Illinois Central Plans - CM&N

Chicago, Aug 2. - Articles of incorporation for the new northwestern line of the Illinois Central were filed at Springfield, Ill. and Madison, Wis yesterday afternoon.  The new line will be known as the Chicago, Madison & Northern Railway Company.  It has been the opinion that the Illinois Central simply meant to build an independent line between Chicago and its mainline at Freeport with the view of establishing a through route to St. Paul by utilizing its Iowa leased lines north from Dubuque.  But it is now found that it means to cross its mainline and Freeport and build right on to Madison, Wis.  Where it will go from Madison has not yet been learned.  Illinois Central officials say they mean to stop at Madison.  But it is hardly probable that Madison will always be its northern terminus.  It evidently has some further extensions in view, but that will probably be dependong upon the spirit shown toward it by other WIsconsin Roads.

So far as can be ascertained nothing has yet been decided regarding the lease of the Illinois Central's Iowa lines, which expires next year.  If the Illinois Central means to have an independent through line between Chicago & St. Paul it has to renew the lease of its Iowa lines.  The Illinois Central people say no steps have yet been taken regarding the renewal of the lease of the Iowa lines and that they are by no means certain yet that the leases will be renewed.  It is quite probable that the construction of the new line to Madison has for its object the prevention of further competition for the lease of the Iowa lines by the Northwestern.  If the Northwestern keeps on bidding for the Iowa lines or succeeds in getting them, the Illinois Central no doubt intends to push its line from Madison north through those portion of Wisconsin where the Northwestern has now its stronghold.

NY Times Aug 3, 1886