The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-17
WARM FIGHT OVER
IMMUNITY RIGHTS
OF CUBAN SOLONS
of General Riya Pre-
cipitated Agitation-Men-
ocal Summons Special
Session of Congress

Havana, August 16.-The question of the
immunity of members of the Cuban Com
gress from the laws of the land, SO trag-
ically brought into prominence by the
killing July Z. OF General Riva. chief Of
the National police. by Gen. Ernesto As
bert. Senator Morales and Representative
Arias, is arousing the deepest interest all
over the island. President MenoeaI has
called 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 Cuba Is
at the mercy of any member of the priv
iliged class of 116 men composing the two
houses of the national legislature
The special session will be asked to
adopt a law of procedure which shall de-
ilne the article of the constitution confer
ring Immunity In a manner adequate to
the proper funetionng OF a republican re-
slme. What Congress Will do no one can
say but the opinion is almost universal
that any attempt to change the law will
be attended with great confusion and end
less difficulties.
congress Will Fight
IL no other reason existed the final ar
gument of self-defense would. it ia he
lieved, compel Congress to battle to the
last gasp against any modification of it's
rights of immunity. If these were sur
rendered, a natable proportion of the
membership would at once become liable
10 arrest and prosecution. in many in
stances on grave criminal charges. out of
a ri Af
one Kind or another are reported to be
pending against % The proportion of ae-
eused In the Senate is not so high. In all
these cases the consent of Congress- 10
permit prosecution has been demanded
and refused. Among the persons thus
shielded by congressional immunity are
one representative against whom Charges
have been brought by a young girl; sev-
eral charged with seduction, and ono
member accused of falsfying a public
document. Since the Inauguration OF the
hrst Cuban Congress the cloak of imnu-
nifty has been often in demand and a
large number of congressman have found
shelter under its ample folds.
Only once has Congress permitted the
prosecution of ono of its members The
representative SO distinguished WAS ac-
eused several years ago of homicide 1t
was only at his own urgent request, after
explaining that he had a perfect case OF
SSiA-htAthSc ana WIS dS5uitu Oh ACQulttal,
that Congress granted permission to pros
ecute, lie was, however, convicted and
sentenced to a long term. but was par
doned by the President.
All Carry Concealed Weapons
Another reform which President Meno-
cal is most anxious to bring about Is the
abolition of the national custom of car
rying concealed weapons, which is now
well nigh universal All pistol licenses
have been evoked time and time again,
only to be reissued, until the ranks of the
regularly licensed gunner were re-
eruited to their customary strength. But
these constitute only a small proportion
of the Cuhans who habitually go around
and would soon think of leaving home
without revolver and knife as without
their hats. 1t is now proposed TO prohibit
the carrying of weapons under the sever
est penalties, but there is little reason to
hope that Congress can be induced even to
consider such a law