F 515 opy 1 opy 1 A ®PXt look for parltmrntary Jrarttrp OUaBHPH WULFF ■»; A ®f xt ^aak for Prarltr? by Ida E. Wulff ,xvr\ 1^ \a^ M^ COPYRIGHT. 1922 IDA E. WU LFF 2474 PARIS ST. CINCINNATI, OHIO AUG 10 '22 ©CI.A677810 TABLE of CONTENTS V Page "> Lesson 1 — Forming an Organization. Duties of Officers and Members 1 Lesson 2 — Constitution. Outline of Main Motion. Primary Amendment. Secondary Amendment. . 12 Lesson 3 — Nominations and Election 23 Lesson 4 — ^Privileged Motions. Outline of Motion to Fix the Time and Place to Adjourn. To Adjourn. To Take a Recess 26 Lesson 5 — Outline of Motion to Raise a Question of Privilege. To Call for Orders of the Day. Inci- dental Motions. Outline of Motion to Raise a Point of Order. To Appeal from the Decision of the Chair ,. 30 Lesson 6 — Outline of Motion to Object to the Con- sideration of the Question. To Call for the Read- ing of Papers. To Withdraw a Motion, To Suspend the Rules 36 Lesson 7 — Subsidiary Motions. Outline of Motion to Lay on the Table. To Call for the Previous Question 40 Lesson 8 — Outline of Motion to Limit Debate. To Extend Debate. To Postpone to a Definite Time 42 Lesson 9 — Committees — Standing, Special. Minority Report. Committee of the Whole. Outline of Mo- tion to Refer to a Committee. To Postpone In- definitely 44 Lesson 10 — Unclassified Motions. Outline of Motion to Reconsider. To Rescind. To Take From the Table. Chart for Use at Meetings 49 Foreword BECAUSE of the need and desire for further knowledge of parliamentary law by MotheJs' .^lubs, the author was induced to organize parliamentary practice classes. In her teaching the necessity for a simple text-book was soon apparent. In order to simplify the acquisition of parliamentary knowledge this book has been pre- pared in the hope that many will find it helpful. For more advanced information the student should consult Robert's Revised Rules of Order, which is the authority that has been used in these lessons. In submitting this, the author desires to acknowl- edge her indebtedness to the following: Robert's Revised Rules of Order, Parliamentary Usage for Women's Clubs, by Emma A. Fox, Parliamentary Law with Diagram of Motions, by Nanette Paul, ' Practical Lessons in Parliamentary Procedure, by Mary Redfield Plummer, Shattuck's Answers to Parliamentary Inquiries, Jefferson's Manual, and in addition to these, she has been helped by instruction received in the parliamentary practice classes conducted by Mrs. Ben Loewen- stein, whose method of teaching hasbeen to some extent followed, and lastly, to Miss Annie Laws, whose lectures and classes inspired the author to more earnest effort in acquiring further knowledge on the subject and who so kindly has given so much time and advice to the Mothers' Clubs of Cincinnati. — L E. W. TEXT BOOK FOR PARLIAMENTARY PRACTICE CLASSES LESSON 1 The object of a parliamentary practice class is to learn the fundamental prin- ciples of parliamentary law. PARLIAMENTARY LAW teaches us to conduct meetings with dignity and justice to all concerned, that we may listen to the voice of the minority and obey the will of the majority. In addition to those laws in general use, any organization may have special laws (by-laws) for its particular needs. In FORMING AN ORGANIZATION the person with whom the idea originates mentions it to others who he knows will favor it, and arranges beforehand with certain ones to make essential motions. It is best to get a plan of action worked out before it is presented; then a meeting is called. After a sufficient number are present, the person who called the meet- ing says, "Will the meeting please come to order?" When this is done, this person says, "The first order of business is to nominate a temporary chairman." It is well to ar- range to have some one nominated who will conduct the meeting satisfactorily. The election is by plurality vote; that is, the greatest of three or more numbers, and should be either oral or by ballot. In order to obtain the oral vote, the person presiding asks for nominations, saying, "Will some one nominate a tem- porary chairman?" Some one in the as- —1— sembly then rises and says, "I nominate Mr. A." Nominations need not be sec- onded. When any one desires to stop fur- t*her nominations, he rises and says, "Mr. Chairman, I move that nominations be closed." This motion must be seconded. This means that another person besides the one making the motion must be in favor of it and express himself so by say- ing, "I second the motion," thereby mean- ing that he is a second person in favor of that particular motion. The person pre- siding at once puts this motion to a vote, and as, according to parliamentary usage no discussion is allowed on this motion, says at once, "All those in favor of closing nominations say 'Aye'." The person pre- siding makes mental note of the number of those voting favorably by the volume of sound. Following this the person says, "Those opposed say 'No'." After giving time for the negative vote, he tells the result of the vote, saying, "The motion is carried (or lost)," and Mr. A. is elected, or not, as the case may be. Always call for the negative vote, and give the result. This is absolutely neces- sary. If the person conducting the meeting should be unable to decide the result by the volume of sound, he mentions this and says, "We will take a rising vote. The secretary will please count. All those in favor please rise," (secretary counts). When they are seated he continues, "Con- trary rise," (secretary counts again). The secretary reports the result of his count to the person conducting the meeting and he then states the result. —2— If a member is uncertain about the result of an oral vote, he rises and says, "I call for a