Today's session of the Union Congress, presided over by Speaker Stanisław Małachowski, opened with his statement regarding the inadequacies of the recently implemented tax on hides and skins. Speaker Małachowski remarked that the measure, aimed at increasing public revenue, was falling short of its objectives. The tax had a restrictive effect on the domestic trade and the leather industry, ultimately burdening the entire nation rather than aiding it. Causing heavy administration costs, the initiative failed to deliver on its promises, provoking calls for its amendment. Various proposals for tax reform were put forward, with separate drafts prepared for the Polish-Ukrainian and Lithuanian-Belarusian provinces.

One such reform proposal, read by Secretary Jan Łuszczewski, aimed to remedy the situation by abolishing the branding of hides and setting regulated fees for the slaughter of livestock in various towns and cities. The Lithuanian-Belarusian proposal put forth by Senator Kazimierz Plater also advocated for alterations in taxation, suggesting the collection of grains as payment in smaller towns and the countryside.

However, Senator Antoni Jabłonowski from Krakow expressed concerns and disagreement with the Lithuanian-Belarusian project, fearing that the reallocation from consumption-based to territorial taxes could be more burdensome, particularly on the poorest citizens who are most affected by land taxes. He emphasized the possibility that territorial taxes might still need to be increased for defense spending and argued that any measures taken should not add extra weight to the populace's shoulders.

During the day's deliberations, numerous concerns were raised about the proposed shift toward money taxes to replace the revenue from skins and hides. Representative Tadeusz Korsak from Vilnius called for a cautious approach, emphasizing that other sources of income, such as profits from certain estates and city properties, should be secured before making any changes to the existing tax system. Representatives also stressed the need for detailed examinations of various Treasury departments before implementing reforms.

The issue of tax on hides and skins was not just about revenue but also about justice for the country's economy. Representative Ignacy Krzucki voiced a compromise to allow a tradesman currently facing difficulties with his cargo at the Lithuanian-Belarusian border to pass through by paying a tentative tax and providing a security deposit. This temporary measure was meant to prevent any significant losses or breaches of commercial deadlines.

As discussions progressed, the idea of abolishing the Lithuanian-Belarusian Marshal's Cavalry emerged due to its limited use outside of Congress sessions in Grodno, thus possibly saving the Treasury tens of thousands of dollars for more pressing needs.

In conclusion, while the session adjourned until the following day, proposals and counterproposals continued to impact policy-making, demonstrating the dynamic and often contentious process of tax reform. The importance of balancing financial needs with fairness and public burden was a central theme in today's congressional developments.

Topics: Taxation and finance; Tax administration; Public revenue; Internal and foreign trade; Factories and manufacturing; Military and defense; Parliament and deputies' activities; Law and legislation; Customs and customs regulations; Project for quality tax reform;

Recommendation for the Treasury Commission Evaluation Delegation of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania

In the latest update from Congress, the delegates tasked with reviewing the Treasury Commission of Lithuania-Belarus were advised to extend their financial scrutiny. They are to examine the financial records from the September installment, where they concluded their previous accounts, right up to March of this year. The results of this financial deep dive will be reported back to both The President, Stanisław Poniatowski, and the Houses of Congress.

Topics: Recommendation for the treasury commission's examination delegation; Grand Duchy of Lithuania; treasury accounts; auditing financial results; report to the king and estates; King Stanisław Poniatowski; further proceedings; September; March; year 1791;