Detroit Free Press (Detroit, MI), 1 May, 1874

A WELCOME MESSENGER. - The arrival of the steamer St. Joseph, now en route to Mackinaw, will be hailed as a messenger of mercy to the shipping beleaguered by ice and out of provisions. The St. Joseph fortunately took from here a sufficient quantity of breadstuffs to meet their requirements.

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THE STRAITS. - The arrival of the iron steamer Japan at Milwaukee yesterday morning from Buffalo via the north channel affords no positive assurance that there is an opening for the passage of vessels, or that those which have been beleaguered in the ice and in distress are in any improved condition than last reported. The south passage at latest advices was still unbroken, and it was probably through the most persistent efforts of so powerful a steamer as the Japan that she effected a passage on the north side.

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FROM CHEBOYGAN. - A dispatch dated Cheboygan, April 30, 2 p.m., says: The fleet bound down are passing through north channel; south channel still blockaded.

Later advices may show that only strong steam craft are able to force their way through that passage, as up to the time of the steamer Japan going through, the ice barrier presented strong resistance, which only soft weather and very favorable winds could break up.