The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-26


Washington. February 25.--Thc Mex
lean situation. which the last few days
termine how and why the constitu-
tionniists executed william =. Benton,
n British subject, was broadened today
when Consul Garrett Mt Nuevo Laredo
WAS instructed 10 inquire into the
hanging by Mexican federais of Glenn
ente yersara, nm American citizen.
The consul was directed by the state
department to demand the body of the
cead American from officers of the
Huerta government in the vicinity Of
Hidalgo. Mexico where Vergara was
killed Barrier in the day Marion Letcher,
American consul at chihuahua had been
instructed 10 insist that General villa per-
nit the delivery of the body of Benton
20 the widow for burial where she may
wish
These, with an eSplanation by Secre
tary BRYAN to the Senate foreign relations
committee of all the state departments
Information on the Benton incident and
Mexico generally constituted the prin-
cpai Developments OF the day
Americans Must See Body
General Villas message of last night
offering to permit the widow of Benton
CT 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 SEN
t..4a- IT,,ft
ing that two American representatives
be permitted to see the body and that
one Of these be an army surgeon lie also
has made inquiry Ms to exactly where
the ,;raye Is located General villa late
today had not replied to the last request
of Secretary Bryan for the surrender of
bentons hody, but 1t Is understood Sir
Cecil Spring Rice. the British amba ssa-
dor for the present VIII be satisfied If
there is an opportunity TO an autopsy to
determine whether Benton was sfA4 by a
pistol bullet or by rifle bullets Som a
firing squad.
1t is thought the British ambassa dor
is anxious that evidence be obtained first
believing discussion of the disposition of
the body can be taken up afterward. The
same army surgeon who will be detailed
~ General Scott at Fort Bliss to act
with the British consul Charles A. S
Perceval when he arrives at El Paso,
will report to the American government
on the condition of the Benton corpse.
The British amba ssador had a brief
conference with Secretary Bryan early
today and later was kept informed of
messages received by the state depart
ment.
No Change in Policy
That no change of policy in con-
nection with treatment of the Mexican
problem was discussed in the Senate
came known afterward 1t Is appar-
en-. however, that while officials are
not prejudging the Benton affair and
arc waiting for facts, the danger to
the safety of foreigners in northern
Mexico and what Is being construed as
inability Of part of the constitution
alists at least. to prevent internatfon-
al oomplioat ions, is receiving deep con
sideration by high administration off
cials.
1t has developed that the American
government in informally looking to
Gen. Venistuano carranza, as tituiar
head of the constitutionalist movement
to clarity the situation In connection
with the Benton killing. The news that
Luis Cabrera was at Juarez comforting
with Villas friends, urging the imme-
didte delivery of the body for exam
nation. was received with satisfaction
by the state department. Cabrera is
said to be an emfnfSSary from Carranza,
and 1t is said the state department on
previous occasions has benefited by
his activities for protection of foreign
ers.
Should Carranza's influence with
Villa be unavailaing in the present in
stance. it is admitted by many Off
ciaIs, the American government viii
regard the problem in northern Mexico
ns having developed much more Sc
rious aspect than before.
Another aspect of the situation, en-
gaging attention here is the sending
to Mexico City of armed legation
guards of foreign nations. The pos
sibility of complications over their
presence in case of overt acts or dis
turbances in Mexico City is being
taken into consideration, While the
suggestion of sending a guard for the
American embassy which rejected as
unnecessary two weeks ago. it now is
being discussed with seriousness
Secretary Bryan took the Senate COM
mittee into his confidence on the Mexi-
can situation In general and the Benton
execution IN particular. and also dis
cussed the foreign relations of the nation
a pertaining to other countries. He told
the committee that the position of the
United States In this regard was little
improved. averring that ratification OF
the arbitration treaties last week had been
effective in establishing confidence among
the powers.
The committee wanted to learn all the