Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-02-23
Peace Desired, But Not
at the Price of Inter-
ventiOn, Declared.
FUTILE AND IMPOLITIC
Purpose Is to Await Results of
Investigation Ordered by
the United States.

| London. Ems. Feb -FaCificatiOn
o. Mexico Is an object We honestly
dssire 10 see accomplished. but IL IS
impossible 10 effect it by British inter.
reutlon. We 90 not intend 10 make
auy attempt OF that character. which
gouId be both futile and impOlitic.'
This J. the attitude % the British
foreign Office a. outlined today in the
house o. commons BY Francis Dyke
land. parliamentary under-secretary
tcr foreign affairs. after full cousid-
Grafton Of series OF victimizatiOns OF
British subjects in Mexico eliminating
N the removal OF William ;. Benton
b villa al Jusrez."
Continued lighting in Mexico Ack-
Ind added. ''is a very great prejudice
to British and other commercial inter
ests. and the matter is OF very great
eonceru." Dykeland promised 10 lay be-
f1rs the house OF commons. as soon as
possible. all communications bearing
On Mexico that have passed between
ne British government and the United
States.
The killing Of Benton by Villa oc-
e1pied the most prominent place in ali
nsEspapers in the British Isles today.
The Manchester Guardian. one of the
Leading liberal papers. said: 1T is
impossible not TO suspect that the
execution OF Benton was no better
ihan murder"
History Of Crime Heard.
The history of the Benton affair as
sv - .n
Ambassador Spring-Rice by the state
department. ct Washington was com
municated officially to the house OF
commons today By Sir Edward Grey.
4 full house listened with intense in
tsrsst TO explanations By Grey and
DykeIand. who discussed their
communications with Washington.
Grey explained that Great Brit
ain did not hold the United States
responsible for Villas acts. but he
said the British government was pow
erless 10 take any measures in the dis
turbed regions. Grey said Secretary
Bryan had promised a full inquiry, al
ihough declining responsibility for
Villas doings.
hclos II FOui murocr.
The Pail Mall Gazette, opposition
'rgan. under the heading. ct was a
murder most foul" says the Staying OF
Benton touches the honor OF the Brit
81 name TO the quick.
Tae G.obe: The result OF the in
sziry Of the United States viii be
awaited with restrained emotion, but
VII have 70 be very conclusive in
is Justification OF the act inquired
INTO II Il IS 20 satisfy not only the
british. but, we are glad 10 think.
american opinion. as we'll"
Hsserring 20 Wilson's refusal 10
fseognize President Huerta. the Globe
Hks: If II be proved that Villa has
-li1stflab.y done 10 death a peace
~ British resident how can the prin-
eples which condemn Huerta be re-
eoneiled with appreciation and support
q his adyersary7"
Punishment Demanded.
The Westminster Gazette takes the |
s'And that Villas proceedings in re-
sAfd 70 Benton must be Illegal. as the |
rebels have never been recognized. II /
sAys: An investigation may possibly l
hlo~ that Benton himself was respon-
nsle tor the dreadful fate meted out 4
% aim. but short o. that. We believe
yloie opinion on both sides of the
At'Aatie will demand that the murder
~ of Benton be brought 20 book"
Warrington 10 Waiting.
"ashington- D. G. Feb. 23.-Upon
.sseioDuents OF the next day or two
ne case Of William Benton. the
s,ltisn ranchman executed By Consti-
--uonalist General villa. seems 20 rest
.aetner the senate will take a hand in
1e Mexican situation. Acting Chair
a ShiVely OF the foreign relations
nittee. after a conference with
i7-ldent Wilson today. said II the
.s.-te discussed Mexico II would prob
y De upon some OF the pending reso-
--.ons which for months have been
-.euaeksd that the administration
at De left free 10 deal with the
S'eoiem- There are three such.
One by PenrOse. republican. was pro-
80 that United States troops be
.--eeo In Mexico as a oonstabulary for
- protection Of Americans. another
senator Fall 20 put the senate on
- 70 the effect that Americans and
- property must be protected. and
--Ia oy Senator Sheppard concerning
ignition Of the beIligerency Of the
''astitutionalists.
To Examine Wounds.
secretary Bryan declined to discuss