Eastern Bottle Trust; Brookfield among plants to consolidate per NY Times

PROPOSED EASTERN BOTTLE TRUST.

Negotiations for the consolidation of the green bottle glass interests of the United States east of the Allegheny Mountains, which have been in progress for nearly a year, have reached a point where a decisive result is expected within a few weeks at the latest. The prevailing opinion in trade circles is that the consolidation will be effected and that about fifteen factories will pass under the control of an English syndicate with a capital of about $6,000,000.

It was learned at the office of Mr. Brookfield, in the St. Paul building, that he was approached several months ago by I.V. Morrison, the agent of the British syndicate which is endeavoring to bring about the proposed consolidation of interests. Mr. Brookfield declined to give an option on his property, but named a price at which he would sell the plant. Little more was heard of the matter for some time, but recently the British agent reappeared and informed Mr. Brookfield that the prospects were bright for the consummation of the deal. Mr. Brookfield has steadfastly declined to sign any option agreement, but is still willing to dispose of his plant at what he considers its fair value.

Mr. Morrison, the agent of the syndicate, has spent most of his time in Philadelphia, where the main offices of the principal green bottle glass manufacturers are located, most of the factories being in southern New Jersey. The agent has spent a year's time and considerable money, it is said, in pushing the project, and the energy and persistence which he has displayed lead those who are familiar with the negotiations to the belief that they will not be dropped now that they have proceeded so far. It is said that the manufacturers are favorably inclined toward the proposition as there has been much cutting of prices and consequent loss of profits.

The first efforts of the syndicate were devoted to obtaining options upon the various plants. These were secured in most cases, but they expired before the intending purchasers were ready to act. A new set of options has now been obtained, which will expire within a short time, before which it is expected the purchase will be completed.

Besides the Bushwick Glass Works, it is said that the proposed consolidation involves all, or nearly all, of the following concerns, whose works are situated in New Jersey: Bodine Glass Works Co., Williamstown; Bridgeton Glass Mfg. Co., Bridgeton; Cumberland Glass Mfg. Co., Bridgeton; Cohansey Glass Mfg. Co., Bridgeton; Elmer Glass Works, Elmer; Jefferis Glass Works, Fairton; More-Jones Glass Co., Bridgeton; Moore Brothers Glass Co., Clayton; Parker Brothers Glass Mfg. Co., Bridgeton; Salem Glass Works, Salem; S.M. Bassett Glass Co., Elmer; Whitall Tatum & Co., Millville; Whitney Glass Works, Glassboro; Woodbury Glass Works, Woodbury. - New York Times.