Page:Robert's Parliamentary Practice.djvu/204

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
182
PARLIAMENTARY PRACTICE

idea that it is the same as the motion "to fix the time to which to adjourn." The first is a main motion to fix the time for closing the meeting, while the second is the privileged motion to fix the time for holding an adjourned meeting.

Don't say "The chairman stated [or put] the motion." He stated [or put] the question as to whether the assembly would adopt or agree to the motion.

Don't refer to anything adopted by a society as a "statute."

Don't move to postpone a date in a pending resolution, but move to amend by striking out the date and inserting the one desired. The subsidiary motion to postpone means to postpone the consideration of the pending questions, whereas to change the date in a pending question is an amendment.

Don't say "I support, or I sustain the motion," but say "I second the motion."

Don't wait to obtain the floor in order to second a motion.

HOW TO STUDY PARLIAMENTARY LAW.

Every one who wishes to study parliamentary law should be able to place himself in one of the three following classes: as a member of a class under a competent instructor; as one of a group studying without a teacher; or as studying privately. It is hardly necessary to say that the ideal way is as a member of a class working under a trained teacher.