MURDER OF MR BENTON.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 13321, 5 March 1914, Page 3

MURDER OF MR BENTON.

COMMISSION. OF GENERALS. (Press Assn.—By Telegraph— Copyright.) LONDON, March 4. In . the House of Commons Sir Edward Grey said all efforts had failed to .secure an investigation of the facts of Mr Benton's death, and persistent difficulties had been offered.- There was the strongest presumption of a desire on the part of tlie responsible persons to conceal the truth. The United States showed every desire to secure the protection of Britishers. MEXICO CITY, March 4.. ; Generals Nogales, Sonora, and Car ranza have been appointed a commis-' sion to investigate Mr Benton's death, the Constitutionalist Cabinet approving of this action. WASHINGTON, March 4. President Wilson conferred with Sir Cecil Spring-Rice and, Sir Lionel Carden and expressed approval and appreciation of the friendly sentiment uttered by Sir Edward Grey m the British House of Commons.. State Department officials acknowledge a fear that Britain will press the United States to drastic action because of Benton's murder, and relief is now felt because Britain has not demanded reparation from the United States. Sir Lionel explained the whole Mexican situation from the British viewpoint, to "the President, and assured the President of his desire to followthe British policy of interposing no obstacle m the carrying out of the American policy. Sir Edward Grey's speech created 'a good impression m Washington, ..and opinion is growing that President Wilson will eventually be compelled to abandon his waiting policy, and that he is disillusioned regarding Generals Carranza and Villa, but dreads sacrificing lives' in quelling the anarchy m Mexico. ; . , It is. reported that General Carranza has summoned his Cabinet to discuss the Benton incident. General Carranza declares that Britain has no rights regarding Benton/. England having recognised that. General Huerta has no diplomatic standing." (London Times and Sydney Sun Services ) (Received March 5; 8.30 a.m.) LONDON, Marc| 4. A sister of Benton writes from Nice: "We are apparently no nearer identification of my brother's body or „ inquirer into the manner of his death, which must preclude punishment of the cynical ruffian who , murdered ■ him. Are these negotiations going to be 'dragged out until public feeling has subsided' anß the murder pass thus unavenged? ' Can English men and women no -longer depend on their country protecting them and obtaining redress ?"