Felt’s Parliamentary Procedure/Next Meeting

by Orson B. Felt

Layout 2

NEXT MEETING.

150. When the time for reassembly arrives the officers take their places and the chairman says, “The meeting will come to order. The secretary will read the minutes of the last meeting.” After their correction, if necessary, and approval, the order of business (144) should be followed, unless at some time during the proceedings (when no other business is before the assembly) a motion is made to suspend the rules for the purpose of taking up some business out of its regular order.

Let us suppose that immediately after the approval of the minutes of the last meeting Mr. Murphy desires to introduce new business without following the regular order of business.

Mr. Murphy (rising): Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman: Mr. Murphy.

Mr. Murphy: I move a suspension of the rules that interfere with action on the subject of capital punishment.

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

The Chairman: It is moved and seconded to suspend the rules and take up the subject of capital punishment (this requires a two-thirds vote). Are you ready for the question? (Undebatable.) As many as are in favor of suspending the rules say aye. . . . Those opposed, no. . . . The ayes have it. The rules are suspended.

Mr. Murphy (obtaining the floor): I move the adoption of the resolution, Resolved, That capital punishment should be abolished.

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

The Chairman: It is moved and seconded to adopt the resolution: Resolved, That capital punishment should be abolished. Are you ready for the question?

Mr. Scales (obtaining the floor): I move to amend the resolution by inserting the words “is a relic or barbarism and ” after the word punishment.

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

The Chairman: It is moved and seconded to amend the resolution by inserting the words “is a relic of barbarism and” after the word punishment. So that the resolution, if amended, will be: Resolved, That capital punishment is a relic or barbarism and should be abolished. Are you ready for the question? (Amendment debatable.) As many as favor the amendment say aye. . . . Those opposed, no. . . . The noes have it. The amendment is rejected. The question now recurs on the resolution, Resolved, That capital punishment should be abolished. Are you ready for the question? As many as are in favor say aye. . . . Those opposed, no. . . . The noes have it. The resolution is rejected.

Mr. Clancy (obtaining the floor): I move the adoption of the resolution, Resolved, That intemperance is the chief cause of hard times.

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

Mr. Newton (rising): I rise to a parliamentary inquiry.

The Chairman: The member will state his inquiry.

Mr. Newton: Since the rules have been suspended for the purpose of taking up the subject of capital punishment, would it be in order to act upon a resolution on intemperance?

The Chairman: The chair would rule that when the rules are suspended it must be for a definite purpose, and that no business can be transacted except that specified in the motion for suspension. In the case the suspension was for the purpose of taking up the subject of capital punishment. Therefore, no business of another nature is on order. If, however, the assembly desires to take up the subject of intemperance the rules may be again suspended for that purpose. If there is nothing further on the subject of capital punishment the assembly will resume the regular order of business.

(Business proceeds accordingly.)

151. The resolution, Resolved, That civil service examinations should be abolished, is before the assembly.

Mr. Dolton (obtaining the floor): I move to amend the resolution by inserting the words “as now conducted” after the word examinations.

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

The Chairman: It is moved and seconded to amend the resolution by inserting the words “as now conducted” after the word examinations. So that the resolution, if amended, will be: Resolved, That civil service examinations as now conducted should be abolished. Are you ready for the question?

Mr. Harter (obtaining the floor): I move to amend the amendment by adding the words “are a nuisance and.”

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

The Chairman: It is moved and seconded to amend the amendment by adding the words “are a nuisance and.” So that the question on the amendment, if amended, will be on inserting the words “as now conducted are a nuisance and” after the word examinations. Are you ready for the question? (Amendment to the amendment debatable.)

152. Mr. Newton (obtaining the floor): I move that the question be laid on the table.

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

The Chairman: It is moved and seconded that the question be laid on the table. Are you ready for the question? (Undebatable.) As many as are in favor of tabling the question say aye. . . . Those opposed, no. . . . The ayes have it. The question is laid on the table.

