the Table of Contents. Each one of the forty-five sections is complete in
itself, so that no one unfamiliar with the work can be misled in examining any
particular subject. Cross references are freely used to save repeating from
other sections, and by this means the reader, without using the index, is
referred to everything in the Rules of Order that has any bearing upon the
subject he is investigating. The references are by sections, and for
convenience the numbers of the sections are placed at the top of each page. The
motions are arranged under the usual classes, in their order of rank, but in
the index under the word motion will be found an alphabetical list of all the
motions generally used. In reference to each motion there is stated:
(1) Of what motions it takes precedence (that is, what motions may, be
pending, and yet it be in order to make this motion).
(2) To what motions it yields (that is, what motions may be made while this
motion is pending).
(3) Whether it is debatable or not.
(4) Whether it can be amended or not.
(5) In case the motion can have no subsidiary motion applied to it, the fact
is stated [see Adjourn, § 11, for an example: the meaning is, that the
particular motion to adjourn, for example, cannot be laid on the table,
postponed, committed or amended].
(6) The effect of the motion if adopted.
(7) The form of stating the question when peculiar, and whatever other
information is necessary to enable one to understand the question.
Part II. While the second part covers the entire ground of the first part, it
does so in a much simpler manner, being intended for those who have no
acquaintance with the usages of deliberative assemblies. It also explains the
method of organizing an assembly or society, and conducting a meeting. The
motions are treated on an entirely different plan, being classified according
to the objects for which they are used, and those of each class compared
together so that the reader may obtain the best motion for the accomplishment
of any given object. It omits the complications of parliamentary law, and has
but few references to the rules of Congress, or those in this Manual. In order
to make it complete in itself, it was necessary to repeat a few pages from the
first part.
Definitions.
In addition to the terms defined above (taking precedence of, yielding
to and applying to, see p. 14), there are other terms that are liable to
be misunderstood, to which attention should he called.
Meeting and Session.—In this Manual the term “meeting” is used to
denote an assembling together of the members of a deliberative assembly
for any length of time, during which there is no separation of the
members by adjournment. An adjournment to meet again at some other
time, even the same day, terminates the meeting, but not the session,
which latter includes all the adjourned meetings. The next meeting, in
this case, would be an “adjourned meeting” of the same session.
A “meeting” of an assembly is terminated by a temporary adjournment; a
“session” of an assembly ends with an adjournment without day, and may consist
of many meetings [see Session, § 42].
Previous Question—This term is frequently understood to refer to the
question previously under consideration. As used in this country it is
equivalent to a motion to “Stop debate, and proceed to voting on all the
questions before the assembly,” with certain exceptions, where it
affects only one motion (as to postpone, to reconsider and an appeal;
see § 20 for a full explanation).
Shall the Question be Considered (or discussed)? This question, which
is put as soon as a subject is brought before an assembly, if any member
“objects to its consideration” (or “discussion,” or “introduction”), is
not intended to merely cut off debate, but to prevent the question from
coming before the assembly for its action. If decided by a two-thirds
vote in the negative, the question is removed from before the assembly
immediately [see § 15].
Whenever the word “assembly,” which is used throughout these rules,
occurs in forms of motions (as in Appeals, § 14), it is better to
replace it by the special term used to designate the particular
assembly; as for instance, “Society,” or “Convention,” or “Board.” The
term “Congress,” when used in this Manual, refers to the House of
Representatives of the U.S.