The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-06-19
PR1soN FonUM rs OUT.
Verses, News, Editorials ana Comic Pic-
lures, All by Prisoners.

The new newspaper, the Prison Forum. made
its appearance yesterday. II is OF sixteen
pages about one quarter the size ofTHB SUNS
page. and is published at the Kings County
| Penitentiary. where there Is a complete print
ing office. Its circulation is to be confined TO
the penal institutions OF the city, and few
copies will reach the outside world The idea
| originated with Commissioner Lantry. who
caused to be distributed among the prisons a
| circular asking for contributions. In response
food OF manuscript was received. Commits
sioner Lantry appointed as editor young man
who was brought up in a homo for wayward
children. and. after serving In the Elmra Re-
formatory. Is now doing term on Backwell's
Island for grand larceny. The art department
Ia conducted by a brother OF a member OF the
National Academy Of Design. in Jail under an
assumed name. The publisher is a prisoner
who once conducted successful musical mag
azine in this city
The idea OF tho Prison Forum. as explained
on the editorial page, is ito give every man in
the institutions chance to contribute some
thing which will benefit himself and his fell
lows" All contributions must be OF cheer
full tone. and the word convict" Ia never used
In the first number the first three pages are
taken UP by review Of the VaRrancy law and
description Of the improvements at present
being made in the different institutions. These
contributions are signed by Tho Censor"
who is Deputy Commissioner N. o. Tanning.
The other thirteen pages are all the work OF
prisoners. The salutatory says:
working. Of the Various d.p.rtDens Of tho institu.
u2,ns, with articles contributed by the inmates.
ssyn aS all ' hsGsSE
what We think ia = spiey intelligent, paper free
Fooi thl9s. are. And now, ind Tssdsr. tSs. yon
esrefully, foreetting what We ourselves have said
about our Efforts, and untrsmmelled by prejudice
you think of tho PRISON ForImY
Never Ky -, Too Late to Nsad. =. =,
PonitentiSry. The other ,Ilfussrations are
g oSst bsn prison life and the Harris Island
The letters n the June number are written
In answer to tho question. II I were a citi-
neatons ali 81 ened By The initials oi the
lease he intends to go The Philippines and enlist
possible and tSinks Tie Rfondifs viii fd do: aa n
still another is going to be a Jockey Only one
inmate protests his innocence. P. P. j. OF the
Blackwells Island Penitentiary writes:
When am liberated I shall return to New York
city, get position with my former employer. and
then set about proving my entire inn in con-
i may seem strange. in the face Of my conviction
for me to ASSERT my Innocence. but I assure you,
me. l am as innocent Of this crime 40 a child un.
born. and my friends believe it as we'll.
About one-haf OF the paner ia devoted to
News, of the Prisons" and under this head is
printed description of the work done by the
Inmates in the last quarter. Items concerning
boats were collected by the prisoners en-
p!oyed on the steamboats, under the direction
ofthe Captain of the flagship Minnahanouck.
Under the heading. "A Reception to Admiral
Dewey" j. j., an inmate OF the Kings County
Penitentiary. writes
Although not able to participate in the oerem onies,
those who outside and unite with our more for.
tuae brethren i'll welcoming him 70 his native shores
once more Long live Admiral Dewey, the hero Of
Manila Bayl
There is page OF verse. Here is a sample:
OF THE HOSPITAL FIRE.
Written for the Prison Forum BY j. L.. B. l. Penitsn.
ttdrV.
We've read Of deeds Of valor
By heroes brave and bold.
And likewise tales Of daring
That were wrought in days Of old;
One must certainly admire
The valiant crew OF rescuers
At the penitentiary fire.
Twas not for fame they battled
Twas not for gold they fought
But like hremen self taught.
Executed each his mission
snatched from death SOME helpless patient
Who lives now to bless their names.
Oh. world. give Judgment now, we pray
We fain would learn IL thou canst scan
Beneath the stripes that cioths our clay
And see some good in every man.
All; we'll! we know on heavens scroll
This one good deed we've done 10 writ;
And maybe when He calls the roll
>, It is hoped to, get a paper out every month.
There are about 1000 inmates In the various