The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1889-10-19
KALAHER KICKS HARD.
He Shows a Strong Case Against
Collector Erhardt.

Michael F. Kalaher, of No. 346 Pavonia
avenue, who was recently dismissed from
the customs service by Collector Joel B
Erhardt upon what he denounces as false
charges, has employed counsel and will
apply to the Civil Service Commissioners
for the enforcement of the portion of the
Civil Service law which insures all gov
ernment employees a hearing before dis
missal.
Mr.. Kalaher has made an affidavit in
which he says that he was appointed an
Inspector of Customs at the Port of New
York on September 81, 1887. when with
out any previous notice or trial of any
kind or a charge against him he was re-
moved. He inquired several times as to
the cause of his dismissal, but without
success.
The first intimation of alleged cause
for his removal, he says. he obtained from
an article in New York newspaper,
which stated that Kalaher had been re-
moved because on September 10 he ac-
cepted the card of Edward w. Knox. the
halter, who was a passenger on the
White Star steamship Teutonic. 1t was
said That he placed Knox's card in the
lining OF his hat with view to afterward
calling upon Knox and receiving some
compensation for making a loose or
casual examination of Knox's baggage.
Kalaber further says that after he read
this article he called on Knox, who at
once branded the charges as false and
volunteered to go before the Collector and
make an affidavit to that effect.
AN INTERVIEW WITH THE COLLECTOR.
The next day Knox saw the Collector
and told Kalaber that there was no use of
seeing the Collector, because Kalaber
"was bounced, and bounced to stay
On September 26, Kalaber visited the Col
lector, he says, and was told by Colonel
Ehardt that thecharges set out in the
newspapers were the causes which led to
his dismissal.
Kallaher says that he then demanded
that he be allowed to face his accusers
and be tried. The Collector replied by
asking Kallaher if he thought he was
going to give his agents away, and
brought the interview to an end by say
ing:-'I am sorry can't do anything for
you. but the case is closed"
Kallaher declares in his affidavit that
he never saw Knox before the day he ex-
amined his baggage; that he made a
faithful and careful examination of his
baggage; that Knox did not hand him a
card; that he did not receive tip at any
time from Knox or that he knew his adj
dress and denies that the contrary can be
proven.
LETTER IN EVIDENCE.
kalaher further swears that he has
resided in this city twenty-five years, and
that his character is good and can be
vouched for by many reputable citizens.
Mr. Kalaher says that he will introduce
in his defence the following letter from
Mr.. Knox
New YoRK, Oct 10, 1889.
Hon. Theodore Roosevelt.
DEAR SIR-The bearer of this letter has been
most unjustly accused by the Collector of this
Port and dismissed from the service.
The pronounced anirnosity of Deputy Collector
McCleland, has false stories to Mr.. Erhardt con-
cernng myself, have no doubt has something
to do with my action.
This case warrants the fullest examination
that can be made as the outrage is monstrous.
Yours very truly,