year 1857, as recorded and illustrated by the faithful press of La Crosse, closed with manifold perplexities and difficulties surrounding all men engaged in enterprises that were in any degree contingent upon the fickleness and fears of borrowed capital. Thus ended the year 1857, which left its scars and bruises on the brows and hearts of many bravehearted and enterprising pioneers, who staked and lost all when the world-wide panic drove confidence and faith from the center of commerce and disturbed the schemes of energetic and resolute men, who found themselves powerless to shield themselves and their families from disasters that baffled the wisest and thwarted the most useful of Western pioneers.

1858. The population of La Crosse is estimated between 4,500 and 5,000, based on the autumn vote of 690 and the school attendance When George Farnum took the census in May, 1853, there were about 700 inhabitants in La Crosse. The census of Elder Carr, at the close of 1853, indicated the population was about 800.

"Milo" expressed thanks for the liberality of citizens to the "Carrier Boy," and was the recipient of a pair of boots from Mr. F. P. Bradish, whose advertisements were the most racy and attractive specimens of advertising of those days.

The total deposits in the strongest bank in the city amounted to $8,144.02, which would scarcely be sufficient to square up the monthly pay-roll or freight bills of any one of several business establishments in La Crosse in 1881.

March 3. "Over forty buildings of different kinds are now in process of erection in our city. The foundation of our prosperity has not been shattered, nor have the energies and enterprise of our citizens been strangled. They are the same to day they have always been, and will continue to be. Upon their hands securely rests the future of La Crosse. The confidence in its growth never was so strong among its citizens as it is now." So said the Republican, and all said +6 Amen."

That is the kind of pluck on which the press and citizens of La Crosse stood shoulder to shoulder, and people abroad were compelled to take notice that, on this footstool of Jehovah, there was one place whose inhabitants had not been squelched by the adverse storms which had broken the spirit of many communities. La Crosse was favorably kept before the public at large, also, through the publicity of matters connected with the progress of the La Crosse & Milwaukee Railroad and Southern Minnesota Railroad, as published in the press of the larger cities and republished with commendatory and corroborative assurances in the La Crosse newspapers, which kept these operations constantly before its readers. Nothing did so much to brace up La Crosse as the vigorous and steadfast advocacy and defense of its interests by its energetic, enterprising and plucky newspapers. March 3.

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Cold weather has again restored the ice bridges over the Upper Mississippi and tributary

March 17. The Galena, Dunleith, Dubuque & Minnesota Packet Company announce the following fleet of steam packets, to run this season on the Upper Mississippi, viz.: Northern Light, Capt. P. Lodwlck; Northern Belle, Capt. J. Y. Hurd; Galena, Capt W. H. Laughton; War Eagle, Capt. W. H. Gabbon; Grey Eagle, Capt. D. S. Harris ; Key City, Capt. J. Worden; Milwaukee, Capt. S. Hewett; Itasca, Capt. D. Whitten; Oc an Wave, Capt. John Scott.

Ward. cises.

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March 31. "The examination of the schools was concluded last Friday, at the Brick School House, in First All through the examination the schoolrooms were thronged with citizens who felt an interest in the exerThe prize declamations were awarded to Marshall Patten and John C. Card. Some persons in attendance afterward awarded a prize to Edwin E. Bentley, for declamation. The boys all spoke well. Their pieces were well committed, and were appropriately selected. In composition, the prize was awarded to Miss Henrietta Reppy, who read a very creditable production on Modern Improvements.' The whole exercises were finally concluded by an exhibition, last evening, at Barron's Hall, where the scholars went through with a number of dialogues, declamations, songs, glees, etc., to the satisfaction of the immense throng who crowded the hall."

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April 7. "The United States Land Office, which has been closed for several months, was re-opened in La Crosse, and was hailed with delight by many of the bone and sinew,' who wished to make their entries and preemption. Some 40,000 acres were entered the first day. The office of Register Benton has been crowded since Monday."

