Here’s the lowdown from today’s session at the Congress. Speaker Stanisław Małachowski kicked off by likening Congress’s progress to that of a laborer who becomes more skilled with continued work. He voiced his hope that their three years of labors would be ingrained with gratitude in the hearts of citizens for their country-benefiting deeds. Yet, he noted that despite their efforts, some issues such as finance have been slow to resolve.

Then, Secretary of State for Poland-Ukraine Michał Mniszech made the floor available to Under Secretary Hugo Kołłątaj after acknowledging Kołłątaj’s allegiance to their union. Following this, Kołłątaj expressed gratitude for his appointment before joining others in paying respects to the President.

The session continued as representatives from various parts of the Union were elected to study foreign affairs at local congresses, including Stanisław Sołtyk from Krakow, Franciszek Szymanowski from Sochaczew, and Zygmunt Grabowski from Wołkowysk.

Moving on to financial matters, debates ensued on various financial compensations and provincial issues, with some cases being earmarked for further review by the Treasury Department. There were arguments in favor of streamlining the process by avoiding minute details and instead directing remaining opinions back to the Treasury for final decisions, emphasizing the importance of managing the Union’s budget wisely. Opinions expressed during the session reflected various stances on economizing and the efficacy of congressional decision-making.

Wrapping up, Speaker Małachowski managed to mediate agreements on two financial motions. Firstly, the motion to grant or deny a sum of 50,000 Polish zlotys for Goniądzyn or Golecin was affirmed with a majority. Secondly, a unanimous decision was made regarding Count Łuba's 58,000 zlotys for the Stawiszyn estate, which resolved in dismissing the sum.

Next, Congress addressed a claim on the Sobotka village regarding a reimbursement for repairs sponsored by a rescript from Augustus II. After some debate regarding the legitimacy of claims, particularly from Representative Franciszek Jerzmanowski who strenuously defended his entitlement to confirmed decrees versus new censures, the session decided in favor of maintaining the sum with 40 affirmative votes against 27 negative.

Closing on a cliffhanger, the next session was set for Monday, but not without a message from Ignacy Krzucki who, under the protection of existing laws, called for a test of the procedural rights still in effect despite the recently declared Constitution.

Remember you can find more on these historic politicians over at our Genealogical Encyclopedia sponsor https://www.sejm-wielki.pl/, where you can dive into their biographies and contributions. Stay tuned for the next update from the congressional floor!

Session adjourned to Monday!

Topics: Great Sejm; Marshal Stanisław Małachowski; legislative work; confederation; Treasury Commission; treasury matters; Ministry of Internal Affairs of Poland-Ukraine; expenditures for Goniączyn/Golęcin; Stawiszyn starosty; Sobotki village; monetary sums awarded by the Sejm;