New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-02-28
VILLA YIELDS TO
AMERICAN DEMAND
Rebel Leader Agrees to Allow
Examination of Body of
Executed Englishman.
From The Tribune Bureau. J


Washington, Feb. 27.-Arransements for
a Joint examination Of the body OF Will
lam : Benton by American and British
| consuls. who will have the services OF two
surgeons at Chihuahua, were made at an
hours conference between the Secretary
of state and the British Ambassador SIR
Cecil Sprng-Rice, at the Department OIL
State late this afternoon
The conference followed the receipt OF
advices by Secretary Bryan from the
American Consul, Marion Letcher, at Chi
huahua, that he had been assured by
Villa that Benton's body was there and
that an opportunity for "A full examination
would be granted. Consul Letcher stated
however. that no assurances were given
to him that the body would be surren-
dered. as demanded by this government.
Mr.. Bryan declined TO say whether the
demand for Benton's body would be
pressed further, providing the investiga-
ton disclosed satisfactory evidence that
Benton was formally executed rather
than shot down, as has been suspected.
lie expressed himself as pleased with
Villas order. saying I'VE received more
man we asker. ditnOuSH Hc ucNiiicu W
explain the significant expression.
Ambassador Spring-Rice also did not
wish to discuss the question OF obtaining
Benton's body. lie said. however. that
his government would willingly take part
i'm the examination Of the body at Chi
huahua, and he telegraphed TO Consul
Perceval TO make one Of the party. In
his interview with Mr. Bryan Sir Cecil
sought to make clear the embarrassment
OF his government in the face or an
aroused public sentiment
Villa informed Consul Letcher. accord
ing to the latter's dispatch, that he would
place a special train at the disposal Of
the officials and surgeons who will 90
from Juarez TO Chihuahua. He also
promised protection to the train. He told
the consul he would permit two Ameri-
cans. two British representatives, two
members Of the family of Benton and two
physicians TO view the body.
That Consul Letcher is confident that
Benton's body is in Chihuahua is indi-
Gated by the fact that he gave Secretary
| Bryan sufficient information to induce
him to proceed with the arrangements
with the British Ambassador for the ex-
amipation.
Emphatic denals were made at the
White House and by Secretary Bryan
that this government had received any
request, or intimation of a request, that
the lifting of the embargo on arms and
ammunition be reconsidered. 1t was also
denied that the United States was con-
sldering forceful or drastic action as a re-
suit Of the hanging of Clement Negara
by Federals near Hidalgo.
The Mexican situation was discussed at
the Cabinet meeting to-day, but it is de-
clared that no change of policy was con-
sidered. President Wilson told the Cabi-
net members that he was much graufied
over the attitude of Great Britain on the
Benton incident, and that he was satisfied
that no serious complications would re-
suit from the affair.
The President and his Cabinet, II was
learned authoritatively, we're inclined 10
regard as of serious moment the hanging
by Mexican Federals of Clemente YER
cara. an American citizen. Immediately
after the Cabinet meeting Secretary
Brvan cabled 10 Charge O'Shaughnessy
10 demand OF the Huerta government the
punishment OF those responsible for Yer.
rara's death. An explanation Will be
sought by the American government or
why any harm befell vergara when assur-
ances had been given 10 the American
consular representatives that he was safe
The political aspect OF the Mexican sit
ustion is also becoming a topic OF spec
ulation. Republicans and Progressives are
dlsposed TO regard the President as sink
ing more deeply every day into the quick
sand Of the "watchful waiting policy,
and as being in the position of being
blamed IL he does. or condemned II no
does not. do something 10 protect Amer
leans by intervention or otherwise.
The suggestion was made to-day that
the political map of the country might
be radically changed II Colonel Roose-
Welt we're TO emerge from the depths or
the Amazonian jungle and issue a mani
festo calling attention TO the condition or
affairs IN Mexico and demanding that
American lives and American property
be protected.
Some Progressiyes believe that the pop
ular response 10 such an appeal would
be such as TO overwhelm the administra-
ton. The disasters Of intervention they
say. could very well be attributed 10 the
hands or policy Of the administration,
which would not profit by the advantages
of its successes.