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.

"[2] His administration was corrupt, with the Oil and Railroad industry controlling the city through bribes and payoffs.

[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.