division." This does not re- quire a second and cannot be debated or amended. The presiding officer is obliged to proceed at once to take the vote again by having the affirmative rise and when they are seated having the negative rise and stating the result after the secretary reports the count to him. If two or three are nominated and you ask for oral vote on the first, there is no need to vote on the others if he gets a majority. He is then declared elected. If the vote is by ballot, those present write their choice on a slip of paper and the person receiving the largest number of votes is declared elected on a plurality vote. The term plurality means the greatest of three or more numbers. The term majority means more than half of all votes cast. The one elected at once takes the chair and asks for nominations for a temporary secretary. A vote is taken as for the tem- porary chairman and the person receiving the majority vote is declared elected. In order that the meeting may be conducted satisfactorily, it is well that a person who has the interest of the new movement at heart be selected beforehand. The suc- cess of any new organization depends greatly upon the first officials chosen. After the temporary secretary has taken his place the presiding officer asks some one (decided beforehand) to say why the meeting was called. He rises, states the —3— reasons, offers a resolution to start an or- ganization, and puts it in the form of a motion, as follows: "I move that this body resolve itself into an organization for the purpose of studying parliamentary law." This is a main motion. Every main motion must have a second before it can be discussed. When it has been seconded the chairman rises and says, "There is a motion before the assembly that this body resolve itself into an organization for the purpose of studying parliamentary law." He repeats the entire motion in this way. He adds, "Are there any remarks ?" When you wish to address the meeting (privilege of the floor) you rise and say, "Mr. Chairman," then mention your own name unless you are known, the chairman repeats your name, thus granting you the privilege of the floor. After some discussion has taken place, the chairman asks, "Is there any further discussion?" There being no further discussion, the chairman proceeds to have the assembly vote on the motion and announces the result. If the vote has been in the affirmative, the chairman says, *'The next matter to come before the assembly will be the adoption of a constitution." In order that this may be accomplished, it is advisable that a member make a mo- tion that a committee be appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws and re- port at the next meeting. When the mo- tion has been made, seconded and carried the chairman appoints a committee on —4— constitution, the first-named person being the chairman of the committee. The OBJECT of the CONSTITUTION is to give the organization a name, tell its object, decide the membership, time of meetings, names of committees and duties of officers. It should embody the impor- tant regulations of the organization and how they can be amended. The by-laws consist of the details of the regulations. The constitution states facts; the by-laws give details and methods of carrying on the work. The constitution is the supreme law of the organization. After the con- stitution has been adopted, the organiza- tion becomes a permanent one. The committee on constitution is a spe- cial committee, usually appointed as soon as the decision is made by the temporary organization, the duty of which is to pre- sent a constitution and by-laws for adop- tion. When that is done, the next step is the election of officers. The constitution and by-laws should be treated separately. The business of the first meeting being now completed, there is time for a lesson regarding officers. The officers of an organization consist usually of a president, a vice president, a recording secretary, a corresponding sec- retary, a treasurer and an auditor. Duties of Officers. The presiding officer, called a president or chairman, conducts the affairs of the organization. He handles what the organi- zation wants, the body decides. The chair- man only directs the course of the meet- ing. He should never be arbitrary. The spirit between the president and his or- ganization should be ideal; they should work together in full co-qperation. He must at all times be very fair, calm, just, tactful and dispassionate, so neutral that no one ever suspects his likes or dislikes. It is a fatal error to show which side he is on. He must know no friend, no enemies. He must listen to the voice of the minority and obey the will of the majority. He should rise to state questions, when taking the vote, and when making an- nouncements. He must always announce the result of the vote. He should know the business of the organization and never say he thinks a certain thing has been attended to. He remains seated during discussions. He can not speak to any question unless he leaves the chair, appointing some one else to act as chairman in his stead, with one exception: when there is an appeal from the decision of the presiding officer. He may vote only when the vote is by roll- call, by ballot, or when there is a tie. He must state a motion clearly, allow discus- sion, and announce the result of the vote. He appoints standing committees and may appoint special committees, if authorized by the by-laws, or by vote of the assembly, and may be made by the by-laws ex-officio a member of all committees. The chair- man has the power to attend all committee meetings to give advice. He signs all vouchers and has them countersigned by the secretary or chair- —6— man of the