State Support for Activities of Siberian (East Siberian) Department of Imperial Russian Geographical Society in Second Half of 19th Century

Abstract

Using the example of the Imperial Russian Geographical Society (IRGS) and its Siberian Department (SD), the topical problem of interaction between public organizations and government in Russia in the pre-Soviet period is touched upon in the article. The idea is substantiated that public organizations, depending on the significance of the work performed, received legal support and material and financial assistance from the state. The internal and external political prerequisites for the establishment of SD IRGS, the participation of the department in the development of Eastern Siberia and the Far East are shown. The influence of the higher Siberian administration on the organization of scientific and expeditionary activities of the department is considered. It is noted that the annual state subsidy was the core of the budget of the IRGS and its branches. Data that demonstrate the ratio of funds received by SD IRGS from the state treasury and other sources are given. It is emphasized that the participation of the state in the material and financial support of the department was not limited to the granting of a subsidy: the opportunity to use free postage of parcels and written correspondence was given to SD IRGS. The central authorities and the highest Siberian administration allocated additional funds for scientific expeditions and trips of members of the department. Based on the information provided, it is concluded that the state thereby guaranteed the existence of society.