Railroads map merger

3 Midwestern Carriers ask for I.C.C. Permission

Washington, May 10 (UPI) - Three Midwestern railroads controlled by the Canadian Pacific Railway have formally applied to the Interstate Commerce Commission for permission to merge, it was announced today.

The three carriers, which have been studying a merger for the last year, are the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie (Soo Line), the Wisconsin Central and the Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic.  The merged company would be known as the Soo Line Railroad.

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NY Times  5/11/1960

IC northern expansion

A New Line. —lt is currently reported that the Illinois Central and Wisconsin Central Railroad Companies have coalesced to carry out a scheme which is of considerable importance to marine men.
It is to establish a line of steamers between Chicago, Green Bay and Ogdensburg. It is settled that the line will becomposed of the propellers N. L. Frost, W. J. Averill, and W. A. Haskell, which were operated by a New York railroad company last season. They are the largest and finest propellers ever built for the Welland Canal trade, but the New York Company could not bold them because there is a law in New York which prohibits railroad companies owning steam boats. Last winter the boats were sold under the hammer, and were bid on by the Detroit Dry Dock Company, and  ever since negotiations have been going on between this company and the two railroad companies mentioned for their purchase. Recently, the Wisconsin Central Railroad has purchased or has secured full control of the Green Bay, Winona and St. Paul Railway; they also have a through line from Winona to St. Paul. It is their object to make Green Bay a great distributing point for Northwestern wheat and corn, and to do this they want the steamboats mentioned.

---- The Manitowoc pilot.  April 02, 1885

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—Lake Superior News: The air is thick with rumors about the new railroad connections at Duluth,
in which the Illinois Central, the Wisconsin Central, and the Duluth and Winnipeg railroads figure
extensively. The fact is “things are a working,” but those who really know how matters stand are mum, because it is not time yet to disclose their plans. We could give any number of rumors, but facts are what people want.

----The Superior times, September 21, 1878

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ILLINOIS CENTRAL TO EXTEND
Manitowoc May be Included in New Road From Madison.
It is reported that the Illinois Central R. R. is planning to extend its line from Madison to Green Bay via the Fox river valley. In this case it is probable that Manitowoc may be included as the officials of that road visited here when the project was first entered upon about two years ago. The project is being financed by bankers of Cleveland and it is estimated that the line will cost $3,000,000.

----- The Manitowoc pilot.  October 15, 1903

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Illinois Central to Enter Manitowoc.
There is a probability that Manitowoc will have another railroad added to its present shipping facilities. Indications point to a desire on the part of the Illinois Central Railway Company to enter
there and establish a terminal. William.1. Bowles, freight and traffic manager of the road, has been in the city looking over the advantages afforded by the city. Mr. Bowles stated that he was favorably impressed with the facilities offered and that the matter would be thus reported by him to the Illinois Central officials.

-----Vernon County Censor.  April 16, 1902

Wisconsin Central - strategic Position

Since the admission of J.P. Morgan that the purchase of control of the Wisconsin Central was considered by him at the time of the Northern Pacific-Burlington deal, Wall Street has given considerable attention to the strategic position of the road.  At the same time there have appeared in the market some large buying orders for Wisconsin Central stocks, these orders being understood to come from Chicago and St. Louis interests.  The talk now is of an alliance of some sort between Wisconsin Central and Illinois Central.

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NY Times April 1902

Duluth, Rainy Lake & Winnpeg RR; a predecessor to the Duluth, Winnipeg & Pacific

SURVEY RUNS INTO DULUTH.
Duluth, Rainy Lake & Winnipeg Work Pushed.
Duluth, Oct. 21.—The survey of the Duluth, Rainy Lake & Winnipeg, formerly known as- the Duluth, Virginia & Rainy Lake railroad, has been completed into this city. It follows almost an air line between Duluth and Virginia, coming over the hill a little to the east of the Missabe railroad. It is
understood that the Wisconsin Central has formed a close alliance with the Rainy Lake road and that the latter will use the Wisconsin Central terminals in this city.

Construction work on the extension south from Virginia will begin in the early spring, and it is possible that the right of way will be cleared during the winter. Meantime work is being rushed on
the line between Virginia and International Falls, where the Rainy Lake line will connect with the Canadian Northern, giving a direct route between Chicago and the Manitoban metropolis via the Canadian Northern, Duluth, Rainy Lake & Winnipeg and the Wisconsin Central railroads, all
of which roads are reported to be in a traffic agreement, or possibly even closer allied.

