Arthur Cyprian Harper (1866–1948) was an American banker who served as the 26th Mayor of Los Angeles, California, from December 13, 1906, to March 11, 1909.

He was forced to resign in the wake of a recall drive due to dishonesty that marked his administration.

[3] The Herald exposed the corruption after they uncovered a $25 million payout to Harper for the building of the Los Angeles Aqueduct.

[2] The Herald called his corruption "his dishonor" in a series of articles entitled "Is Vice Protected in Los Angeles?

"[2][3] The public turned on Harper and started the first recall movement in American history, collecting 25,000 signatures in support.