THE MURDER OF BENTON.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIX, Issue 10887, 27 February 1914, Page 5

THE MURDER OF BENTON.

UNITED STATES ACTION.

"Times—Sydney Sun Special Cables.’’

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. Loudon, February 26.

The Times, in a leader, rays the impression is growing in America that Villa, despite denials, shot Benton with his own hand and on his own account tried him by courtmartial. The paper asks what right has Villa to constitute such a court for the trial of foreigners. _ By the law of nations Villa is a private individual. Neither the United States nor any other Power has recognised him as a belligerent. The Times’ Washington correspondent says that whatever the result of the investigation the Administration does apt intend unless forced to make aa active move to bring Villa to book. He holds that only a miracle can avoid armed intervention.

Washington, February 26. Mr Bryan, in a conference with the Senate Foreign Relations Com mittee, pointed out that foreign nations were supporting the United States’ action in Mexico particularly since the Benton case.

Senators were of the opinion that the time had not arrived whan the Constitutionalists ought to be recognised as belligerents. Mr Bryan urged delaying action over the Benton case until investigations had established the facts. The American Consular author! ties have been instructed to inquire into the alleged execution of an American named Vergara. It is thought likely that the United States will now rely on General Oarranga, the Constitutionalist leader, to coerce Villa to return Benton’s body.