t seems as if some friend ought to step between the two warring
countries, and try to bring about an understanding between them.

There seems to be a chance that the United States may be that friend.

It has been felt that our rulers were too friendly to Spain, and that in
preventing the filibustering expeditions from leaving our shores, they
were in truth doing police duty for Spain, and helping her, contrary to
the wishes of the country, which is in sympathy with Cuba.

In the case of General Rivera this can no longer be said.

When it was learned that the General was not to be treated as an honorable
soldier and held as a prisoner of war, but was to be tried by a drumhead
court-martial and shot as a rebel, the Senate immediately took action in
his behalf.

A drumhead court-martial is a hurried trial held in camp. It is used in
the case of spies or deserters, or for soldiers who have committed some
disgraceful act which is best disposed of at once.

Senator Allen, of Nebraska, offered a resolution, declaring it the duty of
the President to protest to the Spanish Government against such a
violation of the rules of civilized warfare.

The resolution was passed, and much to every one's satisfaction,
twenty-four hours after, Senator Sherman, the Secretary of State, had the
pleasure of announcing that the Spaniards had decided not to hold any
drumhead court-martial, but to keep General Rivera as a prisoner of war.

This means that he will not be shot, but will be held by the Spaniards
until the end of the war, or until they want to exchange him for a
Spaniard of equal rank, who may happen to fall into the hands of the
Cubans.

This prompt deference to the wishes of the Senate looks as if the
Spaniards were ready to look at Cuban matters more fairly and calmly.

An offer from President McKinley to bring about an understanding between
the two countries has been courteously received by the Spaniards, and
though it has not been accepted as yet, it is a great step in the right
direction that Spain is willing to receive the offer amicably.

In the mean while, there is a joint resolution before the Senate, offered
by Senator Morgan, of Alabama. It is "that a state of war exists in Cuba,
and that the United States shall accord belligerent rights in its ports
and lands to both parties engaged in the struggle."

Senator Morgan has laid a great mass of evidence before the House, which
shows that the Cubans have a governme