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.