The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1914-03-03
BENTON'S MURDER
BRINGS A CRISIS
Ii England Insists Upon It,
the United States Will Be
Compelled to Challenge
Carranza's Right to Re
fuse the Washington Gov
ernment with Information
About Benton's Death.
BY ASSOCIATED PRESS.


Washington. March 2.-President
Wilson revealed to those who discuss
ed Mexican affairs with him today
that he fully realized the gravity of the
situation resulting from the killing of
William S. Benton, a British subject,
and the reported murder of Gustav
Bauch and Clemente Vergara, Ameri-
can citizens, as well as Gen. Carranza's 5
denial of the righ. of the United States
to look after the interests of foreigners
generally In Mexico.
The president spoke deploring1y OF
armed Intervention in Mexico. but at
the same time pointedly referred to the
size and power Of the United Sta es as
being sufficient warrant for calm and
patient course while compliance Of the
American demands is being sought.
Callers got impression from the presi-
dent that he Is determined to try every
peaceful means at his disposal to solve
the Mexican problem. but that he real-
ized that certain eventuali'ies might
mean q drastic course. Upon Great
Brifain's attitude In the Benton case
1depends largely the extent toi which
ktho United States will become in.
Evolved. Should England decide to let
the Benton case await final adjusti-
cation at time when q firm govern
n1ent is established in Mexico. the Un-
tied States will not feel called uI TO
challenge Carranza's refusal to SUPPLY
the Washington administration with
information about Benton's death
PRESIDENT TALKS TO CALLERS
The president told callers that the
desire OF the commissioners TO get fur
ther instructions from Washington as
well as orders from Gen. villa himself
has necessitated q postponement, but
Mr.. Wilson takes Ii for gran ed that
the commissioners viii start In q few
days.
Asked whether. in view of the new
developments. change OF policy was
intended by the United States imme-
diately. the president poin ed out that
a country Of the size and power OF the
United States could afford to await
Just as long as 1t pleased: that no
body doubted it's power and nobody
doubted that Gen. Huerta was eventu-
ally to retire.
The president made II clear that there
need be no hesitation In forming the
Judgment that what the United States
wished to accomplish in Mexico would
be accomplished but that those people
who were in haste to have things done
were forgetting what they would have
to do themselves. that they would have
to contribute brothers and sons and
sweethearts II they ed something
done right away. II they were willing
to wait. the president indicated such
step might not be necessary.
The White House view is that stric'-
ly speaking. there Is no right OF inter-
national law by which the United
States could insist on acting for Great
Britain. although the American gov
ernment has been asked by the powers
to use its good offlces for the protec-
ton of foreigners. II. however. Eng
land should not ask the United States
to pursue the matter into further COM
plications with Carranza, the Ameri-
can government would not feel obliged
TO go beyond an investigation OF the