Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1914-03-04
BRYAN ASKS BODY :
| Of SLAIN AMERICAN
Gl.
u S. Starts Inquiry Into Hanging
of Texas Ranchman-
VILLA IGNORES NEW PLEA
May, However, Allow Autopsy in Case
of Benton, Whose Remains He
Enthusiastically Tells Senate
Body Of Conditions.
VILLA IGNORES NEW PLEA

Washington, Feb. 27--Fear of an
European combination formed for the
purpose Of restoring peace in Mexico
is responsible for the importance at
tached by the administration to the
death of William S. Benton, the Brit.
fish subject, at the hands of General
villa. the Mexican constitutionalist
leader.
This fact was admitted by Secre-
tary of State Bryan in his conference
with the senate foreign relations com
mittee Wednesday, Mr.. Bryan recalled
to the committee THAI the refusal OF
Great Britain alone prevented such a
combination some months ago. Will
ing to enter into this combination we're
Germany, France, Spain. Austria and
other nations.
But II is feared that II the investi-
CATION now in progress should prove
that Benton was murdered by villa,
an outraged public opinion would force
the British ministry to make strong
representations to the United States
to obtain the punishment of the Mexi-
can leader. Refusal or failure of the
United States to comply with these
representations might lead to revival
of the European combination. in which
Great Britain would join. There exists
consequently grave danger of foreign
complications growing out of the Ben
ton affair.
Secretary Bryan made new de-
mand for the body OF man executed
by Mexicnns. This time, however, II
was for the body of Clemente Yergara,
an American citizen, who had been
hanged by Huerta's federal forces.
The secretary OF state also made a
fresh demand on the rebel general,
villa. for the body of William s. Ben
ton. British subject. but got no reply
Another aspect that engaged atten-
tion was the sending to Mexico City Of
the armed legation guards OF foreign
nations. The possibility Of compiled
lions over the presence OF these
guards in case OF overt acts or disturb
ances IN Mexico City was taken into
consideration.
guard for the American embassy was
rejected as unnecessary two weeks
ago II was discussed this time with
much more seriousness.
Mr.. Bryan ordered Consul Garrett,
stationed AZ Nuevo Laredo. to investi.
gate the hanging Of Vergara and to
demand that the Huerta officers In the
vicinity OF Hidalgo surrender the body
10 him.
Mr. Bryan's new request for the
body OF Benton was transmitted 10
Consul Letcher az Chihuahua. who
was told TO insist to villa that he de-
liver the body to the widow for burial
wherever she might wish.
Nuevo Laredo. Mex, Feb. 27.-As-
surances that the men responsible for
the execution Of Clemente Vergara
win be punished were given to Consul
Garrett BY Colonel Alvarez. com.
mander Of the garrison, and a relative
of General Alvarez, federal commander
at Piedras Negras. whose order that
Vergara be released arrived after the
hanging With ]. HILL Yergara's
brotherln.law. the consul expects to
visit the scene OF execution today
Vergera Is survived by his widow
and three children.
city of Mexico. Fob. 27.-~The Amer
lean charge daGaires. Nelson
O'Sheughnessy Ia trying to obtain the
release OF Inocencio Benavidea. an
American citizen, who is believed to
have been consigned to service In the
Mexican army, Benavides. Texan,
was in Sabiuas buying cattle when ar.
rested on charge OF conspiracy.
Rebels have attacked Mazatlan The
gunboat Tampco. which surrendered
to the rebels, is Fastening to Join in
the attack