The Topeka state journal., 1914-02-25
IS URGIN6 VILLA.

k1Ou8e OeIOFe gong 10 MS once TO read
over night dispatches.
He made no comment on the situa-
ton.
vina Yields . Iitale.
White House officials. after secre-
tary Bryan had left, made this explain
alton Of the status Of the inquiry for
Benton's body. Two dispatches were
received yesterday. one from Consul
Agent Carothers. saying he would not
time" but would do 20 later. That
message came during the afternoon.
Late last night a message was re-
ceived from Consul Letcher, at Chi
huahua. who had been in personal
conference with Villa. said villa was
willing to have the widow and rela-
tives of Benton see the body. when 1t
was exhumed. and that their visit
would be permitted in the presence of
representatives to be designated by
in General Villas attitude as reflected
in the two messages 1t was said was
the result Of representations by the
United States that his attitude was not
satisfactory. The United States will
designate an army surgeon as. one OF
its representatives and an examination
of the body will be made, according
to White House officials. Apparently
satisfied that an opportunity for medt-
cal examination of the corpse has been
villa request that after the examina-
ton the body be delivered to the
widow.
Bryan Is Hopeful.
The state department is hopeful
that through General Carranza, Villas
superior officer. 1t can succeed In get
ting Benton's body. No answer has
to Carranza yesterday at Nogales. The
military report of the hearings of the
court martial had not reached Wash
ington.
Secretary Bryan has communicated
to the British embassy the latest mes
ing Villas willingness to permit the
widow to view Benton's body but his
refusal to allow its removal. That
however, may not meet the demands
of the British embassy. Secretary Bry-
an declined today to intimate what he
would do in the event that Villa per-
sisted in his refusal and CarranTa
could not be induced to intervene.
Later dispatches from Consul Letch-
er said General Villa had given assur-
ances that he would endeavor to locate
the ten Americans whom he says he
rejected as recruits for his army. Villa
says when he offered them a special
train to Juarez they preferred to re-
main in Chihuahua. He added that he
had no record Of their names but would
try to get one.
There are no Americans in prison at
Chihuahua. according to the consurs
report. General Villa reiterated to
Letcher that Gustav Bauch had not
he knew nothing about him. The Amer
lean consul has protested against any
summary action being taken against
Bauch II he Is apprehended by the con-
stitutionalists.
Investigation at . Standstin.
IN E>S ,0n
Cabrara, Carranza's confidential agent.
to the rebel officials at Juarez yester-
day when he is reported to have said:
I'VE must clear up these matters no
matter how black they may turn
against US. Delay only makes things
worse" A newspaper special last
night quoted Villa az saying that he
him. If SO. Consul L.etcher. at that
city has no information as to where it
was buried. Also he has no trace Of
Bauch.
When Villa and his staff departed
for Chihuahua, Villa took with him
nearly all of the officials familiar
with the Bauch and Benton cases.
which is the main reason that NO in
vestigation such as il proposed by the
state department could be made by
Consul Edwards. In any event he is
without power to summon witnesses,
and his ability to follow Instructions to
examine the condition Of Benton's body
depends on the pleasure of General
Villa.
Up to noon today Charles Perceval,
British consul at Galveston. had not
arrived. However, local observers of
the situation. fail to see how he can
accomplish anything as he is instructed
only to assist the American investiga-
ton and that inquiry seems to have
~ nk@
progress lies in the outcome of the
conference with Villa today. without
rebel cooperation the American
agents are helpless.
Villas Proposal Accepted.
Washington. Feb. 25.-General
Villas proposal for an American ex-
animation OF the body of William s.
Benton. without permitting it's re-
moval from Mexico, has been accepted
by this government without waving.
however, any further movement to
demand its delivery on American SOIL
British Consul Perceval at Calves
ton today was ordered to proceed to
Ell Paso at once to go to the grave in
Juarez. with a delegation of Ameri-
cans. Major General Scott, command
ing the United States troops there will
detail an American army surgeon and
any other officers to accompany the
British consul. A member Of Benton 8
family will be taken with the party.
This course has been decided upon
pending the outcome of efforts to have
the body surrendered to Benton's fam
lily which will not be abated in the
, least.
Discussing possibilities, some off
cials here said there was really no le-
gal obstacle to Brig. General Bliss's
sending a force of American cavalry
men from the border patrol to recover
BentOn's body If it can be located.
That such action would be an act of
war which must first be authorized by
congress. was denied by such officials.
They point to President Wilson's de-
claration that there is at present no