New-York tribune., 1913-08-03
TRY TO CURB CONGRESS
Cubans Stirred to Action on
Immunity of Members.
MURDERERS GO SCOT FREE
Large Percentage of Legislators
Under Charges, but Present
Law Prevents Arrest.

Havana. July 2s-The question OF the
immunity of members of the Cuban Con-
gress from the laws of the land, so
tragically brought into prominence by the
the national police, by General Ernesto
Asbert, Senator Morales and Represen-
tative Arias. is arousing the deepest in
terest all over the island.
President Menocal has called a special
session OF Congress to consider the great
question at issue-a matter Of far greater
importance than the bringing to trial OF
the murderers Of General Riva-whether
or not the present conditions under which
the life OF any one OF the two million
and odd citizens OF Cuba is at the mercy
of any member OF the privileged class OF
11s men composing the two houses OF the
national legislature
The special session Will be asked 10
adopt law Of procedure which shall de-
fine the article OF the constitution con-
ferring immunity In a manner adequate
10 the proper functioning OF a republican
regime. What Congress will do no one
can say. but the opinion is almost uni
versal that any attempt 10 change the
law viii be attended with great confusion
and endless difficulties
II no other reason existed. tire fnal
argument Of self-defence would Il is be
lieved. compel Congress 10 battle 10 the
last gasp against any modification OF its
rfpb ~ fr1srs affT
rendered notable proportion ~ the
membership would at once become liable
20 arrest and prosecution. in many IN
81 noes on grave criminal charges. Out
OF total OF nlnety-two Representatives
charges OF one kind or another are re-
ported 20 be pending against twenty-five.
The proportion Of accused in the Senate is
not so high In all these cases the con-
sent OF Congress TO permit prosecution has
been demanded and refused.
Among the persons thus shielded BY
Congressional immunity are one Repre-
sentative against whom charges have been
brought by a young girl several charged
with seduction and one member accused
OF faisifying public document. Since
the inaugura ton Of the first Cuban Con-
gTcsS the CLOAK OF immunity mas beti
often in demand. and large number OF
legislators have found shelter under its
ample folds.
Only once has Congress permitted the
prosecution OF one Of It's members. The
Representative 80 distinguished was ac-
cused several years ago Of homicide. II
was at his own urgent request. after ex-
planning that he had perfect case OF self
defence and was assured OF acquittal that
Congress granted permission to prosecute.
He was, however. convicted and sentenced
10 a long term. but was pardoned by the
President
Another reform which President Memo
cal is most anxious 20 bring about Is the
abolition OF the national custom Of carry
ing concealed weapons, which Is now al
most universal. All pistol licenses have
been revoked time and time again only 10
be reissued, until the ranks Of the regu-
larly licensed "gunmen" we're recruited
10 their customary strength. But these
constitute only a small proportion Of the
Cubans who habitually 81 armed, and
would as soon think OF leaving home with
ou+ revolver and knife as without their
hats. II is now proposed 10 prohibit the
carving Of weapons under the severest
nenaltIes. but there is little reason 10 hope
that Congress can be induced even TO con-
- 10