham will command tho mil itary force going to China. The Neufchatel conference has been indef initely adjourned, as is said on account of the impractical demands of Prussia. Baltimore, April 21. The steamer Fulton, with dates to tho 8th inst., arrived at New York this morning. Breadstuffs dull. Money decidedly stringent. Bank rates advanced to 7 for loans of stocks. Tho Bank of England had raised its rate of interest for loans on stocks to 7 per cent, which caused a ereneral decline in prices. English funds dc- V e f Clineci in consequence oi uiu ugmuws ui me money market. The Times' Paris correspondent says that an unexpected increase in the Bank ot Lng land's rate of interest had an unfavorable ef fect upon tho French trade ; on tho other hand, tho new American tariff had encourag ed manufacturers who were anticipating a profitable business with the United States. Tho corn market throughout Franco was declining. The accouchement of Queen Victoria was daily expected. The English elections were over, with but few exceptions. There will be a largo liber al majority in the new House of Commons. The amount of gold on the way to Eng land from Australia, tho greater portion of which could not be far distant, was estimated at 2,500,000. The closing of the five Chinese ports against European commerce, was considered imminent. A Fact for our Republican Friends. The Republicans continue to bo terribly ex orcised about the late decision of the Su preme Court of the United States, which has decided that negroes are not constitutional citizens of tho Union. Now, wo would ask these gentlemen, if negroes are " citizens," why is it that tho Topeka Constitution which was made by them in Kansas, and which they obstinately persist shall bo the one under which she shall bo admitted into tho Unioncontains a clause that free men of color shall not be allowed to settle in tho State ? This clause was referred separately to the Republican Free State electors, no body elso voted on the question, and it was carried by a large majority. The " Topeka Constitution," with this stringent- clause against negroes, is the shibboleth and policy of the Republican faction, it is their panacea for tho Kansas difficulties was voted for by all the Republican members of Congress, and has been adopted and approved by them in every possible way. We would ask, in all sincerity, where and what is the Republican consistency which denies to negroes tno right of ever living in Kansas, and drives them from the State as criminals, and then finds fault with theUnited States Supremo Court because it decided that they are not citizens of tho United States ? Grand Rapids Daily Enquirer. Chief Justice of the United States. It has been the good pleasure of tho Repub lican journals to represent Chief Justice Taney as a largo slaveholder and a man of ultra Southern views. In allusion to this fact the Cincinnatti Enquirer has tho following: u Let tho decision speak for itself; but Mr. Taney, personally, is opposed to slavery, in principle and practice. Many years ago, al though never wealthy, ho freed every negro in his possession, and has paid servants wages ever since. " They were all valuable, and one, his body servant, has been the head waiter of the larg est hotel in Baltimore for many years. " Judgo Taney has always been tho truest friend of tho black man, and it is related by a cotemporary that tho most eloquent speech he ever mado was at the Frederick County bar, in defenco of a little negro girl, in which he thrilled auditors by exalting tho happy construction of our court, and the justice of the Jaws, in allowing the business of tho cir cuit to be stopped in order to give that poor little negro girl her rights and her lawful pro tection. And although the littlo creature had most likely committed crime, Mr. Tan ey's eloquent appeal rescued her from the vengeance of the law. Thus have all his acts, public and private, been characterized by justice and generosity." Suicide. Tho following is an anecdote of Dr. Johnson: Boswellonco asked Johnson if thero was no possible circumstance under which suicido would be justifiable i " No," was tho reply. " Well," says Boswell, " sup pose a man had been guilty of some fraud that he was certain would be found out." u Why, tlien," cays Johnson, in that case let him go to somo country whero he is not known, and not to the devil where he is known." THE GRAND RIVER TIMES WEDNESDAY EVENING, APRIL 29. 