The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-02-24
SENATE DEBATE NEAR
ON MEXICAN TANGLE
Members Unwilling to Delay
Discussion Despite VIII
sons Request.
BITTER FIGHT EXPECTED
Recognition Of villa as Bel
ligercnt May BE Urged
by Senator Stone.

~ OCuuVUh ctVuCs
WASHINGTON, Feb. Acknowledgement !
continue TO indicate moro positively that
the situation growing out Of the execution
Of the British subject, Benton. BY Villa
is matter OF grave concern for this
Government.
There is now every indication that the
Benton case will prove to be the handle
by which the Senate will grasp the Mexi-
can situation. Senators OF all shades or
political opinion are greatly exercised over
the matter and only precipiate adjourn
ment this afternoon enabled the Admin
istration leaders to prevent warm de-
bate on the Mexican problem.
strong impression, found to-day
among Senators Of all parties, that the |
state Department IL inclining toward the
acceptance Of villas post rnortem expla-
nation of his encounter with Benton has
helped to stir Congress Surprise and
resentment were expressed by several
Senators at reports that the rebel leaders
statements are likely to receive official
acceptance.
on the other hand It developed that the
Senate may he asked to commit itself to
the recognition of villa as a belligercnt.
Senator Stone. who wishes and will receive
the Craftsmanship Of the Foreign Relations
Committee. acknowledged tonight that he
liz considering the sdvisability Of intro
ducing such "a resolution In the Senate,
Such action. 1t was declared here to-
night. would precpitate tremendous
struggle IN the Senate over the entire
Mexican question and undoubtedly would
be resented by Great Britain.
Policy Change Inevitable.
Recognising the force OF public opinion
| in the present situation both In the United
States and in Europe Senators OF the
Presidents party tonight predicted that
change of policy upon the part OF the Ad-
ministration IL unacceptable as IA result OF
the BENTON incident. None ventured to
predict the nature OF any forthcoming
policy and Senator Shively. acting chair
man OF the FOREIGN Relations Committee.
told his colleagues. following long con-
| ference with President Wilson that he had
little new Information to give them.
In official circles great relief was ex-
perlenced when the terms OF the statement
made In the House OF Commons to-day by
Under Secretary Acland Of the British
Foreign Office became known here The
declaration OF the Foreign Ofilce spokes-
man that I'VE DO not propose any attempt
at British Intervention which would be
both futile and impolitic was regarded
as removing "A sword of Damocles from
over the head OF the United States Gov
eminent. II was not. however. construed
would refrain from insisting upon ade-
auste action by this Government
That Great Britain does hot intend to
leave her interests entirely to the hands
of the United States was evidenced to.
night by an announcement from the Brit
ish Embassy that q representative OF the
British Government II to proceed a; once
to the scene of Benton's death Charles
A. PercitA BriuAh Consul ut Galveston
4 Tex. has been instructed to 10 to FL Paso.
there to Aasist Mrs hanton and in general
to exert himself as opportunity offers in
the interest Of British subjects In Mexico
He will Join In the endeavor to obtain
Renton's body. examination OF which, may.
1t 10 believed. disclose something regarding
the mans d. 9TH.
Britain seeks Facts In Case.
While It Is unoficially declared that
Consul Percval will in no way interfere
with the operations of Mr.. Edwards. the
American Consul in Juar.z. the fact that
he has been sent TO IL Paso Is regarded
as proof OF the determination OF the
British Government to obtain through lts
own representatives as well as through
the State Department such facts as can
be had regarding the Benton case. There
Is no deposition Ia consider this move as
expressing any disbelief or lack OF faith In
, the American Governments sources OF
Information or sincerity OF purpose, but
rather 20 satisfy itself. and particularly
the British public that II Is leaving moth
ing undone TO ascertain the truth OF the
, case and prepare the way for securing
some sort OF punishment and redress.
An unexpected motion to adjourn the
Senate to-day out OF respect for the George
Washington anniversary observ ance alone
, prevented a sharp discussion OF the Next
. can situation. At the time Senators were
marshaliing their forces for a struggle IN
, executive session over Mexico
Among the Senators who voiced indig-
, nation over what they claimed was the
disposition OF the State Department TO
temporise with the Benton case were sew
eral who heretofore have been strong sup
porters of the administrations Mexican
policy.
say bryan Defenas Wills.
Early In the day the information had
: come to Senators that Secretary Bryan
had assumed an attitude, based on in
formation thus far obtained, OF defending
villa so far as the Benton killing was
concerned.
, and Just after the adjournment Intense
: interest In the Mexican situation was re-
hected by little groups OF Senators on the
floor earnestly discussing the natter
Chairman Shively Of tho Foreign Relations
Committee WAS surrounded by one little
group OF SeHatoTB, WHo WeTe uhteTTokatius
while Senator Fall OF New Mexico
? held IA levee In another part Of the
chamber. reading mail advices and t.le-
grams from FL Paso concerning the latest
e phases OF the Mexican situation.
= One Of the most interesting communica
{ tons received by Senator Fall was from
4 r. NJ Dudley In the form of n telegrs n
d dated yesterday. Mr.. Dudley was tn,
o author of one OF the kilograms read II
q the Senate on Saturday by Senator FAN
Q The Senator explained that Mr.. Dude,
v was formerly a resident OF Chihuahua bu
had taken refuge In FL Paso and that h
4 had heavy property interests In Mex'c,
. and had built the Chihuahua and Pacif
= Railway and the Mexican Northwestern
r Railway and a number Of other publ
works.
The telegram to Senator Fall requeste
, him to use his influence with the stat
Department to have the Government de
mand the immediate surrender OF Ben
toms body. Senator FAN sent copy o
the telegram to the Secretary Of State
Wna fOllOWa: