New-York tribune., 1908-01-16
SEEK PERSONAL LIBERTY,
DIR. Ridder on Viezcs Of German
Americans on Liquor Issue.

Charleston s. c, Jan. 15-Herman Ridder edi-
Tor OF the New York StaatsZeitung, was the prin-
cipal speaker the 1920 anniversary dinner of
the German Friendly Society held here this even
ing He spoke at length of the part played by the
Germans in the settlement of the country and in
the Revolutionary War. mentioning especially in
this latter connection Baron Won Steuben and
Baron De Kalb. He also told how King Frederick
of Prussia gave invaluable aid TO the cause Of
independence by refusing 10 allow Hessisu and
other conscript troops hired by the British pass
through Prussan territory. Turning 10 the present
day he said in part:
The German Americans constitute q very large
body OF independent voters throughout thls coun-
try. AS a rule election day You viii always md
nounced principles they believe III, regardless of the
party to which these candidates are allied. The
their energy are devoted 10 developing whatever
business they may oe engase9 IN b1I I,is Goes
citizens II does mean. though. that in political
matters they are not dumb followers Of any one
party They absolutely and in every sense in
dependent citizens. and as such we are safe in
saving that the German element holds the balance
Of poeal ,s9 p9weT fs in his eoTntry sa,ivs how
TeeIv len AefieaIs nm s sa,ze e7a nov @ 5aTge
among The American people But when it is re
more than so per cent of the inhabitants Of the
United States have German blood in their veins it
IS how much W he
proud Of Americas achievements. for we have had
a conspicuous snare in them
Ia this connection ! want tn emphasize the fact
that !: is absolutely necessary that school
books should be revised that the youth Of the
land. so many OF whom are OF orr own blood, may
not grow wholly ignorant Of what German
Americans have done UpbUild this nation
First. last and al the time German citizens
thorough Americans. While fhev revere. their
fatherland they love the land with all the in
Iensity Of real patriots Our great countrv with
its unlimited opportunities furnishes a chance for
a brilliant future for themselves and their chill
dreH They appreciate all this. in return thew
ready sacrifice their lives and every
thing they possess. If need be, in defence OF the
land thei. adoption.
The independent spirit displayed by German
Americans has often led 10 their attitude on GER
tain questions being misunderstood by other Gift
zens. When Germans the Sunday question re-
fuse 10 accept strict Puritan Interpretation the
taunt is flung ~ them that they care more for a
glass OF beer than they do for law and order
Nothing could be unjust than this charge II
isn't the chance 70 have his glass Of beer that the
German cares so much about. What concerns him
is the determination that his personal lberfV shall
not be abridged He is not incorporate man
and he sees no good why he should he de-
p-ived Of the right enjoy custom that IS mi
versal IN the old land. He not seek 10 dictate
&c any body OF citizens what they shall dn He
recognizes their privilege 20 do es they please 40
ong as they do not infringe the rights of others
Therefore be cannot why his own personal
liberty SHOULD be circurnscribed.