committee, if the obligation has been undertaken by a committee. When you are chairman speak so that every one in the assembly can hear you; put as much earnestness in your voice as possible. It is that quality that carries. Do not vacillate; talk as positively as you can; there is nothing so contagious as con- fidence. The chairman has a right to adjourn a stormy meeting when he is. sure it is for the good of the organization. When made presiding officer, study your constitution — that is your fortifica- tion. The chairman should not allow any one to rise to talk on a matter unless a motion has been made and seconded. If this should happen, the chairman should say: "If you will make a motion and it is sec- onded, we will enter upon the discussion, otherwise it must not go on." It is well to remember that no rules will take the place of tact and common sense on the part of the chairman. It is the duty of the vice president to assume the duties of the president in his absence. The recording secretary, usually called the secretary, is the recording officer of the organization. He should make notes of the proceedings of the meeting and make a record of them for future refer- ence. These records are called the minutes of the organization. He should keep his minutes in a record book, tightly bound, into which he should file the reports of all officers and com- —7— mittees. He should record all motions whether lost or carried. If there is a dif- ference of opinion as to whether certain business has come before tlie assembly, the records should give exact information. The secretary must not indulge in a per- sonal discussion in his minutes and must not record suggestions. He should be brief and record the happenings of the organization as definitely as possible. The secretary rises when reading minutes. The corrections of the minutes are put into the margin of the minutes read, and in the following minutes is written, "The minutes of the previous meeting were cor- rected to read as follows: '* * *'." The secretary outlines his minutes as follows: "The last meeting of the Parliamentary Practice Class was held (date, time and place) . The presi- dent, Mrs. A, conducted the meeting. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The treasurer re- ported a balance on hand of $ (the secretary puts only the treasurer's balance in the minutes). The treasurer's report was accepted as audited. "The report of the corresponding secre- tary was adopted and duly filed. "Upon motion of Mr. A, duly seconded by Mr. B, it was decided to accept the re- port of committee. "Upon motion of Mr. G, seconded by Mr. D, it was decided to adjourn until the next meeting, (date), at the same time and place. "John Smith." Sign your given name and surname without any prefix. —8— A secretary writes his minutes accord- ing to the tone of the organization. This being a parliamentary practice class, it is well to have the lesson to a great extent embodied in the minutes. The secretary has the privileges of any other member. He may make motions, discuss them and vote upon them. In order to have the routine of each business regular, the secretary should pre- pare in addition to his minutes a slip of paper with the order of business on it for the presiding officer. In the absence of both the president and vice-president it is the duty of the secre- tary to call the meeting to order. The secretary should take charge of all the documents of the organization. If an arbitrary secretary should refuse to correct the minutes, then it is necessary to do it by vote of the assembly. Expenditures can only be made by a vote of the assembly and the purpose for which the money can be used must be in- dicated in the minutes. No funds of the organization can be used unless spe- cifically authorized by the members of the organization. The method of making expenditures should be indicated in the by-laws. The corresponding secretary should have in charge all the correspondence of the organization unless otherwise order- ed. In matters of importance there should be made a duplicate copy of letters sent out and an alphabetical file of all let- ters received. —9— The treasurer is the custodian of the funds. He should keep an accurate ac- count of all money received and spent. His accounts must at all times balance. He should pay bills only when signed by the president, by the recording secretary, or some designated officer. He should keep an accurate alphabetical file of all receipts and should present a written re- port to the organization. It is advisable that when collecting from members the amount paid should be put opposite the names when the members pay, not a V check, accurate bookkeeping means figures. The treasurer outlines his report as fol- lows: "Mr. Chairman and Members: Your treasurer begs leave to submit the follow- ing report: Balance on hand at last meeting Money collected Money spent Balance on hand Respectfully submitted, Mary Smith." The treasurer's report is not accepted until it is audited. If it is not audited at every meeting a motion should be made that the treasurer's report be received for audit. The auditor, or, in large organizations, the auditing committee, examines the books of the treasurer and gives a state- ment as to the result of the Examination. He should see the receipted bills of the treasurer. The outline of the auditor's report should be as follows: —10— "Mr. Chairman and Members: Your auditor begs leave to report that he has examined the books of the treasurer and found them to be correct. Respectfully submitted, John Brown." In the absence of the auditor, defer ac- cepting the treasurer's report until prop- erly audited. In presenting any report always address the presiding