WANTON MURDER.

Te Puke Times, Volume II, Issue II, 24 February 1914, Page 3

WANTON MURDER.

BRITISH SUBJECT SHOT BY MEXICAN LEADER.

Washington, February 20.

The disappearance of William Benton, a wealthy British subject and ranch owner in Mexico,-is reported. His wife declares that' her husband quarrelled with the rebel leader, General Villa. She believes that the latter executed him. The American Consul at Juarez announces that BentOn was executed. He was accused of plotting against Villa's life, was courtmartialled, led before a firing squad, without the slightest opportunity of appealing to his own countrymen, and shot. His death has caused great public indignation in El Paso, Americans characterising General Villa's action as wanton murder. The British Ambassador to America (Sir C. Spring Rice) has placed the details before Mr' W. J. Bryan (Secretary of State). Mr Bryan wired for further information. and has ordered an investigation. According to information received by Sir C. Spring Rice Benton protested against Villa committing depredations on his estates. Benton hotly told Villa he considered him a bandit. American reporters interviewed Villa after Benton's disappearance. Villa denied all knowledge except that Benton had threatened him with a revolver. He asked the reporters what he ought to have done in such circumstances. • , One reporter suggested laughingly Benton ought to be shot, Villa answered lightly " I've got him safe." At that time Benton was dead and buried. February 22. Villa stated that Benton threatened his life, and he 'was courtmartialled and shot. Mrs Benton declares her husband never carried a revolver. It is generally believed that Britain will now press the United States to intervene in Mexico,