The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-02-26

Washington, February 25-The Mex
lean situation. which, in the last few
days, has centred chiefly on Efforts 10
deterininc how and why the Constitu-
tionalists executed William S. Benton.
a British subject. o-day was broad
ened when Consul Garrett. at Nuevo
Laredo, was instructed TO inquire into
the hanging by Mexican Federals OF
Ciementc Ncrgara. an American citizen.
The consul was directed by the state
department to demand the body OF the
dead American from officers OF the
iuerta government I'm the vicinity OF
Hidalgo. Mexico. where Vergara was
killed. Earlier in Tho day Marion
l.ctchcr. American sonsul NJ Chihuahua
had been instructed TO insist that Cen
cral villa permit the delivery OF the
body OF Benton 10 tho widow for burial
where she may wish.
These, with an explanation by Secre-
tary Bryan to the Senate Foreign Rela-
lions Committee of all the state De-
partments information on the Renton
incident and Mexico geucrnIy consti-
tuted the principal developments OF the
day.
surgeon 10 Exnmine BODY.
General Villas message OF last night.
Offering to permit the widow Of Benton
or relatives and an American official to
see the body when exhumed is taken
by the American government to mean
that complete medical examination
may be performed. Secretary Bryan
told the Senator'S that the United States
was Insisting that two American repre-
scntatives be permitted to see tn.
body. and that one of these be an army
surgeon. He also has made inquiry as
10 exactly where the grave is located
General villa late to-day had not re-
piled to the last request OF Secretary
Bryan for the surrender OF Benton's
body, but II is understood Sir Cecil
Spring Rice. the British ambassador.
for the present will be satisfied IL there
is an opportunity for an autopsy to
determine whether Benton was shot by
a pistol bullet or by rifle bullets from
a firing squad
1t IS thought the British ambassador
is anxious that evidence be obtained
first. believing discussion OF the dispo-
sltion of the body can be taken UP af-
terwards. The same army surgeon,
who Will be detailed by General Scott,
at Fort Bliss. to act With the British
consul. Charles y. S. Perceval, when
he arrives ut Ell Paso, will report to
tho American government OH the con-
dltiop Of the Benton corpse.
The British ambassador early to-day
had brief conference with Secretary
Bryan. and later was kept informed OF
MESA gcs received by the state Depart
ment
No Change of Policy.
That no change of policy in connec-
tion with tho treatment OF the Mex lean
problem was discussed in the Senate
conference with Secretary Bryan, he
came known afterwards II is appar-
ent, however, that while officials are
not preJudginS tho Benton affair and
are waiting for facts, the danger to
hn np
Mexico and what is being construed as
inability of a part of the Constitu-
tionalists, at least to prevent interna-
tional complications, is receiving deep
consideration by high administration
officials
1t has developed that the American
government is informally looking to
General VenuStiano Carranza, as titular
head of the Constitutionalists move
ment. to clarity the situation in con-
nection with the Benton killing.
The news that Luis Cabrera was at
Juarez, comforting with Villas friends,
urging the Immediate delivery of the
body for examination was received
with satisfaction by the State Depart
ment Cabrera is understood to be an
emissary from Carranza, and. 1t is said,
tho state Department. on previous oc-
casions has benefited by his activI-
ties for protection of foreigners.
Should Carranza's influence with
Villa be unavailing in the present in
stance, it is admitted by many officials,
tho American government will regard
the problem in Northern Mexico as
having developed a much moro serious
aspect than before.
= Armed Guards at Legations.
Another aspect of the situation en-
gaginG attention hero is the sending
10 Mexico City OF armed legation
guards of foreign nations. Tho possi-
bility of complications over their pres
ence I'm case OF overt acts or disturb
ances in Mexico City. is being taken in
to consideration. While the suggestion
Of sending II guard for tho American
embassy was rejected as unnecessary
two weeks ago, it now is being dis
cussed with seriousness.
Secretary Bryan took the Senate COM
mite into his confidence on the MeXi-
can situation In general, and the BEN
ton execution IN particular, and also
nation as pertaining to other countries.
Continued On Third Pago)