Felt’s Parliamentary Procedure/Another Example

by Orson B. Felt

Layout 2

ANOTHER EXAMPLE.

165. The following resolution is before the assembly:

Resolved, That the French revolution was due to an overtaxed peasantry, to bad government and to the revolutionary spirit of the times.

Mr. Colvin (obtaining the floor): I move to amend the resolution by striking out the words “to an overtaxed peasantry, to bad government and.”

Mr. Lessenden (rising): I second the motion.

The Chairman: It is moved and seconded to amend the resolution by striking out the words “to an overtaxed peasantry, to bad government and,” so that the resolution, if amended, will be: Resolved, That the French revolution was due to the revolutionary spirit of the times. Are you ready for the question?

Mr. Hansell (obtaining the floor): I move to amend the amendment by striking out the words “to bad government and.”

Mr. Harding (rising): I second the motion.

The Chairman: It is moved and seconded to amend the amendment by striking out the words “to bad government and.” So that the question on the amendment, if amended, will be on striking out the words “to an overtaxed peasantry.” Are you ready for the question? As many as are in favor of the amendment to the amendment say aye. . . . Those opposed no. . . . The ayes have it. The amendment is amended. The question now recurs on the amended amendment, striking out the words “to an overtaxed peasantry.” Are you ready for the question? As many as favor the amendment say aye. . . . Those opposed no. . . . The ayes have it. The resolution is amended. The question now recurs on the amended resolution, Resolved, That the French revolution was due to bad government and to the revolutionary spirit of the times. Are you ready for the question?

Mr. Mercer: I rise to a parliamentary inquiry.

The Chairman: The member will state his inquiry.

Mr. Mercer: I do not fully understand the amended resolution, as stated by the chair. Will the chair kindly explain the effect of the vote on the amendment to the amendment, and on the amendment?

The Chairman: When the original resolution was before the assembly it was moved to amend the resolution by striking out certain words from the resolution. It was then moved to amend the amendment by striking out certain words from the proposed amendment. The amendment to the amendment was adopted. In other words, the assembly, by adopting the amendment to the amendment, has decided these words shall not be struck out of the resolution; they, therefore, remain a part of the original resolution.

By adopting the amended amendment the assembly has decided what words shall be struck out of the resolution. Therefore the resolution, as amended, is “Resolved, That the French Revolution was due to bad government and to the revolutionary spirit of the times. As many as favor the amended resolution say aye. . . . Those opposed no. . . . The ayes have it. The amended resolution is adopted.

Mr. Dolton (obtaining the floor): I move we adjourn.

Mr. Mercer (rising): I second the motion.

The Chairman: It is moved and seconded that we adjourn. Are you ready for the question? (Undebatable). As many as favor adjournment say aye. . . . Those opposed no. . . . The ayes have it. We are adjourned.