Evening star., 1914-02-27
GEN. CARRANZA DIRECTS
PROBE OF BENTON DEATH
Reparation Probably to Be Demand
ed for Hanging of Glenn
ente vergara.
SUBJECTS BEFORE CABINET
President Discusses the Situation
With His Advisers-Beiief That
Villas Course Imperils Cause
of Constitutionalists.

Alter long lapse in the diplomatic ex-
changes between Washington and Mexi-
CO City an attempt has been made to re-
open the correspondence by the submis-
sion OF an appeal by the Hperta govern
ment for the reconsideration by the
lnted States Of the recent raising of the
embargo on the expectation of arms
from the United States into Mexico.
Ihat tile American government regards
the hanging of Clemente Vergara, an
American citizen. near Hidslgo. Mexico
as subject for reparation by the Huerta
government became known after today's
cabinet meeting.
Regarding the Benton incident. it was
said today that Gen. Carranza. as first
Villas superior. is having thorough in
vestigation made of the killing of the
English subject. and il any irregularity
is found will see to it that proper repars-
tion under the usages of international
custom will be made to Breat Britain.
United States Consul Letcher at Chi
hualua telegraphed Secretary Bryan to-
day that Villa would permit two Amer-
members of the family Of Benton to view
the body of the dead ranchman. Secre-
tary Bryan announced that Consu
Letcher's dispatches confirmed the in
formation that Benton's body was at
Chihuahua City and that arrangements
would soon be made for the visit OF the
commission.
Bauch in Juarez Jail February 1a
Consul Edwards at Juares telesraphed
today that he had seen the American.
Gustav Bauch, in the Juarez jail Feb
ruary IS, and that according to the
authorities there Bauch was afterward
removed to Chihuahua city with other
Americans. names not given.
Reports that Gen. Villa had admitted
that he had ordered Benton's execution
without the formality of a military hear
ing were credited here as being probable.
although no definite information to that
effect had been received
These were the principal Developments
here today in the Mexican situation
They we're considered in official circles
to have cleared up the situation con-
siderably. The direct injection of Gen
Carranza into the Benton incident was
regarded Of prime Importance. 1t was
intimated by Secretary Bryan that the
disposition OF Benton's body would be
settled after the medical examination
had been made. Two physicians will ac-
company the representatives of the
American and British governments. and
Villa has offered to furnish transporta-
tion to the entire party
Charge Algara of the Mexican embassy
here was notified today that the Huerts
government had delivered a communica
tion to American representatives and dip
lomatic agents of other powers in Mckee
city. but that he did not receive a copy
of it.
Alleges State of Anarchy.
The feature of the Mexican communi-
cation is the allegation that a state OF
anarchy now exists in so much of Me-
ico as is occupied by the rebel forces
and il is also charged that the i'm
mediate effect of the decree permitting
the expectation of arms has been 10
place the rebels in q favorable situation
for permitting outrages. while prevent
ing the Huerta government from repress-
ing them as quickly and as energeticalIy
as it desires.
On the other hand. il is set out thai
wherever the Huerta government is in
power full protection has been given To
nationals and foreigners. Therefore the
United States is invited to reflect sesi
ously upon the sad consequences" that
arming OF rebels will bring in the opin-
ion of the Huerta government
The assumption in official circles IL
that Huerta does not by the presenta-
ton of such "A remarkable note expect
to bring about. Immediately, change
nj policy on the part of the Washing
ton administration. The real purpose 10
believed to be to add another note to
the exchanges. perfecting his case as II
were. for the consideration Of the
world powers.
1t is not expected that the State De-
pa rtrn+nt will return any formal an
swer to this last communication
Carranza Gets Advice.
IL became known in official circles
mere today that Gen. CarranZa has been
adyised by Washington friends to meet
the Benton incident squarely. and
hos, who know him believe that he
win follow such course.
mis- Cabrera one of his closest advis-
.rs. investigated the affair last week
N JuareZ, and is now AT ->oSaieS WITH
he FIRST chief.
1t is pointed out that adherents of the
claim several facts In
with the Benton affair have
,een clearly established. These are that
Renton mad killed Mexicans in the past:
,hat he Threatened Villa before leaving
). Paso for Juarez that he entered
Villas headquarters unannounced; that
he threatened him there. and that he was
armed at the time.
The only point remaining 10 be cleared
m il is said. is just how Benton met l:s
jeath. Constitutionaiists are known Is
,eiieye that this is a minor question.
;ince the other points establish in their
,ninion that his death was justified. They
hinI, that such a question shoull ns
,attIed in the usual way and should nt.:
10 considered as of great importanes -
he general consideration Of the Mexican
question.
Cabinet Discusses Bepton Case.
Circumstances surrounding the death Of
Benton were again subject for cabinet
council today.
That the United States will insist on
the delivery of the body to the widoF
has been clearly emphasized by both ~
Prosidanf and Sacrefary Rrunn fhorrEZ1