- Bowbells Tribune 10/26/1906

Riverside & Harlem Railway

 ILLINOIS Harlem The Riverside & Harlem Railroad Company to build a line in Cook County to connect the Illinois Central road and the Wisconsin Central giving the latter a more direct line into Chicago. capital $200,000 Incorporators John C Welling Lewis T Moore Wm C Bruen Joseph F Titus and Franklin Fairman

-Iron & Machinery World, Vol 89

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RIVERSIDE & HARLEM The Illinois Central Is seeking right of way through the property known as the Gage Farm in Cook County Illinois for the Riverside & Harlem road which it proposes to build from a connection with its present line to Waldheim to connect with the Wisconsin Central a distance of 4 1/4 miles. The Wisconsin Central uses the terminal facilities of the Illinois Central at Chicago and it is claimed the construction of the line referred to will shorten the route into the city some 8 miles.

- The Railway Age 5/17/1901

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WC into Milwaukee

Milwaukee seems determined to have the Wisconsin Central. The committee appointed by the Merchants and Manufacturers' Association has reported against a proposition to encourage the
Milwaukee Terminal & Traffic company and also against aiding a new railway company which purposes to build from the Mississippi river to Milwaukee. The committee recommends that an effort
be made to induce the Wisconsin Central to extend its line into the city. The Wisconsin Central directors will have a meeting on the 13th at which Milwaukee's proposition will be considered.
- The Manitowoc Pilot 12/7/1899

Milwaukee Offers Racine Southwestern Division at a Bargain

WOULD SELLTHE LINE

Milwaukee Offers Racine Southwestern Division at a Bargain.
AT 25 PER CENT BELOW COST,
Reason for tha Reported desire of the officers to Dispose of the Branch Is That It is Not a Paying Investment, Although the Impression is Company has always Been Doing good Business.

The officials of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul road desires, it if said, to sell the division extending from Rock Island to Racine, Wis., for the reason that it is not a paying line. An offer has been made to Milwaukee county for the sale of this line, but whether it will be accepted is a question.
Although this division may not be doing a large business as far as passenger traffic is concerned. the line does an enormous freight business, and every day a train of from fifteen to thirtycars is brought into Rock Island and the same number taken away from here.

Benjamin M. Weil has been authorized by a leading oflicial of the Milwaukee road to say that, the railroad company is willing to sell to Milwaukee county its Racine & Southwestern branch for 25 per cent less than its original cost and about 50 per cent less than it would cost to build it at the present time. In addition to this, according to a statement made by Mr. Weil, the company would lease to
the county its Milwaukee terminal facilities for 25 per cent less than the real estate could be bought and terminals built by the county.

Cities on Division.
The Racine & Southwestern branch of the Milwaukee road begins at Western Union Junction and from there goes directly southwest. The principal cities it touches are Burlington. Springfield. Elkhorn, Delavan, Clinton Junction. Beloit, Rockton, Freeport, Kittredge, Savanna, Fulton. Moline and Rock Island, on the Mississippi river. The entire length of the line is 196 miles.

- Rock Island Argus 2/22/1900

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It is said to be extremely doubtful that the Milwaukee County Board will order an election called to vote $800,000 aid to the railway project known as the Southwestern. Milwaukee is now pinning its faith to the Wisconsin Central.

- Manitowoc Pilot 12/7/1899

WC/IC to the Copper Range

Another Hot Air Line.

It was announced in the Copper Country Saturday that the Copper Range Railroad has closed negotiations for the entrance of the Wisconsin Central into the copper country by way of North Crandon. The Wisconsin Central, according to the statement made here by Copper Range officials, will connect with the Copper Range road at Mass City, Mich. The Wisconsin Central, according to this announcement, is the real owner of the line which is being constructed from Menasha, Wis.,
to North Crandon, supposed hitherto to be a property of the Illinois Central.

The plan announced is for the running of through trains to Chicago by way of Mass City, North Crandon, Menasha, and then over the Wisconsin Central's old line into Chicago. There had been considerable mystery over the proposed road from Menasha to North Crandon, however, and it had been reported that this section, now under construction, was to be part of a branch of the Illinois Central from Madison to Huron bay, Lake Superior.