1857. Chinese Sugar Cane Its Cultivation. We understand that Judge Hatha watt, of Crockery, purposes to plant this season a half aero with the seed of the Chinese Su gar Cane, in order to test tho practicability of its culture in our northern latitudes. Va rious opinions prevail among those who have given some attention to tho subject, as to the effect produced by our comparatively cold summers upon tho quantity and quality of the 6acharine substance yielded by the cane, some affirming that no unfavorable results are experienced by a transfer to more north em latitudes, and others, that experiments mado in its culture so far north as this will prove unprofitable, so that our citizens will look forward with some interest to any facts respecting its cultivation that may bo elicited upon trial: Dr. Jackson, at a recent meeting of tho Boston Horticultural Society, stated that tho Chinese Sugar Cane raised in the vicinity of Boston would not yield crystaline sugar in quantities to warrant its cultivation. A small quantity could be obtained from tho plant, but a syrup which was suitable for food or distillation was readily obtained. The fur ther South the cane is raised the more sugar it yields. Professor Bacon, of Boston, in a recent lec ture at tho medical college, spoke briefly of this new plant. He says it contains much less sugar than the common sugar cane ; that tho sugar obtained from it is not the same as obtained from the cane of the South, the maple, Indian corn, fec, but in " grape su gar," or " glucose," such as is obtained by boiling starch in diluted sulpheric acid. One part of tho sugar cane is worth two and a half parts of glucose in its sweetning properties. But if the cane cannot be raised with profit, ky the farmers, for sugar, it may, nevertheless, bo found quite profitable for fodder. 3T We trust our farmers will be alive, dur ing the comingseason, to the necessity of plant ing and sowing as many acres as circumstan ces will possibly allow. At tho present ex traordinary high price of everything eatable, tho employment of tho Agriculturalist must be in tho highest degree remunerative, and they will find it greatly to their interest to plant and sow that " extra acre." Wo know of none in our county who have as yet been compelled to pledge their farms for provisions, but we know those who are certainly in straitened circumstances, caused by the unprecedented high prices of the nec essaries of life, which circumstances compel them at present to purchase. So, farmers, let not a foot of land go to waste, if it is pos sible to plant or sow some kind of a crop thereon. Maple Sugar. The season just closed has been one of great profit to those engag ed in the manufacture of Maple Sugar, and a greater amount has probably been produc ed in this county than ever before, induced by tho remarkable high and still increasing prices demanded for Muscovado and other sugars. The yield in proportion to the num ber of trees tapped, is unusually large as for instance, tho Messrs. Murray, Mr. Sey mour, and others in the town of Crockery, we learn havo manufactured at an average rate of 6omo 8lbs to tho tree, and those trees tak en in course through the bush. Many dol lars will thus be saved to citizens in the item of "sweetning." jC3T Wo learn from the Grand Rapids Daily Enquirer that tho Steamer Forest Queen has undorgone thorough repairs since discontinuing her tripson the river, has receiv ed a new upper cabin, and is to come out in a few days, a first class passenger boat. If her owner, Mayor Powers, will just put the fare for passengers, and the rates of freight to the old standard prices, we will warrant the Queen an extensive f paying business. $3T Judge Douglass has announced his intention of resigning his position as Circuit Judge. . Such resignation to take effect on the 10th of May. He intends to resume the practice of law. It is expected the Govern or will appoint Judge Witherwell to fill tho vacancy. So intimates the Detroit Free Press. jC3T The Government has ordered Col. Sumner, with 1000 men, to proceed to the ' North Western portions of Iowa, an there punish the Indians for their recent outrages, then proceed to Utah and bring the cap tious Mormons into subjection to the laws of the United States. For the Grand Elver Times. Grand Haven, April 24, 1857. Mr. Barns : To the great surprise of my self, and not less I think of others present, I see that a simple sugar party, engaged in by all as a means of enjoying a Friday after noon pleasantly, has been seized upon by the Clarion as an " item," and in it I find my self, with others, presented to the eyes of its readers with a prominence not at all coveted and entirely repugnant to those feelings of delicacy which should find a place in every female