THE BENTON MURDER.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16486, 27 February 1914, Page 7

THE BENTON MURDER.

THE “TIMES” ON THE SITUATION.

VILLA HAD NO RIGHT TO HOLD

COURT-MARTIAL

Times ” —Sydney “ Sun ” Special Cables, (Received February 25, 5.15 p.m.) LONDON, February 25.

The “ Times ” in a leading article, states that the impression is growing in America that Villa, despite his de'ials, shot Benton with his own hand. His own account stated that Benton was tried by court-martial. “ What right,” continues tho article, “has Villa to constitute such a court for tho trial of foreigners? By the law of nations Villa is a private individual and neither the United States nor any other power recognised him as a belligerent.” According to a Washington correspondent whatever is tho result of the investigation the administration docs not intend, unless forced, to make any active move to bring Villa to book, but hopes by a miracle to avoid armed intervention. WAITING TO ASCERTAIN THE FACTS: MR BRYAN URGES DELAY. CONFERENCE WITH SENATE COMMITTEE. (Received February 26, 9.25 p.m.) WASHINGTON, February 25. Mr Bryan in conference with the Foreign Relations Committee of the Senate pointed out that foreign nations were supporting United States action in Mexico, particularly since the Benton case. ' Senators were of opinion that the time had not arrived when the Constitutionalists ought to be recognised as belligerents. Mr Bryan urged delaying action over the Benton case until investigations established tho facte. American consular authorities have been instructed to inquire into the alleged execution of an American named Vergara. It is thought likely that the United States now will rely on General Carranza, the Constitutionalist leader, to coerco Villa to return Mr Benton’s body.