In his introductory speech, Speaker of Congress, Mr. Stanisław Małachowski, emphasized that not all human actions always yield expected benefits. There are significant events with substantial consequences and there are efforts that don’t shine with spectacular results but still bring a sense of accomplishment by serving a good and unique purpose. Similarly, the Houses of Congress may find contentment in a seemingly minor matter of military promotions that they are about to conclude; a reminder that often it's the trivial specifics that present the most challenges, rather than the overarching issues concerning the nation's general welfare.

After these remarks, the session proceeded with Secretary Jan Łuszczewski reading the eighth point of the Heroic Act concerning promotions.

Before the reading, Representative Stanisław Kublicki from Latvia notified the Houses that since the Military Commission had ordered all officers to report to their units, he had also been instructed as a Major to join his brigade immediately. He awaited instruction on whether he should remain in the House of Representatives or leave to join his unit.

The Houses of Congress did not take any resolution on that matter. Meanwhile, Secretary Jan Łuszczewski read the point concerning the sorting of vicar brigade leaders and majors by the Military Commission according to seniority or aptitude.

In response, Mr. Stanisław Kublicki opposed this point, arguing that existing law already granted the power of selecting brigade leaders based on aptitude. He presented a document to support his view.

The Senate Marshal from Lithuania-Belarus, Prince Kazimierz Sapieha, in a comprehensive speech, stressed the importance of honoring combat experience in promotions, warning against disruptions to military order. He advocated for promotions strictly based on seniority unless an obvious lack of aptitude is demonstrated.

Senator Tomasz Ostrowski from Czersk expressed confidence that deserving officers would not be overlooked for promotions and that if any injustice occurred, the Military Commission would be accountable to Congress.

Representative Dezydery Leszczyński from Inowrocław urged fiscal prudence, proposing that military officials engaged in civil services and not fulfilling their military duties should not draw salary for that period. He also recommended Mr. Jan Krasnodębski and Mr. Dionizy Łączyński for promotion.

Mr. Jan Krasnodębski, in turn, recommended himself for promotion based on his service and commitment.

Representative Stanisław Kublicki from Latvia also put forth his own case for promotion, emphasizing willingness to forego pay if necessary.

The President, His Excellency Stanisław August Poniatowski, expressed his disapproval of personal matters being brought into the legislative session, urging the Houses to focus on broader and more significant legislative projects.

After some debate, the Houses of Congress agreed on the promotion criterion of seniority except in cases of proven inadequacy.

A couple of proposals regarding the raising of substantial funds through loans, secured by royal estates, were deliberated, with the session being adjourned until Thursday, February 18, 1790.

Topics: military promotions; discussion on officer promotion principles; Sejm session; legislative proposals; parliamentary speeches; military management; officers' complaints; promotion based on seniority or suitability;