mind. I should not be true to myself were I to remain silent and not protest against the publication of an article of this character, wherein private names, and those of ladies at that, are held up to the public gaze. Thus, though a lady, I avail myself of the medium of your paper to express my sentiments. Is it so, that we can havo no innocent amusements, no recreative parties, but that some " bachelor friend" must take notes to show his talents, and a soft-headed editor must give him a place in his columns ? To the author of tho 44 personalities" in the late issue of tho Clarion, wo (the ladies) say : We despise a man who has such a scar city of ideas that when he discovers the in gress of one in his cranium he forthwith pro ceeds to announce the unexpected discovery by holding it up for our admiration; and a man whoso brain is so shallow that im pressions sink no deeper than his tongue, meets with our thorough contempt. Neither can he expect to remain hidden by the 44 non do plume" of 44 our young bachelor friend," for who can fail to trace in the delicate des criptions, gentlemanly allusions, and refined comments therein contained, the forcible stylo of a late effusion in the Times, wherein Web ster, Walker aud Johnson are exhausted to furnish expletives, adjectives, and intensifies to acidulate and mustardize a harmless dose. To the Editor who has arrogated to him self equality with the Supreme Being, and uttered the fiat, 44 Let thero bo Light," we would merely suggest that before he again attempts 44 Creation out of nothing" ho' re examine the result of his late 44 six days la- labor" and see if he can himself pronounce it 44 Very good." We beg, Mr. Barns, that you will not hes itate to give this short article a place in your paper, as it is written by tho request of 44 the ladies." A Lady Present. Edge Tool Manufactory at Grand Rapids. Our friend and former fellow-citi zen, F. T. Ranney, Esq., has recently pur chased the property at Grand Rapids, former ly known as the 44 Grand Rapids Axe Facto ry," for the purpose of manufacturing Edge Tools a branch of business much needed in the Grand River Valley. Mr. R. is well known to our citizens as a man of good business capacity, possessed of a liberal share of enterprise, energy and Yan kee go-a-head-a-tiveness, and we have no doubt tho undertaking will prosper in his hands. We learn from the Enquirer that Mr. Ranney has engaged Mr. Hathaway for his Foreman, a gentleman possessed of large ex perience in the business, and fully competent for that responsible station. We wish Mr. R. abundant success in this new branch of business. J3T The Grand Rapids Enquirer, of tho 24th, states that a rape was committed on Wednesday preceding, by Martin Huff, on the person of a Mrs. Lewis, a cripple, aged 65 years, residing somo two and a half miles from the city, on the Ada road. It appears Mrs. L. had been out to visit a sick neighbor and was returning home, about 7 o'clock in the evening, and while passing a clump of bushes, Huff sprung out, seized her, threw her to the ground, and accomplish ed his foul purpose. Mrs. L., on being re leased, immediately gave tho alarm to work men in a brick-yard, nearby, and in company of police officer Baker, succeeded in capturing the demon, near FisVs hotel, took him to the house of Mrs. L., who recognized him as tho brutal offender, thence he was taken before Justice Sinclair and committed to await trial. The Enquirer thinks this is one of a crowd of villains who are beginning to infest that city, calling for great vigilance on tho part of the police. A Famine in our Midst. The Saginaw Enterprise, of recent date, states that great scarcity of provisions prevail in Genesee and Tuscola counties, and perhaps to a considera able extent in that county (tho article refer red to may bo seen in another column), so much so that several farmers havo been obliged to mortgage their farms to obtain tho necessaries of life Extensive Clotiiino House. As we have before said, the new store of Messrs, Porters fc Matiiison is doubtless the most elegantly furnished mercantile house in the State. The splendid mouldings which adorn the walls were produced by those excellent master-mechanics, Messrs, Dodge & More nousE,'of whose taste and skill, thus eviden ced, our citizens are and may well bo proud The work commands the admiration of all. The enterprising firm for whose use this store was prepared Messrs. Porters Mathison havo just opened therein the most extensive 6tock of Goods, belonging to the clothing trade, which has ever been brought into this State, west of Detroit. Of their quality