Norwich bulletin., 1914-02-21

by him to his friends. but the latter agree that he never went further. They asserted unanimously that he kept out of politics and accepted his losses without any overt act Of at tempted reprlSaI.
 The many persons who knew him well in Chihuahua and along the ber- der assert that he never owned a re- vOIver and did not have one with him when he went to Juarez. Villa on Wednesday night asserted that he had Beptor's SiX-shooter-
 What do you think of a man who would come here and threaten me ?'' exclaimed the rebel general.
 A Mexican bystander replied; "He ought to be shot,
 This was 24 hours after the execu- ton had taken place.
 Refusal to Turn Over Benton's Body.
 Villa did not tell the American con- sul that Benton was ceurtmartialed, but official Juarez was busy today with assertions to that effect. Names of those who sat as a court were given out for pubM Mcation, and 1t was stated at the jefetura that Benton's last re- quest was that his property be turned over to his widow.
 Edwards last night asked Villa for Benton's body, but the request was denied,
 Then, as a favor to me and to the widow, will you have the grave mark ed?'7 asked the consul. This Villa promised
 Benton, it is said, was tried on 8 charge of conspiracy against the rebel government and with provoking and insulting General Villa Major Jesus Rodriguez presided; Ad- rien Aguirre acted as legal adviser to the court, and Major Manuel Gloria acted as prosecutor. Benton is be- lieved to have been held incommuni- cado the while, and it is admitted that there was no one there to represent him.
 Villa Cautioned by Gen. Scott.
 That there was a real courtmartial nearly everybody on this side of the river doubts, The doubters contrast the case with that of Gustav Bach, a German American accussed of being a spy According to the rebels, the case of Bauch has been on trial for four days and it was said today that no de- cision has been reached.
 The execution of Benton comes on the heels of secret interview betw cen sthe former bandit and General Scott on the international bridge here last Saturday. General Scott, a week or more before, had sent Villa a copy of the rules governing civilized warfare; and while the conference last Saturday concerned the establishment of neu- tfd1 zone at 4OfTSOD, the American general took occasion to renew his ad- vice that Villa observe the rules of war and treat all prisoners fairly. Villa accepted the caution in ap- parent good part. He pointed as evi- dence of good faith to his recent guarantee of the safety of foreigners who wished to resume their wonted occupations in rebel territory Benten's Grandfather at 3aiahava. George c. Carrothers. who repre- sents the state department in many ot it's dealings with the rebels and who will be present at the battle of Torreor 1 in the interests of foreigners, was promised a report of the alleged court martial.
 News that the government at Wash ington had ordered an investigation was received by refugees with indif- ference or with sneers. They were toe excited to take a calm view of the sit uation.
 Benton comes of an excellent Scotch family. His maternal grandfather Colonel Hay, is said to have partici pated a san officer in the famous | charge of the light brigade at Balakla- va.
 Two cousins are in the British army One of them, Captain Norman Benton 1 is with the engineef corps at East bourne, England. The other Lieuten- ant Evan Benton, is all artillery officer at present on leave in Switzerland,