QUORUM.
$A majority of each House shall constitute a quorum to do business; but
a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to
compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner, and under such
penalties, as each house may provide.--_Const. U. S._ Art. I. Sec. 5.$
In general, the chair is not to be taken till a quorum for business is
present; unless, after due waiting, such a quorum be despaired of, when
the chair may be taken, and the House adjourned. And whenever, during
business, it is observed that a quorum is not present, any member may
call for the House to be counted; and being found deficient, business
is suspended.--2 _Hats._ 125, 126.
$The President having taken the chair, and a quorum being present, the
journal of the preceding day shall be read to the end, that any mistake
may be corrected that shall have been made in the entries.--_Rules of
the Senate_, 1.$