- The Diamond Drill 2/16/1907

IC line from Freeport to Madison and Portage

MADISON, Wl.
Special dispatch to the Tribune,
Madison, Wl Aug. 10.—At a meeting ot the Board of Directors of the Madison & Portage Railway Company, held in this city this morning, Messrs. James Campbell, O. D. Peck, Winslow Ballon, George O. Clinton, and David Atwood resigned their positions as Directors of the Company, and Messrs. John W. Cary, Alex Mitchell, S. S. Merrill, Hans Crocker, and John C. Gault were elected Directors to fill their vacancies. The new Board elected S.S. Merrill as President of the Company. The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Company has run the Portage Road for several years, and, by this arrangement, the management will continue under the permanent control of that company. There ore rumors on the street today that the Central have determined to construct tho Madison & Portage Road from here to Freeport, IL, thus connecting the lumber forests of Wisconsin with the prairies of
Illinois in nearly a direct line. It is also rumored here todav that the Illinois Central are seeking a connection with the Wisconsin Central at Portage, by constructing a road from Freeport, by the way of Mazomanie and Merrimac, to Portage. To corroborate this rumor it is stated that the Illinois Central folks had an engineer at Portage looking over the route.

- Chicago Daily Tribune, 8/17/1878

Big Western Railroad Move

Eastern Syndicate may want Wisconsin Central and Great Western
Special to the New York Times

Chicago, Ill., Feb. 5. - Another move is about to be made by the syndicates that are attempting to control all of the important railroads in the country.  The Harriman - Vanderbilt - Morgan - Pennsylvania combination, having about finished its work of consolidation in the territory east of Chicago, has turned its weapons upon the western field of transportation.  The managers of the controlling pool are trying to corral the only two independent roads between Chicago and St. Paul - the Wisconsin Central and the Chicago Great Western - in order to obtain absolute control of the Chicago - St. Paul district.

President Hill of the Great Northern, who is a prominent member of the Baltimore & Ohio end of the syndicate, is negotiating for the purchase of the Wisconsin Central, and, in fact, it is prevailing opinion in financial and railroad circles that the syndicate already has obtained control of this line.  This leaves only the little Great Western as an independent line.  According to alleged plans, this road also is to be absorbed and placed in the pool for freight purposes.  With the acquisition of these two roads, the syndicate practically will have achieved its end in bottling up the Chicago - Missouri River territory, as the Milwaukee and St. Paul, the Rock Island, and the Burlington lines, now owned by the Harriman or any other syndicate, are in entire sympathy with any plans which the syndicate may dictate.  On the syndicate's lines eastbound from Chicago plans for wiping out competition are assuming shape.

----- NY Times 2/6/1900

Rockefeller buys railway (WC)

Wisconsin Central now controlled by Standard Oil, it is said.
(Special to the New York Times).

St. Paul, Minn., Fed. 17. - It was learned today, through an officer of the Wisconsin Central Railroad, that the Standard Oil Company has acquired a controlling interest in that road, and is financing the extension from Ladysmith, Wis,. to Superior and Duluth, and is also financing the extension of the Duluth, Rainy River, and Winnipeg Road, which extends through the iron ore range, on which the Rockefeller interests own a large area.

John D. Rockefeller is said to have personally directed this project, which has, it is understood, brought the Wisconsin Central under his control by the purchase of stock.  It is alleged that all the northern lines, the United States Steel Company's Road, the Great Northern, and the Northern Pacific have refused to haul the iron ore of the Rockefeller mines, and that the purchase of the Wisconsin Central or a controlling interest in the road, is for the purpose of getting an outlet to the ports of Lake Superior, Milwaukee, and Chicago.

----- NY Times 2/18/1906

IC, WC extensions

Wisconsin Central The surveys are nearly complete of the line from Abbotsford to Merrill Wis The line will be 70 miles in length and contracts will be let about Aug 20 It is also stated that a line will be run from Wausau to Rib Lake


Engineering News - July 30, 1887

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Illinois Central On the Chicago Madison & Northern road from Freeport to Chicago about three fourths of the grading is done between Freeport and Elmhurst 19 miles west of Chicago. On the line from Freeport to Madison about 85 per cent of the grading is done and 25 per cent of the tunnelling and half the track is laid. It is stated that surveyors are to take the field at once to locate the line from Madison north to Portage about 40 miles. It is also definitely stated that the rumored extension from Sioux Falls to central Dakota will be surveyed at once.