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The La Crosse & Milwaukee Railroad is being built by Selah Chamberlain and Daniel Wells, between New Lisbon and La Crosse, and to be opened in October, 1858. They call for a thousand more laborers."

At a meeting of the Pioneer Engine Company, held at the Court House, Monday evening, April 5, officers were elected, of whom the only one now (1881) in La Crosse is ex-Mayor David Law.

Buildings are going up in every part of the city; but money is a scarce article."

April 14. In an editorial under the heading of " The Railroad is Coming," statements are published that, notwithstanding some few croakers had predicted La Crosse would have no railroad connection east or west, "the early settlers had a strong faith in the importance of its position, and by their sagacity and enterprise, and with courage to overcome obstacles, they set about laying the foundations for a prosperous and populous city. With this view, the late Hon. Timothy Burns brought forward and advocated the La Crosse Railroad Charter. He traversed the country.

explored the different routes, found them practicable, and brought up to a living reality that which before had existed only in theory. By his practical knowledge he met opposition with facts, and brought to the aid of the entorprise such a fund of well digested business truths, that resistance was foolishness. Notwithstanding this, the La Crosse Railroad Company have always met with opposition from those who ought to have been its friends. However, the company was organized, and the work commenced, and to-day it is being prosecuted with almost unparalleled energy and vigor, with a fair prospect of its completion to La Crosse within six months; and in all probability the prophetic statement of Mr. Burns will be fulfilled, when, in 1852, he predicted that, in ten years from that time, La Crosse would contain a population of at least 15,000!"

Col. John S. Simonton did good service to the farmers of La Crosse County. by introducing some fine bloodedcattle from improved herds in Ohio.

April 15. Obituary announcements of the death of Joshua H. Rogers, brother of Editor W. C. Rogers. He was highly esteemed as a citizen.

The Democrat speaks of Mr. Joshua H. Rogers as "a citizen who did much for the cause of education and good order in our midst. In his business (books and stationery), he was active and honest, and in all his relations to society, as husband, father, brother and friend, his example was worthy of imitation."

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The Republican pays its tribute of respect in an appropriate article, in which it said, "We have lost our best friend." * * "He lived a good life." "The school, the church and the active business men will mourn his departure." Mrs. Rogers and her daughter, Mrs. Pitkin, in 1881, reside at the family homestead of deceased, on Seventh street, between King and Cass streets.

During the first week of navigation, from April 13 to April 20, forty-four steam packets landed at La Crosse." May 5. The steamer, Key City, Capt. J. Warden, left Dunleith May 2, at 8 A. M., and reached McGregor in five hours and one minute; Lansing, in seven hours and forty-five minutes, and arrived at La Crosse 7:10 P. M., making the entire run from Dunleith to La Crosse in eleven hours and ten minutes, including landings at the principal places, and against a strong head wind all of the way. This time did not equal the Grey Eagle, in 1858, or the Gem City, in 1881. May 5. "We understand the loggers have had a remarkably good drive' in Black River the present spring, making a clean sweep of nearly all the logs in the river."

Married, in this city, on the 19th instant, by the Rev. N. C. Chapin, Pastor of the Congregational Church, Mr. Wilson Calwell and Miss Nannie Hammer; also, Mr. Amasa C. Walker and Miss Omie K. Hammer, daughters of Joseph Hammer, Esq., of La Crosse.

May 26. Married, on the 24th instant, in this city, by the Rev. Fayette Durlin, Rector of Christ Church, Mr. William R. Sill and Miss Mary G., eldest daughter of J. C. Edgar, Esq., all of La Crosse.

Married, in Brooklyn, N. Y., on the 28th of April, by the Rev. R. W. Clark, Mr. Henry I. Bliss, of La Crosse, and Miss Harriet H. Partridge, of Brooklyn, N. Y.

Married, on the 23d of May, in the town of Farmington, by the Rev. William Howe, Mr. Jay Pettingill and Miss Adeline Sage, all of that place.

