Khabarovsk
Now its own industry was developing rapidly in the city. A lot of small of workshops emerged that later became big manufactures. In 1899 a Russian national of Chinese origin N.I. Tifontai (Tsi Fanta) began construction of a big stone flour-mill with a steam presheeter which now has been serving the city for around 100 years without fail. In 1902 a solemn ceremony was held of opening of regional artillery workshops “Arsenal.” By the end of the century in the city there already were a butter-making factory and four breweries, 12 brick-yards, 4 saw-mills and a cement works. A new class emerged in the city – a totally urban one – working class which in the future played a huge role not only in the destiny of Khabarovsk but in the destiny of the entire Russia.
At that time political movement of all possible forms and lines throughout the whole country increased. It couldn’t but affect then already a very big city – Khabarovsk. In 1905 a December walkout of postal telegraph workers took place which was a continuation of the all-Russian political strike. For several days communication between Khabarovsk and the central parts of the country was cut off. It did not have such terrible consequences the strike had in the biggest cities of Russia. In 1906 Khabarovsk’s social democratic group was formed. In January it held a mass demonstration dedicated to the anniversary of the events of “the Bloody Sunday.”
After the Regional center together with the governor-general and his chancellery moved to Khabarovsk the military leadership of the Amur River Region Army command also settled down here: the commander and the headquarters. Khabarovsk becomes also the military center of the Far East. In 1908 the base of the Amur flotilla was formed.
Another historical event, now almost forgotten, happened in 1913. It was called the Exhibition of the Amur River Region. 1913 stands out in the history of Russia and the city. It is the year of the 300th anniversary of the Romanovs’ rule and 55th anniversary of Khabarovsk’s existence. It is to these dates that a grandiose exhibition of the achievements of all the fields of activity of the Amur River Region officially called “the Exhibition of the Amur River Region in commemoration of the 300th anniversary of the House of the Romanovs” was timed by General Governor N.L. Gondatti’s initiative. The exhibition was situated on the territory of today’s park “Dynamo” and occupied the square of 26 hectares.