BILLS, FIRST READING.
When a bill is first presented, the clerk reads it at the table, and
hands it to the Speaker, who, rising, states to the House the title of
the bill; that this is the first time of reading it; and the question
will be, Whether it shall be read a second time? Then, sitting down, to
give an opening for objections; if none be made, he rises again, and
puts the question, Whether it shall be read a second time?--_Hakew._
137, 141. A bill cannot be amended at the first reading,--6 _Grey_,
286; nor is it usual for it to be opposed then, but it may be done and
rejected.--_D'Ewes_, 335, _col._ 1; 3 _Hats._ 198.