Norwich bulletin., 1914-02-28


 Washington, Feb. 27-Two hours discussion of the Mexican situation in all its phases by President Wilson and his cabinet today developed a unanimity of opinion that the time had not yet arrived for any change in the policy of the Washington gov erument. Though still reserving judgment on the facts surrounding the execution of William Benton, the British subject, the president and his cabinet, it was learned, authoritative ly regarded the hanging by Mexican federaIs of Clemente Vergara, an American citizen, as a serious affair Immediately after the cabinet meet ing Secretary Bryan cabled Charge O'Shaughnessy to demand fthe Hu- erta government the punishment of those responsible for Vergara's death. An explanation will be sought by the American government of why any harm befen Vergara when assurances had been given to the American con- Sulax representatives that he was safe
 An Aggressive Pursuit of Facts.
 Incidentally. the memorandum cir cuiated by the Huerta government among diplomatic representatives in Mexico City, pointing out to the United States that the constitutional lSts were unable to protect foreign CTS and therefore ought to be deprived of the right to get arms in the United States, did not reach the state de- partInent.
 Secretary Bryan said it had net been received and there were intima- tons from high officials that the mem orandum meant little in view of the murder of Vergara.
 Virtually every move that has ever been suggested for the protection of Americans and foreigners in Mexi- 20 and for the restoration Of peace in khat country was discussed by the cabinet. No conclusion was reached 70 far as could be learned, except that khere should be aggressive pursuit of khe facts in both the Benton and Yer &ara deaths.
 Special Train For investigation,
 Lake in the day Secretary Bryan con- Eerred with Sir Cecil Spring -Rices the British ambassador, whom he inform cd that General Villa had consented to ally the body of Benton to be eeen or examined by two representa- sfves of the American government two representatives of the British govern ment, two physicians and the widow and any relatives of Benton who desir- cd to accompany the party.
 MT. Bryan pointed out that the American government would have been satisfied if a single representa- tive of the British and American gov ernments. respectively, and one army surgeon had been given permission to zee the body. He told the ambassa- dor, however. that a special train had been promised by Villa to take the party to Chihuahua. where the body lies and that a start probably would De made tomorrow or Sunday The 9ersonnel of the party had not been Secided today, but it is regarded as certain that the British consul, Charles A. S. Perceval, and his sec Tetary, George c. Carothers Ameri- can consular agent at Juarez, and Marion Letcher, American consul at Chihuahua. will view the body with two army surgeons to be detailed by the war department from Fort Bliss Texas.
 Will Demand Surrender of Benton's
 Body.
 While there has as yet been no answer to the request of the American government that the body of Benton De delivered to the widow this Doint sng the medical examination of the corpse. After the evidence in the case has been gathered, the widow may possibly consent to its interment in Chihuahua If she insists, it is Understood, the American government will demand surrender of the body to her
 The news that General Villa had is- eued an ohder requiring that Ameri- can consular representatives in Mex leo be advised of all arrests of foreigners was received with satis- faction here. Assurances have been coming indirectly, too, that General Carranza and other leading constitu- tionalists will see to 1t that no furth- international complications are caused on their side of the rebellion
 Benton Was Indisoreet.
 Discussion of the Benton case in an informal way among administration officials has developed the view that primarily Benton committed an in- discretion in going to Villa, with whom it is admitted, he was on unfriendly terms. To go into Villas camp under such circumstances, high officials here think. was unnecessarily to risk his life. They contrast the affair with the killing of Vergara. who did nothing to provoke the MeXicans. but as an in nocent rancher. was kidnapped by fed erals and later hanged.
 Thus far the state department has received no satisfactory advices con- cerning Gustav Bauch. Consul Ed wards reported that he saw him in the Juarez jail on Februaury IS, but since then his whereabouts has been unknown, Villa denying that Bauch was in Chihuahua City. Further in- quiry has been made.
 Mexican Policy Under Fire.
 Speeches criticizing the adrninistra- tion's Mexican policy continued today in the house, Representative Mondell, republican of Wyoming, making the principal attack. Administration leaders believe big majority of the republicans in congress are inclined to leave the question in the hands of the executive department of the government Secretary Bryan is keeping in close touch with members of the senate foreign relations com-