LA C(ROSSE COUNTY HISTORICAL SKETCHES

upon between the Trades and Labor Council and the individual em-
ployees' and employers' associations without great difficulty. At times
there has been unwarranted suspicion and ill feeling among the labor-
ing classes against the Chamber of Commerce-the organization of
merchants, manufacturers, and professional men through which their
interests are guarded and many projects of city betterment are en-
couraged.
     The other source of division in the city arises from the fact that
one-third of its population, living on the "North Side" is physically sep-
arated from the rest of the! city by a swamp a mile across. Naturally,
there have been jealousies and bickerings between champions of the two
sides in times past, but at present the people seem to have outgrown this
small town habit and a much more unified sentiment prevails.
     For a number of years the educational interests of the city were
retarded by a policy of false economy but in recent times the construc-
tion of new buildings and the adoption of modern educational methods
have proceeded apace. Similarly, the street improvement policy passed
through its experimental stage when economy was the watchword; but
in this respect the city is now abreast of the times. The park and play-
ground equipment of the city is modern, the former having had the
advantage of generous private support from a few wealthy citizens.
    La Crosse is favored by having for location a comparatively level
plain upon which there is room for great expansion as the city grows.
Its population was relatively stationary for twenty years or more after
1900, but the residence area has in recent years expanded considerably
and a healthy growth of population seems to be under way. Social forces
for betterment are keeping pace with the material growth and La Crosse
has just claim to an honorable place among the cities of Wisconsin from
every standpoint.