you have it backwards, the fuel filter is installed in line to the carb. take a good close look at the filters design (im assuming its te clear one you can see through) and think about flow. gas comes in, goes through the paper element, and out.
as for the carb, on the top there should be a place for your cable and on the body of the carb there should be a protrusion for a fuel line to slip over.
have you gotten the throttle cable all hooked up?