The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-02-11
ACROSS THE CONTINENT
FROM OCEAN TO OCEAN WILL
STRETCH VANDERBILTS LINES.
Consolidation Of Northwestern Roads but
Link i'm system From New
York to san Francisco.

Chicago Feb. 10-The Post to-day
SAYS: The consolidation of the differ
ent companies which go to make up the
Chicago & Northwestern system has
been definitely decided upon. CHIEF of
these roads are the Chicago & North
western, the Fremont, Elkhorn a. Mis-
souri, Valley, the Chicago. Minneapo-
lis, St Paul 4 Omaha and the Sioux
city 4 Pacific. Together these lines
embrace 1866 miles of road. For years
they have been operated in the closest
harmony. The connection between
them has been almost as close as if it
had actually taken place. The actions
OF all have been directed by one head
Marvin Hughitt Is president of all the
companies" "
1t is now proposed, however, for
financial reasons. to consolidate all into
one company and make one set of se-
eurities for all In carrying out the
plan there will be an exchange of the
present securities of the smaller COM
panies for those Of the Northwestern,
a large increase of which will be is
sued To meet the requirements of the
deal. The exchange will be liberal
enough To prevent any opposition TO
the plan on the part Of security hold
efs of the smaller properties Their
proposition will be considerably bene-
been fully determined whether the con-
solidation will be carried out under one
general plan or piecemeal. In any
general plan that might be adopted 1t
Is feared that jealousies might be
aroused among the holders of securi-
ties of the different companies. All
such misunderstanding might. 1t is
thought, he avoided by taking up the
consolidation of the companies sepa-
rately.
Should this plan be adopted the work
Of consolidation will begin with the
Chicago. St Paul. Minneapolis Il
Omaha, tho stockholders Of which may
be asked at their next annual meeting
10 vote on a plan prepared for their
consideration That part Of the plan
once ant of the way. the Fremont, Elk
horn a Missouri Valley would be dealt
with in the same way and then would
come the Sioux city & Pacific The ar
rangements for the consolidation of
the Omaha have progressed consider
ably further than those Of any of the
other roads.
When the consolidation of all the rail-
roads in the present Northwestern sys-
tenn had been completed the plan now
under consideration viii have been
consummated. The consultations will
be but the solidifying Of one link in a
great chain extending over the entire
continent from the Atlantic 10 the Pa
eitic. Once these consultations are out
Of the way. the field will. 1t is believed,
be clear for the further consolidation
of the Northwestern and Union Pacific
systems. The two roads to-day practl-
cally are one. All affairs relating to
through business are 50 arranged as to
guard the interests and suit the con-
Senience of each. and the final eonsaii-
dation Of the two roads will ia reality
be more matter Of detail than the
Introduction IF any radical change In
the relationships which nov exist be-
tween them, when they become one in /
name as they are noW in action. The /
completion of the Western chain allud- /
cd to will have taken place and nothing
viii remain but - Well II To the East /
ern end. which has already been formed |
hy the nniiicatian Of the New York |
Central and the Lake Shore roads. The t
Vanderbilt main line will then extend |
from New York to San Francisco. 1t |
may be by that time absolute owner
ship If the Central Pacific will nave /
been secured. Whether it is Or not. the |
present rights OF the Union Pacific COW |
lng that line are iaalienable.