The Topeka state journal., 1914-02-23
IS STILL WAITING.


1.- 0C00t1nue0 1fom k98e Ono.D
States government had become In
eign residents in Mexico. Especially
difficult il the task Of the American
government in undertaking to care Tor
foreigners in northern Mexico where
European powers have no consular
The general disposition has existed
among European nations for some
months to leave the United States as
Mexico's nearest neighbor" free 10
handle the situation alone. One direct
effect of this, is that although Benton
was an Englishman. the United states
feels called upon to render to Great
Britain a full explanation OF the cir
cumstances under which he met death.
Such details as have been received al
ready have been communicated to the
British ambassador. Sir Cecil spring
Rice, who it is understood has express
ed appreciation of the prompt solici-
tude shown by the American govern
ment for the welfare of British sub
jects.
Has Only Villas Side.
Thus far. the state department has
learned only Villas side Of the case
which in brief sets forth that Benton:
a high tempered individual. provoked
a quarrel, was armed and threatened
the life Of Villa. The right OF the con-
stitutionalist commander to suDJect
Benton to a court martial and execute
him II he did make an attempt on
Villas life is not questioned by Amer
lean officials and in the absence OF
sufficient proof to the contrary, 1t is
known they will consider 1t difficult
to reject Villas version of the affair
The story of Benton's friends that he
was unarmed, that he was killed by
Villa in person. and that the court
martial was nothing but an inquest
Is being carefully taken into consid-
to any evidence that would substan-
tiate the claims.
If Villas story is accepted by the
state department-andt there Is reason
to believe Great Britain will rely upon
the Judgment of the American govern
ment in the case-there is no question
in the minds of close observers that
the confidence hitherto felt by the
Washington government in the dispo-
sition of General Villa to extend pro-
lection to foreigners will be somewhat
shaken.
Losing Confidence in villa.
Just as Villa had given satisfactory
assurances that he would protect
Spaniards at Torreon and as the
American government was acquiring
a feeling of relief that it would not
be worried with perplexing problems.
in connection with the protection OF
foreigners in northern Mexico, the in
cident has reawakened discussion of
the entire Mexican problem.
Talk Of armed Intervention. possible
speeches in the senate by those who
favor a drastic policy and general
agitation OF the subject is again in the
air. Administration officials realize
that the situation is fraught with all
sorts of possibilities in which the un-
expected often plays a vital part.
American leaders in congress are
confident that they will be supported
by the majority of the Democrats as
well as by many Republicans in their
efforts to keep the question within the
councils of the senate foreign relations
committee and the executive depart
ment of the government.
The disposition of most senators Is
to leave the question in the hands Of
President Wilson and Secretary Bryan,
preferring to await word from them
before considering drastic measures.
May Force Change Of Policy.
The feeling that repetition of the
Benton incident may force the Ameri-
can government to q change of policy
is apparent in official circles but it is
known that both the president and his
cabinet have time and again rejected
the idea Of Intervention because they