The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-03-04
CARRANZA MUST
YIELD TO U. s.


Carransa from the position set forth In
the notes the United States will enjoy the
assistance OF the Washington agents Of
the Mexican revolutionists. This assist
ance will not be rendered BY reason of any
solicitation on the part of the State De-
partme.it, but because the Washington
representatives OF Carransa consider that
their chief erred grossly In his attempts to
force the United States and Great Britain.
They appreciate too the harm which has
been done their. cause and the weakening
OF Carrsnsa's heretofore strong position
with relation to the Wilson Administra-
ton by his demands upon Washington and
London. .
In fact had Carransa acted according
to the suggestion Of his diplomatic ad-
visers here he would have made an an
nouncement quite contrary to the state
ment ne actually did make to the effect
that he would not recognize the right Of
the United States to act as the next
friend Of Breat Britain and that the
British Government must deal with him
His advisers both In Mexico and on the
border urged him against the sending OF
the notes to Secretary Bryan that he
would assume responsibility for Villas
execution of Benton and that he rs chief
OF the revolution would make such repara-
tion az might in reason be due Great
Britain. The fact that the advice of his
Washington and border agents was not
only rejected by Carranza but followed
by exactly contrary action 10 In some
quarters construed as an indication OF q
certain degree Of unfitness for receiving
the support OF the United States In his
attempt to acquire supremacy In Mexico.
That Great Britain and also Spain,
which is involved by reason OF a case
against the Constitutionaiist authorities
somewhat similar to Bentons. would not
even consider granting Carranxas demand
for direct dealing with him instead of
through the United States has been for
several days an accepted fact. II liz now
definitely and authoritatively known that
the United States will be no less prompt
In refusing to accept Carranzas concep-
ton OF what the Washington Government
can and cannot do In the Mexican situa-
ton.
No Reply Sent to Notes.
The contention Of the British and
Spanish Governments that they are quite
willing that the United States should act
for them in Mexico is being stoutly up
held by the State Department The rebel
leader will be informed that the United
States will insist on doing business with
him whenever necessary to fulhll the
obligations II has undertaken with regard
to the protection Of European interests in
Constitutionalist territory.
Carranya's notes have not been an
swered. and IL Is not likely that they will
be made subject Of a formal reply. The
representations to be made by Consul
together with demand upon
Carranza for action by him In regard to
the case OF a Spaniard named Ruiz. killed
In Constitutionalist territory. are regarded
as the best modes OF showing Carranza
what this Government thinks OF his dec
larat.ons.
Meantime the proposed continuance OF
the investigation into the death OF Benton
by means OF an examination OF his body
which villa says Is In Chihuahl- has
been shelved pending the estimate OF a
basis for relations with Car
rama. The opinion is generally held
here is that the proposed commission will
never 20 TO chihuahua.
The whole matter is now regarded in
the light OF solemn farce. OF which Mr..
Bryan has acted as the stage manager
The British Embassy and practically
every official OF the State Department
except Mr.. Bryan has expressed the opin-
ion that Benton was murdered and tina.
there Is no use In attempting further 10
view body which has been In the hands
OF Bentons slavcrs ever since IL was first
made known that the evidence as TO tho
manner OF the Britisherl death was hoped
10 be obtained from its appearance II
Is believed that Mr.. Bryan privately
shares the general opinion AS TO Benton's
death
Sir Edward Grey's statement. supp,e-
mented by Information gained In equally
reliable sources. is taken TO mean that
Great Britain will seek TO make efYectiv.
her demand for reparation In the Benton
case only when there has come into being
In Mexico government which either rep
resents the present Constitutionalist move
rnent or at least which exerts full control
over all Mexico.