May 26. Intense excitement prevails in La Crosse County, in regard to a mysterious robbery in Lewis Valley, town of Farmington, a statement of which is published, occupying two columns, over the names of about seventy-five citizens of that place, in a public meeting, over which C. C. Palmer presided. The mystery was never satisfactorily cleared up. Whether A. W. Leland, of Freeborn County, Minn., formerly of Farmington, Wis., was really assaulted and robbed, by two or three men with knives, or that he attempted suicide, or tried to make himself a hero and a mendicant; but he was found on the road, apparently in a damaged condition. Doctors Heath and Baxter, Sheriff Polleys, Deputy Sheriff Staley, District Attorney Losey and others, including Mr. Lottridge, investigated matters; but could not find any satisfactory solution of the mystery.

June 2. Many columns of fine type in editorials, and statements of Messrs. C. C. Palmer, Leonard Lottridge, C. W. Marshal, J. W. Losey and others, left no doubt that Leland was an impostor, and feigned robbery to obtain sympathy and support. He soon vamosed in disgrace.

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The Southern Minnesota Railroad Company, at a meeting held in Hokah, Minn., elec ed directors, who elected Hon. Daniel Wells, Jr., of Milwaukee, President, and Moses Kneeland, of Milwaukee, Acting Director and General Agent."

"The Mississippi House, southeast corner of State and Third streets, having passed into the hands of C. P. Sykes, he changed its name to the "United States Hotel."

"Austin J. Marsh rescued Charles Reppy from drowning during a high wind and a swift current.”

June 16. "Depression in business," is the heading of an article, which indorses the statements of a correspondent over the signature "Americus," who describes the depression in business as intolerable. He says: · Busi

ness is crippled in all its departments. Many tenements and business places are for sale or rent, and even our soundest men can hardly get credit at any of our stores for thirty days' time, and no money can be obtained at any price."

"During the stagnation in business in the principal places below us on the river, they seem to take time to make pleasure excursions. About once a week parties of pleasure pass up the river in pursuit of enjoyment and to do away with the blues,' probably.”

The farmers report prospects of good crops."

Charles B. Solberg returned last Friday from a brief visit to Norway, his fatherland. Some 360 emigrants accompanied him across the sea to find a home in the West. About half of them came through to La Crosse to set

tle on farming lands within this and the adjoining counties."

July 7. The celebration of Monday, the 5th of July, in La Crosse, was a grand affair. The procession was fine, including military companies, fire brigade, civic societies, etc. The English-speaking portion of our citizens were addressed by Alonzo Johson, Esq., whose oration was generally considered as a very able one. The Germans went by themselves, and were addressed by Col. Theodore Rodolf and Mr. John Ulrich. About two hundred citizens participated in a banquet at the Augusta House."

August 4. "Only eleven miles to the cars on the railroad now, at West Salem, and the stages go out loaded. The workmen are night and day putting down the track. All the bridges are finished. Ten days more and look out for the whistle!"

August 18. "Only four miles of staging from La Crosse to the railroad trains. Next week we can dispense with stages and take an omnibus to the trains at North La Crosse."

August 25. "On Monday evening, August 23, 1858, the first day of through trains on the La Crosse & Milwaukee Railroad brought about fifty passengers. Passenger train for Milwaukee leaves North La Crosse at 2, A. M. Passenger and freight train leaves 7:30 A. M. Fare to Milwaukee, $6.00.

Daylight went through the tunnel yesterday."

"The ferry boat yesterday took over a load of carts, barrows, etc., to be employed on the Root River Valley Railroad." "Proceedings of the Republican Congressional District Convention held at Prairie du Chien, ballot: For C. C. Washburn, 49; Luther Hanchett, 15; W. T. Price, 2."

September 8. include the following "A good idea. The business men of Third, Main and Pearl streets have had coarse hay scattered profusely through those streets, rendering them more easy of travel." September 15. There is a change of time on the railroad.