Wisconsin Central The Chicago Lake Geneva & Pacific Ry Company project a road in this company's interest from Chicago to Duluth via Lake Geneva Whitewater and Portage City. At present however the line from Lake Geneva to Portage 110 miles is the only part definitely planned On this line the right ofway is secured and 60 miles are graded. JoHN E BURTON of Lake Geneva is President and HowARD MoRBIs of Milwaukee General Manager The Wisconsin Central has just begun operations on a line from Lake Geneva to Antioch 20 miles

Engineering News - August 13, 1887

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The Wisconsin Central's completion of extension to Chicago combined with the improvement in the business has sent its earnings up with a rush year they have completed an extension of miles in the Gogebic mining region they have begun surveys on a line which shorten the distance from Chicago to St and Duluth The line will begin at Antioch Ill and run via Lake Geneva Elkhorn Jefferson to Portage City a distance of miles Extensions into the lumber tracts northern Wisconsin are projected from and Rib Lake.


The Illinois Central last year put most of its energy upon extensions in Mississippi This year they are doing but little in the South It is rumored that the company is considering an extension to Decatur Ala from Milan Tenn and also from Aberdeen Miss It has recently placed under survey a line from Jackson Tenn to Memphis about 90 miles which will probably be built The Central Missouri line now building across the State of Missouri is conjectured to be backed by this company for an outlet to Kansas City Whether every railroad manager is so desirous of an outlet to Kansas City as the boomers of that enterprising village suppose may be opened to question. But while the Illinois Central is not taking part in the feverish activity of the South to any great extent it is entering upon a very active extension policy from its northern termini The work on the Chicago Madison & Northern lines from Freeport to Chicago 125 miles and to Madison Wis 65 miles is far advanced and they will probably be open for traffic by the end of the year And the company proposes to own a considerable mileage in Wisconsin. From Madison surveyors are working on a line to run north 40 miles to Portage City and the Freeport Dodgville & Northern line has just been put under contract from near Freeport to Dodgeville Wis, about 60 miles. That this line is intended to extend at no distant day from Dodgville up through the western tier of Wisconsin counties, which are still wanting in railroad facilities, to St Paul there can be little doubt. But it is in northwestern Iowa that the company has just exhibited the greatest inclination to rush things Lines have been recently put under contract from Cherokee Ia to Onawa 59 miles and to Sioux Falls Dak about 90 miles to be ready for in 60 days. We have it on good authority that this is the first move of the Illinois Central toward an active granger campaign and that it will soon push its lines through southern Dakota and northern Nebraska A region which offers abundant opportunities for success in this line.

Engineering News - August 13, 1887

Wisconsin Central offices

Milwaukee, Wis., Feb. 28 - It is announced here this afternoon that all offices of the Wisconsin Central Railroad will be moved to Chicago May 1.  The traffic department is already there, and the removal of the other offices is found necessary for the facilitation of business, since the leasing of the road by the Northern Pacific.  The offices to be moved will include those of the General Manager, General Superintendent, Auditor, Chief Engineer, Cashier, Purchasing Agent, Legal Department, and Land Department.

NY Times March 1, 1891

A Big Consolidation - WC & NP

Milwaukee, Wis, Oct. 9. - A private letter written by President Colby of the Wisconsin Central Railroad to a stockholder of the Northern Pacific system reveals a gigantic railway consolidation that will connect the two oceans and revolutionize international railway traffic.  It was never intended that the letter should become public.  It contains the inside workings of a great scheme, which is not yet entirely completed.

The consolidation of the Wisconsin Central and the Northern Pacific systems in amicable traffic agreement was the first step.  Henry Villard has secretly been at work to gain possession of a controlling interest in the Northern Pacific, and has formed an alliance with Charles and Joseph Colby, who have unlimited means.  Through this alliance a majority of the Northern Pacific stock has been secured.

