the 1st section enacts, that, &c. the second section enacts,' &c. But in the Senate of the United States, both of these formalities are dispensed with; the breviate presenting but an imperfect view of the bill, and being capable of being made to present a false one; and the full statement being an useless waste of time, immediately after a full reading by the clerk; and especially as every member has a printed copy in his hand. A bill, on the third reading, is not to be committed for the matter or body thereof: but, to receive some particular clause or proviso, it hath been sometimes suffered, but as a thing very unusual.-Hakew. 156; thus, 27 El. 1584, a bill was committed on the third reading, having been formerly committed on the second; but is declared not usual.-D'Ewes, 137, col. 2. 414, col. 2. When an essential provision has been omitted, rather than erase the bill, and render it suspicious, they add a clause on a separate paper, engrossed and called a rider, which is read, and put to the question three times.-Elsynge's Memorials, 59-6 Grey, 335—1 Blackst. 183. For examples of riders, see 3 Hats. 121, 122, 124. 126. Every one is at liberty to bring in a rider without asking leave.--10 Grey, 52. It is laid down as a general rule, that amendments proposed at the second reading shall be twice read, and those proposed at the third reading thrice read; as also all amendments from the other house.-Town. col. 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28. It is with great, and almost with invincible reluctance, that amendments are admitted at this reading, which occasion erasures or interlineations. Sometimes the proviso has been cut off from a bill; sometimes erased.-9 Grey, 513. This is the proper stage for filling up blanks; for if filled up before, and now altered by erasure, it would be peculiarly unsafe. At this reading, the bill is debated afresh, and for the most part is more spoken to, at this time, than on any of the former readings. Hakew. 153. The debate on the question, Whether it should be read a third time? has discovered to its friends and opponents the arguments on which each side relies, and which of these appear to have influence with the House; they have had time to meet them with new arguments, and to put their old ones into new shapes. The former vote has tried the strength of the first opinion, and furnished grounds to estimate the issue; and the question now offered for its passage, is the last occasion which is ever to be offered for carrying or rejecting it. When the debate is ended, the Speaker, holding the bill in his hand, puts the question for its passage, by saying, Gentlemen, all you who are of opinion that this bill shall pass, say aye;' and after the answer of ayes, All those of the contrary opinion, say no.'-Hakew. 154. After the bill has passed, there can be no further alteration of it in any point.-Hakew. 159. SECTION XLI. DIVISION OF THE HOUSE. The affirmative and negative of the question having been both put and answered, the Speaker declares whether the yeas or nays have it by the sound, if he be himself satisfied, and it stands as the judgment of the House. But if he be not himself satisfied which voice is the greater, or if, before any other member comes into the House, or before any new motion is made, (for it is too late after that,) any member shall rise and declare himself dissatisfied with the Speaker's decision, then the Speaker is to divide the House.-Scob. 24--2 Hats. 140. When the House of Commons is divided, the one party goes forth, and the other remains in the House. This has made it important which go forth, and which remain; because the latter gain all the indolent, the indifferent, and inattentive. Their general rule, therefore, is, that those who give their vote for the preservation of the orders of the House, shall stay in, and those who are for introducing any new matter or alteration, or proceeding, contrary to the established course, are to go out. But this rule is subject to many exceptions and modifications. 2 Rush. p. 3, fol. 92—Scob. 43. 52-Co. 12. 116—D’Ewes, 505, col. 1—Mem. in Hakew. 25. 29; as will appear by the following statement of who go forth. Petition that it be received,* Read, Lie one the table, Ayes. Rejected after refusal to lie Noes. Referred to a committee, or Ayes. on the table, >Ayes. Amendments be read a 2d time, Noes. Clause offered on report of Bill be read 2d time, For receiving a clause, With amendments be en grossed, * Noes, 9 Grey, 365. Ayes. 334 |