and, both directly and indirectly, to the prosperity of cities was 

 illustrated by the experience of other places. The four conclusions 

 to which the addresses of the evening pointed definitely were: 

 (1) That Park lands for the City of La Crosse would never again 

 be so cheap; (2) That once acquired, they would steadily increase 

 in value; (3) That the experience of every city that has judiciously 

 undertaken park improvements had demonstrated that they pay 

 for themselves * ; (4) That the adoption of a permanent park policy 

 is more than likely to bring rich gifts of land and money for park 

 purposes. Of the general soundness of these views, the audience 

 was convinced, and at the conclusion of the meeting, the following 

 resolutions were unanimously adopted: 



Massmeeting Adopts Resolutions. 



"Whereas, The City of La Crosse is in need of greater park 

 privileges and facilities and is admirably adapted by situation and 

 natural advantages for the carrying out of a general plan for the 

 establishment of a comprehensive park system, 



"Now Therefore, Be it resolved by the citizens of La 

 Crosse in mass meeting assembled this 18th day of November, 

 1908, that we are in favor of the adoption and execution of a plan 

 of park improvement which will tend to beautify our city and minis- 

 ter to the comfort and pleasure of all our citizens. And be it further 



"Resolved, That we indorse the steps already taken in 

 this direction by the appointment of a park commission and 

 heartily approve the proposed action of the Common Councill in 

 levying a one mill tax to be set apart and expended under the 

 direction of the park commission for park purposes, and pledge 

 our support to all future efforts and actions of the commission and 

 common council for the accomplishment of these purposes. And 

 be it further 



"Resolved, that our thanks be and are hereby extended to 

 Mr. John Nolen for his able, interesting and instructive lecture 

 and to the park commission for its efforts in providing for this 

 opportunity to hear the same. And be it further 



"Resolved, That these resolutions be transmitted to the 

 common council of the city of La Crosse and a copy thereof to the 



*The conclusion of a citizens' committee appointed by the Madison City 

 Council, was that from 10 to 15 per cent of the increase of real estate values 

 within that city since 1893 was due to the park and drive work. This would 

 mean an annual income to the City from taxes of more than twenty thousand 

 dollars. See "Madison Parks as a Municipal Investment." 



Fifteen 