officer. Duties of Members. It is the duty of every member to attend all the meetings of his organization, un- less unavoidably detained, and to be on time. It is also his duty to support the chairman in every way and to do all in his power to make the organization a suc- cess. What you put into an organization you get out of it. Be sure to stand up for your own opin- ion. Be active participants in an organi- zation of which you are a member. Do not take advantage of superior knowledge to defeat others. Tact is an important force in parliamentary law. Never leave until the meeting is adjourned or you must take the consequences if anything important comes up and you did not get a chance to act. Discussion should always take place in the meeting and not after the meeting. If any adverse criticism is made it has often been found to be the fault of the one mak- ing it, due to his timidity, lack of moral courage, or his lack of knowledge of par- —11— liamentary law. Have the courage of your convictions. Vote "No" when you want "No." There is no one more to be admired than the person who, in the face of seemingly overwhelming opposition, rises and tells in a distinct voice his rea- sons for not wanting the motion passed. It must be borne in mind, however, that the welfare of the organization must un- derly all reasons for or against a motion. Never should anything personal enter into it. The good of the organization only must be considered. In order to bring a meeting to a close a motion to adjourn is necessary. This is accomplished by some member making a motion to adjourn. The motion may stip- ulate the time and place when the next meeting should be held. Upon being sec- onded, voted upon, and declared carried, the meeting ceases. LESSON 2. The temporary secretary having pre- pared the order of business on a slip of paper, gives it to the temporary chair- man. This should read as follows for this meeting : Reading of minutes of previous meet- ing. Old business — Report of committee on constitution. New business. The temporary chairman raps lightly and says: "The meeting will please come to order." —12— He waits a short time and says: "The secretary will read the minutes of the previous meeting." This is done. The chairman rises and says : "You have heard the reading of the minutes, are there any corrections?" Should you wish to make a correction rise and say: "Mr. Chairman, Mr. ," (if not known, giving your name). The chairman repeats your name, thus recognizing you and granting you permis- sion to speak. You then make your cor- rection. If there are no corrections from the floor the chairman then has the privilege of making any corrections he may have in mind. He then says: "If there are no further corrections the minutes will stand approved as corrected." Should there be no correction the chair- man says: "Inasmuch as there are no cor- rections the minutes will stand approved as read." Before taking up the report of the com- mittee on constitution the members should learn something about motions. Nearly every motion can be placed in one of the following four classes, the low- est in rank being at the bottom and the highest at the top of the list. 1. Privileged motions. 2. Incidental motions. 3. Subsidiary motions. 4. Main motions and unclassified motions. One of the important parts of parlia- mentary law is the precedence of motions. —13— For convenience the same general out- line for all motions will be followed in this order — 1. OBJECT— The object will tell the reason a certain motion is used. 2. FORM— The form will give the gen- eral wording of the motion. 3. RANK— The rank will state the place of the motion in the order of precedence. 4. DEBATABLE — This will state whether the motion may be de- bated or not. 5. AMENDABLE — This will state whether the motion may be amended or not. 6. VOTE— This will state whether the motion requires a majority vote, a 2/3 vote, or any vote. Although the first three classes of mo- tions take precedence of main motions, the principal business of an organization is accomplished by main motions and we will proceed at once to the outline of this class of motions. Motions are frequently spoken of as questions. Outline of Main Motions. OBJECT — ^The object of a main motion is tlie bringing before the as- sembly for its consideration any particular subject. FORM— The form is "I move * * * " RANK — It is lowest in rank, it takes pre- cedence of no other motions, that is it cannot be made when any other question is before the assembly. —14— I Debatable — A main motion is fully de- batable. Amendable — A main motion may be amended twice. VOTE — A main motion requires a ma- jority vote. NOTE — Main motions about amendments to the constitution, by-laws or rules of order .already adopted require a 2/3 vote unless the by-laws state oth- erwise. When seconding a motion the member should rise and, after being recognized by the chairman, say: "I second the motion." This gives the secretary the opportunity to record the name of the person who sec- onded the motion and if a difference arises as to the exact wording of a motion the one who seconds can readily be called upon to state what he has seconded. After a main motion has been made and seconded, the chairman says: "The motion to * * * has been made and seconded, is there any discussion?" It is necessary for the chairman to repeat the entire motion so there can be no mistake, or he asks the secretary to read it as he has it recorded. Every main motion must be thrown open for discussion. If during the dis- cussion of a motion that a member has made, he becomes convinced that it is not a good motion for his organization to adopt, he should not talk against it, as this is unwise, instead