After President's arrival at the Senate and convening by Speaker Stanisław Małachowski, Polish-Ukrainian Cabinet counselor and Under Secretary of State for Lithuania-Belarus Ignacy Potocki addressed the assembly about the accusation brought earlier against General of Artillery Szczęsny Potocki, defending his integrity.

Debate on the Integrity of Under Secretary of State Ignacy Potocki

The report heard today in the House was critical of General of Artillery Szczęsny Potocki based on his correspondence. The floor was given to a respected Representative, indicating a concern but not an official accusation. Emphasizing the freedom of speech along with the safeguarding of every citizen's dignity. If there's any suspicion over the General's official duties, the will of The Union's distinguished Houses should ensure proper justice. General Szczęsny Potocki is ready to face the court, relinquishing his legislative privileges and relying solely on his virtue. Historic parallels were drawn — such as cases like Athenian Aristides and Pole Jerzy Lubomirski. The plea by me, along with relatives and friends, is that you either provide the General an opportunity to prove his innocence or show your unwavering trust and respect for him.

After concluding his speech, the President asked The Cabinet for further deliberation. He expressed his wish for peace and harmony among citizens. He fervently requested that suspicions surrounding General of Artillery Szczęsny Potocki be put to rest. The Speaker Stanisław Małachowski was urged to write to the General on behalf of The Union, affirming their faith in his patriotic spirit and finally proposed to move on to tax matters.

Representative Wojciech Suchodolski from Chełm declared his agreement on sending a letter to the General. In a comprehensive speech, Representative Ignacy Wybranowski from Lublin presented a tax draft proposal.

Primacy Senator Michał Poniatowski passionately spoke on behalf of the clergy who weren't heavily taxed and who voluntarily offered a portion of their income, submitting this proposal for consideration.

Various Representatives, including Tadeusz Kościałkowski from Wilkomierz and Bishop Feliks Turski from Łuck, supported the clergy's offer but requested they remain exempt from certain taxes. On the other hand, Mateusz Butrymowicz from Pińsk suggested a tiered tax system for various ranks within the clergy.

Representative Stanisław Kublicki from Latvia agreed to the clergy's offer and called for the removal of excessive church incidentals. He also commented on the Krakow Bishopric subject and the ongoing debates about national security and mediation with neighboring powers.

After further discussions on taxation and the church, the session was adjourned until the next day at 10 am by order of the President through Under Secretary of State for Poland-Ukraine Maciej Garnysz.

Today's session showcased the vibrant political landscape of The Union, with a special focus on the delicate balance between justice, law, and the inherent reputations of its military leaders. As tax reform remains high on the agenda, the clergy's fiscal contributions and influence within the political sphere also stir debate among the Houses of Congress.

Topics: Sejm Session; Sejm Marshal Stanisław Małachowski; Vice-Minister of Internal Affairs for Lithuania-Belarus Ignacy Potocki; Accusations against Szczęsny Potocki, Crown Artillery General; Discussions on the letter to General Potocki; Tax Proposal No. 5; Clergy Tax Burden; Clergy Income Classification Proposals; Methods for Abolishing Church Accises; Financial Offering from the Clergy; Commissions to settle disputes between starostas and cities;