The role of special assignments officials in the implementation of the resettlement policy on the example of A.A. Stankevich

State policy on the matter of internal migrations at the turn of the 20th century changed significantly. With the enactment of the law of 13 July 1889, a transition began from the system of prohibitions of resettlement to its recognition as an integral part of the state life. Since the local administration could not effectively control new settlers, the government decided to transfer the general control of the resettlement movement in the border regions to the responsible representatives of the Zemstvo Department of Ministry of Internal Affairs - to special assignments officials. These officials were to take the governance over all aspects of the matter and to effectively manage credits allocated to them. One of the most prominent figures of this period was A.A. Stankevich. The example of his biography reveals the importance of the work of small staff for the successful implementation of the resettlement policy. The official biography of Stankevich in the Zemstvo Department began in Tobolsk Province with assignments to help settlers affected by the poor harvest and to collect statistical information. In 1894, he was promoted to the head of the resettlement issues along the Siberian railroad. In this position, Stankevich organized medical and food support and credit for resettlers. In 1902, he participated in the work of the Akmola Committee of the Agricultural Industry Needs, then went to St. Petersburg to take up the post of assistant of the head of the Resettlement Department. In 1903, Stankevich was sent to the Caucasus to help in organizing resettlement. This official was also an active public figure. In 1898, he founded a charity committee in Omsk, and headed the Omsk Department of Moscow Agricultural Association since 1900. Features of the state and public activities of Stankevich show that most effective figures were those who had such qualities as responsibility, initiative, diligence, competence; those who were ready to work personally with reset-tlers and establish contacts with local administration and public organizations. Particularly distinguished officials with many years of experience could reach highest posts in the Resettlement Department or could be sent to different areas of Asian Russia to transfer the experience of resettlement organization.

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