Hey folks, here's what went down today in the halls of the Union Congress. Speaker of the House, Mr. Stanisław Małachowski, pulled no punches as he opened the session by calling out the lawmakers on their sluggish pace. With the thirteenth month of Congress sessions closing, and none of the major issues resolved, he urged everyone to wrap up ongoing matters—specifically the ongoing issue about the leather tax—to avoid more drag.

Secretary Jan Łuszczewski then read until now adopted laws pertaining to the leather taxes imposed on exporting hides abroad. There's an additional proposal aiming to stamp a tax value at half the export worth of those hides.

Representative Antoni Rożnowski from Gniezno highlighted the negative impact of exporting untreated skins on domestic manufacturing, population growth, and the accessibility of agricultural products. He pushed for a decision on his amendment from yesterday which was redesigned to allow leather exports overseas only when the domestic need is met and with a Treasury Commission permit.

The assembly agreed to the revised amendment, showing rare unanimity on the measure.

Senator-Bishop Józef Kossakowski from Latvia made an appeal to the Treasury Commission to consider beneficial measures for hospitals regarding the hides of slaughtered cattle.

The Speaker supported the charitable intentions towards hospitals but proposed an alternative means of support by allocating some Church funds without disrupting the Treasury records. This proposal also met widespread approval among the statesmen.

The session moved on to discuss the leather tax further, emphasizing that the full law's execution falls under the Treasury Commission of the two nations—a decision that was agreed upon unanimously.

There was also mention of a proposal about street management in Warsaw, causing some stir about whether it's only a recommendation or an actual law. Debates led to a consensus that the proposal should be labeled as a "provisional rule," stressing that this does not confirm the jurisdiction of the street commission.

In a heartfelt moment, King Stanisław August Poniatowski called the Cabinet to discuss suspending the session for the weekend due to the upcoming All Soul's Day, a time to honor the dearly departed. The Speaker backed this respectful break, bringing today's session to a close.

P.S.: Keep your eyes peeled for yet another sit-down on that Warsaw street commission proposal when we get back.

Topics: Organization of the Sejm and work of the Sejm Marshal; Draft law on the export of skins abroad; The significance of the leather industry for the country's economy; Skin stamping issues; Proposals for hospital compensations for cattle skins; Hospital fund issues; Tax source projects; Project on the establishment of a Police Commission; Discussions on the export of skins beyond national borders; Recommendations on the administration, manipulation, and execution of the leather law.;