Hey folks, your fellow Ivy Leaguer here with today's inside scoop on the proceedings of the Congress of The Union (also known as the Commonwealth of Both Nations, consisting of the Poland-Ukraine and Lithuania-Belarus regions). The tension is palpable as representatives continue to tackle pressing national issues amidst widespread impatience over the perceived slow pace.

Speaker of the House, Stanisław Małachowski, criticized the sluggishness of recent sessions but urged members to remain focused on the day's agenda. In particular, the spotlight was on military matters, with debates surrounding equipment provisions and officer promotions within the National Cavalry.

Representative Mateusz Butrymowicz, with support from the Secretary of Defence for Lithuania-Belarus, Michał Ogiński, put forward a cost-saving proposal to equip foot soldiers with hatchets instead of their traditional sabres, along with iron spades worn on the chest for added defense and utility in the field.

Pantry Potocki revived discussion on adjustments to the cavalry structure, emphasizing equality of opportunity for those returning to serve from foreign legions. The contentious issue of whether cavalry captains could promote such returning officers without reserve was resolved by none other than the President (known as King back then), who clarified permissible actions in this matter.

In a bold move, Wojciech Świętosławski proposed a selective taxation measure aimed at increasing military spending, which was met with mixed reactions. Furthermore, a suggestion by Stanisław Potocki—to recruit locals for military service on a temporary basis as a method of bolstering national security—garnered support, leading to his drafting of a legislative proposal.

Finally, wrapping up the day, Parliament addressed various international relations concerns, including dispatches from ambassadors stationed abroad.

Bottom line? While local defense dominated the discussion, these heated parliamentary exchanges offer a glimpse into The Union's quest for balance between military strength and political integrity, all amidst the complex dance of international diplomacy.

Topics: Sejm Marshal Stanisław Małachowski; Inactivity of sessions and waste of time; Army supply with warfare tools and equipment; Projects related to military matters; Debate over hatchets and iron spades for infantry instead of small swords; Issue of appointing sub-lieutenants in the National Cavalry; Tax proposals to fund public coffers; Confederations and state rights; Projects from the Treasury and Military Commissions; Donation of royal lands; Dispatches from foreign ambassadors;