The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-02-21
Benton S Death May Cause
Serious international I angle
British Ambassador at Washington Has Con
ference at State Department on Killing
of Ranch Owner

any Jurisdiction over that territory. Great
Britain does not recognize Villa even 10
the extent the United States does, nor
does she recognise Carranza, and there
fore Is left without any authority to de-
msnd punishment of villa or his subordi-
mates.
That the death Of Benton may be
made the occasion OF demands upon the
United States TO take some action In
Mexico Is regarded as quite probable. II
In not seen. however. Just what there IL
that the United States Government can
do in the matter now that Benton Is
dead.
The Wilson Administration has never
assumed the slightest responsibility for
the safety OF any foreigners In Mexico
and Ii therefore in a position 70 reply TO
Great Britain that this Government can
do nothing In the Benton case. All that
the State Department has done In regard
to the safety Of foreigners In Mexico LAS
been TO use Its good offices. requiring the
rebel leaders 10 give all foreigners equal
protection and TO observe the rules OF
civilized warfare. Secretary Bryan can
also point to the fact that President Will
son last summer summoned all Americans
out OF Mexico. thus putting the citizens OF
this Government on notice thar they re-
manned IN Mexico at their own risk.
There In no disposition here In we'll
Informed quarters to bolieve that Great
Britain Will venture anything drastic or
press the United States to an uncom-
Portable degree as "a result of the Benton
case. II IL regarded as likely. however
that the incident may stir up bad feeling
In England and Europe and result In In
creased pressure upon the governments
OF those countries In favor of forcing
some action looking to the pac ification OF
Mexico and the restoration OF the rule of
law and order. Such pressure of course
k..
United States In favor Of American in.
PREVENTION In Mexico.
bryan Asks fer Report.
Secretary Bryan said tonight that ne
had teleEraphed George &. Carothers, a
member OF the United States consular
service. who has recently been engaged
IN special work In chihuahua and Is now
ut FL Paso. instructing him to give
out what information he had concerning
the death Of Benton. provided In doing
30 no would not violate any confidence
rsposed In him, It 10 understood that
Gen. villa. In informing the represent
stves OF the State Department Of the
death OF Benton. pledged them not to
make public anything beyond the mere
fan OF bsnton's DEATH Whether Caroth-
ers will feel that he can divulge what
he knows Of Benton's death 10 not yet
known here.
Secretary Bryan did not clear up to-
night the uncertainty and confusion which
exists as to the respective parts played
by Carothers and Consul Edwards, the
latter stationed at Juares. In the Benton
matter. II was known to-day that
Edwards saw villa personally while Ca
rothers, Il II understood. was In Ell Paso.
and In fact first wired the state Depart
ment that he had reason to doubt the
truth OF the reports that Benton was
dead; Later dispatches from Edwards
convinced the Department OF Benton's
death.
villa 10 reported now to have agreed
TO neutral zone In the vicinity Of Tor
reon for the protection Of the foreign
Inhabitants OF the city during the ex.
pected attock BY the rebels Brig
Gen. Hugh l.. Scott at El Paso was In
structed to take UP the matter with Villa,
ance that he Ii agreeable provided y
binding promise to respect the some 10
obtained from the rebel leaders.
1t 10 reported, however. that there are
very few foreigners left In Torreon. The
plan IL to take them to q nearby ranch a.
soon an word 10 received that u battle
Is impending.
The Presidential yacht Maynower left
Washington to-day for duty In Mexican
waters and carried Capt. II. Mol. p, Huse.
assigned to duty a. chief Of stan un-
der Admiral Fletcher. and the wife and
| tWo uhukUteTb OI AuuiT8l F1etCnef. Al
miral Fletcher has not had . days vaca-
ton since assuming command OF the
American squadron In Mexican water
and 1t was Mt the suggestion Of Secre-
tary Daniels that the unusual privilege
was accorded the members of his family
Of making tho trip to Join the Admiral on
board the Mayfiower.
Admiral Fletcher has been transferred
from command OF the third division "a
command OF the hrst division In ordar
that no may continue In command In
Mexico. The ships Of the frst division
have Just arrived In Mexican waters. re-
lieving the battleships OF the third di.
vision. which will return north.