A Big Trunk Line

A BIG TRUNK LINE

THE ANN ARBOR ROAD TO BECOME ONE

If the Latest Rumors are Correct

Probability of an Impending Change in the Road Increasing

Rumors concerning the Ann Arbor railroad are flying thick and fast. Last week it was to be consolidated with the Ohio Central. This week it is to become part of the Pennsylvania lines. Here is the latest from Detroit sources .

No slight importance is attached by railroad men to the trip through this state last week of the officials of three Michigan lines. They went in a special train consisting of a Detroit, Grand Rapids & Western engine and private car and an Ann Arbor private car. The party consisted of Charles M. Heald, president of the D., G. R. & W.; H. W. Ashley, general manager of the Ann Arbor, and S. T. Crap, general manager of the Flint & Pere Marquette. They were at Toledo, and on Friday went through Ann Arbor, northbound.

From a local railway official it is learned that their intention was to inspect every part of the three lines, and in Michigan Central circles it is said that there is a combination on foot. These roads are the most important factor in reaching the northwest and the upper part of the state, and it would be a powerful amalgamation.

There is much speculation as to the cause of the scheme, but it is thought to put the roads in a position to better control all the trade for their own financial benefit. These roads are the great goal feeders to the upper lakes, ports ind territory beyond, and it is possible there is something on between them and the Ohio coal roads which have figured out a combination.

From the north comes word that the Ann Arbor is apt to pass into the control of the Pennsylvania, the idea of the big system being to run through trains from the seaboard to Minneapolis and St. Paul. This includes a line into Detroit, and will give impetus to the rumors that C. N. Haskell and the old Detroit & Lima folk, now building a road out of Toledo, are going to sell it to the Pennsylvania.