BILL, SECOND READING IN THE HOUSE.
In Parliament, after the bill has been read a second time, if, on the
motion and question, it be not committed, or if no proposition for
commitment be made, the Speaker reads it by paragraphs, pausing between
each, but putting no questions but on amendments proposed; and when
through the whole, he puts the question, Whether it shall be read the
third time? if it came from the other House. Or, if originating with
themselves, Whether it shall be engrossed and read a third time? The
Speaker reads sitting, but rises to put a question. The clerk stands
while he reads.
$But the Senate of the United States is so much in the habit of making
many and material amendments at the third reading, that it has become
the practice not to engross a bill till it has passed. An irregular and
dangerous practice; because, in this way, the paper which passes the
Senate is not that which goes to the other House; and that which goes
to the other House as the act of the Senate, has never been seen in
Senate. In reducing numerous, difficult, and illegible amendments into
the text, the secretary may, with the most innocent intentions, commit
errors which can never again be corrected.$
The bill being now as perfect as its friends can make it, this is the
proper stage for those, fundamentally opposed, to make their own attack.
All attempts at other periods are with disjointed efforts; because many
who do not expect to be in favor of the bill, ultimately, are willing to
let it go on to its perfect state, to take time to examine it themselves,
and to hear what can be said for it; knowing that, after all, they have
sufficient opportunities of giving it their veto. Its two last stages,
therefore, are reserved for this, that is to say, on the question, Whether
it shall be engrossed and read a third time? and, lastly, Whether it
shall pass? The first of these is usually the most interesting contest;
because then the whole subject is new and engaging, and the minds of the
members having not yet been declared by any trying vote, the issue is the
more doubtful. In this stage, therefore, is the main trial of strength
between its friends and opponents; and it behooves every one to make up
his mind decisively for this question, or he loses the main battle; and
accident and management may, and often do, prevent a successful rallying
on the next and last question, Whether it shall pass?
When the bill is engrossed, the title is to be endorsed on the back,
and not within the bill.--_Hakew._ 250.