and suitableness for this market it is enough to say, they were carefully se lected by tho senior member of the firm, who has been engaged iij the business for tho past eighteen years, and under whoso principa management, from a small beginning, has grown up in our city one of the most popu lar and extensive Clothing Establishments in the West. John Mathison, tho junior of the present firm has charge of the manufacturing depart ment, whoso capacity has been proven to tho satisfaction of our citizens by a steady 6er vice of twelve years in 44 Irving Hall." Lit tie 44 Ben.," the brother of Lewis, tho sen ior, is another 44 chip of tho same block" trained to the same correct business habits and an active and expert salesman. Mr. W. W. (Jantine is a clerk of gentle manly address, and has been so long engage in this establishment that he may be regard cd as a fixture one of its component parts, Mr. C. C. Miller is also engaged with Mr, Mathison in tho cutting department; and it is enough" to say that he is deemed worthy of the placo which he fills. Altogether, this elegant store so com pletely stocked, and so well managed is tru ly worthy of the extensive patronage which it is receiving. 44 Long may it wave." Grand Rapids Daily Eagle. Wo heartily endorse the Eagle's com ments, as presented above, and hesitate not to recommend to our numerous readers the firm and goods of Messrs. Porters k Math ison. &ST We learn from the Welland Herald (C. W.) that an act has recently passed both Houses of tho Canadian Parliament requir ing the public accounts to bo kept in dollars and cents, on and after the first of January 1858, thus dispensing entirely with the old system of pounds, shillings, pence, &c. jC3T Hon. Robert J. Walker, the now Governor of Kansas, is now in tho city of New York, and expects to leave that city, for Kansas, on tho 11th of May. JS3T It is stated that over 00 persons havo fallen victims to tho railroad accident at tho Desjardins bridge near Haralinton (C. W.) jCZT The friends of Gov. Geary, are urg ing upon tho President, his appointment as Governor of Utah. JC3T We are indebted to our friend, J. A. Leggat, for lato Chicago and New York papers. JJ3T The Detroit and Milwaukee Railway is considered a work of vast importance to railroad interests West of tho Lake, and citi zens of the different lake ports aro looking forward to its speedy completion with great interest. Tho opinion seems to prevail, uni versally, with railroad men, that this road will bo one of the most imporatnt and best paying roads in tho United States. The Ra cine Advocate, of tho 20th, says:. 44 Steam Ferry from Racine to Grand Haven. Tho vigorous prosecution of the Detroit and Grand Haven Railroad, with tho now certain prospect of its completion tho present season, has induced II. S. Durand, Esq., the President of tho Racine & Missis sippi Railroad, to confer with parties in New 1 ork, upon the establishment of a regular line of Steamers between Grand Haven and this city. In a letter from Mr. Durand, dat ed New York, April 15th, he says, 44 1 have received formal propositions from parties of tho fullest responsibility, and long expenenco in tho steamboat business on tho Lakes, for placing on tho routo between Racine and Grand Haven, two of the nncst passenger steamers on our inland waters, tho moment tho Grand- Haven Railroad is completed. The terms and conditions aro approved by the Detroit and Grand Haven Company, and will undoubtedly be confirmed by the Racine and Mississippi Railroad Company." It is well known by those familiar with railroad matters in the West, that no line has been commenced which commands more at tention or is invested with so much impor tance to Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa, as tho one starting from Detroit, thence to Grand Haven, Racine, Sabula on the Missis sippi, and through the very heart of Iowa to the Missouri Kiver. Of the practicability of running a line' of boats the whole season, there can be no doubt; occasionally interrup tions might occur, but it is confidently asserj el by practical men that tho communication may be kept open with sufficient regularity to keep tho travel unembarrassed. 