Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1896-10-29

mas impressed by his distinctive per-
soraIity. manifest in every expression
n, himself, writes one who knew him
yell in the columns Of Harper's
Weekly. sense of his singular grace
NJ manner, OF his gravely sweet de-
meanor and of his unfailing courtesy
could not have escaped his errand boy,
or even the least intimate servant of
his household. To those nearer friends
to whom he gave himself without re-
serve in social intercourse, In CONVEX
sation. correspondence, or festive good
fellowship, we're disclosed qualities OF
mind and heart so individual in their
expression as never to be forgotten.
The simplest business transaction was
never with him mere perfunctory
act; something entered into it from
his rich and genial nature that made it
worthy Of remembrance. Every letter
he wrote, whether Of a social or bust
ness character-and for quarter of a
century he conducted the important
literary correspondence of the publish
ing house with which he was connect
ed, as his father had done before him
was not only a model of good lido
matte English, but had besides some
special charm distinguishing it from
ordinary correspondence. 1t is diff
cult to estimate the value Of such grace
ful interchange between great pub
fishing house and it's literary corre-
spondents at home and abroad, consid-
ering letter. writing simply as an &C
complishment; but with Mr.. Harper
it was something more than that
something distinctive to the writer,
whose enjoyment Of free play in ex-
preston was only equaled by the sat
isfaction derived from it by his readers.
In his letters to intimate friends, as
in his conversation, this free play
flowed into the indulgence of a char
acteristic humor, always restrained by
consideration for the feelings of 9TH
ers and by reverence for sacred things,
but otherwise often boundless. even to
the verge of extravaganza.
This humor on purely festive occa-
sions overlooked into rollicking and
almost boyish exuberance. In graver
social functions it was play Of a finer
sort. serving a genial appreciation or
an equally genial satire, and sometimes
turned into a relentless denunciation of
imposing shams
To the last, Mr.. Harper held to old
fashioned ways. though tolerant Of new
ones. He could never, for instance,
bring himself to the use of typewrit-
or. But in all important matters he
was fully abreast with the most pro-
gressive movements OF his time. To
his business associates he was always
an inspiration-a challenge to every
man to do his best; and his whole ma
ture responded to the affectionate 10y
atty which it evoked.
Mr.. Harper never sought publicity
OF any kind. He had to an eminent
degree the tastes of a scholar, and the
culture OF these was maintained into
his ripper years. Soon after his gradu-
alton from Columbia college he en-
tered the Harpers' composing room, at
the age OF twenty, the same year QS5O)
IN which the house began the publica-
ticn of monthly magazine. Having
passed through disciplinary appren-
uceship In every mechanical depart
ment OF the establishment, he assisted
MS rather In the book publishing
branch of the business. until, in 1869
alter nineteen years Of service, he be-
came member of the firm, from which
ne retired in 1894, giving place to his
son. Henry Sleeper Harper. When
Is added that during the last twenty