he should ask consent to withdraw it, (this can be done if no one objects) or vote against it. —15— If when attending a convention a dele- gate has been instructed to vote against a measure and the measure is passed, he, may ask the presiding officer to have the secretary record his negative vote, so that his organization may know that he has obeyed instructions. After discussion has taken place the presiding officer says: "Are there any further remarks?" If no more discus- sion follows this, the chairman says: "All those in favor of * * * (repeating the motion) * * * g^y, 'Aye'." Those wishing to vote in the affirmative say, "Aye." The chairman says: "Those opposed say, " 'No.' " Those wishing to vote in the negative say, "No !" The chairman then states the result of the vote, saying either, "The motion (re- peating the motion) is carried," or "The motion (repeat) is lost." This must be done and it must be recorded in the min- utes. All main motions may be amended twice. In taking up the constitution each clause is treated as a main motion and may be amended as stated. Outline of First Amendment or Primary Amendment. OBJECT — The object of the first or pri- mary amendment is to per- fect the main motion. —16— FORM— The form is: "Mr. Chairman, I move that we amend this motion by adding, (or ehm- inating, or substituting) the words * * * " RANK — This motion is in order whenever there is a main motion be- fore the assembly. DEBATABLE— This motion is debatable. AMENDABLE — This amendment can be amended once. VOTE — This motion requires a majority vote. Outline of Secondary Amendment. OBJECT — The object of the secondary amendment is to perfect the first amendment. FORM — The form is, 'T move to amend the amendment by adding (or eliminating or substitut- ing) the words * * * ." RANK — This motion is in order when there is one amendment be- fore the assembly. DEBATABLE— This motion is debatable. AMENDABLE — This motion is not amendable. VOTE^ — This motion requires a majority vote. NOTE — The vote is first taken on the sec- ondary amendment, then another vote is taken on the first amendment as amended by the secondary amend- ment, if this amendment was carried, and then anoth- er vote is taken on the whole —17— motion as amended. Even if both amendments are car- ried, it may happen that the motion as amended will not pass. Now the constitution can be taken up. The chairman says: "We are now ready for the report of the committee on con- stitution, Mr. , (naming the chair- man of the committee) will you please re- port?" The chairman of the committee rises and says: "Mr. Chairman, and members, your committee on constitution and by- laws begs leave to report that it has pre- pared the following constitution for your consideration. CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS. CONSTITUTION. ARTICLE 1. Name. The name of this organization shall be the ***** Parliamentary Prac- tice Class. ARTICLE 2. Object. The object of this organization shall be the instruction of its members in Parlia- mentary Law practice. ARTICLE 3. Membership. Any person invited to do so may be- come a member of this organization by taking an active part in assuming all du- ties assigned to him. The membership shall not exceed twenty-five. —18— ARTICLE 4. Officers. Section 1. The officers of this organiza- tion shall be a president, a vice president, a recording secretary, a corresponding secretarj^ a treasurer and an auditor. Section 2. Candidates for office shall be proposed by a nominating committee ap- pointed by the chairman, the committee to report at the meeting following the adoption of the constitution, the officers, elected by ballot, to serve one meeting. After they have served, this election be- ing for the sake of practice only, the offi- cers, in order to expedite matters, shall be elected as follows — the name of every member shall be written on a separate card and kept in an envelope, at the close of each meeting the names of the officers for the next meeting as w^ell as those to whom motions are assigned shall be drawn from the envelope. ARTICLE 5. Meetings. Section 1. The Parliamentary Practice Class shall meet for 10 consecutive weeks, beginning * * * . . A meeting falling upon a legal holiday may be postponed or omitted by a majority vote of the mem- bers present at the meeting preceding the holiday. Section 2. Special meetings of the Par- liamentary Practice Class may be called by the president and shall be called by the secretary upon the written request of two of its members. —19— ARTICLE 6. One third of the class shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. ARTICLE 7. Cominittees, The president shall appoint all commit- tees. ARTICLE 8. Amendments — Rules of Order. Section 1. This constitution may be amended at any meeting of the class, by a two-thirds vote of the members present, if notice of the proposed amendment has been given in writing at the previous meet- ing. Section 2. These rules are in full force on adoption. Section 3. The rules contained in Rob- ert's Rules of Order shall govern the pro- ceedings of this class in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the rules of the class. BY-LAWS. Meetings. Meetings shall be held at the *- * * every * * * promptly at * * * Dues. A fee of one cent shall be collected from each member at each meeting. The dis- posal of the amount so collected shall be determined by a vote of the class. Duties of Officers. The duties of the officers of this or- ganization shall be as stated in Lesson One. —20— Duties of Committees. All committees shall call a meeting im- mediately after the close of the lesson and shall report each week to the class. Order of Business. 1. Reading of minutes. 