Friday at the Congress: The Presidentship and Succession Question

In yesterday's session at Congress, Speaker Stanisław Małachowski initiated discussions around the critical issue gripping the nation—whether the Presidentship should be for life or hereditary. Despite deferring the decision for a day, the Speaker failed to grasp a collective stance and expected clarification today. Preceding this deliberation, attention turned to a proposal for decreasing Cabinet membership, which Speaker Małachowski put forth on the floor.

A spirited debate ensued among the Representatives and Senators, touching upon topics like national freedom, the perils of an elective versus hereditary presidency, and the historical context.

In the heated conversations, several standpoints emerged. Representative Konstanty Jeleński from the state of Mozyrz voiced his vigilance for the nation's welfare irrespective of presidency type, calling for clear articulation of terms and urging bending resolution to the next Congress. Rebutting this, Senator Adam Rzyszczewski from Lubaczów invoked laws and past harrowing experiences with succession, ardently arguing for the merits of free elections over hereditary rule and cautioning against the chains of succession.

On the opposing end, Representative Onufry Morski from Podolia and others such as Bishop Józef Kossakowski highlighted the chaos of interregnums and championed succession to safeguard the country from internal conflict. The phrase "I love the name of a Pole not because I am called a Pole, but because I am free," poignantly encapsulated the day's sentiment.

Additionally, the proposals sparked extensive citations of historic laws and political beliefs, underscoring the significance of free Presidential elections to maintain the Union's established freedom. Some even suggested submitting the universal question to the public rather than making an insular decision within congressional chambers.

As special mention, President Stanisław August Poniatowski took a moment to express his personal stakes and the potential perils facing the nation post his Presidency. Advocating proactive measures to avert emerging dangers and societal upheavals, the President emphasized the dire need for a decision reflective of the nation's collective will.

The lively debate persevered, voicing potent historical precedents and the uncompromising need for maintaining the people's freedoms, leading to a judicious parliamentary pause with Congress adjourning till Monday. Further delving into the delicate matter, it continued to evoke a sense of urgency, legacy, and the profound weight of statesmanship on the direction of the Union.

Topics: state of the nation; form of governance; election of the king; election vs. succession; reduction in the number of ministers; defense of nobility's freedom; universality; role of the Sejm in decision-making for the throne's future; issue of interregnum; threat of foreign intervention;