The Chairman should not only be familiar with parliamentary usage, and set the example of strict conformity thereto,[1] but he should be a
- ↑ No rules will take the place of tact and common sense on the part of the chairman. While usually he need not wait for motions of routine, or for a motion to be seconded when he knows it is favored by others [see first note to § 65], yet if this is objected to, it is safer instantly to require the forms of parliamentary law to be observed. By general consent many things can be done that will save much time, but where the assembly is divided and contains members who are continually raising points of order, the most expeditious and safe course is to enforce strictly all the rules and forms of parliamentary law. Whenever an improper motion is made, instead of simply ruling it out of order, it is well for the Chairman to suggest how the desired object can be accomplished. Thus, if it is moved ‘‘to postpone the question,” he should say that if the time is not specified the proper motion is “that the question lie on the table.” So, if it were moved “to lay the question on the table until a certain time,’’ he should suggest that the proper motion is “to postpone the question to that time.”
expects to take an active part in debate should never accept the chair. It is a general rule in all deliberative assemblies, that the presiding officer shall not participate in the debate, or other proceedings, in any other capacity than as such officer. He is only allowed, therefore, to state matters of fact within his knowledge; to inform the assembly on points of order or the course of proceeding, when called upon for that purpose, or when he finds it necessary to do so; and, on appeals from his decision on questions of order, to address the assembly in debate.’’ [Cushing’s Manual, page 106.] Though the Speaker [Chairman] may of right speak to matters of order and be first heard, he is restrained from speaking on any other subject except where the assembly have occasion for facts within his knowledge; then he may, with their leave, state the matter of fact.” [Jefferson’s Manual, sec. xvii, and Barclay’s “Digest of the Rules and Practice of the House of Representatives U.S.,” page 195.]