44 The progress of our road, which for a short time back has been somewhat impeded by the awful weather, is now being pushed on most nobly. Freeport will soon bo reached, when connecting with tho Illinois Central Railroad, running to Dunleitb, and opening a direct route to Central Illinois and the Illinois river, with the vast coal regions and her well tilled, fertile prairies; who will say, the an ticipations of those who havo sacrificed and worked to accomplish this noble object have not been fully realized. "Between Freeport and Savannah tho work is so far done as to make sure of its completion tho present season; tho iron is purchased and paid for. Tho connection with the very best railroad yet projected in Iowa, has given an importance and strength to the Racino fc Mississippi Railroad most flattering to our citizens, for beyond doubt, in New York and Europe, men well posted in Railroad matters regard tho project as one in which invest ments can he mado with safety. Our Iowa neighbors are fully alivo to tho matter, and aro working with a determination which must meet with success." Scarcity of Provisions. We learn that in some portions of Genesee and Tuscola, ami probably in this county also, there is much suffering for want of provisions. All kinds of provisions, except flour, are unusually high, and very scarce throughout this Northern re gion. In the newly settled townships, whero mo6t of tho lands aro but little improved, and the past season unfavorable, the supply of provisions is short, and few of tho inhabit ants ablo to buy them at present high prices. Wo have heard of instances of great sufter itig and almost starvation, in particular neigh borhoods. In some cases we have heard of property being sacrificed at ruinous prices, and of men mortgaging their farms to ob tain means for the support of their families, whilo those who have no such resources to draw upon, must receive aid or suffer actual starvation. Even in our own village, the de mand for provisions is very lively; though we arc sure of at least one caso whero tho sales aro materially lessened in consequence of the emptiness of tho purchaser's pockets, auu ij js quue nweiy mere may oe oiners id a similar condition. Saginaw Enterprise. Albion, Mich., April 21. Fall of a Buildino. A tnree-storv brick building, owned by Mr. H. McGee, of this place, fell this afternoon at about 3 o'clock, buryiner five persons in the ruins. Onlv ono of tho number Mrs. Hollingsworth, adaugh- ter or Mr. ualc is thought to bo danger ously injured, the others having escaped with out serious injury. Tho building was occu pied by Mr. G. Gale. Hardware Dealer, and Messrs. Pratt & Odell, jewelers. Cleveland, April 21. The schooner Nonpareil, from Osweiro, ar rived here this morning, via tho feeder of tho Welland Canal. 44 Mr. Speaker," said a member of tho Jamaica Legislature, discussing a bill for tho regulation ot the lumber trade 44 1 know these timber merchants to bo the most ecrre- eious rascals I was in tho timber lino my self twelve years I" The new Governor of Kansas. Hon. Rob ert J. Walker, is now at the New York Ho tel, intending to remain in this city until May 11th. when ho will accept his commission. take the oath of office, and leave for the fa mous Territory. On Thursday evening Mr. Walker received a visit from a committee of young men from the Clionian Society of tho r reo Academy, and was addressed by the Chairman. Mr. Walker mado a brief but felicitious reply, expressing his earnest desiro to promote the peace and prosperity of Kan sas and the Union. Journal of Commerce, 18th. Happiness is a pig with a slippery tail which every ono runs after, but nobody can hold. Htm cHburrttscmt nts. DETROIT 8? MILWAUKEE RAILWAY. NOTICE is hereby given to the subscribers to the Capital Stock of the Detroit and Mllwnii. keo Railway, in Ottawa County, that their sub- , senpuona are aue ana payable at the Company's Office at Grand Rapids and Croclcerv Creek, ai follows f Five percent on the first dav of Mv. 1R.W. and five per cent on the first day of each succeeding month, until the full amount shall be paid in. AV. P. INNER. Resident F.ncrlnoov Tniirfh Dlvta. ion of the D. & M. Railway. 285 tf. SANDS XXX ALE. THE undersigned have the Agency for the salo of this celebrated Cream, Pale and Amber Ale, and are prepared to fill orders promptly, and sar isfactorily. Those wishing a fine article of ale,, will find ( on trial ) this ale to be superior to any draught ale ever before introduced into the Grand' River Valley. uraers for tho abovo aie is rcspeciiuwy soncuea. WASHINGTON HOUSE, Grand Haven, Leo- oat Brothers, Agents. 285 tf. JAMES PATTERSON, House, Boat and Sign Fainter, Grainer, Paper Hanger, Glazier ana Gilder. HAVING just arrived at this place, for the pur pose of opening a shop and making a per manent business, in the various departments of" the trade, I would announce that I am now pre pared to attend promptly to the calls of as many as may make application. JAMKS FATTERSOH. Grand Haren, April 21, 1S57. ftt