The Washington times., 1914-02-22

dent Wilson nor Secretary Bryan mad
received further advices.
The investigation instituted by the
United States Government is still in
progress, and So far as could be learned
no report or intimation as to the con-
ditions that have heen found has yet
been received iii Washington.
President Wilson and Secretary Bryan
are awaiting EnSlands move. Thus
far no official representations have
heen made by that government Am
hasSador Spring-RiCe has requested the
state Department for all information
this Government has, concerning the
killing of Benton at Juarez, insisting
that his request should be considered
as unofficial.
Acting on this request, Secretary
Of the facts connected with Benton 9
death. Not only were Thomas ID. Ed
wards and George G. Carothers, the
american consular representatives AT
Iuarez. ordered to transmit the records
uf the court-nartial proceedings
through which Villa declares Benton's
ueath was ordered. but they were in
Otructed to gather information from
every available source.
American Consul Letcher. at Chihua-
hua. was instructed to interview General
Villa. who went to that city from
Juarez after killing. and TO make re-
rort supplementary to that given by
Consul Edwards Of his conversation
with Vita
Mean to Investigate.
This is taken to indicate that the
State Department is not disposed to
accept the explanation wired by Villa
TO Roberto V. Pesauiera. constitution
alist agent at Washington, without
further investigation Villa declared
Panfpn HnartiSf3 SymDa-
iEiZer and a murderer of Mexican citi-
xSnS. Further. he said Benton entered
his apartments armed and attempted
10 shoot him. Benton was arrested III
accordance with the laws and usaSes
OF war. Villa declared, tried by court
martial. convicted. and executed. AS
further justification he pointed to gen.
eral orders of the United States army,
which provide that armed prowlers'
who come within the line Of an army ot
occuDation with hostile intent are not
entitled to the privileges Of prisoners
of war.
Aside from any action the British
government may take, or any change IL
mag force in the policy of this Govern
nent there is gravity added to the situ-
alton by the Indignation of the citizens
of Texas. New Mexico and Arizona, who
insist that the policy of "watchful wait
ing is costing the lives and property
OF innocent persons. They declare that
more than 100 Americans have been
killed since the revolution began.
1t as pointed out in Washington as an
evidence of Great Britain's power, that
the death Of one British subject has
been more potent in forcing a crisis
than the death of the 100 Americans.
And it is this realization of Great Brit
Tor the death of any of its subjects that
causes the present apprehension in
Washington official circles.
Responsibility to Be Placed.
If England is not satisfied with Villas
explanation that Benton was the ag-
sressor and insists on the punishment
OF the person responsible for his death
that responsibility, it IS pointed out here.
VIII rest on Villas shoulders. The
United States, in this contingency, could
not proceed against Villa without actual
Intervention. 1t is declared, because Cen
Graz Carranza, the constitutionalist lead
er. has given his support to villa, and
would submit to prosecution arising
fight.
Meanwhile the japanese government
rs SAD to be taking the deepes: interest
in the, present crisis and the mart ito
ely. Great Britain. may play.
Masano Hanihara the Jananesa
nhder-secretary of state, who has been
IN Washington after visit to Mexico
@ 70 Insesusate the condition of his coun-
Francisco to sail for home. without
caInng on President Wilson or Secre-
tary Bryan, as 1t was announced he
was expected to do.
Ferrero Sounds Warning.
In this connection a warning sounded
BY Guglielmo Ferrero, the italian his
tofian. which is published today. has
neen read with interest in Washington.
Ferrero declares that the American
people would do well not to regard the
Mexican problem too much as if if
were isolated. and in rejecting on what
may occur in Mexico, not to forget Ja-
pan too much. The Mexican crisis NAV
nave strange indirect consequences in
The far East, he be ieves
Ferrero declares that the policy of
masked intervention adopted by the
United States in Mexico is the wrong
one as il leads to prolonging instead of
shortening the conflict. The Italian de-
lines masked intervention as the
giving OF indirect support to one of
the two parties at war-and usually to
the weaker one and this. he says, is
the policy the United States has adopt
ed with Mexico.