as controller general, law instituted many beneficial reforms (some of which had lasting effect, while others were soon abolished). he tried to break up large land-holdings to benefit the peasants; he abolished internal road and canal tolls; he encouraged the building of new roads, the starting of new industries (even importing artisans but mostly by offering low-interest loans), and the revival of overseas commerce—and indeed industry increased 60% in two years, and the number of french ships engaged in export went from sixteen to three hundred.