A Prison Sunday

State of Michiqan, ) Board ol Correctlon and Charmes - Lanslng, Mlch. ) To Uk Reverend Clergy of Michigan: The extended and kind responso to our suggestion of a year since, tliat a Sabbath in October be observed as a "Prison Sunday," on wbich to have presented f rom the pulpit, in tlieir wide bearings, prlson reform, and tlie firux belief that great good must result from such a concerted presentatlon of the subject, and the fact that in other states the same day wül be observed, has encouraged the State Board of Corrections and Charities of Michigan to recommend that again a Sunday be sot apart for such purpose. Ignorance is a great factor in retarding the work of prison reform, ignorance of the relation of the citlzen to the criminal; a relation of Interest, of benevolence, and of religión. The clergy as teachers and leaders of thought who are brought into contact wlth the people more than nny other class, can do much to (lispel this gnorance and awaken an interest in these questlons of most vital importance, and In so doing hasten the day when the prisons and reformatories ot Michigan sliall beafter the best models in every respect. The State Board would therefor respectfully recommend that Sunday, Oct. 34tb, 18SG, be obsurved as Prison Sunday, and as merely suggestive, mention the following as among subjects of particular interest which may be properly introduced into the pulpit on such an occasion : The Families of those Imprisoned, Provisión for discharged Prisouers, Indetorminate Sentences, Employment in Prisons and Heformatories, Juvenile and FIrM, Offenders, Our Jail .System and the Tramp Evil. The Board would also suggeet that, :it least extracts of the sermons preached in compliance with this request, be published in the local papers. If this is done it would be estemed a favor if a copy of the paper was sent to the Secretary of the board, or he be advised by i postal thathe day was so observed. Our secretary will be pleascd to furnish from the office of the board at Lansing, sucli printed information as he may have for distribution, on tppUcatioo. R. A. A1.0KR, Gm., Ez-ojHrio, Kt, Kev. Gko. D. (iu.LKSiMK, C't'm'n. John J. Wiieeler, Lkvi L. Barboür, Kev. Frank A. O'Briev, Memhtrè of Úit Board. L. C. Storrs, Secretar}.