Morning journal and courier., 1889-05-10
JOEL ERHARDT,S COURAGE.
Two Interesting Stories of the New Collector of the Port Of New York.

N
 Collector ofthe Port ofNew York.
 IGath's Letter to the Cincinnati Enquirerl
 Said ex Judge Russell, late of the Supreme Court; "Do you know Joel B. Erhardt, our new Collector of the Port?" "No." "I can tell you two right good stories about him if you want to use them. Just about twenty years ago I came to New York City for the first time, from Ogdensburg, on the St. Lawrence River, where l was young law yer. Not having much acquaintance here, and having finished my business in few days, which was to establish law conhec tion in this city and remove here, went in to the Winter Garden Theatre to see the per formance. When the act was over did not go out, like good many others, to take the air aor some beverage, but kept my seat, which was upon the aisle. Right opposite me sat 6 solid-looking man, and to him en-
 tered in that recess chunky person, who, sitting down directly behind him, remarked now,--you, and with that the newcomer struck the other man right behind the head. Persons arose who saw the act and heard the voice. The man who was struck also arose and turned around with face little sur prised. I have made & mistake said the
 first man, T thought it was another person. Excuse me- 'This is not the time nor the place for a man to be excused,' said the per- son who had been injured. His countenance, however, was without the least anger He ra1SeQ ms Q8nQ ana bITuCk the bully r1gnG Tn the middle of the facs and knocked him as if an OK had kicked him out of the seat and up the aisle. He then turned and took his seat with the utmost quietness and hardly flush on his face. Such of the spectators as had seen the occurrence quickly comprehended its moral and there were loud cries of put the bully out He was pointed out to the ushers and they seized him and ran him out of the theatre. AS was stranger in New
 York this scene made great impression on me, and the countenance of the man who so properly, and quietly, and effectively re- sented the attack of street. fighter was im- pressed on my mind. In the course of time long headed lawyer of this city, to Col. Joel Erhardt Some time had elapsed and said to him; Surely, have seen you before
 Col. Erhardt. Let me see, did you ever strike maa who had struck you first at the Winter Garden TheatreY why, yes,' said never mentioned that matter to anybody for fear 1t would get into the newspa- pers.'
 sNow," said Judge Russell, s'that anec- dote, which was personal observation of mine, tallies with one was told by the of fcers of the Shoe and Leather Bank, at Broadway and Chambers street, opposite the Erhardt was the Provost Marshal at the time of the draft riot of 1863, and his office was over the Shoe and Leather Bank, in the building possessed by that corporation, and he had flag flying from staff on the roof with it's inscription, showing that there the draft officer was to be found at home. The | riot suddenly broke out and ragged up and down the streets, and the officers of the bank became alarmed. They went up to see Col. Erhardt, and told him that they apprehended an attack upon their property, and that they must request him, as his land- lord, to take down his obnoxious flag. | Erhardt heard them through with good na- ture, and replied: "Well, gentlemen, am
 sorry you are put to this inconvenience,