Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1914-02-28
Murder Of Vergara Regarded
as More Serious Than Killing
Of William S, Benton by Or
der of Villa.
BODY OF SCOTCHMAN
TO BE DlSINTERRED
Commission Is to Go From Ell
PaSo to Chihuahua City and
See How British Subject
Met His Death,

10y AoRniHo JOURNAL SPECIAL lsAhEn wiau
Washington, Feb. 2T--Two hours
Of discussion of the Moyican situation
by President Wilson and his cabinet
today developed unanimity of opin-
ion that the time had not arrived for
any change in the policy of the
Washington government
Although still roserying Judgment
on the facts surrounding the oXecu-
tion Of William y. Benton, a British
subject, the president ana his cabinet,
It was learned authoritatiyely We're
inclined 60 regard as OF serious mo-
ment the hanging By Mexican federals
of Clemente Nergara, an American
citizen.
After the cabinet meeting. Secre-
tary Bryan cabled Charge O'Shaugh-
messy TO demand OF the lIuerta gov
ernment the punishment Of those re-
sponsble for Vergara's death. An
explanation will be sought by the
American government OF why any
harm befell Nergara when assurances
had been given 20 the American con-
sular representatives that he was
safe.
Huetra's Statement Not Received.
incidentally the memorandum cir
eulated by the Huerta government
among the diplomatic representatives
in Mexico City pointing out TO the
United States that the constitution
alists were unable to protect foreign
ers and therefore ought 20 De de-
prived Of the right TO get arms IN
the United States, did not reach the
state department. Secretary Bryan
said it had not been received and
there We're lntlmatione from high Of
hcials that the memorandum meant
little in view of the killing OF YER
CARA.
Late in the day Secretary Bryan
conferred with Sir Cecil Spring Rice
the British ambassador. whom he in
formed that General villa had com
scented 10 allow the BODY Of Benton
TO be seen or examined by two rep
resentatives Of the American govern
ment, two representatives of the Brit
ish government. two physicians and
the widow and by any relatives of
Benton who desired to accompany
the party.
Special Train offered.
Mr. Bryan told the ambassador that
a special train had been promised by
Villa to take the party to Chihuahua
where the body had been located and
that a start probably would De made
tomorrow or the next day. IL had not
been decided today who would make
up the party, but II is regarded as
certain that the British consul,
Charles A. S. Perceyal, and his Sec
retary George G.. Carathers, Ameri-
can consular agent at Juarez ana
Marion Letcher. American consul at
Chihuahua, will view the body, along
with two army surgeons TO be detailed
by the war department from Fort
Bliss. Texas.
While there has as yet been no
satisfactory answer TO the request Of
the American government that the
body of Benton be deuvered TO the
widow. this point is temporarily be-
ing waived pending the medical ex-
animation of the corpse There Is a
possibility that if the evidence on
the case has been gathered that the
widow may consent 10 It's interment
in Chihuahua. If she insists, it Is un-
derstood. the American government
will demand surrender of the body
TO her.
villa Plcascs Washington.
The news that General villa had
issued an order requiring that Amer
lean consular representatives, In Mex
leo be advised Of all arrests of for
eigneis. was received with satisfaction
here. Assurances have been coming
indirectly too. that General Carranza
and other leading eonstitutionallsts
VIII see that no further international
complications are caused on their
side of the rebellion.
Discussion Of the Benton case in
an informal way among administra-
tion officials, has developed the view
that primarily Benton committed an
indiscretiOn in going 10 villa with
whom, It is admitted, he was on un-
friendly terms. To 30 into Villas
camp Under such circumstances, high
officials here think, was to unneces-
sarily risk his life They contrast the
affair with the killing of Vergara. 1t
is said, who did nothing 10 provoke
Mexicans. but as an innocent rancher
was kidnapped by federals and hanged
Secretary Bryan is keeping in close
touch with members of the senate for
eign relations committee through
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