The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1898-08-17
OUR NEW PROVINCES.
Cabinot officers PerfeCting Arrange
ments For Their Government.
CARRYING THE MAIL TO CUBA.

A steamer Leaves New York with
the First Lot of Mail Since the War
Begnn--An Effort to Re-eStnblish
Gable Communication with Manila.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 17.-Gradually the
framework of a government for the
civil administration of affairs in Cuba,
Porto Rico and such portions of the
Philippines as this government con-
trolls is being formed. The develop
ments Of this plan of internal admins
tration occupied much of the attention
of the cabinet yesterday, and later Sec
retary Gage, Attorney General Grggs,
Postmaster General Smith and Acting
Secretary of State Moore held a two
/ hours conference at the state depart
ment, going over the infinite detail of
establishing a civil administration. Gen
eral Corbn was, present part of the
time. At the outset the military au-
thorities will be in charge of all ad-
ministrative affairs In Cuba, Porto Rico
and other acquired possessions. But
the military forces can do little more
than direct orderly execution of af-
fairs. The carrying on of postal COM
munication, the collection of customs,
etc, are civil functions which Will be
taken in hand by the appropriate bu-
reaus here, the entire work being under
the protection of the military authori-
ties.
Already steps have been taken to re-
store mail communication between this
country and Cuba but the plans now
under consideration are likely to take
In the question Of handling mail in
| side of Cuba, Porto Rico and other
points. A mail steamer left New
York today carrying the first lot of
/ mail to Cuba. which has left New
York since the war began. The Span
ish government has been quite solicit
Gus as to the method of administering
| affairs in the Antilles. owing to the
large Spanish interests remaining
there. The French ambassador has re-
ceived a number of inquiries in this
line, and these have been laid before
the state department.
Yesterday the government began an
effort through diplomatic channels, to
re-establish cable communication with
Manila. 1t is believed by officials that
the efforts will prove successful, al
though some days may elapse before
! the diplomatic representations have
borne fruit. The cable out of Manila
is under the control of a British com
pany. The line Is understood to be
cut near Manila, but Admiral Dewey
has buoyed the severed ends, so that
a connection can be restored If the
company will permit the line to be
operated. Pending the renewal of this
cable route the authorities here remain
without direct advices from the re-
ported hombardment and surrender of
Manila last Saturday. The fact that
the city has passed into American
hands is accepted as practically certain
by the authorities here, although there
is nothing yet from Admiral Dewey
or General Merritt. 1t is expected that
a dispatch boat may bring advices to
Hong Kong at any time, as move of
this important character would not be
allowed to pass without getting speedy
communication to Washington.
The announcement of Admirals Samp-
son and Schley as members of the mill
itary commissions for Havana and San
Juan, respectively, will have the effect
of taking these officers from their duty
on shipboard for u time. The navy
department will relieve them of their
commands temporarily while the COM
missions are in session. In the absence
of Admiral Sampson, Captain Philips,
who is hte senior officer, will probably
be in temporary command of the
fleet.