The Lancaster news. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1905-current, 1914-03-03
GEN. CARRANZA REFUSES
NFORMAT|ONONB BENUON
Declines to Give Information
About Killing of Britisher.
HE EXLAINS HIS VIEWS.
Had No Direct Representation From
England, Hence Cannot Coun-
tenance Those of United States.

Nogales, Mex, Feb. 2S.-Gen Car
ranza today declined to furnish to the
state department at Washington in
formation regarding the killing at
uarez of the British subject, William
5. Benton. At the same time he gave
assurances to Secretary Bryan that
he would investigate the disappear
ance near Juarez Of Gustave Baunch,
an American.
This strongly defined stand came
after three days of negotiation be-
tween the American secretary OF
state and the constitutionalist COM
mander through Frederick Simpich.
American consul at Nogales, and Sy-
dro Fabela, acting secretary Of forei-
gn relations in Carranza's provisio-
nal cabinet
Until late today, Gen Carranza had
remained silent regarding his stand
on Secretary Bryan's request made
three days ago, for information of
Benton's death.
TWO AT ONCE.
Another message arrived today
from Secretary Bryan in which he re-
quested immediate information about
the disappearance of Baunch. Carran-
za's replies were made to both queries
at the same time.
The revolutionary leaders say
that the death of Benton a British sub
iect should be taken up through the
diplomatic channels or his country
The fact that England has recognized
the Huerat central government not
mentioned in the reply, but occasion
ed much speculation among those
familiar with the situation. Carranza
in his reference to the Benton case.
pointedly remarked that Secretary
Bryan's original message had been
the first official mention of the mat
ter brought to his attention as head
Of the revolution.
ANNOUNCES INQUIRY.
In the written massage to Secretary
Bryan, which was addressed to Con-
sui Simpich CarranZa did not say that
any investigation Of the Benton case
was being made on his part. How
ever simultaneously with the two
notes to Washington, Secretary Fa-
bella issued n statement saying that
Benton's death was being investigated
for the benefit of the constitutional
list party.
All correspondence on the Mexican
side of the matter was given to the
Associated Press with the statement
of Senior Fabcla that the Benton case
was being investigated for the inGor-
nation of Gen. CarranZa, or perhaps
in case England should request the
data.
This.it was pointed out, would put
England in the position of either ac.
tually recognizing the constitutional
list party in spite of the previous rec
ogiZition of Heurta, or being unable
to obtain information regarding the
welfare OF its subjects in territory
controlled by the insurgents. Senor
Fabela, when pressed for more ample
information on the Benton case said :
"Carranza has officially informed
the department of state at Washing
ton that he only could attend to rep
reservations regarding the Benton
Sease If presented to him by a duly au-
thorized representative OF the British
government but nevertheless I'm his ca
pacity as supreme court Df the con-
stitutionalist army, upon learning OF
the case Of the British subject, Will
liam S. Benton, has ordered an i'm
mediate investigation OF the facts of
the case and requested telegraphic
information from the local authorities
at Juarez asking them to send him a
full report on the case.
WANTS RECOGNITION.
"Carranza' attitude In the Benton
and Baunch cases in not accepting the
representation made by the Amerf-
can government instead of the British
government in the case OF a Brit
ish subject and his reply at once with
deep interest to the representations
made to him through a duly author
lied representative in the case OF an
American, goes to prove clearly that
what CarranZa desires is to have the
national dignity and his position as
supreme chief OF the constitutionalist
army respected, but at the same time
he does not wish by any means TO
elude representations made to him In
due form and according to interIa-
tional law
Gen CarranZa's reply TO Mr. Iryan's
request Tor information of the Fsunfn
case reads as follows:
'1 have received through the acting
secretary of the department or for
eign affairs the telegram which the
honorable secretary of state Will
liam Jennings Bryan. addressed to
you today relative 20 the 'Baunch case
CALLS FOR REPORT.
'In reply thereto l have the honor
TO inform you that have today tele-
prahed 20 the competent constitu-
tionalist authorities directing them to
report to me at once I'm detail and as
soon as / shall have positive informa-
ton TO convey to you, j Will do so at
once
"Please believe, and / beg of you
90 sc Inform the dpnartmpnt Of state