The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-08-17

Washington, August 16.-Gradually the
framework Of a government for the civil
administration of affairs in Cuba, Porto
Rico and such protions of the Philip.
pines as this government controls is being
formed. The Development of this plan of
international administration occupied
much of the time of the cabinet today and
later Attorney General Griggs. Secretary
Gage, Postmaster General Smith and
Acting Secretary of State Moore, held
two hours conference at the state depart
ment, going over the detail of establish
ing civil administration.
At he outset, the military authorities
will be In charge of all administration
affairs in Cuba, Porto Rico and other
acquired possessions. But the military
forces can do little more than direct the
orderly execution of affairs. The carrying
on of Iostal communication, the collec-
tion of customs, etc., are civil functions
which will te taken in hand by the ap-
propriate bureaus here, the entire work
being under. the protection of the military
authorities.
Steps have been taken to restore mail
communication between this country and
Cuba, but the plans now under consider
alton are likely to take in the question OF
handling mail inside of Porto Rlco,
Cuba and other points. A mail steamer
will leave New York tomorrow carrying
the first lot of mail to Cuba which has leIt
New York since the war began. The Span
ish government has been quite sol1c1tous as
+L1 tl,od ,f nHr mi Gt a11AIrG
the Antiules, owing to the large Spanish
interests remaining there. The French
ambassador has received a number OF
inquiries in this line and these have been
laid before the State department. AI1er
the conference held there this afternoon,
M. Thiebaut of the French EN- bassy,
called and was made acquainted with the
general plans of this government IN re-
storing a stable administration through.
out the Spanish West Indies. The French
am bassator has also been advised BY the
state department of its selection OF MILL
tary commissions to meet at Havana ana
San Juan. The last of these commissions
has been awaited at Madrid, sas 1t is the
purpose there to appoint Spanish commls.
sioners of the same rank as those named
by the United States. During the day,
the government began an effort. through
diplomatic channels. to re-establish cable
with Manila. 1t was be-
Jieyed by officials tonight that the efforts
would prove successful although some
days may elapse bsfore the diplomatic
have borne fruit.
Pending the renewal OF this cable
route. the authorities here remain without
direct advices from the reported bom-
bardment and surrender of Manila last
Saturday, The fact that the city has
rassed into American hands is accepted
as practically certain by the authorities
here aIthouh there is nothing yet from
Admiral Dewey or Gen. Merritt. 1t is ex-
pected that a despatch boat may bring
advlces to Hong Kong at any time, as q
move of this important character Would
not be allowed to pass within gettlng
speedy communication with Washington.
AS a German cruiser has made the trip
from Manila since the reported surrender,
it is probable that an American ship is
not far behind with full information.
The announcement of Adnirals Samp'
son and Schley as members of the mill
tary missions for Hava ma and San Juan,
respectively. will have the effect of taking
these officers from their duty on ship
board for time.
The navy department will relieve them
from their commands temporarily while
the commissions are in session. In the
absence of Admiral Sampson, Commodore
Philip, who is senior officer, will prob
ably he in temporary command of the
fleet.
Gen. Lawton reports that the Cubans
are encamped about the city and do not
seem disposed to accept the conditions
imposed by the armistice, and some
troubles have occurred. Secretary Alger,
in speaking of this matter today said that
it might as we'll be fully understood that
the United States would control the sur
rendered territory and that 1t would
manage the affairs of that territory.
Those who remained within the jurisdic-
tion would have to obey the laws and
officers of the United States.
The war department began the work
of mastering out the volunteers which
will not be needed in the service. The
order was prepared, but was not issued as
it was deemed best to wait news from
Manila befora disbandiDg any of the