Mr. Harter (obtaining the floor): I move to amend the amendment by adding the——

The Chairman (interrupting): The motion to amend is not in order, because there is no question before the assembly, the whole subject having gone to the table.

Mr. Newton (obtaining the floor): In making my motion to lay on the table I meant to lay the amendment to the amendment only on the table. After the motion has been disposed of can we not take further action on the question?

The Chairman: When an amendment, or an amendment to the amendment, is laid on the table the whole subject goes with it, for the reason that an amendment so closely adheres to the subject it is proposed to amend, that it would not be practical to go on with the question if there were amendments on the table liable to be called up at any time. So, also, if the main question is laid on the table, all amendments and vitally connected questions go with it.

Mr. Dempsey: I rise to a parliamentary inquiry.

The Chairman: The member will state his inquiry.

Mr. Dempsey: After the resolution has gone to the table, how may the question be brought up?

The Chairman: By a regular motion and vote to take the question from the table.

153. Mr. Dolton (obtaining the floor): I move the resolution on civil service examinations be taken from the table.

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

The Chairman: It is moved and seconded to take the resolution on civil service examinations from the table. Are you ready for the question? (Undebatable.)

Mr. Clancy: I rise to a point of order.

The Chairman: The gentleman will state his point of order.

Mr. Clancy: Since the resolution has gone to the table, it cannot be taken up at the session.

The Chairman: In the absence of a special rule, or of custom of the assembly of such length of standing as to acquire the force of law, when a question is laid on the table it goes to the table only until such time, sooner or later, as the assembly decides to take it from the table. The chair rules the point not well taken. The question before the assembly is on taking the resolution on civil service examinations from the table. Are you ready for the question? (Undebatable.) As many as favor taking the resolution from the table say aye. . . . Those opposed, no. . . . The ayes have it. The resolution is taken from the table. The question now before you is on the amendment to the amendment, adding the words “are a nuisance and.” Are you ready for the question? As many as favor the amendment say aye . . . Those opposed, no. . . . . The noes have it. The amendment to the amendment is rejected. The question now recurs on the amendment, inserting the words “as now conducted” after the word examinations. Are you ready for the question? As many as favor the amendment say aye. . . . Those opposed, no. . . . The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. The question now recurs on the amended resolution: Resolved, That civil-service examinations as now conducted should be abolished. Are you ready for the question? As many as are in favor say aye. . . . Those opposed, no. . . . The ayes have it. The amended resolution is adopted.

154. The resolution, Resolved, That intemperance is the chief cause of hard times, is before the assembly.

Mr. Colvin (obtaining the floor): I move to amend by striking out the word intemperance and inserting the word speculation.

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

The Chairman: It is moved and seconded to amend the resolution by striking out the word intemperance and inserting the word speculation, so that the resolution, if amended, will be “Resolved, That speculation is the chief cause of hard time.” Are you ready for the question? (Amendment debatable).

Mr. Peters: I rise to a point of order.

The Chairman: The member will state his point of order.

Mr. Peters: The amendment is not germane to the question, and therefore not in order. (Undebatable).

The Chairman: Whether the proposed amendment is or is not germane to the question, would depends largely upon the nature of the assembly, or the purpose for which the meeting was called. If the meeting was called for the purpose of discussing the temperance question, or the resolution was offered to show the effect of intemperance, the amendment would not be germane; but in an ordinary assembly, the resolution being offered for the purpose of ascertaining what is the cause of hard times, the amendment would be germane. The chair rules the point not well taken.

Mr. Peters (without waiting for recognition): I appeal from the decision of the chair.

The Chairman: The decision before you is: “Shall the decision of the chair stand as the judgement of the assembly?” (Debatable). Note* As many as are in favor of sustaining the chair say aye. . . . Those opposed no. . . . The noes have it. The chair is overruled. The assembly decides the amendment not in order, and it is not in order (or)—the ayes have it. The chair is sustained. The assembly decides the amendment to be in order, and it is in order. (Business proceeds accordingly).

