The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-08-19


the frame work 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
ment Of this plan Of internal admin
istration occupied much of the atten-
tion Of the cabinet today, and later
Secretary Gage, Attorney General
Griggs, Postmaster General Smith and
Acting Secretary Of State Moore held
a two hours conference at the state
department, going over the definite
details Of establishing a civil admins-
tratiOn. General COrbin was present
part Of the time. At the outset, the
military authorities will be in charge
Of all administra tive affairs in Cuba,
Porto Rico and other acquired posses
siOns; but the military forces can do
little more than direct the orderly ex-
ecution of affairs. The carrying on
of postal communication, the colec-
tiOn Of customs, etc, are civil func-
lions which will be taken in hand by
the appropriate bureaus here, the en-
tire work being under the protection
Of the military authorities. The re-
suit of the conference today will be
made known through the various de-
partments.
RESTORATION OF MAIL FACILI-
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
inside of Cuba, Porto Rico and other
points. A mail steamer will leave New
York tomorrow, carrying the first lot
of mail to Cuba which has left New
York since the war began.
The Spanish government has been
solicitous as to the method of admin
istering affairs in the Antilles, owing
to the large Spanish interests remain
ing there.
TO OPEN CABLE LINE WITH MA
Mia.
During the day, the government be-
gan effort, through diplomatic
channels, to re-establish cable com
muncation with Manila. 1t was be-
lieved by officials tonight that the eff
forts would prove successful, although
some days may elapse before the dip
lOmatiC representations will bear fruit.
The cable out of Manila is under the
is understood to be cut near Manila,
but Admiral Dewey has buoyed the
severed ends, so that connection can
he restored if the company will permit
the line to be operated. Pending the
renewal of this cable route, the au-
thOrtieS here remain without direct
adviCes of the reported bombardment
and surrender of Manila last Satur-
day.
The fact that the city has passed into
American possession is accepted as
practically certain by the authorities
here, although there is nothing yet
from Admiral Dewey or General Mer-
ritt confirming the news. 1t is ex-
pected that a dispatch boat may bring
advices to Hong Kong at any time, as
move of thls important character
would not be ellowed to pass without
getting speedy communication to
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 war department did not make
public a dispatch received from Cen
-era Lawton relative to the Cubans ia
Santiago but the order which General
Eorbin sent to General Lawton indi-
Gates something of it's nature. General
1-awton reports that the Gu bans are
seem disposed 10 accept the conditions
imposed by the armistice, and some
trouble has occurred. Secretary AAger.
in speaking of the matter tod;ly. SAID
that it might well be fully under-
stood that the United States woul con-
troll the surrendered territory and thas
It would manage the affairs of the
territory. Those who remained wi thfr
the jurisdiction would have TO OBEY
the laws and officers of the Unit ed
States. as General Lawton was in'--
formed.
TO MUSTER OUT VOLUNTEERS.
The war department began the work
of mastering out the volunteers which
will not be needed in the service. The
order was prepared for mastering out
SO, 600 men, but was not issued, as it
was deemed best to wait news from
Manila before disbanding any of the
troops 1t is expected that all the
cavalry and artillery of the volunteer
force now in the United States will be
mustered out. Unless there is de-
cided change in the present plans of
the war department, 100 600 volunteers
will be mustered out within the next
thirty days.
Reports of better conditions in the
various camps are being received and
especially do fiattering reports come
from Montauk Point showing that the
soldiers are being we'll cared for there.
DISPATCHES FROM DEWEY.
The state department received notice
late tonight OF the arrival at Hong
Kong Of the dispatch boat Zatiro with