These records contain communications and agreements with some eighteen companies, most of the correspondence being that of officers designated to head the proposed combine: Cyrus H. McCormick, Jr., president; William Deering, chairman of the board; E. K. Butler, general manager; and Arthur L. Conger, assistant general manager. One letter, February 10, 1899, concerns purchase of options Conger obtained in 1890 from participating companies, and his suggestions for a new attempt at consolidation.
