After an introductory remark by Speaker of The Union Congress, Mr. Stanisław Małachowski from the Polish-Ukrainian State, Mr. Franciszek Żeleński, a Senator from Biecz took the floor to express his view. He began by saying that while every person is driven by the love to defend their property, this passion is often misleading. There is, however, one possession that is most defensive for everyone - the virtues that adorn the human condition. In these virtues, the Polish clergy have set an exemplary standard just yesterday. It is now our turn not to let that standard fall when we proceed to discuss secular taxes. He then proposed an amendment to the project at hand.

The Speaker of The Union Congress declared that although the amount for the proposal by the clergy paying out had already been agreed upon yesterday, the precise wording had not been finalized. Therefore, Mr. Jan Łuszczewski, the Secretary read the proposal which, after reading, led a Representative from Chełm to suggest that all clerical goods and incomes be taxed at 20 percent.

Prince Ignacy Massalski, a Senator Bishop from Vilnius responded, noting that the clergy, always showing their willingness, have already consented to the tax that was unanimously announced yesterday. However, he was perplexed by the suggestion of taxing "all revenues," as this term could potentially lead to demands for taxing even the alms and voluntary offerings received by impoverished parish priests. Instituting such a law would be an undue burden on the clergy. Therefore, he could not consent to the inclusion of the term "all."

Prince Antoni Okęcki, a Senator Bishop from Poznań concurred with Prince Ignacy Massalski, highlighting that it would be unfair to maintain the wording "from all incomes." He argued that it is not reasonable to tax poor convents on annuities, which are often not even paid out, and from which they receive no income. He urged the Representative from Chełm to retract his proposal.

Mr. Michał Kochanowski, a Representative from Sandomierz, submitted a proposal requiring a survey of clerical properties, as it is appointed for Royal and secular lands, adding his own amendment to the motion.

The Representative from Chełm argued that it would be surprising if the Starosts, who were tasked with paying a 50 percent tax, now wanted to exempt themselves from it just as it would be surprising if the clergy wanted to back out from the agreement made yesterday concerning all clerical revenues. He also mentioned an amendment submitted by Mr. Józef Mierzejewski, a Representative from Podolia, which found nine million in funds that could be used to increase the military budget from clerical properties, especially those from Kordon.

Following further debate, the Speaker urged Secretary Łuszczewski to read the proposal, which was eventually agreed upon unanimously after phrasing adjustments. The session ended with calls for quick decisions and an agreement to resume the discussion the next Thursday at 10 a.m.

Stay up-to-date with the deeply riveting discussions in The Union Congress where the future of our nation's wealth, defense, and moral standing is being challenged and shaped. Watch for more reports from the Capitol next time we convene, right here in your trusted column.

Topics: Stanisław Małachowski, Marshal of the Sejm; Poland-Ukraine Confederation; taxation of ecclesiastical properties; percentage of the clergy's income; defense of property and virtue; inspection of ecclesiastical properties; nominations to bishoprics; petition to the Holy Father; loss of time and agreement on the law; conclusion of discussions on clerical taxation;