Consolidation Is In The Air

S. F. Angus, vice president and treasurer of the Detroit, Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor & Jackson Electric railway, was suddenly called east Thursday. Neither he nor President J. IJ. Hawks could be reached, but it is stated on good authority that a deal is in progress for the amalgamation of all the electric lines in Michigan west of Detroit, including the Detroit, Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor & Jackson, and that Mr. Angus has gone to New York to look after the interest of the Ypsi-Ann. There was a similar move on foot over a year ago but it fell through. It is stated that the present venture is in much stronger hands. Detroit United interests have also been figuring on the acquisition of the Ann Arbor road, and it is understood that as yet Messrs. Hawks and Angus have not tied up their line by option to any one.- Free Press.

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While reports of a nature similar to the above have been numerous during the past two years, there is reason to believe there is a hen of some kind on. A representative of the Jackson & Suburban and the Jackson & Battle Creek companies left for the east Wednesday, after a consultation of the officers, taking with him the resolution adopted by the council Monday evening. It is aso learned that the resolution had been under consideration by those gentlemen for some time previous to its introduction in the council and the purpose of its passage was to aid the Jackson & Suburban company in its financial negotiations in the east. This alleged turn of affairs in the cast would now seem to explain the sudden deslre to enforce franchise conditions, in a manner so thoroughly at variance with the council's usual course, and al the same time the council's prompted action lends color to the report of an important meeting affecting the future of these roads.

Several minor officials were seen by the Press relative to this subject today, and they stated they had heard nothing concerning the consolidation.