The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1913-07-08
TRIES To STOP
GAMBLING AND
IS SHOT DOWN
General Armando Riva, Chief
of National Police at Ha-
vana, Fatally Wounded
by Governor Asbert.
TRAGEDY CAUSES
MUCH EXCITEMENT
Fear That Friends of Injured
Man VIII Seek Vengeance
Moves Authorities to
Prompt Action.

HAVANA, July 7.-Gcneral Armanao
Riva, chief of the national police, was
shot and mortally wounded during a
pistol fight this evening in the most
crowded portion of the Prado.
General Ernesto Asbert, governor of
Havana province; Senator Vidal
Morales and Representative Arias were
involved in the fighting, which was the
outcome of raid made by General Riva
Saturday night on the Asbert club,
when large number of the members
were caught gambling. They were ar.
rested and sentenced to heavy 6ne.
Governor Asbert complained to Pres
ident Menocal, who, it is understood,
sustained the action of the police
General Riva, while driving this even
| ing with his two young sons, stopped his
| carriage in front of the Asbert club
and caused the arrest of the doorkeeper
for illegally carrying a revolver, AS
bert, Morales and Arias arrived in an
automobile about the same time, and a
| heated dispute arose. Insults were ex
changed and all aGghted, advancing in
| a threatening manner.
Shooting of Riva.
According to the stories of witnesses
Asbert and Morales opened fire, General
Riva falling with a bullet in his head
and another in his abdomen,
Seeing their chief fall, several police
men ran to the rescue and opened fire,
but Asbert and his friends re-entered
their car and departed at full speed in
the direction of Marianao.
General Riva's coachman was shot
three times and two bystanders received
bullets.
The prado was crowded with prone
naders, including many women and
children.
General Riva was taken to hospital
where he made statement that he was
shot by Governor Asbert. An operation
was then performed, but he is not ex-
| pected to survive.
A warrant has been issued for the ar
rest of Asbcrt and his companions.
Intense Excitement.
The tragedy has caused the most in
tense excitement throughout the city
All political clubs were ordered closed
! Central park and the prado were pa
trolled by squads of police, who pre-
vented any assembling in groups A
strong force Of rurales is being held in
reserve.
General Riva is an officer Of the regu
lar army. He was appointed chief Of
the national police by President Gomez
and reappointed by President Menocnl
He is considered an efficient and fear
less officer
Immediately after the shooting Gen
eral Asbert and his companions hurried
to the country residence mt Marianao
of President Menocal, to whom they
made a statement, the purport Of
which, however, has not been given
out. Then the governor and his friends
returned to Havana and surrendered
| themselves to magistrate, by whom
they were Professionally detained,
Dying Statement.
General Riva, in his ante norton
statement, declared that he was shot by
Asbert and Arias.
Two witnesses have given testimony
that Biva was shot while he was at"
tempting to shelter his sons in the car
riage. He had no chance, according TO
these witnesses, to return the fire of his
assailants.
President Menocal summoned meet
ing of the cabinet tonight, at which il
was decided to convene Immediately
the supreme court, in whose charge the
accused have been placed, This course
was necessary because the assailants of
General Riva, on account of their Off
cial station, arc not amenable to the
ordinary courts.
1t is thought the supreme court will
not decide upon it's future action until
after the cabinet meeting tomorrow.