M. They arrive at North La Crosse at 12:50 A. M., and at 5 P. M.

Cars leave for the East at 3 A. M. and 10:25 A.

"On the night of the 8th instant, a gang of four coin counterfeiters, while at work manufacturing money, were arrested in a house on the edge of the prairie, in the lower part of the city."

In speaking of the La Crosse Post Office, the Republican says: "All in all, Harvey E. Hubbard, our excellent Postmaster, backed by his assistants, have done well in more than answering the demands and requirements of the people in perfecting our mail arrangements."

September 22. "Alexander Cameron, Townsend N. Norton and Leonard Lottridge, Esqs., having received from Gov. Randall the appointment as Commissioners to appraise school lands in Burnett County, Wis., left La Crosse on Wednesday last to fulfill the duties of their appointment."

September 29. "According to Assessor Edgar's valuation, La Crosse County real estate was appraised at $2,936,383.91, and personal property, $556,939."

"CITY CLERK.-Our attentive and gentlemanly City Clerk, Charles Koenig, removed his office to the second door east of the Police Justice's office, on Main street, between Second and Third streets. May we always have incumbents in that office as well qualified to perform their duties as the present one." So say all who know Mr. Koenig.

"Ground was broken and work commenced yesterday at La Cresent and near Hokah, on the Southern Minnesota Railroad."

October 6. Charles W. Marshall (Republican), and James Whalen (Democrat), candidates for Assembly by the nominations of party conventions for this Assembly District (including La Crosse and Monroe Counties), a campaign or contest of unusual and unprecedented bitterness and severity was inaugurated.

The saw mill, planing mill and lumber piles of Messrs. Buttrick & Brother were burned in North La Crosse on Monday afternoon October 4. Loss $32,000; no insurance."

On Thursday, October 14, 1858, in excursion party of Milwaukeeans, escorted by the Milwaukee Light Guard and Band, visited La Crosse to celebrate the railroad opening, and were entertained at the Augusta House. The speeches, etc., occurred after 'supper in Barron's Hall. After the meeting, the excursionists proceeded on boats Northern Light and Northern Belle to St. Paul. The La Crosse Rifle Company, commanded by Col. Theodore Rodolf, performed escort service.

On October 12, married in La Crosse, at the residence of the bride's father by the Rev. I. C. Sherwin, Mr. Alexander McMillan and Miss Sarah L. Parker, all of La Crosse.

November 10. C. W. Marshall elected Assemblyman after a memorable and deplorably bitter contest, in which too much truth and too much wickedness were displayed. Old settlers will never forget it.

"Over eight hundred men are at work on the Southern Minnesota Railroad."

The State Convention of Congregational ministers and delegates held in La Crosse in latter part of October was an interesting event for La Crosse, and the hospitality of its citizens did much to disseminate throughout the State favorable impressions of La Crosse.

The election of Hon. C. C. Washburne to a third term in Congress, with his brother Elihu B. Washburne, in Illinois, and his brother Israel Washburne, in Main, elicited many complimentary notices of these famous brothers.

Of the year 1859, very few newspaper items can be gleaned until the latter part of the year, when three daily newspapers were ushered into existence. Before we go into particulars as to the circumstances under which they were established, we will refer to the closing year of the La Crosse Weekly National Democrat, under the management of Dr. Blakeslee and ownership of Messrs. Blakeslee & Moore, and the closing year of the La Crosse Weekly Independent Republican, under the management and ownership of Mr. W. C. Rogers. Both of these papers had been ably conducted, considering the means and patronage at command of publishers in a new and sparsely settled country. The characteristic features of the two papers were as distinct and unlike as their publishers. The National Democrat was vigorous and stormy; the Independent Republican was steady and gritty. Typographically, Mr. Rogers' paper kept the lead, while the local and general news as well as the literary miscellany of the Republican had been admirably and evenly maintained throughout the six years of his editorial and business management. Its patrons stood by the Republican devotedly. It seems to have been judiciously and conscientiously conducted. In the meantime, politics had assumed an unprecedentedly intense form, and the Republican party did "carry the war into Africa" by its determined resistance to the encroachments of the Pro-slavery Democracy. The Democratic party became divided by the aggressive movements of the Republican party, which derived increased strength while

struggling for freedom in the Territories and aiming to establish limitations to slavery. By recalling the fact that 1859 was the John Brown year (when he was executed in Virginia for his invasion at Harper's Ferry with less than a score of followers), our readers will understand it was a year of intense political excitement, when hot-headed men of both political parties resorted to extreme measures, which provoked retaliation and vengeance in many forms.

