Evening times-Republican., 1914-02-21
VILLA VERSION 0F
: Staying Of benton
REBEL GENERAL SAYS aR,rlsHER
ATTACKED HIM WITH
REVOLVER.
ARREST AND COURT MARTIAL
rHEREUPoN ORDERED RY VILLA
Constitute nalist Agent at Washington
Gives Out Telegram From Juarex
Explaining Why English Ranehman
Was Exseuted-Powsrs Of Europe
Stirred by Tragedy.

Was Exocuted-PoWor OF Europe
Stirred by Tragedy.
Washington, Feb. 21.-White House
officials stated today that official re-
ports from General Villa and his friends
declared William s. Benton, the British
ranchman, was executed because he
entered the rebel camp armed and
threatened the life of the commander
In view Of this report there was q
disposition at the White House to
await further facts before expressing
any opinion.
It was also said that Great Britain
was holding in allegiance representa-
tions pending a completion Of report
on the affair by the American govern
mont.
Late officials dispatches containing
Villas version of the affair were
brought to the White House, but a
complete account Of the killing as
personally explained to Consul Ed
wards is on its way by mail.
1t is said Villa claimed Benton came
to him armed and in the course of a
long argument and quarrel Benton
raised a gun to shoot, but was dis
armed and trial by military court
followed.
Villa takes the position that for
eigner who threatens the life of a mili-
tarysof1cer is subject to no immunity
or the rights ordinarily extended to
!. non conbafants. 48.g
Villas Explanation.
Robert Pesquiera, constitutionalist
agent here, made public the following
telegram from the constituti0nalist
Headquarters at Juarez:
Benton entered Villas apartments
very Unexpectedly, demanding protec-
ton and insulting Villa and the army.
villa told him that he considered him
an enemy to the constitutionalist cause
and that in order that he might not
continue to work against 1t he. Villa,
was going to pay him the value of his
(Benton's) property In the state Of
Chihuahua.
Benton became very exasperated at
this and drew his revolver. intending
to kill the general, but the latter i'm
mediately knocked him down, disarmed
him, and sent him to Jail. Benton was
afterwards tried. sentenced to death
and duly executed, all in accordance
with the laws and usages of war;"
Bryan Without Details.
Announcement that Benton met
death after a court marshal was
ordered by Villa, was made today by
Secretary Bryan. who said he had no
further details This information camd
from Consul Edwards. who said he had
read the court marshal proceedings
Secretary Bryan communicated Con-
sui Edwards latest message to Sir
Cecil Spring-Rice the British ambas-
sador, and instructed Consul Edwards
to demand protection and fair hear
ing for Gustave Bauch, an American
ritizen, for whose safety in Juarez
grave apprehension has been felt.
Friends Of Bauch have telegraphed to
REPRESENTATIVE Smith, Of Texas, that
he had been shot as spy. No report
had been received at the state depart
ment today on the reported disappear
ance of two other Englishmen Law
renee. and Curtis, who were said to
have gone to Juarez to search for
Benton.
Attracts World. Wide Attention.
Attention of all the worlds powers
interested in the Mexican situation
was turned today on the killing of Will
liam s. Benton, the British ranchman,
BY General Villa at Juarez.
Great Brttain's usual attitude toward
the treatment Of her subjects in foreign
lands surrounded the Benton case with
more than ordinary interest. 1t was
said in Ell Paso that other friends OF
benton had been unheard from.
Britain May Warn Subjects.
While every disposition has beer
shown by the British embassy here and
by the foreign office at London to De
guided by whatever an official invesu-
CATION develops, diplomatic circles were
prepared to carry forward the In
quiry.
one outcome Of the situation, which
was thought more. than probable. was
oxpected to be a warning by Great
Britain to her subjects in Mexico 10
leave isolated places and to retreat to
localities where they could place them
selves under the protection OF the Brit-
sish nag.
Protest Read in Senate.
N Telegram from r. N. Dudley. OF Ell
paso, to Senator Fall, declaring Ben
ton was murdered like dog was
rad in the senate today at the request
or 9enntor Fall He also had read q
telekrar1 from the Ell Paso mass meet
sing.
r am almost certain that Villa did
sit In person. . said the telegram. NO
AvllAneei that BeYltOn was the az
! n r. 81. ~ added everything showed
ft toa ~ cbid- -blooded murder. Castillo
saSenest so6 our goYA,sSment. villa boast
~ IN There no protec-