A WANTON MURDER.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 44, 21 February 1914, Page 6

A WANTON MURDER.

c WILLIAM BENTON’S DEATH. X 111. THE PULBIC INDIGNANT. |Bi Elbotkio Tblegsaph—Copyright] XUnitbd Press Association] (Received 11.15 a.m.) New. York, February 20. The American Consul at Juarez announces th<j,t Benton has been executed at El Paso. He was accused of plotting against General. Villa’s life. He was court-martialled and led before the firing squad without the slightest opportunity , of appealing to his own countrymen foiv aid. There is great public indignation at El Paso, the Americans characterising Villa’s action as wanton murder. A mass meeting of protest has been called. INVESTIGATION ORDERED. (Received 1.5 p.m.) Washington, February 20. Sir C. Spring-Rice, British Ambassador, has placed details before Mr Bryan of Benton’s execution in Mexico. Mr Bryan has wired for further information and ordered an investigation. VILLA’S DUPLICITY. (Received 11.30 a.m.) Washington, February 20. According to information received by Sir C. Benton was a wealthy ranch owner. He protested against Villa committing depredations on his estates. Benton hotly told Villa that he considered him a bandit. American reporters interviewed Villa after Benton’s disappearance but Villa denied all knowledge except that Benton threatened .him with a revolver. He asked the reporters what ought to be done in \ such circumstances. A reporter sug gested laughingly: “Benton ought tc he shot.” Villa answered lightly: “I’ve got him safe.” Benfon wasthen dead and buried, as was afterwards discovered.