[§ 42]; otherwise the discussion continues as if this question had never been made.
The Object of this motion is not to cut off debate, (for which other motions are provided, see § 37,) but to enable the assembly to avoid altogether any question which it may deem irrelevant, unprofitable or contentious.[1]
16. Reading Papers. [For the order of precedence, see § 8.] Where papers are laid before the assembly, every member has a right to have them once read before he can be compelled to vote on them, and whenever a member asks for the reading of any such paper, evidently for information, and not for delay,
- ↑ In Congress, the introduction of such questions could be temporarily prevented by a majority vote under the 41st Rule of the House of Representatives, which is as follows: ‘‘Where any motion or proposition is made, the question, ‘Will the House now consider it?’ shall not be put unless it is demanded by some member, or is deemed necessary by the Speaker.” [See note at close of § 39.] The English use the ‘‘Previous Question’’ for a similar purpose [see note at close of § 20].
The question of consideration is seldom raised in Congress, but in assemblies with very short sessions, where but few questions can or should be considered, it seems a necessity that two-thirds of the assembly should be able to instantly throw out a question they do not wish to consider. A very common form, in ordinary societies, of putting this question, is, “Shall the question be discussed?’’ The form to which preference is given in the rule conforms more to the Congressional one, and is less liable to be misunderstood.
