THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THE TRANS-SIBERIAN'S CONSTRUCTION:
Taking full command of his authority, Witte launched a wide range of activity. A remodelled State Bank made ready capital available to industry; Russian steamship companies and nautical and engineering schools were established; savings banks were encouraged; company law was reformed; and the rouble was made convertible. But his greatest energy was devoted to railway building, particularly the Trans-Siberian.
