The Topeka state journal., 1914-02-27
Peg Found ON Which to Hang
Quarrel With Mexico.
Huerta viii Be Held RESPONSE
BILE for Vergara's Death.
CABINET so DECIDES TODAY
Formal Demand for Reparation
Is to Be Made.
villa Dictates Terms Regard
ing the Body of Benton.

ing the Body OF Benton
Washington. Feb. 27.-That the
American government regards the
hanging of Clemente vergara, an
American citizen, near Hidalgo, Mex
leo. as a subject for reparation by the
Huerta government became known
after today's cabinet meeting.
Washington, Feb. 27.-Secretary
Bryan announced late today that a
demand for the punishment Of those
responsible for the killing Of Clemente
vergara had been sent by the United
States to the Huerta government.
villa Dictates Terms.
Washington, Feb. : Consul Letcher
telegraphed Secretary Bryan today that
Villa would permit two Americans, two
British representatives and two MEM
bers Of the family of william s.. Ben
ton to view Benton's body. 1t Is as
sumed the body is at Chihuahua City.
Consul Letcher also reported that
General Villa would permit two per-
sons to accompany the American and
British representatives and members
of the Benton family and that he
would furnish transportation and ac-
commodations for all of them.
tering the cabinet meeting that Con-
sui Letcher's dispatches also con-
firmed previous Information tnat
Benton's body was in Chihuahua City.
He said arrangements would be made
soon for the visit Of the commission
to Chihuahua to view the corpse and
intimated that the disposition OF the
body would be settled after the med1-
cal examination.
Perceval Reaches El Paso.
Ell Paso, Feb. 27.-Intense interest
was manifested here today in the mis-
sion of Charles Perceval, the British
consular representative at Galveston.
who arrived here last night to assist
in the investigation of the execution
by Gen. Villa, of William 8. Benton, a
British subject. George o. Carothers,
special agent of the state department.
at Washington expected to leave here
today for Chihuahua to make arrange
ments for the exhumatton OF Bentons
body.
Colquitt Wants to Know.
Austin, Tex, Feb. ga request to
know whom the United States govern
ment now recognizes as the constitutec
authority in Mexican states bordering
on the Rio Grande" has gone forward
to President Wilson from Q. b. COL
Quit, governor of Texas. The request
was made for the purpose OF demana-
murderers" of Clemente Vergara, a
Texas citizen, killed by Mexican ted
erals
Then apparently answering the ques-
ton himself, the governor asked con-
sent of the United States, in view OF
the condition of revolution and anarchy
in these border states. to send rangers
across the Rio Grande in pursuit OF
lawIess elements of either faction when
they cross into Texas and commit
crimes.
II insist Mr.. President, that Texas.
as a sovereign state, is entitled to the
protection of Texas citizens on the Dor
der from an unbearable condition ike
that which now exists, the message
Earlier in the day Governor Colquitt
had put in motion an investigation II
the Vergara incident through state
channels. The first result was inInl I-
nation from the Webb county records
asserting that the island where Yer
CARA is said to have been seized be-
longs to Texas.
Investigation Hangs Fire.
Ell Paso, Feb. 27.-George c. Caro-
theirs today admitted that he mad
postponed his departure for Chihua-
b,,a and while he was silent as to his
reasons it Is assumed that the ar
rival here of the British emissary,
Charles Arthur Perceval, to part1cl-
nate in the Benton investigation and
the receipt by Carothers OF q bulky
dispatch from Mexico account ior tne
delay.
The presence of Perceva1, who
came here from Galveston, Is be-
lieyed to mark the beginning OF I'M
portant developments In the Benton
case. Official news OF the killing OF
Benton, a British subject, was made
public Just a week ago today. Gem
eral Hugh L. Scott, Carothers and
Perceyal maintained complete re-
serve as to their plans. Perceval, VINO
received a bulky packet which ne
said contained his INSTRUCTIONS, Is ex-
pected to be guided by Generai Scout
in his official actions.
1t is believed, however, that When
the commission to examine Benton's
body departs for Chihuahua, where
General Villa says it is buried. the
British official will accompany 1t.
Meanwhile anxiety over the disap-
pearance of Gustav Bauch continues
although his case apparently is not
involved in the Benton investigation
Rebels of Juarez and chihuahua both
deny that they have him and belief in
was shot as q spy last Friday Is gen.
eral on this side Of the Rio Grande.
Saw Bauch in Jail.
Washington, Feb. 27.-Consul Ed
wards at Juarez today reported that
he saw the American. Gustav Bauch,
in the Juarez Jail on Feb. Is, and that.
+, according to authorities in the border
city Bauch was afterwards removed
to Chihuahua, with other Americans
names not given.
At the navy department today 1t
was said there was no signihcance in
the holding Of the transport Hancock
and her 500 marines at New Orleans.
1t was explained that the men have
had a strenuous tour nf duty in ad-
vance base maneuvers at Culebra,
Porto Rico, and that they are entitled
to the relaxation which q port like
New Orleans affords. Secretary