His Excellency Mr. Stanisław Małachowski, the Speaker of the Congress began:

When goodwill does not result in actions, it should not be blamed. Armed with this belief, I stand before the nation, confident that the President will consider my justification fairly. Having been granted a longer period to compose a revenue increase proposal from rent controls on land, we're diligently working with several deputies and colleagues from each province. Yesterday, we debated numerous proposals. Some suggest retaining the control measures already in place, while others call for new rentals with defined duties. Still, others propose selling the territories outright. I can't list all the different proposals, as it would take multiple sessions. The main concepts revolve around territory control and revenue increases without breaking the public's trust.

Continuing with various disputes, I dare request the President and the esteemed Houses to allow further deliberation on this critical issue. Should the nobility in control of the territories willingly agree to increase their contributions for public welfare, faith in the public trust would not be shattered, and the increased revenues could alleviate the need for constant taxation. Considering that some proposals are aimed at increasing public revenue from other sources as well, I humbly ask for your permission so that these proposals can be considered."

Mr. Michał Mniszech, the Secretary of the Interior for Poland-Ukraine said:

"Specific parts of public governance should be known to all citizens, which seems a universally applicable rule for all those honored by office."

After discussing the profusion of proposals and the complexity behind them, including various plans for rent control lands and the different methods and intentions behind them, the session concluded with a call for further examination.

Subsequently, Prince Hieronim Sanguszko, a senator and governor from Volhynia, expressed his desire for swift and resolute action in congress:

"Given our strong desire to improve Our State, we must fear that any delay could bring misfortune upon our nation."

The significance of promptness, patience, consensus, and a collective focus on the common good should guide our deliberations."

Finally, Mr. Jan Krasiński, a Representative from Podolia, reflected on the importance of equitable taxation and the need to account for public trust when determining contributions from various estates and positions, arguing against arbitrariness in enforcing tax increases.

The session adjourned with the promise of continued discussion on matters including taxes from rent-controlled lands and other potential revenue sources for the state.

Topics: Tax system reform; State tax; Public revenues; Revenues from offices and starosties; Emphyteusis; Revenues from ecclesiastical properties; Army financing; Civil and ecclesiastical officials; Fees for privileges; Sources of public income; Perpetual taxes; Provisional tax; Stamped paper; Contributions to defense; Procedural discussions;

Contributions for the Immediate Needs of the Military of Lithuania-Belarus

In today's session of the Union's Congress, President along with the Houses of Congress have enacted a law to meet the urgent defense needs of Lithuania-Belarus. They've voted to implement an extra tax payment for all property and city titleholders in the region, effective from March 1st to April 15th, this year alone. This contribution, collected in either gold, silver, or local copper coinage, is specifically earmarked for military expenditures. Holders of mortgaged, life-estate, and hereditary properties won't be able to claim reimbursements from heirs, except for those with properties due to be redeemed this year and those with rental contracts not exceeding four years. This move aims to bolster the defense capabilities of Lithuania-Belarus, and interestingly, exempts the nobility and clergy who don't have any subjects, maintaining their regular tax rate.

Topics: financial offering; military increase; Grand Duchy of Lithuania; taxes; silver coin; copper coin; nobility; clergy; pledge property owners; life estate owners;