Witte
SERGEI YULIEVITCH, COUNT, a Russian statesman; born at Tiflis, in 1849. He was educated at the University of Odessa and for a time was engaged in journalism. He soon entered the government service, however, and during the Russo-Turkish War did distinguished service in the transportation of troops. He was a member of the Imperial Railway Commission, and in 1883 published "Principles of Railway Tariffs." In 1892 he was appointed Minister of Communications, and soon afterward became Minister of Finance.
He brought about many reforms in industrial development and introduced the gold standard. His efforts were especially directed toward the completion of the Trans-Siberian railway. In 1903 he was appointed president of the Committee of Ministers. He was appointed senior Russian delegate to negotiate peace with Japan, and at the Portsmouth Conference succeeded in obtaining favorable terms for Russia. He was created Count on his return, and became a powerful figure in the government during the Liberal upheaval which followed the Russo-Japanese War. He succeeded in obtaining from the Czar the manifesto of Aug. 30, 1905, and was appointed the first Russian Prime Minister. He was bitterly opposed by the Conservative circles and resigned office in 1906. He spent much time abroad and took no further part in governmental activities.
He died in 1915.