Henry Villard will be restored to his lost estate by being made President of the Northern Pacific system.  All his former enemies will be shorn of their power, and one of the greatest railway consolidation in the world will be consummated.  Even now the contracts have been signed whereby the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad is to enter into an agreement with the consolidated Wisconsin Central and Northern Pacific lines connecting the two oceans.  The Atchison is also in the deal, reaching Mexico and southern California.  Chicago will be made the centre of operating the three great lanes.  The Northern Pacific will be extended  from Puget Sound and built into Alaska, making a continuous line from New York City to Sitka.

Baltimore, Oct. 9 - In the absence of President Mayer, who is attending a coal meeting in Philadelphia, Vice President King was shown the story of the Colby letter. He said that as far as the B&O is concerned there is nothing in this report; which is started to affect the market.  The Wisconsin Central and the Northern Pacific are of course already on very pleasant terms, but it has always been the policy of the Baltimore and Ohio and other trunk lines east to avoid any affiliation with western roads at Chicago to the exclusion of others.  It is more profitable to be independent.

First Vice President Orlando Smith also denied the story,   saying that when the Baltimore and Ohio inspection party were in Chicago recently they looked over the terminals of the Wisconsin Central and made a short trip over their terminal road, and to this fact was doubtless due the manufacture of the story.

NY Times Oct 10, 1889

WC Wausau Branch

Wisconsin Central It is stated that this company intends soon to build its proposed branch from Abbottsford Wis west to Wausau a distance of about 38 miles

Railway Age Vol 11.  July 1, 1886

WC branch to Lake Geneva

Wisconsin Central It is said that this company build a branch to Lake Geneva Wis either from Burlington or Wheatland The distance is about 12 miles would bring the Wisconsin Central into direct with the Chicago & North Western at one of the summer resort,

Railway  Age Vol 11, Nov 25 1886

More IC-WC

From the Lakes to Gulf. For weeks agents for an unknown railroad company have boldly bought its way through the heart of Superior taking in large business structures in the path. It was disclosed recently that the purchases are for the Illinois Central which intends to build southeast to Marshficld Wis to connect with the Wisconsin Central which it is announced has been sold to the Illinois Central. The building of this road would give the Illinois Central a complete north and south line from the head of the lakes to the gulf.  Sept 17, 1902

An Unlikely Rumor A rumor going the rounds in railroad circles in Minneapolis credits the Illinois Central with the purchase of the Wisconsin Central system and the intention of building a line to the Head of the Lakes.   Oct 1, 1904.

International Ry Journal Vol 12


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RAILWAY WORLD NEWS AND COMMENT Wisconsin Central Advance

The present active speculation in Wisconsin Central is being promoted by rumors of its prospective purchase by connecting roads whose interests might be strengthened by a Chicago and St Paul extension. Mr Morgan's testimony in the Northern Securities case which implied the early abandonment of Wisconsin Central in planning for a Chicago connection can be made to work both ways in considering the present rumors which make the Illinois Central anxious to secure Wisconsin Central in extending its system from Chicago to St Paul. Supposing that Illinois Central is anxious for such connections it can be reasonably doubted whether the strategic and earning value of Minneapolis and St Louis will be overlooked in favor of Wisconsin Central. In an article February 24 The Financier reviewed the position of the Minneapolis and St Louis Gross earnings for last year were $3,275,504. In 1895 they were $1,823,998 showing an increase during that period of $1,451,606 or nearly 100 per cent. The surplus after last year's operations amounted to $553,762 which is equal to more than 6 per cent on the common stock after liberai maintenance charges were deducted. It may be of interest at the present time to take up the Wisconsin Central. The Wisconsin Central Railway system was organized in 1899 to succeed the Wisconsin Company and extends from Chicago north to connect with the line that runs west from Manitowoc to St Paul and Minneapolis and north to Ashland Wisconsin and Lake Superior iron mines. At Manitowoc connection is made by ferry line across Lake Michigan with Ann Arbor, Pere Marquette, and Big Four Railroads.

