The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1898-08-26

Washington, Aug. 10. - Gradually
the framework Of a government for
tine civil administration of affairs in
Cuba, Porto Rico and such portion of
the Philippines as this government
controls is being formed. The develop
ment Of this plan Of internal admins
tration occupied much Of the attention
of the cabinet yesterday, and later
Secretary Gage, Attorney General
Griggs, Postmaster General Smith and
Acting secretary of State Moore had
two hours conference at the state de-
partment, going over the infinite task
Of establishing civil administration
Adjt. Gen. Corbin was present for a
short time. At first the military au-
thorities will be in charge of affairs in
Cuba, Porto Rico and other acquired
possessions. But the military authori-
ties can do little more than direct the
ing on of postal communication, the
functions which will be taken in hand
entire work being
Under the Protection
of the military authorities. The re-
suit of the conferences will he made
known through the various depart
ments. Already steps have been taken
to restore 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 to-day, carrying the first lot Of
mail for Cuba which has left New
York since the war begun. The
Spanish government has been quite So
licitous as to the method of administer
ing affairs in the Antilles, owing to
the large Spanish interests remaining
there. The French ambassador has
received number Of inquiries in this
direction and these have been laid be-
fore the state department.. After the
conference there yesterday afternoon
NJ. Thiebaut, the secretary of the
French embassy, called and was in
formed of the purposes of this govern
ment to establish stable form of gov
eminent throughout the Spanish West
Indies. The French ambassador has
also been advised by the state depart
ment of it's selection Of military COM
missioners to meet at Havana and San
Juan. The names of these commits
soners has been awaited at Madrid, as
it is the purpose there to
Appoint Spanish Commissioners
of the same rank as those named by
the United States. During the day the
government began an effort, through
diplomatic circles, to re-establish cable
communication with Manila. 1t is be-
lieved by officials that the efforts will
prove successful, although some days
may elapse before the diplomatic rep
reservations have borne fruit. The
cable office of Manila is under control
Of British company. The line is un-
derstood to be cut near Manila, but
Admiral Dewey has buoyed the sew
cred ends so that connection can be
restored if the company will permit
the line to be operated. Pending the
renewal of this cable route the au-
thorities here remain without direct
advices from the reported lombard
ment and surrender of Manila last
Saturday. The fact that the city has
passed into American hands is ac-
copied as practically certain by the au-
thorities here. although there is moth
ing vet from Admiral Dewey or Gen.
Merritt. 1t is expected that a dispatch
boat may bring dispatches to Hong
kong at any moment, as a movement
of this Importance would not be al
lowed to pass without getting speedy
communication with washington. AS
a German cruiser has made the trip
from Manila since the reported sur
render it is expected that an American
ship is not far behind with full in
formation.