Benton's Death.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 46, 24 February 1914, Page 5

Benton's Death.

THE MEXICAN CRISIS. I j A STRAINED SITUATION. [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright; [United Press Association.] Loudon, February 22. Benton, who was executed iu Mexico, was a. native of Iveig. His father was a farmer and a cousin of Sir John Bouton. | The Daih News says admittedly iMexico is within the sphere of Ainei i;can interest, but there is a limit to S’ everything and that limit is nearly 'reached when British subjects are done ,to death. 1 The 'limes says that unless it is provied that Benton deserved his fate 'opinion in America and Britain will re- ; quire exemplar; punishment, i The Morning Post thinks it is inMcumhent on President Wilson to soon [announce his plan for obtaining sedulity for the lives and property of foreigners in Mexico, or declare Monroeism and the United States’ policy are not opposed to other countries taking action to secure their own subjects’ iwelfare in Mexico. i The Financial News says if Benton’s i murder is not traceable to President : Wilson’s door it may be regarded as the consequences of his recognition of the rebel and the Removal of the embargo upon the importation of arms and ammunition into Mexico. The present disturbed situation may continue indefinitely unless some strong action is taken. GERMAN PRECAUTIONS. Vera Cruz, February 22. The commander of the German cruiser Dresden shipped to the Genian i Legation in Mexico City two machine |guns and forty thousand rounds of amjinunition, and a. squad of bluejackets. NO BRITISH RESPONSIBILITY. FOREIGN OFFICE’S’ POSITION. (Received 9.25 a.m.) Loudon, February 24. Sir Edward Grey, in reply to a question, previous to Benton’s execution, (said the United States.impressed upon the Mexican Government the import-, lance of respecting the lives and properties of Europeans. The fact of the 'Foreign Office communicating witli the j United States did not imply any [American responsibility. He.communijeated with the United States because the latter alone could exercise influeiice with Mexico and get justice done. (Received 11.20 a.m.) London, February 24. I Sir Edward added that the American I Consul stated that Villa explained that Benton was court-martial led and i shot for plotting to assassinate him. STATEMENT IN THE COMMONS. “INTERVENTION FUTILE.” (Received 9.40 a.m.) .London,; February 24. Mr Aeland, in reply to a question iu the House of Commons, said the continued lighting in Mexico was causing the greatest prejudice to British and other commercial interests. It was a matter of grave concern, hut British intervention would be futile and impolite. SUCCESS OF THE REBELS. TROOP TRAIN WRECKED. i (Received 1.5 p.m.) Mexico City, February 24. The Government troop train carrying an infantry company from Mexico City was wrecked at Vera Cruz, the whole train being demolished. Fifty-five officers and men and an English engineer were killed. A passenger train following narrowly escaped being under the rebels’ li re. i FOUR AMERICANS MISSING. I Mexico City, February 24. Four Americans have disappeared from Juarez, aud it is behoved that General Villa executed them. Villa declares that numbers <>f Americans desired to join his forces. He rejected them, but is returning | them later to American territory. Mr Bryan has demanded that Benton’s body be given to his widow. A LETTER FROM VILLA. BENTON THREATENED HIS LIFE WITH A REVOLVER. Times—Sydney Sun Special Cables (Received 8 a.m.) Loudon, February 24. By the mail a cable has been received from Villa by an English subject, in which the writer states: “Benton was put to death because he went into my room and pulled out his revolver to kill me. ‘ When the time comes for the triai, it will he open and will give full satisfaction to the British people.”