because the punishing of General Rivera would have a very desirable
effect on the insurgents.

A Cabinet council has been called in Madrid, and the question is being
carefully discussed. The decision is anxiously awaited.

A letter has been received from General Lee saying that food purchased
with the Relief Fund is being distributed to the needy Americans.

* * * * *

The _Dauntless_ is certainly a very lucky little vessel.

We told you last week how she had been captured by the cutter _McLean_,
in consequence of an accident to her machinery.

The crew of the _Dauntless_ were of course arrested with her, and were
brought to Key West for trial.

To everybody's surprise they have been discharged on the ground that
there was no evidence to prove they were engaged in fitting out a
filibustering expedition.

The Madrid newspapers are saying very bitter things about the United
States for not punishing the persons connected with these affairs. They
declare that we make a pretence of taking them prisoners to satisfy
Spain, and then set them at liberty to please ourselves.

* * * * *