The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1925-02-28
GUIDED NATION
IN HARD TIMES
AFTER THE WAR
Former Saddle Maker and
Labor Organizer First
Republic Head
SURVIVED ALL ATTACKS
Kept at the Helm in Germany
in Spite of Many
Attacks
SURVIVED ALL ATTACKS

Berlin, Feb. 28.-(By the A. P.)--
Frederick Ebert, the first president
of the German Republican, died at
1915 o'clock this morning from per-
itonitis which followed an operation
for appendicitis five days ago.
The former saddle maker, whose
skill in guiding the infant republic
through the first turbulent years of
its existence is acknowledged even by
his bitter enemies, made a gallant
fight for life. But his system had
been undermined by an attack of in
fluenza before the operation and his
heart was not equal to the burden
imposed by the poison which had
spread throughout his system.
The political attacks upon the
president, putsches and threats of
putsches, and the jibes of the Mon
archists who could not bear the idea
of working man succeeding the
Hohenzollerns. had helped to un-
dermine his ONCE rugged constitution.
But the firmness with which he man
aged the political crisis arising from
the tangled party system and the
simple dignity with which Frau
Ebert met her duties as first lady of
Germany, disarmed many of their
sharpest critics.
Was Leader
There was probably not another
leader in Germany, his enemies ad-
mitted. who could have succeeded
where he did, and his death four
months before the presidential elec-
tion produces more confusion in
political situation already badly mud
died.
President Ebert was the first of
all the patriotic Germans to forget
party lines when it became neces-
sary TO check the extremists either
in the radical or conservative camps.
He frequently brought curses up
on his head by the one side or the
other by approving measures which
they, according to their viewpoints,
deemed either reactionary G. t@o
radical.
His attitude won the confidence OF
the ambassadors and ministers ac-
credited to Berlin and he was pow
erful factor in bringing about ac-
ceptance of the Dawes plan.
Was Saddle Maker
Herr Ebert started life as a saddle
maker, but years of experience as a
labor organizer and official of un-
ions, together with his wide train
ing in practical politics developed
him even as, his admirers pointed
out, the late Samuel Gompers was
developed in America.
His lack of early opportunities
was compensated for by the train
ing he won in the world of affairs.
He was described as no dreamy the
orist but hard headed, tactful lead
er who made a gallant fight in be-
half of the German Republic and the
German masses under heartbreaking
conditions.
Death came to the President in tine
West Sanitarium. The public receiv- 8
ed its announcement through the half
masting of flags on the Foreign Of
flee, the American and British En-
bassies and the government build
ings along the Wilhelmstrasse.
The news came as a shock to the
Berliners, as the morning newspapers
published bulletins indicating
marked improvement in Herr Eberts
condition and the crisis was supposed
by many to have been past.
Call Cabinet
A meeting of the cabinet was call
ed for today and the Reichstag will
be convened Monday, when it will
probably arrange a new election date
in advance of the one scheduled for
June. The choice of regular sue
cessor to Herr Ebert will relieve
Chancellor Luther of the response
bility of carrying on the presiden-
tial duties in addition to his own
office.
The presidents death comes on
the eve of the national day of
mourning set aside to commemor-
ate Germany's losses in the World
War. There will be memorial SER
vices in all the churches of Berlin
and all the church bells will be toll
ed.
President Ebert lost two sons in
the war.