The Topeka state journal., 1914-02-24
ON 4 new TACK.


CONTINUED from Page one.)
General Carranza. whom villa regards
as his superior. the administration
proposes to be sure OF tts ground
Within . few days 1t will have At hand
Quoted by the American consular rep
in Juarez and Chihuahua
City.
II the reports received from these
officers show that Benton was wan
tonly killed. then this fact. together
with the desire to satisfy public opin-
ION in Great Britain win cause repre-
eentations to be made to Carranza for
the punishment of Villa
America to BE Responsible.
Great Britain's acquiescence in the
Wilson policy in Mexico has placed
upon this government the moral re-
sponsibility OF af1ording protection to
OF northern Mexico controlled by the
constitutionalists and of compelling re-
dress for any Outrages perpefrated
upon any OF these subjects
The United States may disclaim
such responsibility. Of course. IL this
were done the pressure Of British pub
lie opinion might AFFECT the policy OF
the British government
In this connection 1t IL interesting to
note that Great Britain Joined with
Spain some 60 years ago to secure in
demnity for the sufrerings OF their
subjects; that during the second Cleve-
land administration British marines
occupied the port Of Corinto and forced
the Nicaraguan government to pay an
indemnity, and that British men of
war participated In the blockade Of
Venezuela to obtain satisfaction from
the Castro government In none OF
these cases was any objection regis
tered by the United States.
Britain to Keep Hands on.
There is a different situation exist
ing in Mexico at the present time.
that Mexico is a purely American
problem and 1t does not want to COM
plfcate its solution by armed inter-
vention. This is more especially the
case because Of the consideration
President Wilson has shown to Great
Britain in connection with the PAN
anna canal tolls dispute.
1t is significant that the British
authorities have not ordered an inves-
tigation by their own agents. They
have asked the United States to ascer-
tain the facts and they win be dis
posed to acquiesce in any policy based
thereon which the United States may
care to adopt. That is to say. they
will expect this government to insist
upon redress, which will include the
punishment OF Villa
Assumes Right Of Action.
In the message he read to congress
last August the president included this
warning:
I'VE should let everyone who assumes
to exercise any authority in any part
OF Mexico know in the most unequfvo-
cal way that We shall vigflantly watch
the fortunes Of those Americans who
cannot get away. and shall hold those
g. -. vrd
losses to a definite reckoning"
In spite Of this warning. which was
communicated to all the leaders IN
Mexico, outrages have continued upon
Americana Since the beginning of the
insurrection 300 have been killed or In
tured. while their property and that IT
many others has been destroyed.
Think United States win Not Act
These outrages undoubtedly are the
direct result of the view prevailing in
Mexico that the United States is afraid
to take any effective measures for the
protection Of its citizens.
Had villa believed his action In kill
ing Benton might stir the United
States to action, 1t is evident he would
have been exceedingly careful in deal
ing with the Englishman. He would
have invited the American consul. az
the representative of British interests
to attend the court-martiaL
Under such circumstances there
would have been NO cause for COM
plant, provided the facts justified the
Oner.
Should Shoot or Yield the Gun.
London, Feb. 24.@Sharp comment is
made by the Manchester Guardian to-
day on Sir Edward Grey's statement
in the house OF commons yesterday, in
regard to the killing Of William 8.
Benton at Juarez by Gen. Villa. The
newspaper asks:
rs 1t not mere playing with words
to say that in such case the United
States has no responsibility? II that
were so the Monroe doctrine would be
, mere instrument OF international
anarchy, whereas the whole tendency
Of President Wilson's policy has been
to make it a force for order and good
government. If we are not RESPONSE
bic then the United States is. We Ger
tainly do not wish to drive the United
States government into Intervention,
but it cannot deny to other powers a
right Of defending their interests and
at the same time refuse to defend them
ITSELF
No Trace OF Bauch.
Chihuahua, Feb. 24.-In reply to in
quiries made at the penitentfary here
today by Marion Letcher. the Ameri-
can consul, and the Associated Press
American reported missing. had never
been there. At the city hall. the
American consul also failed to find
any trace Of the missing man.
Charges Benton with Murder.
Juarez, Feb. 24.-A telegram in
which General Villa at Chihuahus
charged the late William S. Benton
with being a cattle thief and having
committed four murders, was re-
ceived at military headquarters here
today.
VILLAS OWN STORY.
Rebel Chief Tells How Benton Came
to His Death.
Chihuahua. Feb. z4-General