2. Report of corresponding secretary. 3. Report of treasurer. 4. Report of auditor. 5. Report of standing committees. 6. Report of special committees. 7. Unfinished business. 8. New business. 9. Parliamentary drill in class. Respectfully submitted, Every member of the committee should sign his name, the chairman's name first is the preferred way. The chairman of every committee should report in this same way. A report is either adopted, filed or re- jected. "To receive a report" means only that it has been read. Action must be taken. When an organization accepts, which means the same as adopts, a report, it means that it has been made a matter of business and has been voted upon and car- ried. When presenting a report the chairman of the committee should immediately move its adoption. If he fails to do this the chairman says: "You have heard the report, what is your pleasure?" A member then says: "I move that this report be adopted." —21— The reason the chairman of the com- mittee should make this motion is to pre- vent a member, who may not be in sym- pathy with the committee, from making a motion to lay it on the table, which is dif- ficult to vote down as it is undebatable. After it has been moved and seconded to adopt the report on constitution, the chairman says: "It has been moved and seconded to adopt this report, but before we vote upon it, we must discuss it and in order to do this satisfactorily we will take it clause by clause" (or seriatim) . It is not necessary to vote on separate clauses, only on amendments and the clauses as amended. The chairman of the committee should pause after each clause to give anyone opportunity to ask for a rereading of that clause or,- to make an amendment. After taking the constitution seriatim ask once more for any more amendments and then vote on the whole as amended and adopt it. Now the chairman appoints a nominat- ing committee to report at the next meet- ing. It is well to put persons on nominat- ing committees who prefer not to be officers. The following motions are assigned to three persons. A main motion. A motion to amend the main motion. A motion to amend the amendment. The chairman says: "Is there any fur- ther business?" —22— There being none the meeting is ad- journed, as before, until the next time as agreed upon in the constitution. LESSON 3. At the appointed time the temporary chairman calls the meeting to order, the temporary secretary having given her the order of business as follows: Reading of minutes of previous meet- ing. Old business — report of nominating committee. New business. After the reading and correction of the minutes the chairman calls for the report of the nominating committee. The chairman of this committee re- ports as follows: "Mr. Chairman and Members: Your committee on nominations begs leave to submit the following ticket for your consideration: For President — Mr. . Vice President — Mr. . Recording Secretary — Mr. Corresponding Secretary — Mr. - Treasurer — Mjr. . Auditor — Mr. . Respectfully submitted. This is the form for any committee to use when making a report. This is the only report that is not dis- cussed. It is not adopted, it is only re- ceived. —23— The presiding officer now asks for nom- inations from the floor as follows: "You have heard the report of the nominating committee. We will consider each office in turn, are there any further nominations for president?" It is absolutely necessary for the pre- siding officer to give the assembly a chance to nominate others if they so de- sire. Nominations need not be seconded. When more nominations have been made for president and there is a pause (or if no more nominations seem to be forthcoming) the chairman says: "Is there a motion to close nominations for president?" When this motion is made and second- ed, a vote is at once taken upon it as it is not debatable. This is done with each office. Every person on the ticket should do as much as he can to be elected or he should not allow his name to be on the ticket. It is also right for him to vote for himself. The chairman now says: "We are now ready for the election. Our constitution says we must vote by ballot." You must have your election in strict accordance with your constitution. The chairman appoints three persons, called tellers, who distribute the ballots, one to each person, and they collect them again. When voting by ballot the presid- ing officer casts a ballot the same as any other member. In counting the ballots, one teller reads the names, the second looks over his —24-- shoulder to see that the right name is read and the third has a sheet of paper called the tally-sheet with the names of all the candidates on it, and puts a mark after each name read. If more votes are cast than there are people present it must all be done over again. The tellers report as follows for presi- dent: Mr. A. — 9 votes. Mr. B. — 4 votes. Mr. C— 3 votes. Mr. A. has been elected president. This is done for each office. The per- son receiving the highest number of votes cast is declared elected. When the presiding officer calls for more nominations and there are no more and only one ticket is presented the chair- man says: "As we have only one nominee for each office we will entertain a motion to have the secretary cast the ballot for the entire ticket." When this is seconded and carried, the chairman asks the secretary to do this. He rises with names on a slip of paper and says: "Mr. Chairman, the recording secretary hereby casts the ballot for the following ticket: For President — Mr. A. Vice President — Mr. B., etc. The chairman then says: "These offi- cers are now duly elected." If there is only one ticket and you want to register a negative vote, ask to have the ballots