*Note.—The student will notice that while a point of order is not debatable (unless debate is requested by the chair) an appeal from a decision of the chair on a point of order is debatable.

155. The resolution, Resolved, That this assembly approve the action of the board of education in assigning doctors to duty in the public schools, is before the assembly.

Mr. Ryan (obtaining the floor): I move to amend by striking out the word approve and inserting the word disapprove.

The Chairman: The amendment offered does not change the question before the assembly. The question to be decided by the original resolution, or by the resolution, if so amended, is whether the assembly approves or does not approve of the action of the board of education, which would be as effectually decided by a direct vote on the resolution. It is in fact an equivalent motion, having only the effect of reversing the vote. The chair decides the amendment not in order. The question is on the adoption or rejection of the resolution. Are you ready for the question.

Mr. Hansell (obtaining the floor): I believe this is to be an important question, and one which our constituents have a right to know how each member votes on this question. I move——

Mr. Newton (interrupting): I rise to a question of privilege.

The Chairman: The member will state his question of privilege.

Mr. Newton: This part of the room is uncomfortably cold, many of the members are obliged to wear their overcoats; cannot something be done that will make the room more comfortable?

The Chairman: The question of privilege is in order. The members are not expected to endanger their health by sitting in a cold room. Will Mr. Brown kindly see the janitor and have more steam turned on, so that the room may be made comfortable in all parts. . . .

Mr. Hansell has the floor.

156. Mr. Hansell (continuing): I move the vote on the resolution be taken by the yeas and nays.

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

The Chairman: It is moved and seconded that the vote be by the yeas and nays (in the absence if a rule adopted by the assembly the yeas and nays are ordered by on-fifth of the members voting). Are you ready for the question? (Undebatable). As many as are in favor of ordering the yeas and nays say aye. . . . Those opposed no. . . . Since a sufficient number have voted in the affirmative the yeas and nays are ordered. The secretary will call the roll. As each member's name is called he will answer yes or no.

(After the calling of the roll is completed the secretary announces to the chairman the number voting in the affirmative; also the negative, and the chairman declares the result.)

The Secretary: Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman: Mr. Secretary.

The Secretary: Total number of votes, 20; affirmative votes, 11; negative votes, 9.

The Chairman: Since a majority has voted in the affirmative the resolution is adopted, (or if it is a motion requiring a two-thirds vote), since less than two-thirds have voted in the affirmative the motion is rejected.

157. Let us suppose some member has introduced a resolution, motion, report, or petition which some other member deems profitless, out of place, irrelevant to the object of the assembly, likely to create trouble or ill feeling, or for other reasons. Immediately after the question is stated by the chair, and before debate or other action is taken upon it any member may object to its consideration as follows: (*Note).

*Note.—This rule applies only to business which introduces a subject for consideration, and not to any parliamentary question as to lay on the table, to amend, to postpone, to reconsider, etc.

Mr. Scales (without waiting for recognition): Mr. Chairman, I object to the consideration of the question.

The Chairman: The question of consideration is raised. The question before you is: Shall the question be considered? (A two-thirds negative vote is required to prevent consideration). Are you ready for the question? (Undebatable). As many as favor consideration say aye. . . . Those opposed no. . . . Two-thirds having voted in the negative, the noes have it. The assembly refuses to consider; or, more than one-third having voted in the affirmative, the ayes have it. The question is before the assembly for consideration. (Business proceeds accordingly).

158. The resolution, Resolved, That science has benefited humanity more than literature has, and that education should be conducted on scientific rather than literary lines.

Mr. Rollins (obtaining the floor): This is a question upon which we ought not act hastily. I would bein favor of referring it to a committee, giving the committee ample time to consider the question, and to offer such suggestions or amendments as may seem proper. I therefore move that the resolution be referred to a committee of five members, to be appointed by the chair, and that said committee be instructed to report at our next meeting.

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

The Chairman: It is moved and seconded to refer the resolution to a committee of five members, to be appointed by the chairman, and said committee be instructed to report at our next meeting. Are you ready for the question? (Debatable as to propriety of referring to a committee).

