Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1915-11-04
HERMAN R|ODER
DEAD; EDITOR OF
STATS zE|TUNC
Famous as Politician and News.
paper Editor and Publisher
"A Recent Defender
of Germany.

New York, Nov. 1.-Herman Ridder,
former treasurer Of the democratic ma
tional committee and publisher of the
New York Stats zeitung. died suddenly
late to-day at his home in this city.
Among a large number Of prominent
citizens OF the United
States Herman Ridder was one OF tho
most conspicuous figures in the news.
paper publishing business and In politics.
His associates in the publishing business
had honored him at one time with the
presidency Of the American Newspaper
Publishers association, and for many
years he held high offices in the Assoc
ciated Press as treasurer and director.
In politics he was such a factor that
he was talked of at the national demo-
cratic convention in Denver In 1908 as
possible nominee for vice-president on
the ticket with Bryan. whom. however,
MIR Ridder opposed at that time. He
was also discussed later as likely selec-
ton for ambassador to Germany.
Following the nomination OF Bryan. at
the 1908 convention, after former Gov.
Charles N. Haskell of Oklahoma had
resigned as treasurer of the national
democratic committee because of his
affilation with Standard OIL interests.
Mr. Ridder was chosen as treasurer and.
in his own name and those Of his broth
ers. he contributed $1,000. the largest
single contribution to the Bryan cam
paign.
Mr.. Ridder was owner and editor OF
the New Yorker Stats Zeitung. one of
the foremost German newspapers in the
United States and through this he was
particularly conspicuous recently in his
ardent defense OF the German position
in the European war.
Mr.. Ridder was one Of the so-called
self-made men, and a New Yorker from
birth until his death. He was born March
8, 1851. His German parents were not far
removed from poverty-so near 1t that
young Ridder began earning his own
living when eleven years old as an errand
boy in a hat store. Before he cast his
first vote he became interested in politics.
At IS he stumped the whole lower
east side Of New York city and won for
his favorite a nomination for district
judge, later electing his man.
He entered the newspaper business
when he was q years old by establishing
the first Roman Catholic newspaper in
New York city in German, and soon
afterward started the Catholic News In
English. which in n short time became
recognized as a leading Catholic paper
Of the country.
In 1880 NJ. Ridder became a stakeholder
in the Daily Stats Zeitung and was
elected treasurer and manager Under his
direction that paper assumed leading
position in its field. He became president
Of the corporation in 1907 and at the time
Of his death he was publisher OF In
fluential morning and afternoon papers
in German.
Mr.. Ridder made several trips abroad
during which he was received by EN-.
peror William Of Germany, and he
brought back the Emperor's enthusiastic
wish that he might some day visit the
United States.
At the time OF the reciprocity negotia.
lions with Canada Mr.. Ridder was one
Of the most vigorous in the denunciatior
of the paper trust" prices for news
print paper and 1t was largely due to the
fight which he and others made tina,
cheaper news print paper was secured