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 government which is in thorough working order, making laws, administering justice, carrying on a postal service, and maintaining a fine and well-organized army. Under these circumstances, he claims that Cuba is not engaged in mere rioting and disturbance, but in an earnest warfare, a struggle for liberty, in which she should have the sympathy of other free nations, and be given by them the privileges of a nation at war. If this resolution is passed, Cuba will be free to fit out a navy to help her in the struggle, and to buy in this country and ship all the arms she needs to carry on the war.