usical way, and when that opportunity
comes around it is improved. Nearly one thousand voices unite in singing
those beautiful gospel hymns! A prayer is offered; more singing; then
the chaplain, or some visiting minister who may be present, preaches a
short discourse. There is a large field for usefulness, and for doing
good, in the penitentiary. The harvest is truly great. Chaplain Crawford
comprehends the situation, and is putting forth strenuous efforts to
save these men who have drifted thus far down the currents of sin.
His labors are abundantly blessed of God. Many men go out of that
institution a great deal better than when they first entered. Were it
not for the cruel treatment the prisoners suffer in the coal mines of
that institution many more of them would be reformed. This treatment
tends to harden the criminal. The chaplain has many evils to counteract,
yet he contends nobly for the right, and some of these men are being
redeemed from a sinful life. After the sermon, the choir and the string
band furnish more soul-stirring music, which enlivens the spirits of the
prisoners, and then the chapel exercises are over. The prisoners are
now returned to their cells. Occasionally the convicts are permitted
to remain after the chapel exercises proper are over and have a social
meeting. The chaplain remains with them. These men sing, pray and give
in their religious experience. It is novel to hear these Christian
criminals telling how they love Jesus.

Immediately after the religious services are over the prison school
begins. Nearly one hundred of the convicts attend this school. The
common branches, reading, writing, spelling, arithmetic, etc., are
taught. This school is graded, and under the management of the chaplain,
who is an excellent instructor, is a great blessing to the prisoners.
Numbers have fitted themselves here so that when they went out they were
able to pass examination and obtain certificates as teachers.

On entering the institution many of the prisoners who are unable to read
and write soon acquire these useful arts if they have any ambition for
self-improvement. If there was room, and this school could be conducted
in the evening, as well as on Sunday afternoons, much more good could be
accomplished. I would suggest that it would be a good act on the part
of the State to employ an officer who should devote all his time to
teaching and imparting instruction in the common branches, and let a
room