Today's session, led by Speaker Stanisław Małachowski, continued the debate over the proposed legislation that was read by Secretary Jan Łuszczewski. The law in question concerns the status of the Kowel starosty, a Polish-Ukrainian state-held land leased to nobility, and by extension, the rights of townsfolk and peasants in these areas.

The initial proposal made by Representative Antoni Rożnowski from West Poland was revised in line with decisions regarding the four previously mentioned starosties. The reading was interrupted by heated discussions on the experiences of the 1775 Congress when, despite foreign aggression, some patriots dared to tear the Republic apart from the inside, as emphasized by Jan Krasnodębski, Representative from Lithuania-Belarus.

Franciszek Mikorski, Representative from West Poland, reported on the impossibility of completing the projected redistribution of state lands by the deadline, given their complexity and the short time frame until May 7th.

Debate ensued over the fate of these lands, especially those given to nobles in 1775, with some arguing for restitution to The Union, while others contended compensation was due for past services rendered.

The President Stanisław August Poniatowski took the unusual step of addressing the House, pleading for consideration towards his brother Kazimierz Poniatowski and his contributions to the nation, including financial sacrifices made during the war.

The main sticking point was the Szadow Starosty, granted to Kazimierz Poniatowski in 1775. A motion was made to subject it to a 30% tax to benefit The Union’s Treasury, as was standard for lands awarded in 1775, but with a significant opposition desiring a lower tax or none at all due to the circumstantial nature of the agreement.

After considerable discussion, the lawmakers finally reached a consensus to honor the original terms, thereby exempting the Szadow Starosy from the higher tax bracket. The President expressed appreciation for the patriotism and impartiality of The Congress.

Finally, our hardworking Representatives agreed to adjourn proceedings until Thursday. Needless to say, it was a day filled with passion, patriotism, and heated debates on how to best serve the public interest while upholding the principles of justice and property rights.

Topics: Marshal of the Sejm Stanisław Małachowski; Legislation concerning the Kowel Starosty; Townsfolk and Peasants; Legislative project readings; Parliamentary speeches on the history of the Commonwealth and the Sejm of 1775; Discussions on endowments for starosties; Case of Szadowsk Starosty and Prince Kazimierz Poniatowski; References to freedom and public trust; Suggested voting methods; Speech by King Stanisław August Poniatowski; Final decisions and resolutions of the Sejm;