11 APRIL 1914, Page 3

The report of the Committee appointed by General Carranza, the

rebel leader in Mexico, to inquire into the murder of Mr. Benton, was published in the papers of Tuesday. The report says that the crime was committed by an officer named Fierro, and not by General Villa. It is said that General Villa had ordered Mr. Benton, who had come to him to complain of the conduct of the rebel troops, to be taken away to Chihuahua and there put in prison. On the journey Fierro shot Mr. Benton in the head, and then ordered his men to fire a volley into Mr. Benton's body. It is said that Fierro will be executed. If the report be accurate in its facts, General Villa is proved to have lied consistently. There was no Court-Martial. But we suspect that the report is a mere device to try to stop inquiries from the United States. Fierro, we dare say, was to be shot for some other offence, and he was, therefore, need as a convenient scapegoat.