Mr. Clancy (obtaining the floor): I move the question be divided into three parts, the first part ending with the word committee, the second part ending with the word chairman.

The Chairman: The question is not properly divisible for the reason the parts into which it is proposed to divide the question are not capable of standing by themselves, because if the assembly rejects the proposition to commit, the question as to how the committee shall be appointed, or when the committee shall report would fall on their own weight. The chair rules the motion to divide not in order. The question is on the motion to commit. As many as are in favor of referring to a committee say aye. . . . Those opposed no. . . . The noes have it. The resolution is still before you.

Mr. Dolton (obtaining the floor): Since there are two distinct propositions in the resolution some of the members may be in favor of one and opposed to the other, and in order to get a fair expression of opinion I move the resolution be divided into two parts, the first part ending with the words literature has.

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

The Chairman: It is moved and seconded to divide the resolution into two parts, the first part ending with the words “literature has.” Are you reading for the question? (Debatable as to the propriety of dividing). As many as favor division say aye. . . . Those opposed no. . . . The ayes have it. The resolution is divided. The question now recurs on the first part, Resolved, That science has benefitted humanity more than literature has. Are you ready for the question? (This question is now open to debate and amendment). As many as favor the resolution say aye. . . . Those opposed no. . . . The ayes have it; the resolution is adopted. The question now recurs on the second part, Resolved, That education should be conducted on scientific rather than literary lines. Are you ready for the question? (This question is now open to debate and amendment).

As many as favor the resolution say aye. . . . Those opposed no. . . . The noes have it. The resolution is rejected.

159. The resolution, Resolved, That competition is more favorable to business than co-operation is before the assembly.

Mr. Burton (obtaining the floor): I move to amend by substituting the following: Resolved that the formation of so-called trusts is detrimental to business.

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

The Chairman: It is moved and seconded to amend by substituting the following: Resolved, That the formation of so-called trusts is detrimental to business. Are you ready for the question?

Mr. Brown (obtaining the floor): I move to amend the substitute by adding the words “and should be prohibited.”

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

The Chairman: It is moved and seconded to amend the substitutes by adding the words “and should be prohibited,” so that the proposed substitute, if amended will be, Resolved, That the formation of so-called trusts is detrimental to business, and should be prohibited. Are you ready for the question?

Mr. Harter (obtaining the floor): I move to amend the amendment by adding the words “by law.”

The Chairman: Since the proposed substitute is itself an amendment to the resolution, the proposition to amend by adding the words “and should be prohibited” is a secondary amendment. Therefore, the proposition to further amend by adding the words “by law” is a violation of the rule allowing but two amendments to a proposition to be pending at the same time. The chair rules the third amendment not in order. The question before the assembly is on adding the words “should be prohibited.” As many as are in favor say aye. . . . Those opposed no. . . . The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. The question now recurs on the amended substitute. Are you ready for the question?

Mr. Harter (obtaining the floor): I move to amend by adding the words “by law.”

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

The Chairman: It is moved and seconded to amend the substitute by adding the words “by law,” so that the substitute if amended will be, Resolved, That the formation of so-called trusts is detrimental to business and should be prohibited by law. Are you ready for the question? As many as favor the amendment say aye . . . Those oposed no. . . . The ayes have it. The substitute is amended.

The question now recurs on the amended substitute, Resolved, That the formation of so-called trusts is detrimental to business and should be prohibited by law. Are you ready for the question? As many as favor the substitute say aye. . . . Those opposed no. . . . The ayes have it. The substitute is adopted. The question now recurs on the substituted resolution. Are you ready for the question?

Mr. Kane: I rise to a parliamentary inquiry.

The Chairman: The member will state his inquiry.

Mr. Kane: Have we not already decided this question by our last vote on the substitute?