distributed and not have the secre- tary cast the vote as that would mean a unanimous election. • —25— The newly elected officers now take of- fice. The new presiding officer may make a short speech expressing his gratitude for his election and then says: "Is there any further business?" If there is no further business it would be well here for some one to make a main motion in regard to something of general interest and give the newly elected chair- man a chance to handle it so as to begin the regular practice. When all business is finished the usual form of adjournment follows. LESSON 4. The presiding officer calls the meeting to order and follows the order of business as prepared by the secretary according to the constitution as follows: Reading of minutes of previous meeting. Report of corresponding secretary. Report of treasurer. Report of auditor. Report of standing committees. Report of special committees. Old business. New business. After the reading and adoption of the minutes, the chairman calls for the report of the corresponding secretary. He re- ports as follows: "Mr. Chairman and Members: Your corresponding secretary begs leave to re- port that no communications have been received* nor sent out (or the following —26— have been received and replied to as per letters on file). Respectfully submitted, Thomas Jones." This is accepted. The treasurer's report is then called for. After this is read the chairman at once calls for the auditor's report. Having heard this read the presiding of- ficer says: "You have heard the reports of the treasurer and auditor, what shall be done with them?" A member then rises and says: "Mr. Chairman, I move that the treas- urer's report as audited be adopted." This is put to a vote, seconded, and carried. It is absolutely necessary that the treasur- er's report as audited be put to a vote. When any other officer's report is read, in order to expedite matters, the chairman may say: "You have heard this report * * * , if there is no objection the report will be accepted (or filed) . One objection prevents unanimous consent and then the adoption of the re- port must be put in the form of a motion and voted upon. Committees — If there are any commit- tee reports, action is taken and they are disposed of. Old Business — Under this heading any matter that has not been brought to a con- clusion at the last meeting is now dis- cussed and disposed of. New Business — Under this heading any member may introduce any proposition. This is then considered and acted upon and if not brought to a conclusion it is brought before the assembly under the heading of old business at the next meet- ing. The new parliamentary lesson then fol- lows. Privileged Motions. Privileged motions are motions which are of such great importance that they take precedence of all other questions. These motions in the order of their precedence are: To Fix the Time and Place to which the Assembly shall Adjourn. To Adjourn. To Take a Recess. To Raise a Question of Privilege. To Call for the Orders of the Day. Outline of the motion to Fix the Time and Place to which the Assembly shall Adjourn. OBJECT — The object is to provide for an- other meeting if the assem- bly decides to adjourn. This motion is introduced in or- der to save the life of an or- ganization or annual meet- ing. FORM — The form is: "I move that when we adjourn, we adjourn to meet again at * * * ." RANK — It takes precedence of all other motions and can be intro- duced at any time even when —28— a motion to adjourn has been made, seconded and voted upon, provided the chairman has not declared the assembly adjourned. DEBATABLE— It is debatable except when used as an emergency motion, when it is not de- batable. AMENDABLE — It may only be amended by altering the time, or place, or both at which the meeting shall be held. VOTE — This motion requires a majority vote. Outline of the motion to Adjourn. OBJECT — The object is to terminate the meeting until the next regu- lar meeting, or until a spe- cial meeting such as is pro- vided for by the organiza- tion. FORM — The form is, "I move we ad- journ." RANK — It is second highest of all mo- tions, and can be introduced at any time except when a member has the floor. DEBATABLE— This motion is not de- batable. AMENDABLE — This motion is not amendable. VOTE^ — This motion requires a majority vote. —29— Outline of the motion to Take a Recess. OBJECT — The object is to suspend the meeting for a reasonable time to reconvene on the same day at a specified time. FORM— The form is: *T move that we take a recess for * * * minutes." RANK — It may be introduced at any time unless there is a motion to adjourn before the assem- bly. DEBATABLE— It is not debatable. AMENDABLE— It is amendable. VOTE — It requires a majority vote. NOTE — It is a means of lobbying. According to the constitution names should be drawn for the officers for the next meeting. After this the chairman assigns motions to others whose names are drawn in the same way. The following motions should be assigned. A main motion. A motion to take a recess. A motion to adjourn. A motion to fix the time and place to adjourn. The recording secretary should correct- ly record the names and the lesson assign- ed each person as well as the names of the officers for the next meeting. The meeting is then adjourned. LESSON 5. The meeting is called to order by the new chairman. The memorandum of the order of business given him by the secre- —30— tary should include the lesson assigned with the names of the persons who will make the different motions. By this method the chairman can see that the en- tire lesson assigned is covered. This should be on the memorandum at each meeting. After following the order of business