The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-03-07
MEXICAN SITUATION GRAVE,
STATES HAS DELICATE PROB
LEM CONFRONTING 1T.
Although CarranZa'S Course Adds 10
ComplcAity. Administration Policy
Will Remain Uncliangcd-WiII Seek
Compliance With Demands.


that he fully realizes the gravity of
the situation resulting from the kill
ing Of William 5. Benton, q British
subject, the reported murder of Gus
tav Bauch, and Clemente Vergara,
American citizens, and Gen. Car
ranza's denial of the right of the Unit
ed States to look after the interests Of
foreigners generally in Mexico. The
president spoke deploringly Of armed
intervention, but at the same time
pointedly referred TO the size and
power Of a country like the United
states as being sufficient warrant for
calm and patient course, while COM
pliance with the American demands
was being sought. Callers got the i'm
preston from the president that he
was determined TO try every paceful
means at his disposal to solve the
Mexican problem but that he realized
certain eventualities might mean a
drastic course. He spoke with a firm
ness that showed his determination
not to be stamped into action by
radical speeches in congress, out with
hint that when the necessity arose,
the American government could be
expected to move decisively and ef-
fectively.
! Upon Great Britain's attitude to-
wards the Benton case depends large
| ly the extent to which the United
States will become involved. Should
England show an inclination to let the
Benton case await final adjudication
at time when a firm government is
established in Mexico the United
States will not feel called upon to
challenge Gen. Carranzas specific re-
ministration with information about
Bentons death.
! Representations have been made to
Gen. Carranza, it is understood,
through American Consul Simpich at
Nogales and on their outcome de-
pends whether or not the expedition
which had planned to go to Chihuahua
from JuareZ yesterday, to examine
! Benton's body, will carry out its mis-
sion.
The Washington administration,
however, is taking it for granted that
arrangements authorized by Gen.
Villa for the departure of the COM
mission to Chihuahua soon will be
approved by Carranza.
We are waiting for the details to
be completed said Secretary Bryan.
It was his only comment.
Administration officials realize that
in not communicating first with Car
rama they have offended his personal
dignity, and they hope to overcome
this by consulting him now, impress
ing upon the constitutionalist chief,
incidentally, that the American gov
ernment does not think formalities
ought to stand in the way of obtain
ing proper protection for foreigners.
Gen. Carranzas declaration that
| foreign governments should address
him about the welfare Of their sub
jeCts led to a visit to Secretary Bryan
To-day by Sir Cecil Rice Spring, the
British ambassador, and Senor Riano,
the Spanish ambassador. Both Spain
and England have recognized the HUI
erta government and have been look
ing to the United States to act for
them in northern Mexico. There is
every indication that this course will
be continued and it is clearly eStab-
lished that Carranza's manoeuvre will
not lead the British government into
any recognition or other dealing with
him.
President Wilson explained to call
ers that many foreign governments
had desired the United States TO look
after their subjects, but of course had
demanding it.
Strictly speaking, Carranza might
insist on his right not to deal with
one government in the interests OF
another, but such a situation un-
dOubtedly would produce grave COM
plications with the United states gov
eminent, upon whom the powers oi
the world have learned to look as
the dominant factor in anAmerican
diplomacy.
Carranza once before has suggested
that Spain instead of the United
states should address him directly
about the welfare of Spanish subjects,
but on that occasion. assurances were
given that all foreigners would be pro-
tccted. The Benton case is the first
specific refusal in regard to the in
tcrcsted government in the case III the
subject of another country.