In 1891, Alexander III sent a rescript addressed to the heir to the Russian throne, tsarevich Nicholas: "I hereby command to initiate building a continuous railway across the whole of Siberia, with the aim of connecting the abundant gifts of nature of the Siberian regions with the network of internal rail communications. I instruct you to declare this will of mine upon returning to Russia after a trip to the countries of the East. At the same time, I am entrusting you with laying in Vladivostok the foundation of the Ussuriysk section of the Great Siberian Railway, which was allowed for construction at the expense of the treasury and by direct order of the government."
In 1891, tsarevich Nicholas fulfilled the instructions of his august parent, and also took part in laying the first stone of the Vladivostok railway station and unveiling a silver memorial plaque made in St. Petersburg on to the pattern approved by the emperor.
