Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-08-18
SERIOUS PROBLEMS.
philippines Causing the Admins
tration Considerable Anxiety.
1HB GOVERNMENT OF PORTO RICO.


D Military 0OvernOE Tue tho
Pro.ent
Washington, Aug. lo.-The white
house, the war department and the
navy department resumed their usual
Sunday quietude, condition which
has not prevailed since the Maine was
blown up in Havana harbor, February
IL Secretary Alger was at the depart
ment few minutes and also went TO
the white house, but did not remain
long. Gen. Corbin came TO his office
during the day and looked over his
dispatches, but did not remain con-
stantly on duty as he has been doing
The president believes that the most
serious problem which the peace COM
mission will be called upon to
deal with Is the Philippines Be-
fore the commission assemblies
II is hoped the affairs of Cuba
and Porto Rico will be found in such
process OF adjustment as to leave liz
lie for the commission to consider un-
der that head. The absolute relin-
punishment by Spain of all sovereignty
over the islands in the West Indies
will allow only the property questions
TO be settled between the govern
ments: that is, what Spain shall take
away and what shall remain as cap
lures Of war, and the protection Of
Spanish subjects and their property
In the islands. The greater questions
growing out Of the war, as relating to
Cuba and Porto Rico, will have to be
dealt with BY the United States alone.
The fact that the Philippines will
present the difficult problem in the
oesce negotiations has caused the I'D
ministration to give IT a great deal OF
careful attention. Several suggestions
have been made as to what shall be
done, one being the retention of the
bay, city and harbor OF Manila, just
what the protocol gives temporarily.
Another is that Subig bay and sutii-
cient amount OF territory for Il
naval and coalinp station be Sc.
cured, and the building up of
On American city at that place
begun. Still another idea which Is be-
Ing considered Is the retention of the
island Of Luzon, the advocates Of that
plan believing that there would be
trouble between the two governments
which occupy portion Of the island
with q line OF demarcation, such as
would exist In case Manila and the
bav only were retained. The island
Of Luzon Is the largest OF the group,
and contains about 100000 people,
which are said to be the better class
in the Philippines It Is believed,
however, that the administration and
the commission will be greatly in.
fiuenced by the reports which Admiral
Dewey and Gen. Merritt will make on
the subject Their reports are expect.
ed before the commission meets.
The final determination as TO the
government OF Porto Rico and the set.
Element of the government of Cuba
are problems for settlement, but the
impression prevails that these islands
will become quite rapidly American
lied, and every encouragement for
them to do so will be given. Porto
Rico will be under military control
for the present. Cuba also will be
similarly governed. but 1t is probable
that American reforms in the matter
of government will be such that the
people OF Cuba will see the advantage
OF becoming annexed to the United
States.
There has been little doubt about
anon settling thu transfer of Porto
Rico. and the reception which the
American troops have received In that
island is n Justification for the belief
Porto Rico will be treated at once as
m American possession. The frs,
movement In this direction will be the
sendinr Of n delegation of officials
from The most office depnrtment
II investigate and report upon
the mail facilities there now
and TO make such recommended.
tions as thew determine mon
Mail routes, methods OF TRANSPORTATION,
and the conditions Of most offices Gen,
arallv In the island will be examined
Military most offices will be established
At once wherever troops are stationed
and A. such other points rs NAV he de-.
manded bv the interests of American,
and the people of the islands II tbe
uresent offices are not available A
similar course will be taken in Cuba
but this ia likely to be DELAYED AS IN,
immediate removal of tho Snan,sh and