MURDER OF BENTON.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 27 February 1914, Page 5

MURDER OF BENTON.

IMPRESSION IN AMERICA.

VILLA'S HIGH-HANDED ACTION

Times' — 'Sydney Sun' Special Cables. (Received Last Night, 5.5 o'clock.) LONDON, February 26. The T:mes, in a leading article, states that the impression is growing in America that despite his denials that he shot Benton by Lis own hand, and his own account that he tried Benton by court-martial, Villa had no right to constitute such a court for the trial of foreigners. By the law of the nations Villa is a private individual, and neither the United States nor any other Power •has recognised him as a belligerent.

NO ACTION INTENDED

BY UNITED STATES

Times' — 'Sydney Sun' Sp-finl Cables.. (Received Last Night, 5.6 o'clock.) WASHINGTON. February 26. A correspondent of the Times states that whatever the result of the investigation the Administration does not intend, unless forced, to make an active move to bring Villa to book, and adds that it will bo a miracle if they avoid armed intervention if they do take action.

CONFERENCE WITH SENATE,

DELAY OF ACTION

INVESTIGATION BEING MADE.

(Received Last Night, 5.5 o'clock.) WASHINGTON, February 26.

Mr W. J. Bryan, at a conference between the Senate and Foreign Relations Committee, pointed out that foreign nations were supporting the United States in its action in regard to Mexico, particularly since the Benton case.

Senators expressed the opinion that the time had not' arrived when the Constitutionalists ought to be recognised as belligerents.

Mr Bryan urged the delaying of action over Benton until investigations had established the facts. The American Consular authorities had been instructed lb inquire into the alleged execution of an American named Vergara. It is thought likely that the United States will now rely upon General Oarranza, tlie Constitutionalists' leader, to coerce General Villa into returning Benton's body.