OF MOTIONS TO COMMIT.
73. The third case for the use of a subsidiary motion, as already
stated, occurs, when the subject-matter of a proposition is regarded
with favor, but the form in which it is introduced is so defective,
that a more careful and deliberate consideration is necessary, than
can conveniently be given to it in the assembly itself, in order to
put it into a satisfactory form. The course of proceeding then is, to
refer the subject to a committee; which is called a commitment, or, if
the subject has already been in the hands of a committee, a
recommitment.
74. If there is a standing committee of the assembly, whose functions
embrace the subject in question, the motion should be to refer it to
that committee; if there is no such committee, then the motion should
be to refer to a select committee. If it is a matter of doubt, whether
a particular standing committee is appropriate or not, and
propositions are made for a reference to that committee, and also for
a reference to a select committee, the former proposition should be
first put to the question.
75. When a subject is referred or recommitted, the committee may be
instructed or ordered by the assembly, as to any part or the whole of
the duties assigned them; or the subject may be left with them without
instructions. In the former case, the instructions must be obeyed, of
course; in the latter, the committee have full power over the matter,
and may report upon it, in any manner they please, provided they keep
within the recognized forms of parliamentary proceedings.
76. A part only of a subject may be committed, without the residue; or
different parts may be committed to different committees.
77. A commitment with instructions is sometimes made use of, as a
convenient mode of procuring further information, and, at the same
time, of postponing the consideration of a subject to a future though
uncertain day.