once beautiful island of Cuba becomes a desolate waste of ruined towns and
barren fields.

It 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