In the absence of the President, the House Speaker Mr. Stanisław Małachowski commenced the Congressional session. The Agenda began with the Speaker underlining the importance of orderly proceedings, especially significant when addressing the governance of the entire nation. The Speaker called for a continuation of defining local Congress (state or county congress) jurisdictions, as they constitute the backbone of our Union's republican governance. With some jurisdictions yet to be decided, delegates are urged to finalize these during provincial sessions.

Mr. Jan Zagórski of West Poland (West Poland-Ukraine) raised concerns about vacancies in the local courts due to public servants being away on state duties, which affects the citizens’ access to justice. He suggested that citizens should be able to appoint replacements.

Mr. Józef Olizar, also representing West Poland, supported the position that citizens should be able to fill policymaker vacancies, not just local viceroys.

Mr. Antoni Złotnicki from East Poland (East Poland-Ukraine) highlighted an ongoing concern for the city of Gdańsk's loyalty and continued protection under the Union's governance. Speaker Małachowski agreed, noting that such matters fall within the Cabinet for Foreign Affairs, and the House must issue statements or directives as a collective body.

Mr. Serafin Sokołowski from Inowrocław eloquently argued against sacrificing the city of Gdańsk, articulating historical and economic reasons for its strategic retention.

On Duke Adam Czartoryski's request, the day's proposed legislations were moved into committee for further deliberation, followed by a transition back to discussions about local Congres jurisdiction.

Mr. Franciszek Mikorski from Kalisz proposed the inclusion of West Poland's local congress structure within the legal framework, to which the Speaker and the House agreed after a thorough review.

Reverend Józef Kossakowski, a senator from Latvia, provided historical insight on the Piltene County (in modern-day Latvia), advocating for its preservation within the Union and stressing its potential economic contribution to the national treasury.

The debate continued onto specifics, with representatives gently quarreling over the right wording and procedure. Mr. Stanisław Sołtyk from East Poland advocated for procedural consistency for civil and military commissioners.

Concluding the session, Speaker Małachowski expressed contentment with the day's progress and requested that the Cabinet report accomplished tasks to the President. The session was adjourned, to be resumed on Tuesday.

In the whirlwind of political maneuvering and nuanced debate within our Union's Congress, key takeaways include the intricate handling of local governance issues, the contentious status of Gdańsk, and the continued integration of Latvia's territories into the Union's fabric. Facing both internal reform and external pressure, our Union's senators and representatives labor tirelessly to uphold the nation's interests and sovereignty, a lively reminder of the robust but challenging nature of democratic governance. Stay tuned for the next dispatch on unfolding legislative deliberations.

Topics: Sejm reform; organization of sejmiks; district courts; allegiance and guardianship of Gdańsk; legislative project; international affairs; Prussian trade; defense of Gdańsk; public revenues; schedule of provincial sejmiks; Piltyński county; recommendations for deputies;