It was during the administration of President Buchanan, whose election Dr. Blakeslee had favored, that many Democrats in the North found themselves at variance with the policy and action of the controlling forces of the Democratic party in and out of Congress, on account of the attempt to extend slavery into the Territories; and among those who remonstrated against the policy of the Administration was the energetic editor of the La Crosse National Democrat, which consequently incurred the displeasure of the zealous supporters of President Buchanan's administration and the hostility of Democratic officials and leaders generally. The spring election in the city of La Crosse had resulted in the election of James I. Lyndes, a moderate Democrat, as Mayor, and it is worthy of record that Mayor Lyndes (who was subsequently Mayor in 1872, and was for many years a valuable member of the State Board of Normal School Regents, as well as a lawyer of considerable prominence and a citizen of great personal popularity), was an excellent Mayor.

The Presidential campaign year of 1860 was approaching, when the people would decide the question whether slavery should be sectional or national. It was not then a question whether freedom should be sectional or national, for it was, by almost common consent, understood that freedom was only sectional and local, and had no existence south of the Ohio River, or “Mason and Dixon's line.” Freedom, then, was only claimed for the Northern States and Western Territories, and even in the North the Fugitive Slave Law made every citizen a slave-hunter. In this condition of political affairs, the Administration-supporting Democracy deemed it advisable and expedient, and perhaps necessary, to have in La Crosse a newspaper which would be an unqualified exponent and defender of President Buchanan's policy. This led to the establishment of the La Crosse Daily Union on the 15th of October, 1859, under the editorial management of Mr. A. P. Swineford, who had previously published a paper at Albert Lea, and, later, at La Crescent, Minn. The publishers of the Union were Messrs. A. P. Swineford, U. P. Olin and C. P. Sykes, Mr. Olin having charge of the printing office, and Mr. Sykes attending to its business affairs. It was a strong team. They were all energtic, industrious and plucky men. The business condition of the country at large, of the State, of the county or of the city, did not justify such bold enterprises as daily newspapers in so small a city as La Crosse, only onehalf of whose population required newspapers published in the English language; but political necessity demanded "a vigorous prosecution of the war" for the control of the field for future action. The year 1859 will be remembered in Wisconsin as a dark year in business. The crops of 1858 were so slim that warehouses along the lakes stood empty, and there was very little grain for shipment to market. But "pluck" in "hard times" is like heroism in battle.

The Daily Independent Republican was commenced by Mr. Rogers October 25, 1859. Dr. Blakeslee commenced the publication of the La Crosse Daily Democrat on the 26th of October, 1859.

Mr. C. P. Sykes, on November 10, 1859, purchased Dr. Blakeslee's interest in the Weekly National Democrat and Daily Democrat.

Mr. Olin retired from the Union, and was succeeded by Mr. Moore, of the National Democrat. Consolidation resulted in the Daily and Weekly Union and Democrat, published by Swineford, Sykes & Moore, and thus the close of the year 1859 found La Crosse with only two instead of three daily newspapers. The enterprise manifested by La Crosse newspapers attracted attention throughout the country, in contrast with a prevalent diminution and curtailment of business in all directions. La Crosse has ever and always maintained a bold and steady front, even in the days of deepest depression in the country, and its press has never flinched or faltered in any emergency. The continued and present prosperity of La Crosse is largely attributable to the courage and steadfastness of those who have conducted its press. Whatever