The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-01-04
Remarkable Genius.

| pOTtuIlIy W Apply their ulIlluS anu exert
their mechanical skill i'm this direction, and
where mind is given sufficient scope for ex-
pansion and invention, mechanical novel
ties are not the only product The New
York World of Dec. Is, 1887. gives de-
scripton of newspaper, published by Gay
w. Foster. an inmate of Sing Sing. which
is not only novelty but rare work of
art. requiring intellectual ability seldom
surpassed. The paper was designed as
Christmas present for Gov. David B. Hill.
and he is now, no doubt. the happy posses
sor of a newspaper, no other copy of which
was ever printed. 1t is called the Sing
Sing Solitaire, and is wholly the produc-
ton of Foster. working alone in his cell.
He makes the statement at the head of the
editorial column, that the paper was edit
ed, designed. illustrated and printed, with
no type, without printing press, or scis-
sors." The World says:
| There is half-page picture of the convicts
marching through the prison yard on their way to
their cells at the close of Sunday services in the
chapel, which is very faithful representation.
| 1t was printed from a cut engraved by him on
common maple wood The paper contains six
ful-page drawings in ink. -Four of these in
tended by allegory to represent the wiles and
snares which tempt men and land them behind
prison bars. The artist has pictured himself at
work his PAPER in his cell and the likeness is
! excellent. But the most remarkable drawing of
all is the character sketch ''Untamed.'' in which
the features and surly manner of a desperate in
mate of the prison accurately depicted
A strong religious sentiment characterizes most
of the reading matter, although a department of
| the paper is devoted to humor. Here are few
samples:
If our noted brother from England Mr. Bidwel,
concluded that he had not did well, will
form or has done he will not blame our brother
Byrnes but will see the point of Our pun.
Don't spare the boy and thus spoil the rod, but
wrap him in the flag without the stripes.
Owing to circumstances over which we have
CONTROL and the size of our Office being but four
by seven feet Square, we have not undertaken to
buy all the cylinder presses in the state. where.
fore our creditors will receive one hundred cents
on the dollar. We require no lawyer to keep us
out of prison or fighting editor to maintain de-
cO1um and good order. How much better it would
re for the people if many of esteemed con-
tempories were published under like circum-
stances.
Can an one tell us how to punish christian?
Is it not far better to send dozen innocent
christians to prison than to allow the num-
ly give the innocents chance to do home mis-
sionary work, and they would not be in danger of
being eaten up by their far-famed cannibal broth
Man quits chewing and takes double dose of
smoke. Man quits smoking and chews tobacco
till he choke.
Were Fosters advice followed and his warning
needed in time no doubt many who may yet join
him in the penal colony up the river would not
risk losing their liberty. He writes: MY dear
reader, do you desire to emigrate to this land of
untold sorrow. of the bitter waters of Marah;' to
stand on the brink of roaring chasm, to look
into its dark aud unbounded bowls in which lay
writhing, wrigeling helpless spirits of remorse,
revenge, lust, greed, infidelty and all the rest?
Nay, beloved ones, come not! Praise God from
whom all bless nss flow. Lead! by the laws of
man, yet speaketh!'
Wouldst thou be buried alive
Within solid, cold stone tomb
TO weep and pray for others doom
To far more bitter ends?
Sayst thou nay my friends?
Then curb thy tongues and pay the debts
And all thy ways amend.
In commenting the prison-yard scene on Sun
day morning Foster writes:
Standing together on the grass plot beside a
beautiful tower of morning glores are supposed
70 be the respected warden and the principal
keeper Of the prison, reviewing the prisoners as
they pass under their respective keepers. Oh
what picture OF Gods unbOunded love and
mercy! What subject for Meissonier or home
artists to paint? What grander spectacle on
Gods footstool to warm the heart of true,
whole-souled christian! would that might be
the one to paint that scene, life-sze. with colors
that would burn the very outlines into the hearts
OF all beholders, together with the inspirations
OF the artist, that it might shine forth glitter
ing twO-edged sword in the hour of temptation
that it might stand armOr of steel betwixt
the accursed assassin and his weeping victim; that
1T might purge the very hearts Of their ungodly
md "a fhar,O nd md
ward to purity. happiness, lovliness, goodness,
Here is to be seen, what? The very pictures of
mems and boys lives painted in telling lines upon
their very faces to be read like an open book
All, but have rot read the same thing in our
world! you say. Nay, my christian brother, not