The Topeka state journal., 1914-02-27

American and two Bf1e19h govern8enS
representatives and medical examtn-
e.. no the two requests that vilIa sur-
render the body Of Benton the WaeH
ington government had received no at
isfactory reply. the constitutionstist
general maintaining that Il would bo
the city OF Chihuahua to which place Il
now develops he had removed Il oa Z
special train the very day news OF Bon
toms death officially was announced 1t
Juarex.
That the United States win insist
on the delivery OF tho body to the
widow has been clearly emphasized
by both the president and Secretary
Bryan. though for the present It Il
believed the opportunity for medical
tant phase Of the investigation.
There is q feeling among some OF the
officials here that when General Car
rama, chief Of the cOnstitutionalists
and his friends get into closer touch
with villa, they may convince him Of
the necessity OF abandoning whatever
sentimental or religious reasons he
may have for retaining the body.
Members OF the cabinet have been
giving much consideration to Ques-
tons involved in Villas attitude.
They have been thinking also of the
possible effects generally Of the BEN
ton episode II it should be proved that
he was killed without court martial ~
his friends claim in latest vorsions Of
the AFFAIR.
This and the general subject of OBJ
tanning protection for foreigpors in
Mexico have been Weighing On the
minds of tho cabinet advisers Of the
president, each with the idea Of help
ing toward a solution of possible con-
t1ngenctes. The president, himself, has
disposed OF reports that there will be
any landing Of marines or sending Of
L
unless permission is asked Of the gov
erning authorities, he regards az an
4 act Of war. Having recognixed no
government in Mexico, there is no
ltkehhood Of asking such permission
in the presidents view.
There 10 no secret in official circles
or the fact that the American gov
ernment had begun to expect much of
the constitutionalists as people whose
chief motive was the restoration of
constitutional government in their
country. To the factions the Wash
ington government had decided to
leave the settlement of the struggle.
keeping hands of SO far as was con-
ststant with international laws. The
execution by Villa Of foreigner with
out affording time for communication
with the United States or his home
government and the manifest disincli-
nation to give up the body Of the VIC
| lAul upOA 1OEIld1 request from W08n-
tngton have contributed to q feeling
OF uncertainty among high administra-
ton officials as to the future Of the
constitutionalist movement.
Washington officials had been given to
understand that General Carranxa as the
ruling factor in the constitutionalist
cause, was a man Of high character and q
sense of International amenities. 1t is OBJ
vious in official circles that the United
States is now looking to General Carranxa
Tor Qualification of the whole affair.
Carranza's arrival at Nogales q border
point, where he can be in close telegraphic
; communication both with his gepresenta-
tives in the United States and with Wills
via Ell Paso and Juarez, are expected ia
prod ice tangible developments.
Il Persons close to Carranza have been
urging him to persuade villa to surrender
1 Benton's body and permit q thorough
search for witnesses and evidences. Il
villa has done anything wrong. they CON
tend, he should admit 1t SO that theix
cause may be cleared of any cloud which
otLerwise might attach to 1t by an in
that the counsel of constftutionaIists OF in
fluence who hold these views may in the
end ur0VAf1.