Democratic Sentinel, Volume 8, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 August 1884 — PURITY IN POLITICS FAVORED. [ARTICLE]

PURITY IN POLITICS FAVORED.

The Cause of Harper’s Opposition to Blaine’s Candidacy. Joseph W. Harper, of Harper & Brothers, has written a letter to the Washington Republican touching the publicity that has been given to an erroneous construction placed on a private letter written by him to William Walter Phelps, in which Mr. Harper expressed his admiration for certain qualities in Blaine's character. Personally Mr. Harper says he is not concerned, as, if necessary, he is ready to renew such expressions, but he says: “These views, which may be creditable enough in themselves, become impertinent when they are discreditably and unfairly made public in connection with a private business matter.” Mr. Harper then proceeds to state that for more than five years Harper's Weekly has been openly opposed to Blaine as a Presidential candidate, and adds: As a journal of civilization it is the duty of onr weekly to protest against tfie indifference to political Integrity which is disintegrating the Republican party; to continue its fight for the people against theyvorst class of politicians; and to advocate the great patriotic measures which the people are determined upon and the politicians hate. Blaine’s indecent use of official position to secure personal pecuniary advantages was disclosed In his own printed letters to Mr. Fisher, and is, therefore, authoritatively and conclusively established. This indecency is shamefully upheld by certain politicians who boast of its business smartness, and in the familiar slang of the Tweed ring ask ‘‘What are you going to do about it?”