(805 ILCS 30/1) (from Ch. 32, par. 399)

Sec. 1. That all gas companies now organized, or hereafter to be organized in this state, are hereby authorized and empowered to sell, transfer and convey or lease their real and personal property, rights, franchises and privileges, in whole or in part, to any other gas company doing business in the same city, town or village, and such other gas company is authorized to purchase or lease and to hold and enjoy said property.

(Source: Laws 1897, p. 177.)