Vilniaus miesto problemos Vilniaus seimelyje XVIII a.

Abstract

Vilnius local Diet was one of most important in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (GDL). It was predetermined by several factors. Vilnius was not only the capital of GDL but also the important centre of parliamentarism. There meetings of Convocations, Confederations, local Diet of Vilnius and in 1667-1778 also the ones of Smolensk and Starodub took place. Meetings of Vlnius local Diet in the 18th century most frequently took place at Vilnius Lower Castle. The first senators and stewards of the GDL took place at it. In addition to other problems, at Vilnius Diet matters of Vilnius town were discussed because senators and other noblemen of the GDL had real estate in Vilnius and representatives of Vilnius town observed the course of works not only of Seyms of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth but also of Vilnius Diet. Although habitants of Vilnius had no right of voting, they were entitled to submit a protest or their wishes in hope that their requests will be heard and included into instructions of Diet. At Diet matters of Vilnius of various kinds were discussed, such as personal applications of noblemen, problems of Catholic church and other religious communities, problems of protection and safety of the town, taxes and accommodation of delegates of the tribunal, social guardianship, activities of Vilnius magistrate and so on. On analysis of clauses of Vilnius 18th century PreSeym Diet Instructions we obtained that from 1 to 9 clauses of it were related to Vilnius town matters (from 4,76 % to 16,66 %), or at the average 8, 97 % of the problems discussed at the Pre-Seym Diet.