On the 15th of December, the day’s proceedings began with a speech from Speaker Stanisław Małachowski.

Speaker Małachowski addressed the urgency of responding to the current circumstances and the importance of properly dealing with pressing national needs, which could become increasingly difficult due to an accumulation of unfinished business. He highlighted the inefficiency of the Congressional process, lingering drafts of several important reforms, and the critical state of the nation's defense and treasury.

Following his opening remarks, various Representatives vocalized their concerns and ideas. Jerzy Tyszkiewicz from Lithuania-Belarus emphasized the critical period the nation was in, imploring the House to take action in strengthening the military and resolving financial matters.

The Secretary of Congress, Jan Łuszczewski, continued with a discussion on military commission reform. The conversation included considerations about the proper appointment of military commission members and their duties. There were speeches from Walerian Strojnowski from Volhynia and Stanisław Gorski from Lithuania-Belarus about the location and composition of the commission, with a general consensus forming around these issues.

Amidst these debates, a pressing concern about the election of new Defense Commissioners was raised. There were calls for immediacy in the election due to military needs, echoing the sentiment for prompt Congressional action.

Amid the discussions, a remarkable announcement was made. Speaker Małachowski presented a significant gift from Prince Karol Radziwiłł: the establishment of a military legion. This act of patriotism was met with acclaim, and there was a call to formally recognize the prince's contribution in the parliamentary records.

There were also ongoing discussions about the need to send diplomats to Sweden and Saxony. Despite concerns about the financial strain on the treasury, particularly from Lithuania-Belarus, the representatives agreed that it was crucial to maintain diplomatic ties during these tumultuous times.

In closing, the King adjourned the session until the next morning, underscoring the significance of the donation from Prince Radziwiłł and promising to personally express gratitude.

As the cold winter sets in, the urgency within the walls of the congressional hall grows. Delegates strive to find ways to support the Union’s needs, balancing military reforms, financial strategies, and the undercurrents of international politics.

Until the next report, the future hangs in the balance, with the actions of these men shaping the trajectory of the Union. Stay tuned for further updates from the congressional proceedings.

Topics: Sejm reform; parliamentary and commissary oath; dispatching foreign envoys; funds for embassies; election of military commissars; civilian offerings for national defense; vote of thanks for Prince Karol Radziwiłł; military commission;

Military Commission Part 7

Hey readers! Here's another piece fresh out of The Union's Congress. Let's break down what the legislators passed in this legislative mouthful, the "Military Commission Part 7", into bits we can all chew on.

The gist is that any misstep by the Military Commission, which is kind of like our Department of Defense, falls under the microscope of justice. If any members rock the boat against the duties described by current or past laws, which haven't been tossed out, they've got to defend their actions in front of a Congressional court. This isn't just any court, though—six senators and twenty-four Representatives, evenly picked from each state (that’s Poland-Ukraine, Lithuania-Belarus, and Latvia) get drafted by lottery to hand down judgment, with The President overseeing the process if he decides to show up.

Now the juicy stuff: The Commission and its members could be in hot water for a few particular no-nos, like threatening The Union's safety or getting in the way of local congress meetings. If they refuse to lend an ear to a citizen's quest for justice or if they overstep the powers defined by Congress, there could be trouble. Imagine if one of them got caught taking foreign cash—they'd be out of commission (pun intended).

The punishments are pretty stiff, too. We're talking about potential criminal trials and even property confiscations for serious breaches, such as starting an unsanctioned war or surrounding the Congress with troops to stop the democratic process.

Overall, this act is about keeping the military in check and making sure they don't eclipse the democratic processes in The Union. It ensures that military honchos can be held accountable in a court of law, keeping them from getting too big for their boots and making sure the common folk can still get a fair shake. It also keeps the military neutral when it comes to choosing a new President and maintains their focus on defending the border, not meddling in politics.

Stay tuned 'cause the laws from Congress are like the weather in New England: if you wait a minute, it'll change.

Peace out from your fellow undergrad and aspiring policy wonk.

Topics: Military Commission; officials' accountability; Sejm courts; offenses of the Military Commission; offensive war; restriction of Sejm freedom; overstepping of powers; Republic's security; military intervention; interregnum;