MEXICO

Southland Times, Issue 17609, 25 March 1914, Page 5

MEXICO

MR BENTON'tsMURDEK. ~ BRITISH CONSUL’S REPORT. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. LONDON. March 23. Mr,Percival, the British Consul, reports .that his investigations disclosed the, Tad that Mr Benton’s death was not due to pistol 1 shots. Mr Percival does not state tho cause of death, but if is believed that he wishes to infer that Mr Benton died of stab .wounds. Mr Perclval’s report adds that Mr Benton appeared before Axilla unarmed. • (J This disposes of the brigand Axilla’s alleged original statement that Mr Benton had threatened his life, and bears out thd further statement that he never, carried ’ arms. ‘ -WASHINGTON March 23. Mr Percival further reports that Mr Benton disregarded the advice of his wife and friends and visited .General Villa unarmed. A scuffle occurred in A’llla’s office and perfect quiet .followed. The body was later removed. The consul infers that Benton was stabbed but does not state his assailant. H is thought 'ikely that It was one of AMlla's officers. AMERICANS AND FEDERALISTS. •NEW YORK. March 23. A message from Eagle Pass. Texas, states that some American soldiers had a brush . with a number of Mexican Federal'troops (Huerta’s) across the Rio Grande, above Delrio. One American was injured. The Federals retired. Their loss is unknown. BATTLE OF TORREON. FURIOUS CANNO NAD 1X G. MEXICO CITA". March 23. The battle of Torrcon has begun. General Villa, has captured an outside position and furious cannonading is proceeding. The whole of the surrounding country is protected by wire entanglements. General Villa reports the capture of three hundred prisoners. FEDERALS DRIVEN BACK. (Times and Sydney Sun Services.) MEXICO CITA', March 23. Received March 21. 5.30 p.m. Il is reported that General A’illa is driving the Eedcral troops hack upon