The average mileage operated during 1901 was 955 miles. The Wisconsin Central was one of the few roads reporting a general decrease in earnings for the fiscal year ending June 30 1901 Freight passenger and miscellaneous earnings all show a total decrease in gross earnings amounting to $313,142 The following table gives a comAprehensive idea of the operation for the past two years 1901 1900 Mileage 955 945 Gross earnings $5,324,274 $5,637,415 Net earnings 1,857,811 2,056,480 App of gross income for main 20.7 22 2 App of gross income for conducting transp & general expenses 44.1 41.1 App of gross inc for fixed charges 30.5 27.3 App of gross income for surplus 4.7 8.9 The percentage of operating expenses shows an increase of nearly 2 per cent in the percentage to gross earnings and this increase is directly attributed to enlarged conductlng transportation general expenses The maintenance expenditures show a decrease of over $150,000 During 1900 conducting transportation and general expenses took 41 per cent of gross earnings The increase to 44 per cent in the past year shows an unduly large amount and indicates either a very poor physical condition poor operating eiiiciency or unusual traiflc conditions affecting the company The last report ignores an explanation of the poor showing and omits entirely the table giving the character and percentage of traiflc handled during the year The average number of revenue tons per train increased from 258.09 to 259.98 and this comparatively unimportant increase does not appear to have been due to increased ethciency shown in train loading The average number of tons per car shows an actual decrease from 14.47 tons in 1900 to 14.31 tons during 1901 The increased average number of tons per train was accompanied by larger number or cars carried per train The earnings per freight train mile increased from $1.89 to $1.91 an increase of 2 cents per train mile but the rate per train increased from 731 cents to 742 an increase of 011 cents The increased rate received accounts for the increased earnings per freight train The authorized capital of the Wisconsin Central is $30,000,000 and on January 1 1902 there was outstanding $17,500,000 common stock and $12,500,000 preferred There was an increase of $331,500 preferred and 51.904500 common made in its outstanding stock during the past year At the same time the funded debt was increased $1,358,000 making the total amount $27,634,500 with annual interest charges of $1,104,200 The increased capitalization was made for the Marshfield and Southern acquisition and to liquidate reorganization controls The preferred stock is limited to non cumulative dividends of 4 per cent per annum The surplus for 1900 of $492,915 is equal to 4.3 per cent upon that stock and the surplus of $246.11 shown in the last report is equal to 2 per cent upon the same stock According to the monthly reports issued the earnings for the first seven months of the current fiscal year indicate an increase of $349,334 in gross and $119,350 in net earnings If the present earnings are maintained throughout the year the road will not show net earnings much over 4 per cent on the preferred stock and the very best re sults from such earnings could be obtained in an eiiort directed towards physical improving and a higher develop ment of operating efficiency The Illinois Central may get control of Wisconsin Central but it can be more easily figured that when the time comes for an invasion into that territory it will be through the Minneapolis and St Louis In the meantime it is more than likely that the advance in Wisconsin Central is entirely speculative 

Financier Vol 79 April 7, 1902

Milwaukee - Illinois coal line

It is stated that the scheme to build a railroad from the Illinois coal fields to Milwaukee which has been talked of ever since the visit of DS Mitchell of New York last Spring is soon tobe put into operation. Those interested have advertised for bids for the construction of the road It is rumored that either the Wisconsin Central or the Illinois Central people are backing the enterprise.

Coal Trade Journal - Vol 26  Jan 5, 1887

Illinois Central Extension - Fond du Lac

Decided to build from Madison to Fond du Lac.

Oconto, Wis., Sept.11. - From a well known railway official it was learned today that the Illinois Central Railway Company has practically decided to extend its line from Madison to Fond du Lac, thus extending the plan to make Fond Du Lac a big railway center.

It is part of the scheme to make both the Wisconsin Central and Illinois Central Railroad feeders from Fond Du Lac to Manitowoc with the car ferry route to Ann Arbor, Mich.

New York Times - Sept 12, 1899

Pennsylvania in Milwaukee

Milwaukee - Dec. 19. - It is reported that the Pennsylvania Railroad Company will erect shops in this city, and in support of this statement it is also said that the Northern Pacific and Wisconsin Central Lines, as merged under the Villard direction, are to be allied with the Pennsylvania Company, so as to secure a new transcontinental line.  Before the Northern Pacific secured a lease of the WIsconsin Central the latter had acquired title to most of the property necessary to give it terminal facilities in the heart of Milwaukee.  It is claimed that the Pennsylvania Company will be running into Milwaukee over the Central's tracks before the end of next year and that what was regarded as inexplicable folly bt the Northern Pacific people in antagonizing other St. Paul lines by taking the Wisconsin Central will be shown to have been a well-conceived and carefully-execuated plan for a new through line independent of all others.

NY Times Dec 20, 1890