Some of the newly industrialized countries are Hong Kong (China), South Korea, Taiwan, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa and Singapore!
The highest ranking military officer would have the rank of General. Of course, there are political bureaucrats above a General, but they are not in the military itself.
Having a railroad would make transportation of goods much easier. This would also make it safer and more efficient. There were a few risks involved but far less than transporting by conventional means.
Answer:
The First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton