5. Division of a proposition.-Where a proposition is composed of two or more parts, which are susceptible of division into several questions, it is a compendious mode of amendment to divide the motion, if deemed advisable, into separate questions, to be separately voted upon. This may be done by order of the Assembly, on motion, as in other cases.

The question as divided becomes a series of independent propositions. Assemblies sometimes provide by express rule for the division of a question on demand of a member.

6. Amendment to an amendment.-Custom or usage has established a rule whereby a proposition may be entertained to amend an amendment, but there can be no amendment of an amendment to an amendment.

OF THE ORDER AND SUCCESSION OF QUESTIONS.-It is a general rule that where s proposition is pending before a deliberative assembly no other can be entertained until that is disposed of, unless it be either: first, a privileged question; secondly, an incidental question; or, thirdly a subsidiary question or motion.

1. Privileged questions.-Questions of this nature are: 1. Motions to adjourn. 2. Motions or questions relating to the rights and privileges of the assembly, or of its members individually. 3. Motions for the orders of the day.

A motion to adjourn takes the place of all other questions whatever. It is not debatable, and ordinarily not susceptible of amendment.

A motion to adjourn to a time fixed can be amended, by offering some other time, and is debatable.

Questions of privilege come next in order, and take precedence of all other motions except that of adjournment. They are such as concern the rights and privileges of the assembly, or of its individual members.

Orders of the day come thirdly in succession, under the head of privileged questions. When the consideration of a subject has been assigned for a particular day, by an order of the assembly, the matter so assigned is called the order of the day for that day.

2. Incidental questions.-These are such as arise out of other questions, consequently are to be decided before those which give rise to them. Of this nature are: 1. Questions of order; 2. Motions for the reading of papers, etc.; 3. Leave to withdraw a motion; 4. Suspension of a rule; 5. Amendment of an amendmen Questions of order are those questions raised by any member as to a breach of any rule occurring. It is the privilege of any member to raise questions of order in such cases.

Reading of papers brought before a deliberative assembly may be called for by any member who desires the reading.

Withdrawal of motions is allowed on the part of the mover, by leave of the assembly, which is to be obtained by a vote on motion as in other cases.

Suspension of a rule of the assembly may be granted by a vote thereof. This is usually obtained at the instance of a member to consider a proposition which would otherwise not be in order.

Amendment of an amendment is allowable, as we have already seen; the amendment to the amendment must be first put.

3. Subsidiary questions-These, as before remarked, are those which relate to a principal motion. Subsidiary motions in common use are: to lie on the table; he previous question; postponement, either indefinitely or to a day certain; commitment and amendment.

To lie on the table, is a motion usually resorted to in common practice when the assembly desire to put a proposition aside without giving any expresison upon its merits. It is not debatable nor susceptible of amendment. It takes precedence of and supersedes all other subsidiary motions. If decided in the affirma

tive, all motions or propositions connected with the principal question, are removed with it from before the assembly, until taken up by a vote thereof.

The previous question stands in equal degree with all other subsidiary motions, except the motion to lie on the table.

The motion to postpone is either indefinite, or to a time certain ; and in both theso forms, may be amended;-in the former by fixing a time certain; in the latter by substituting one time for another. The latter case is treated like filling blanks.

A motion to commit, or recommit, may be amended by substitution of one kind of committee for another, or by enlarging or diminishing the number of the committee as proposed, or by instructions to the committee. It stands in the same degree with the previous question and postponement-but it takes precedence of a motion to amend.

A motion to amend stands in the same degree only with the previous question and indefinite postponement, and neither, if first moved, is superseded by the other. But it is liable to be superseded by a motion to postpone to a day certain. It may also be superseded by a motion to commit.

The following example is given to illustrate the successive order of questions: Suppose first a principal question is proposed, second, a motion is made to amend the principal question, third, a motion to commit, fourth a question of order arises in the debate, which gives occasion to, fifth, a question of privilege, and sixth, a subsidiary motion, as to lie on the table. All these questions may be pending at the same time, and take rank in the order named. The regular course of proceeding requires the motion to lie on the table to be first put. If this is negatived, the question of privilege is then settled; after that comes the question of order, then the question of commitment; if that is negatived, the question of amendment is taken; and lastly, the main question.

Of reconsideration.-A deliberative assembly may reconsider a vote already passed, whether affirmatively or negatively. For this purpose a motion is made, as in other cases, that such a vote be reconsidered; if it prevails, the matter stands before the assembly in precisely the same state and condition as if the vote reconsidered had never been passed. In the absence of any express rul of the assembly, a motion to reconsider is made in the same manner as any other motion.

Of committees.-The business of deliberative assemblies is facilitated by aid of committees; they are of three kinds, select committees, standing committees and com mittee of the whole.

Select committees are those appointed to consider a particular subject.

Standing committees are those who are appointed to continue during the whole term of the assembly, to consider all matters of a certain character named during the time.

A committee of the whole is a committee comprising all the members of the assembly to consider any subject referred to thein.

Select and standing committees, in the absence of any express rule or vote of the assembly, are appointed by the presiding officer. When a motion is made for the appointment of a committee, the motion usually includes the number of which it is to consist. If no vote is taken as to the manner of appointment, the presiding officer should proceed to appoint. It will be unnecessary for him to inquire of the assembly as to how they will have the appointment made; the fact that they have given no expression on the subject implies that the appointment shall be made by the chair.

The person first named on a committee is considered the chairman; but in the absence of any rule to the contrary, the committee may make choice of some other person as chairman, if they desire to do so.

When a committee have considered a proposition, they present the result to the assembly, which is called their report. It is usually in writing, and is announced to the assembly by the chairman, or some member of the committes selected for that purpose, who rising in his place, says, “Mr. President" [or Mr.

Chairman, as the case may be], "The committee to whom was referred the subject "of [stating the matter referred], have had the same under consideration, and have "instructed me to report that" [here follows the report].

After the report is made, the proper motion is, on the reception of the report; but in practice the report is received without such motion, unless objection is made, in which case a formal vote is necessary. After the report is received, the committee are discharged without any action of the assembly.

The report thereupon becomes the property of the assembly, and the question recurs on its adoption. The presiding officer will proceed and so state the question, without any formal motion being made.

After a report is adopted, the recommendations of the committee become the sense of the assembly.

CONCLUSION.-The foregoing is a brief summary of the general principles of parliamentary law for the regulation of proceedings in deliberative assemblies Limited space does not admit of an extended treatise on the subject; but suf ficient nas doubtless been given for ordinary purposes.

In conducting proceedings in deliberative assemblies, much depends upon the presiding officer. According to the popular idea of such a functionary, he becomes little more than a graven image, or fixed statue, when in fact he shoula be the most active man in the assembly. He should have his attention in all directions as much as possible, at the same time, and be quick to recognize any member who rises and addresses him. As soon as a motion is offered he should proceed promptly, without hesitation or delay, and state it, in a full and clear voice. If no one rises to speak to it, he should proceed just as promptly to put the motion. It is no part of his duty to invite debate.

An example of promptness and diligence on the part of the presiding officer gives spirit to the assembly, and business is conducted with more dispatch and greater satisfaction.