On November 1894, an event that surprised many ministers took place.
The young Emperor Nicholas II was preparing to convene a Ministerial Council meeting, a long-neglected institution that had not met for 11 years and 11 months.
The Ministerial Council was established in the autumn of 1857 as a consultative body for state affairs by Alexander II. During the reign of Nicholas's grandfather, the Council met frequently and was an important department. However, after his sudden death, it was replaced by the Ministerial Committee established by Alexander III.
Before making this decision, Nicholas specifically called a few senior ministers to discuss this important matter.
The first of these was, of course, the highly influential Minister of Finance, Sergei Witte.
Since assuming the position of Minister of Finance in 1892 and due to his immense work energy, the power of the Ministry of Finance had grown even greater than during the tenure of his predecessor, Vyshnegradskii. It even seemed as though the Ministry of Railways had become subordinate to Witte. The elderly Minister of Railways, Sornov, who was in his sixties with white hair, had privately complained to Nicholas II about this.
"I am planning to convene the ministers for a Ministerial Council meeting. I do not like the situation in the Ministerial Committee where there is much talk but little action."
Nicholas straightforwardly expressed his purpose to Witte, which was a part of the mutual understanding between the two.
"..." Witte looked at Nicholas in surprise, recalling Durnovo's evaluation of the new Emperor Nicholas II. "If I were to chair the Ministerial Committee, I would, like the previous chairman or others, try to transfer the tasks to other institutions, as I would not want to be involved."
Nicholas II had not made any changes to the senior bureaucrats of the Russian government yet, and everything was still operating according to the personnel arrangements of Alexander III's era.
However, Witte did not expect that Nicholas was preparing to make a significant move right from the start.
"So, how do you think it should be reformed?"
"...Well, I believe that the Ministerial Committee has completely lost its function. In fact, the Ministry of Finance, under my leadership, can take on greater responsibilities."
As the Minister of Finance, Witte's understanding was that Nicholas's idea was probably to abolish the functions of the Ministerial Committee and improve the efficiency of the ministry-level agencies. Therefore, his first thought was to seek more power for himself, which suited his ambitious nature.
However, Witte's speculation was only half correct.
"A new directorate could further strengthen the Ministry of Finance's leadership in industry and commerce, manage the development of Russian industry and commerce more precisely through legislative work in national economy, science, and education."
As a senior bureaucrat, Witte was fluent in delivering grandiose official statements.
"Then why don't I establish a new ministry specifically to manage industry and commerce? That would be more efficient."
Not only did Nicholas disagree with Witte's suggestion, but he also felt that not only was the Ministerial Committee inefficient, but the current ministries in Russia were equally ineffective.
However, a dedicated Ministry of Industry and Commerce would significantly weaken Witte's power, implying a reduction in the status of the Ministry of Finance.
"This would lead to more competition, and efficiency would not increase."
Witte opposed ambiguously.
"The Ministerial Committee cannot be relied upon, so I plan to organize and convene regular Ministerial Council meetings to discuss all issues raised by the ministers or pointed out by me."
Nicholas ignored Witte's opposition and presented a related but entirely different plan. Moreover, the next part of the Emperor's speech made Witte's heart pound.
"But I need to select a talented person to take on the work of convening the Ministerial Council. I will vacate the chairman's position and have 'him' lead, organize, and coordinate the work of various ministries and departments for me."
According to Nicholas's description of the role of the chairman of the Ministerial Council, the position would be akin to that of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom or the Chancellor of Germany, a true head of the civil service, second only to the Emperor in authority.
"Has Your Majesty already chosen someone?"
Witte felt his heartbeat quicken. If he could attain this honor, he would become the youngest and most powerful minister in Russian history.
"...It's hard to say, but I rely on recommendations from you, Durnovo, and several other ministers."
Nicholas's ambiguous phrasing teased Witte's nerves. If power were a strong drink, Witte was already intoxicated.
"I will recommend the person I believe is most qualified for the position in the fairest manner."
Witte, eager and excited, bowed his head.
"Very well. Also, please help me draft a memorial for the reform of the national administrative institutions."
Not long after, the distracted Witte left Nicholas's office in the Winter Palace in a hurry.
The second minister summoned to the Winter Palace by Nicholas was the Minister of the Interior, Ivan Durnovo.
This short but sturdy Russian entered the office and respectfully saluted Nicholas, then stood quietly, waiting for Nicholas to speak.
"No need to be so nervous, Durnovo."
Nicholas politely poured a cup of tea for Durnovo, making the latter feel flattered.
"You must know that my mother, Empress Dowager Maria, has complained to me several times, saying that the Minister of the Interior has been reading her private letters."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Durnovo suddenly stood up and bowed to Nicholas. "I understand the Empress Dowager's concerns. I will submit my resignation report."
"No."
Nicholas's response surprised Durnovo.
"What do you mean, Your Majesty?"
"This matter is indeed unfortunate, but not to the extent that requires your resignation."
Being able to keep his position made Durnovo's heart swell with excitement, but his expression remained unchanged. He calmly bowed to Nicholas again, thanking the Emperor for his trust.
"But this is not why I summoned you."
"I am all ears, Your Majesty."
"I am planning to convene the Ministerial Council meeting soon. You should... like this... and like this..."
Since Durnovo could retain his position and continue to have a place in the future high-level Russian government, he naturally listened attentively to Nicholas's words.
However, what Witte and Durnovo would ultimately do with Nicholas's instructions would only be known when the Ministerial Council meeting was formally convened.
With the Finance Minister and the Minister of the Interior taken care of, most of the bureaucratic system was essentially under control.
Now, with everything in place, Nicholas was ready to reconvene the Ministerial Council. Since the Ministerial Committee had become a dumping ground for "administrative garbage" due to departmental shirking, Nicholas had to start anew as the first step of his reforms.