The session was initiated by Speaker Stanisław Małachowski with the following words – as an obligation to fulfill my duties…

The full speech can be found at page 685.

Other Matters:

Senator Jacek Jezierski from Łuków took the floor... (Details provided in the attached list.)

At the end of his address, he submitted a project proposal endorsing the establishment of arms factories within the territories of the Kraków Bishopric. Upon Secretary Jan Łuszczewski reading the proposal, Representative Wojciech Suchodolski from Chełm spoke up: We would request the honorable Castellan to personally undertake this praiseworthy venture that would serve our nation, as the Republic could not have a more reliable person in charge.

In response, Jacek Jezierski made it clear: The Representative from Chełm can rest assured that for the Republic's sake, I wouldn’t be too proud even to become a blacksmith, so should this addition be approved, I am prepared to take up this responsibility and visit the factories to assess their capabilities.

Representative Michał Zaleski from Trakai spoke next: We, the Houses of Congress, have watched with concern as fervor for religion, during the recent Treasury debate, has pushed a foreign matter to the forefront, taking over much-needed discussion time. We’ve observed accusations being hurled at Lithuania-Belarus for supposedly not being fervent or protective enough of religious honor. While this generalized criticism implicates the whole state, including me, it demands clarification and evidence for purported crimes. Thus, I understand it is my duty to respond, confident that my actions, representing the whole region, will be approved since I aim to defend its laws and rights.

Michał Zaleski, understandably troubled by the religious fervor affecting fiscal matters, emphasizes the faith of the Lithuanian-Belarusian region. The region, sharing the dominant religion with Poland-Ukraine, must respect church sanctity, and any transgression against humanity, especially those against God and religion, would be met with equal fervor and justice by its citizens. If a crime became publicly known, it would have been brought before the appropriate court of law already.

After his remarks, Undersecretary Jan Suchorzewski from Kalisz responded, shifting the conversation back to the topic at hand.

Then, Senator Jacek Jezierski from Łuków addressed the larger geopolitical context: The regions of West Poland, East Poland-Ukraine, and Lithuania-Belarus are interlinked; they feel pain when one suffers. We are not concerned with the specifics of the case in question or its outcome, but that the Union, as a whole, should prevent the abuse of personal properties, the situation having arisen due to property rights being granted through a papal brief. Jezierski seeks adjustments to stave off such troubles.

Mateusz Butrymowicz then expressed his views on the necessity of reconsidering the jurisdiction of other bishoprics following the project concerning the Kraków Bishopric. He stressed the importance of political considerations, in addition to economical ones, for a republican government aiming for equality. He subtly references actions since President Poniatowski's reign, advocating for more egalitarian policies within the clergy. He suggests that clergymen with similar resources will be less inclined to seek power or favor foreign figures, even potentially finding themselves as candidates for the Polish throne.

Representative Stanisław Kublicki from Latvia demands recognition for his proposed amendments concerning town charters and privileges granted by bishops in the Siewierz region.

Kazimierz Rzewuski from Podolia voiced concerns about the next steps following the dissolution of the Permanent Council, asking the two Speakers of the Confederation to clarify how bishoprics would be distributed as the country is now without a specific governing procedure for this matter.

Kazimierz Rzewuski, a Representative from Podolia, takes the opportunity to commend Kazimierz Sapieha and Stanisław Małachowski's conduct as Speakers of the Confederation. He is confident about the integrity of civic officials such as Feliks Turski, a senator bishop from Łuck, endorsing him for the Kraków Bishopric while awaiting a new, temporary governance system.

In response, Speaker Stanisław Małachowski of the Congress advocates for a balanced allocation of diocesan resources, suggesting a commission comprising both the Senate and the Representatives. They should confer with the college of bishops and the Apostolic Nuncio to equitably adjust diocesan incomes and responsibilities.

Tadeusz Matuszewicz from Brest District speaks on behalf of the utility of his colleague's project from Pinsk. In his eyes, it's fundamental to adhere to the legal procedure, emphasizing that selecting projects not directly related to Treasury or Military matters should be deferred.

Representative Wojciech Suchodolski from Chełm, while not dismissing the need for defense manufacturing as proposed by his colleague from Pinsk, cautions against any interim distribution of bishoprics, insisting on the nation's privilege to recommend candidates to the President.

Paweł Grabowski from Wołkowysk concurs with the measure to scale back the income of the Kraków Bishopric but maintains that facilities essential for the bishop's convenience should not be subject to cuts.

Following these debates, the President gathered with his Cabinet, addressing various issues presented throughout the session.

Wojciech Suchodolski from Chełm then raised the point that the nation doesn’t acknowledge the Kraków and Łuck bishops until it suggests the candidates themselves.

Kazimierz Rzewuski remarked that, while his previous request was urgent due to pressing matters, he now sees that upholding the national prerogative takes precedence over appointing bishops for Kraków and Łuck. Albeit reserving high regard for the candidates mentioned, he steps back from his prior request, affirming the necessity to follow established legal procedures.

Feliks Turski, the Senator Bishop from Łuck, genuinely expressed his gratitude for being considered for promotion but addressed the committee regarding the ramifications for future bishops of Kraków suffering from potential financial constraints. He calls for careful contemplation to ensure the provision for religious and residential needs within allocated budgets, leaving the decision to the esteem of the States.

Michał Czacki, a Representative from Chernihiv, encourages reconsidering the allocation of income across all bishoprics, Russian and Roman Catholic alike, favoring equitable distribution and requesting supplemental proposals to this end.

Addressing a proposal related to the Permanent Council’s abolishment, Piotr Potocki from Szczyrzyc suggests that senator nominations should be recommended by the States, since it strengthens the checks and balances between the aristocratic Senate and the knightly States.

If you find this intriguing and want to learn more about these historic figures and their involvement in 18th-century politics, explore their biographies and genealogical facts at Genealogia Potomków Sejmu Wielkiego.

King’s speech: ...

Stanisław Potocki, The Representative from Lublin: ...

Michał Czacki, The Representative from Chernihiv: ...

Piotr Potocki, The Representative from Podlasie: ...

This summary for your local newspaper offers a window into the heated debates and intricate machinations of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Both Nations, involving vital decisions on military production, bishop nominations, and fiscal policies. The President and his Cabinet, engaging directly in the session, highlights the robust political dialogue and the dynamic structure of governance during that era.

Topics: Parliamentary session procedures and speakers' addresses; Suspension of parliamentary sessions and proposal to extend their duration; Thanks to the king for the appointment of bishops; Triumph of enthusiasm over fear; Polish-Prussian relations and state management examples; Exclusion of individual deputies' projects and their motivations; Issue of equalizing income of bishoprics in the context of country and public interest; Past of the parliament and consequences of decisions from previous years; Appointment of bishops and throne privileges; Consent to the appointment of bishops; Expression of outrage against foreign intrigues and honoring deserving men; Principles of natural law and mutual respect; Funding for the military and internal expenses; Role of the people and law in the context of freedom;