Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1914-03-05
DIPLOMACY FIRST;
THEN|NTERvENT|ON
President Will Not Be Hasty,
but Is Ready to Take
Firm Stand.
KNOWS HOUR IS GRAVE
DeplOres War-Says Power of
United States Is Warrant
for Calmness and
Patience.
KNOWS HOUR IS Grave

Washington, March 2--President Will
son revealed to those who discussed
Mexican affairs with him to-day that he
fully realized the gravity of the situation
resulting from the killing Of William s.
Benton, British subject the reported
murder Of Gustav Bauch and Clemente
Vergara, American citizens, and General
Carranzas denial of the right OF the
United 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 a calm and
patient course while compliance with the
American demands was being sought
Callers received the impression from
the President that he was determined to
try every peaceful means at his disposal
to solve the Mexican problem, but that
he realized certain eventualities might
mean a drastic course. He spoke with a
firmness that showed his determination
not to be stampeded into action by radi-
cal speeches In Congress, but with hint
that when the necessity arose, the Amer
lean government could be expected to
move decisivey and effectively
Upon Great Britains attitude towards
the Benton case depends largely the ex-
tent to which the United States will be-
come involved. Should England show
an inclination to let the Benton case
await a final adjudication at n time
when ..rm government is established in
Mexico the United States will not feel
called upon to challenge General Car
ranzas specific refusal to supply the
Washington administration with informa-
tion about Benton's death.
AWAIT CAERANzA's NOTE.
Representations have been made to
General Caranza. it is understood
through American Consul Smpich Mt
Nogales and on their outcome depends
whether the expedition which had plan
ned to go to Chihuahua from Juarez yes
terday to examine Bentons body will
carry out its mission.
The Washington administration. how
ever is taking It for granted that ar
rangements authorized by General villa
for the departure of the commission to
Chihuahua soon will be approved by Car
rama.
I'VE are waiting for the details to be
completed" said Secretary Bryan. Z
was his only comment.
Administration officials realize that in
not communicating first with Carranza
they have offended his personal dignity,
and they hope to overcome this by con-
sultinS him now. impressing upon the
constitutionaist chief incidentally that
the American government does not think
formalities ought to stand in the way of
obtaining proper protection for foreign
ers.
General Carranza's declaration that
foreign governments should address
him about the welfare of their sub
jects led to a visit to Secretary Bry-
an to-day by Sir Cecil Spring Rice, the
British ambassador, and Senior Riano,
the Spanish ambassador. Both Spain
and Great Britain have recognized the
Huerta government and have been
looking to the United States to act for
them in northern Mexico
Carranza has once before suggested
that SPAIN instead of the United
States. should address him directly
about the welfare of Spanish subjects
so this was ntimated by Secretary
Bryan to-day, but on that occasion
nevertheless, assurances were given
that all foreigners would be protected
The Benton case contains the first
specific refusal to regard the interest
of the American government in the
case of IA subject OF another country.
LIGHT ON JUAREZ INCIDENT.
a message from American Consul Let
cher cleared up some of the points in the
hating of the investigating commission at
JnareH yesterday. While fundamentally
II was Carranza's attitude which delayed
the departure of the commissioners, It
was explained by officials here that the
receipt of instructions from the state de-
to postpone their mission was
coincident with the failure of the COM
mission to obtain a permit to board the
regular passenger train for Chihuahua
controlled by the rebels. ARRANGEMENTS
had been made. according to officials
here, for the commission to take special
train. but It was found that there was no
rolling stock available.
Sir Edward Grcy's expected statement
to the House of Commons is awaited
many he will show Just how far Great
Britain expects reparation for the Ben
ton killing at this time. Tomorrow Sir
Lionel Garden. the British minister to
Mexico, will discuss Mexican affairs with
President Wilson, bringing him the lat
est information about the Huerta gov
eminent and the situation in Mexico
City.
Secretary Bryan announced that he
would appear before the House commit
tee on foreign affairs on Wednesday. He
had intended doing so to-day.
Representative Ainey, republican, to-
day issued a statement attacking what
he described as the administration 3 !
policy as drifting into war" and de- |
villa and Carranza.