The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-02-24

declined any further talk on the subject"
Under Secretary Francis Dyke Aclsnd
In his statement said:
The paciication Of Mexico Ii an
object we honestly desire to see ac-
compiished, but II is impossible to effect
II by British Intervention. We do not in
tend to make any attempt Of that charac-
ter, which would be both futile and I'm
polite"
Mr.. Acland said that the Government
had been In frequent communication with
the Governments Of the United States and
Mexico with regard to the protection OF
British lives and interests In Mexico and
added that the continual nghting In Mex
leo was "of very great prejudice to Brit
ish and other commercial interests and
was a matter for very great concern.
The Under Secretary said that the Gov
eminent would lay the papers on the Mex
lean situation before the House OF Com
mons as soon as possible. THE most In
teresting papers at the British Foreign
ONCE. however" ne continued, ARE COM
munlcations made at various times with
the Government Of the United States con-
corning Its policy and its Views regarding
Mexico. Some OF these are OF 4 conhden-
tial nature and I cannot publish them In
n blue book witl.ou, asking the consent
Of the United States Government"
Cali Statement UnsatisfactOry.
Several OF the morning papers contain
no comment on Sir Edward Grey's state
ment In the House OF Commons In regard
to the Benton case, but the Daily Tele-
graph and Daily Maii regard II as very
unsatisfactory because 1t gives an i'm
preston OF Great Britain's helplessness
In the matter. Both papers point out that
Gen Villas claim that Benton was con-
demned after a trial by court-martial Is
not of the slightest consequence an Villa
does not possess a vestiGe Of constituted
authority and Is not recognized as a
belligerent.
II IL admitted that Great Britain Is
barred from direct Intervention. but the
Daily Mail contends that ST. Edward Grey
10 nevertheless not so helpless al he seems
to suppose. II says: He has on his side
all those lofty principles Of Justice, hu-
ma nifty and sentiment on which President
Wilson relies and has only 20 mention
them TO- carry his case and make an ir.
resistlble appeal to the United States"
The Daily Telegraph declares that
effective, decisive action Ii as urgently
demanded by the honor Of the United
States as by our own"
The Daily Nsps and Leader says: '"rhc
duty of the United States In this matter
ls emphasized by the fact that the out
rage was committed by the Constitution
President Wilson"
The Stdniavyi while processing the ut
most desire not to embarrass the United
States. insists that the crime must not
go unpublished. The paper hints that II
the United states does not act Great
Britain will.
President Huerta has refused to comply
with a request OF the Daily MdU for a
statemen in regard to the Benton affair
at present. but promises "in due time and
with the necessary data" TO say some
thing.
Press Demands Inquiry.
The death OF Benton continues to be the
subject OF the leading articles in the
newspapers. Yesterdays Pail MdH
Gdsette, the Opposition paper headed its
article. IT'S Murder Most Foul" and says
that the killing OF Benton touches Eng
lands honor to the quick" Ev"n II there
was n so-called court martial. and II this
body gave its Judgment after consdera-
ton Of the evidence, the article continues,
villa and his band had no status as bellig
erents which entitled thfIn 10 try the sub.
jects of other PowersiHy court-martial
I II the inquiry instituted by the United
States Government results only In estab-
fishing that there was such pretence
At court martial. the paper concluded, the
obligation Of the United States to act as
the representative OF civilization Will re-
main.
The Globe said tina result will he
awaited with restrained emotion" but
II adds. ut will have to be very conclu-
sive In its Justification OF the act Inquired
into IL It is TO satisfy not only British
but. we are glad to believe. American
opinion as Well"
The newspaper continues:
"If II be proved that Villa has unjus
tifably done to death peaceful Brit
ish resident. how can the principles which
condemn Huerta be reconciled with the
appreciation and support OF his adversary
As the American Government has under
taken 10 protect British subjects In Mex
leo its obligation 30 act promptly and
effectively In the present case Is clear"
The Westminster Gazette, the Govern