Jasper County Democrat, Volume 15, Number 3, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 April 1912 — CALL REBELS’ ACT MURDER [ARTICLE]

CALL REBELS’ ACT MURDER

United States Officials Are Indignant Over Execution of Thomas Fountain in Mexico. Washington, April 12.—The indignation of state department officials over the execution of Thomas Fountain, the American gunner, at Parral, is believed to be certain to prejudice any attempt on the part of the Mexican rebels to secure any recognition of belligerent rights. The department believes the execution was in violation of the rules of war of all civilized countries. A telegram received from American Consul Letcher at Chihuahua said he had protested against the execution of Fountain. In the opinon of the state department the killing was a deliberate murder. But it is recalled that President Taft expressly warned >’ Americans against participation in the revolution on either side, indicating plainly they would do so at their own risk. This, however, does not preclude the American government from taking measures to secure reparation.