The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-02-24
Leaders in Washington
Realize Situation
Must Be Met.
MADE ACUTE BY
DEATH OF BENTON
1t Has Become Commanding
Problem, and Will Be Taken
Up Soon in Senate-Villa's
Account of Execution of
British Subject May
Go Unchallenged.

Washington. February 23.-Regard-
less OF whether or not the execution
OF William S. Benton, q British sub
ject. by General Vill, was justified. to-
days developments emphasized clear
ly that protection OF foreigners in Mex
leo has become a. commanding problem
of increased international Importance,
appreciated no less by President Wilson
than by leaders in Congress- Briefly,
these were the days developments:
After a conference with President
Wilson, Acting Chairman Shively, of
the Senate Foreign Relations Commit
tee and members OF the committee
reached an understanding that the
Mexican question, if taken UP in the
Senate, should be discussed behind
closed doors.
Pending resolutions looking to bet
ter protection for foreigners soon will
be taken up by the Senate.
Discussion In the British Parliament
OF the Benton incident was read with
much interest by officials. who OBJ
served particularly that the United
states was not held responsible by Sir
Edward Grey for the death Of Benton.
Ordered to lei Paso.
The British embassy announced that
The british consul at Galveston. Texas,
has been ordered to El Paso TO assist
In the inquiry concerning Benton. but
IN no way to interfere with the Ameri-
can investigation.
limitations were received through
semiofiicial channels that marines
would be landed, to act as legation
guards in Mexico City, along with those
Of Great Britain and Germany. That
the Huerta government IS not aversc
To the sending OF foreign legation
guards TO Mexico City Is known hore
officially, but the United States, for tho
present, at lenst. Will not follow tho
course OF other nations.
The whole tenor or the Mexican cit
uation while revealing no unusual ac-
uvity, reelected the same anxiety and
perpleAing tangles witch have charnc-
terized 1t during days of extreme ton
sion.
Attention chiefly was focused on the
investigation as to the manner In which
William S. Benton met death at Juarez,
but details OF the affair still arc
lacking.
The report, which has been mailed
by American consular representatives
had not reached here late today 1t
is expected tomorrow. It's contents
have been anticipated by telegraphic
giving Villas version OF the
affair, and additional details are being
sought from General Villa at Chihua-
hua by American Consul Lctcher. The
yet unavailing. Is expected to bring
further evidence.
May Puss UnchnIlengcd.
Just what Will be the final judg
ment OF the American officials in the
case, no one will predict, but It would
not be surprising to many In official
circles IL Villas explanation went un-
In the absence Of satisfac-
tory proof with which to impeach II.
That the American government may
pass on to Great Britain the facts as
found. without Indicating any judg-
ment at all in the matter is consider
ed by some diplomntists rs a likely
course. Steps TO secure better pro-
lection for English nationals then are
expected to follow. and It is this fea-
ture of the case which ia provoking
discussion OF possible assertion of
policy on the part of the United States
which might express itself anew on
the subsection of protection TO for
eigners.
That Great Britain might urge her
subjects TO leave Mexico as did this
government is considered plausible,
though there is some ground for the
belief that the American government
may express TO the Mexican factions
q general warming about the treat
ment Of foreigners, the violation Of
which, 1T would be pointed out might
lead 10 grave complications.
Feels Its Obligation.
The American government feels z
peculiar sense OF obligation In conuec-
ton with the safety OF foreigners In
Northern Mexico. having assured these
nations, which had no consular repre-
sentativcs there, that the Washington
eye In their behalf. That this does not
involve direct responsibility was mado
clear to-day by Sir Edward Grey at
London, and In some quarters tonight
the ord1ing OF Charles Alexander
Spencer Perceval. British consul at Gal
weston. Texas. to IIl Paso. was regarded
as move calculated to relieve the
government to some extent
of this task in the section around
Juarez. The British embassy explained
that Consul Porceval was sent to Ell
Paso primarily TO consult British sub
jects about the death of Benton, and
lend encoura cement to refugees about
the protection OF their friends and
property In Northern Mexico. The en-
bassy disclnimed any intention of In
tcrfering With the American investiga-
ton of tho Benton episode, declaring
any facts gathered would he Of sup
Elementary character. Sir Cecil Spring
Rico has been Keeping In close touch
with Secretary Bryan about details OF
Benton'H execution. and twice to-day
inquiries for Information about miss
ing Englishmen were directed to the
State Department.
Other members OF the diplomatic
corps are observing tho situation care
fully. and keeping their home govern
ments informed, though no inquiries
other than from Great Britain have as
yet become known.
Kecps DIPLOMATS Informed
Tho State Department makes prac-
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