As the daily session of the Union's Congress kicked off, Speaker Stanisław Małachowski led the chamber in its continued debate on the proposition of the Fundamental Laws. When Representative Wojciech Suchodolski from Chełm inquired about a previous promise for additional discussion points, the Speaker assured that concerns would be addressed, but with due order and procedure.

After Secretary Jan Łuszczewski read an amended point, starting from "The Polish Realm," Representative Michał Zaleski from Troki suggested adding final words from the draft, emphasizing the Union's supreme authority. It was clarified that these aspects were already integrated into the discussed section concerning the appointment procedures.

Representative Franciszek Jerzmanowski from Łęczyca proposed recognizing the free speech rights of citizens at local congresses and in the Congress, protecting such speech from persecution or legal action, unless it is offensive.

Secretary Łuszczewski continued with the reading, followed by declarations of support from others like Representative Wojciech Świętosławski from Volhynia, who agreed but suggested it would be more appropriate under Article XI.

Representative Mateusz Butrymowicz from Pińsk warned that one must stick to the examples of our ancestors regarding the laws being discussed—particularly when it comes to establishing restrictions on the selection process for rulers, which could have prevented historical unions such as that of Lithuania and Poland.

Then the session heard a vigorous exchange concerning a proposed law on the election of the President that would exclude neighboring countries from influencing the Polish crown. Lithuanian-Belarussian Secretary of the Interior Ignacy Potocki stated that since the election law was currently suspended, it was time to move forward rather than look back.

Representative Benedykt Hulewicz from Volhynia sought clarification on this suspended matter. In response, the Speaker requested Secretary Łuszczewski to read the provision securing the free election of the President.

Amidst the debates, representatives such as Senator Kasztelan Józef Ankwicz and Representative Józef Mierzejewski from Podolia weighed in, putting forward suggestions and requesting the drafting of appropriate amendments.

The highlight of the session was the controversary surrounding a previously accepted law that assures the President's election by traditional law. The debate centered on whether this should be a cardinal or constitutional law, with various representatives pushing for one or the other. Representative Jan Suchorzewski from Kalisz strongly argued for making this point part of the cardinal laws immediately.

As the discussions grew heated and the time late, the call for adjournment was made. The session concluded with a brief approach to the Cabinet and a promise by Speaker Małachowski to address certain decisions at the next day's session.

Topics: Great Sejm; Cardinal Laws Project; Stanisław Małachowski; Wojciech Suchodolski; freedom of king election; election of kings; right to free election; suspension clauses; matters related to the king's election; discussions on the order of laws and procedures; Kazimierz Sapieha; Ignacy Potocki;

Time for local congresses

Hey peeps, spot some buzz from the Political Science Department? The bigwigs in Parliament just passed a law that has everyone picking a date for their local congresses to debate a hot issue: Should we elect the next boss-man – sorry, the President – before the current one kicks the bucket, or wait until a job vacancy pops up? Well, they’ve decided November 16, 1790, is the day every state and county across the land, from West Poland to Lithuania-Belarus, gets to throw their two cents in. The Cabinet received orders to make it all official, so keep your eyes peeled for those public announcements. It's all about giving the power back to the locals. Democracy in action, baby!

Topics: dietines; legislative act; election of the throne successor; king; universals; voivodeships; lands; counties; confederation; sixteenth of November;