The Chairman: The question decided by the last vote was whether the assembly preferred the original resolution, or the resolution offered as substitute. The vote being in the affirmative, the substituted resolution takes the place of the original resolution and becomes the resolution before the assembly for adoption or rejection, like any other amended proposition. The question is on the adoption or rejection of the substituted resolution. As many as are in favor say aye. . . . Those opposed no. . . . The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted.

160. The resolution, Resolved, That school examinations should be abolished is before the assembly. Mr. Scales (obtaining the floor): I move to amend by inserting the words “as tests for promotion” after the word examination.

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

The Chairman: It is moved and seconded to amend the resolution by inserting the words “as tests for promotion” after the word examination, so that the resolution, if amended, will be, Resolved, That school examinations as tests for promotion should be abolished. Are you ready for the question?

Mr. Harding (obtaining the floor): I move to amend the amendment by adding the words “are injurious to children and.”

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

The Chairman: It is moved and seconded to amend the amendment by adding the words “are injurious to children and,” so that the question on the amendment, if amended will be on inserting the words “as tests for promotion are injurious to children and,” after the word examinations. Are you ready for the question?

Mr. Kane: I rise to a question of privilege.

The Chairman: The member will state his question of privilege.

Mr. Kane: It is worse than useless for this assembly to waste its time in discussing such nonsensical amendments——

The Chairman (interrupting): The speaker is not speaking to a question of privilege. If he wishes to discuss the question he must obtain the floor in the usual way.

Mr. Scales (obtaining the floor): I move the previous question.

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

The Chairman: The previous question is moved and seconded (this requires a two-thirds vote). The question before you is “shall the vote on the pending questions be now taken?” Are you ready for the question? (Undebatable). As many as are in favor of ordering the previous question say aye. . . . . Those opposed no. . . . Two-thirds having voted in the affirmative the previous question is ordered. The question now recurs on the amendment to the amendment, adding the words “are injurious to children and.” As many as favor the amendment to the amendment say aye. . . . Those opposed no. . . . The eyes have it. The amendment is amended. The question now recurs on the amended amendment, inserting the words “as tests for promotion are injurious to children and,” after the word examinations. Are you ready for the question? (Undebatable).

Mr. Brown (obtaining the floor): I am opposed to the amendment. I believe——

The Chairman (interrupting): The gentleman is not in order. After the previous question is ordered no debate, amendment or further compilation of motions is in order. The question is on the amended amendment. As many as favor the amendment say aye. . . Those opposed no. . . . The ayes have it. The amended amendment is adopted. The question now recurs on the amended resolution, Resolved, That school examinations as tests for promotion are injurious to children and should be abolished. Are you ready for the question? As many as favor the amended resolution say aye. . . Those opposed no. . . . The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted.

161, The resolution on school examinations (Sec. 160) is before the assembly and debate is being had on the amendment inserting the words “as tests for promotion” after the words examinations.

Mr. Colvin (obtaining the floor): I move the previous question on the amendment.

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

The Chairman: The previous question is moved and seconded on the amendment. (This requires a two-thirds vote). The question before you is “Shall the vote on the amendment be now taken?” (Undebatable). As many as favor ordering the previous question on the amendment say aye. . . . Those opposed no. . . . The ayes have it. The previous question is ordered on the amendment. The question now recurs on the amendment inserting the words “as test for promotion” after the word examinations. As many as favor the amendment say aye. . . . Those opposed no. . . . The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. The question now recurs on the amended resolution, Resolved, That school examinations as tests for promotion should be abolished. Are you ready for the question?

Mr. Murphy (obtaining the floor): I am in favor of the resolution as amended. Still, it seems to me the resolution might be made stronger by giving a reason for such action. I move to amend by inserting the words “are injurious to children and” after the word promotion.

Mr. Harding: I rise to a point of order.

The Chairman: The member will state his point of order.

Mr. Harding: The gentleman is attempting to debate and amend the resolution after the previous question is ordered.

The Chairman: In this case the previous question was limited to the amendment. After the amendment was voted on the previous question was exhausted and the resolution is again open to debate and amendment. The chair decides the point of order not well taken.

