are, that the assembly assumes the character of a colloquial meeting, where each member offers and receives advice. Several legislative rules are not enforced; the speeches are generally shorter, and the opinions of a majority may thus be better elicited. Jeff. Man. book. Re. 134, Ho. Reps., § 2. The parliamentary rule permits a person, p. 166, this in committee of the whole House, to speak as often as he can obtain the floor. But in Congress a member is prohibited from speaking twice on the p. 103. same question, till each one has had an opportunity to express his views. This is a wise regulation, for those not in the habit of speaking are generally brief, and confine their remarks strictly to the merits of the question, and the leading points of the subject, without entering into its details. § 3. The form for any body to go into a committee of the whole house is for the presiding officer, on motion of some member, to put the question, that the house or meeting now resolve itself into a committee of the whole, to consider the proposed business (which should be distinctly specified). If determined in the affirmative, he appoints some one as chairman, then leaves his place and takes P. 101. a seat the same as any other member, and the person appointed chairman does not occupy the speaker's chair, but sits at the table of the secretary. A committee of the whole cannot adjourn Independence consist of five. The committee were chosen as follows: Re. 125, Ho. Reps., Re. 54, Ho. Reps. p. 82. as other committees may, but if business is unfinished it rises on a question. § 4. The house or meeting is then resumed; the chairman reports that the committee have, according to order, had the business under consideration, and made progress therein; but not having time to finish it, have directed him to ask leave to sit again. The question is then put, on having permission, and on the time the house will again resolve itself into a committee of the whole. § 5. The committee can consider only the subject to it referred. When this is done,* the chairman should say, "The propositions under consideration are closed, the committee will rise." He ought then to return to his place in the assembly, and the regular presiding officer should, at once, resume his official seat, and the chairman of the committee ought immediately to say, "Mr. President, the committee of the whole house have had under consideration the subject." [Here state it and the result of the deliberations thereon.] The secretary of the assembly records nothing but the report of the chairman. THE MOTION TO COMMIT. § 1. WHENEVER a proposition, or business of any kind, is brought before an assembly, which is de *Or when the committee cannot proceed further for the want of time, or for any other cause, the chairman should report according to the facts of the case. † For Committee of the Whole on the state of the Union, see note on the 76th page. t sirable to C § 2. This motion may be amended by substi- Re. 47, Ho. § 3. When different committees are proposed, Reps. p. 50. the question should be taken in the following order: 1st. Committee of the whole house. 2d. A standing committee, and 3d. A select committee. As a general rule, the subject should be referred to a standing committee, provided there be one suitable to take cognizance of it. If not, a select committee ought to be appointed. Jeff. Man., § 4. Any member of an assembly may be pre-clause 7th, sent at a select committee, but cannot vote, and p. 163. must give place to all of its members. With the exception that the title or subject cannot be Clause 8th, changed, a committee has full power over any bill or paper committed to it. § 5. The paper before committees, whether select or of the whole, may be a bill, resolutions, or draft of an address, either referred to, or originating with them. In all cases the paper should be first read by the secretary of a committee, and then by the chairman, by paragraphs; a pause * In case it has already been referred, it is styled a re-commitment. See Sec. XXIII. page 165, and the note thereto. p. 163. Clause 1st, p. 164. Jeff. Man being made at the end of each, and questions for amending put, if proposed. Re. 134, § 6. With respect to resolutions on distinct subjects emanating from themselves, questions should be put on each separately as amended or unamended, but no final question on the whole; though if they relate to the same thing, a question should be put on the whole. § 7. If the paper originating with them be a bill, draft of an address, &c., they should proceed by clauses to put questions for amending, either by insertion or omission, if proposed; but no question on agreeing to the paragraphs separately: at the close a question should be put on the whole for agreeing to it as amended or unamended. § 8. If a paper be referred to them, they should put questions of amendment, when proposed, but no final one on the whole; for all parts of the paper having been adopted by the assembly must stand, unless altered or struck out by a vote. Ho. Reps. p. § 9. The rules of order that govern assemblies, in most cases, apply to committees, but not always; for example, disorderly words or conduct in a comSec. 25, p.166, mittee cannot be punished by the members thereof; all they can do, is to take down the words, note the conduct, and report the same to the assembly for it to adjudicate and punish. : 103. Jeff. Man. this book. Jeff. Man. latter part, Sec. 8, p.154. § 10. After a committee has agreed upon a report, And clause on the business entrusted to it, some member should move that the committee now rise, and that the chairman, or in his absence some other 4th p. 164. this book. one, report the result of the proceedings to the assembly, which being agreed to, terminates their deliberations. FORM OF THE REPORT OF A COMMITTEE. Jeff. Man. p. 164, § 1. THE chairman, or the member appointed to make the report, at the proper time, should rise in 4, this his place and inform the assembly, that the committee to whom was referred the [naming the title of the paper or business to the committee referred] have, according to order, had the same under consideration, and directed him to report thereon, with or without amendment, as the case may be. } Jeff. Man. last clause book. § 2. He then hands the report to the presiding officer, or proceeds to read it, if desired. It is usual in legislative assemblies to have all the im- p. 167, this portant reports of committees printed, and to dispense with the reading till the subject comes up for final action. sec. 22, D. 165. § 3. Making the report and its adoption dis- Last clause solves the committee. If, however, the assembly decline to receive it on the ground of new matter, or any other cause, the committee is not dissolved, may be required to re-examine the subject and make another report. but § 4. A committee may report, simply stating the facts and the results of their deliberations, without any resolution respecting the business to it referred. Reports of this kind should terminate with, "Re |
