The Governmental Policy of Supporting the Georgian Nobility under Alexander III: Debts and Estates

This article analyses the circumstances behind decision to provide material assistance “impoverished” Georgian nobility by ruling authorities of Russian Empire in 1870s–1890s. The Caucasian Governor-General, Grand Duke Mikhail Nikolaevich raised issue 1878 connection with uncovered large debt some nobles Transcaucasian Order Public Charity. Governor-General asked add up 3 million roubles pointing several objective factors that prevented from paying their debts on time. But Committee only agreed waive interest charges which they had not been for years. Even efforts Duke, who personally addressed Alexander II, did yield results, since government leaders were indifferent “noble question” at time but strictly protected interests Treasury, due deplorable state Empire’s finances after Russo-Turkish war 1877–1878. Only change political course under III allowed A. M. Dondukov-Korsakov, new chief Caucasus, raise support again. author carries out a detailed analysis work Commission convened Dondukov Tiflis. Special attention is paid struggle unfolded between Minister Finance N. H. Bunge and Dondukov, eventually granted noblemen significant benefits when off 1884 also facilitated opening branch Noble Land Bank Tiflis 1890. was able convince helping an integral part such key direction his domestic policy as local nobility.