(Business proceeds accordingly).

162. Let us suppose that after Mr. Colvin's resolution (Sec. 148) has been offered and before it was seconded, he may for some reason wish to withdraw it (Procedure would be as follows):

Mr. Colvin: I withdraw the resolution.

The Chairman: The resolution is withdrawn. (If the resolution has been seconded procedure would be as follows).

Mr. Colvin (rising): With my second's consent I withdraw the resolution.

The Chairman: Does the second consent?

Mr. Little (rising): I consent.

The Chairman: the resolution is withdrawn.

(If the resolution had been stated to the assembly, it would then by the property of the assembly and could only be withdrawn by unanimous consent or by a regular motion and vote granting leave to withdraw. In such case procedure would be).

Mr. Colvin (rising): I desire to withdraw the resolution.

The Chairman: The mover desires to withdraw the resolution. Is there any objection? Is there is no objection? If there is no objection the chairman declares the resolution withdrawn, or——

Mr. Kempf: (rising): I object.

Mr. Murphy (obtaining the floor): I move leave be granted to withdraw the resolution.

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

The Chairman: It is moved and seconded that leave be granted to withdraw the resolution. Are you ready for the question? (Undebatable). As many as are in favor of granting leave to withdraw say aye. . . . Those opposed no. . . . The ayes have it. The resolution is withdrawn; or the noes have it. The assembly refuses to allow the withdrawal of the resolution. (Business proceeds accordingly).

163. The resolution on Capital Punishment (Sec. 150) was rejected. Mr. Hansell (who voted in the negative) has for some reason changed his mind and wishes to bring the resolution before the assembly.

Mr. Hansell (obtaining the floor): I move to reconsider the vote on the resolution on capital punishment.

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

The Chairman: Did Mr. Hansell vote with the prevailing side?

Mr. Hansell (rising): I voted on the negative.

The Chairman: It is moved and seconded to reconsider the vote on the resolution on capital punishment. Are you ready for the question? (Opens to debate the question sought to be reconsidered). As many as favor reconsideration say aye. . . . Those opposed no. . . . The ayes have it. The vote is reconsidered. The resolution, Resolved, That capital punishment should be abolished is before you. Are you ready for the question?

Mr. Murphy (obtaining the floor): When the vote on the amendment inserting the words “is a relic of barbarism” was before the assembly I voted on the prevailing side. I now desire to set myself right on this question. I therefore move to reconsider the vote on the amendment.

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

The Chairman: It is moved and seconded to reconsider the vote on the amendment. Are you ready for the question? (Debatable). As many as are in favor of reconsidering the vote on the amendment say aye . . . Those opposed no. . . . The ayes have it. The vote on the amendment is reconsidered. The question now before you is on the amendment inserting the words “is a relic or barbarism” after the word punishment. Are you ready for the question? (Debatable). As many as are in favor of the amendment say aye. . . . Those opposed no. . . . The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. The question now recurs on the amended resolution, Resolved, That capital punishment is a relic af barbarism and should be abolished. Are you ready for the question? As many as are in favor say aye . . . Those opposed no. . . . The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted.

164. The following resolution is before the assembly:

Resolved, That the French revolution was due to the revolutionary spirit of the times.

Mr. Murphy (obtaining the floor): I move to amend the resolution by inserting the words “to an overtaxed peasantry, to bad government and” after the word due.

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

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

Mr. Lissenden (obtaining the floor): I move to amend the amendment by striking out the words “to an overtaxed peasantry.”

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

The Chairman: It is moved and seconded to amend the amendment by striking out the words “to and overtaxed peasantry,” so that the question on the amendment, if amended, will be on inserting the words “to bad government and.” Are you ready for the question? As many as favor 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, inserting the words “to bad government, and.” Are you ready for the question? As many as favor the amendment say aye. . . . Those opposed no. . . . The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. 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? As many as favor the resolution say aye. . . . Those opposed no. . . . The ayes have it. The amended resolution is adopted.