New-York tribune., 1869-03-29
DEITH OF JAMES HARPER.

The accident to Mr.. James Harper of being
thrown out Of hs carriage while driving in the vicinity
OF Central Park which has heretofore been announced in
our columns resulted his death Saturday evening,
March a. He was up after his fail in state Of in
sensiby and remained IN that condition, with scarcely
an interval Of imperfect consciousness until he breathed
his last His death took place in st. Luke's Hospital,
10 which he had been conveyed after the occurrence OF
the accident aud where surrounded by the members OF
his numerous family circle he the subject Of every
assduity that could alleviate the effects M his injury but
the shock proved great even for his vigorous frame
disappointing the hope that he would yeti able to rally
Mr. Harper was born In Newtown, Long Island IN ApI
1905 and had consequently nearly completed hiS se'ey
fourth year. although his athletic f1ro alu
,t oro IA ontsd 20 sI.o tho impression that he was
80 o., 1vano-.. oeyond the middle period Of life. Few
,.S-ons OF NewYork moro generally known In our
community, and enjoyed larger share OF public
respect. In his position as head OF the eminent
publishing house OF which he was founder, and In
the transactions OF which he took active part until the
last he was brought into intimate relations with many Of
the most distinguished men Of letters in tho United
States His acquaintance with several Of our leading
authors ripened ntoa personal friendship; they
found a fayOrte resort in Franklin Square and
always welcomed with cheerful word, which was often
seasoned with q spice Of pleasant humor and sometimes
pointed with a lively jest pungent repartee. Upon him
deyoyed the duty exercising the hospitality Of the
tabshment toward its regular habuesor chance visitors
who we're always impressed with the kndness OF his
feelings and the suavity Of his manners, although no
man knew better than he tho art OF dealing with the
gentle ulness or conceed pretenson which made the
presence of visitor burden. Mr. Harper was without
potcal ambition land made himself conspicuous
in public affairs HeIwas content with quiet devotion
10 the duties OF his calling and found his chosen recrea
tons I'm the enOyments OF the domestic circle. In lsi
however having acceded to the request OF many OF his
fellow citizens to standor the Office Of Mayor OF New
York he was elected by very large majority to that
most which he filed the general acceptance OF his con-
stituents He was brought up in the Methodist
Episcopal Church, OF which communion he remained
devoted member throughout, his life His vivadty Of
temperamont land manner was combined with deep
religious feeling, which, though ostentatlonsly
brought to the surface exercised pervadng influence
on his character lie had large acquaintance with the
clergy Of every persuasion, and few Of them in this
vicinity will not the light of his genial countenance
and friendly smile He carried the highest principles
INTO the conduct OF business and never willingly
the sanction Of his to unworthy mischeyous pro-
ductons in literature No prospect Of gain popular
success could tempt him TO publish book which he be-
eyed to DO injurious to the interests OF society This Is
nb slight praise, and will be honorably remembered Of
him by all who shall hereafter attempt to trace the deve
opment OF our literature. The influence of
conscientious publisher the OF sound
lust taste, and pure morality, scarcely be over
Estimated and our national literature will reap the
benefit example ia this respect after his kindly
face shall no be In busy haunts and his
personal traits shall fade away from the memory Of
new generation.