if no main motion has been made by the per- son to whom it was assigned, and the pre- siding officer asks for new business, this person now has the opportunity to make a main motion. The other assigned mo- tions should be made whenever there is an opportunity. If the opportunity does not arrive it should be assumed in order to practice that motion. If mistakes occur and a member makes his motion at the wrong time, the chair- man says: "The member is out of order." This is notice to the member that he is not privileged to speak at that time, but must wait until the proper time arrives when he can proceed with his particular motion. Outline of the motion to Raise a Ques- tion of Privilege. OBJECT — The object is to secure some- thing relating to the rights of the assembly (as barring all but members) or to se- cure something personal (as to heating, lighting or ven- tilation) . FORM— The form is: "Mr. Chairman, I rise to a question of privil- ege affecting the assembly," or, "I rise to a question of —31— personal privilege." Chair- man: "State your question of privilege." After hear- ing the question, permission is granted by the chairman, who says: "If there is no ob- jection, this will be done." If there is an objection it is put in the form of a motion and a vote is taken. RANK — It may be made at any time, but can not take precedence of motion to adjourn, to fix the time and place to adjourn or to take a recess. DEBATABLE— It may be debated. AMENDABLE— It may be amended. VOTE — It requires a majority vote. NOTE — ^A question of privilege is an emergency motion and must be handled at once. If a question of privilege is not granted 3^ou can appeal from the decision of the chair. Outline of the motion to Call for the Orders of the Day. This motion is often used when discus- sion seems aimless and there is much rep- etition. It is a demand that the assembly conform to its program. OBJECT — The object is to enable the as- sembly to proceed at once with the general orders of the day. FORM— The form is: "I call for the or- ders of the day." —32— Chairman: "Will the assembly pro- ceed with the orders of the day?" . . . "All those in favor of," etc. RANK — It may be made at any time, even when a member has the floor and requires no second. DEBATABLE— It may not be debated. AMENDABLE — It may not be amended. VOTE — It requires a majority vote. INCIDENTAL MOTIONS Incidental motions are those that arise out of another motion, that is, are inci- dental to a question that is pending and must be decided before the question. They are: To Raise a Point of Order. To Appeal from the Decision of the Chair. To Object to the Consideration of the Question. To Call for the Reading of Papers. To Ask Leave to Withdraw a Motion. To Suspend the Rules. Outline of the motion to Raise a Point of Order. In making this motion you may rise and interrupt a speaker. One of the specific times for a point of order is when an amendment is foreign to a motion. OBJECT— To call the attention of the as- sembly to the fact that you wish to make a parliamen- tary correction. FORM— The form is: "Mr. Chairman, I rise to a point of order." —33— Chairman: ''State your point of or- der." The member does this. Chairman: "Your point of order is well (or not well) taken." If the decision of the Chairman is unsatisfactory you can ap- peal from the decision of the chair. RANK — It must be made immediately when the mistake is made, is in order whenever a mis- take occurs and requires no second. DEBATABLE— It is not debatable. AMENDABLE— It is not amendable. VOTE — It requires no vote unless it reaches the form of an appeal from the decision of the chair. Outline of the motion to Appeal from the Decision of the Chair. An appeal from the decision of the chair usually follows a point of order. It can come from anyone, not necessarily from the one raising the point of order. It is the only time a Chairman can speak to a question. OBJECT — The object is to reverse a de- cision of the chair by a vote of the assembly. FORM— The form is: "I appeal from the decision of the chair." This must be seconded. —34— The Chairman: "There is an appeal from the decision of the chair. Will the member state his reason for appealing?" The member states his reason and the Chairman replies, giving his reason for his decision. After further discussion, the Chair- man then says: "All those in favor of sustaining the chair signify by saying 'Aye.' Contrary 'No,' " then states the result; and both must abide by the decision. RANK — It follows immediately after the decision of the chair has been made. DEBATABLE— It is debatable, if the question from which the appeal is made is debatable. No member is allowed to speak more than once, ex- cept the chairman, who may answer the arguments against the decision. AMENDABLE — It may not be amended. VOTE — It requires a majority vote, a tie vote sustains the chair. Slips for the new officers for the next lesson are drawn and motions assigned as follows : A main motion. A question of privilege. A call for the orders of the day. To raise a point of order. To appeal from the decision of the chair. The meeting is then adjourned. —35— LESSON 6 The meeting is opened as in the previous lessons and the order of business followed. After the order of business is finished and the assigned motions have been made as in Lesson 5, take up the four remain- ing incidental motions. Outline of the motion to Object to the Consideration of a Question. OBJECT — The object of this motion is to set aside instantly, without debate or vote upon the ques- tion, a motion which has been made and seconded. The motion objecting to the consideration of the main motion requires no second. Its intention is to dispose of a motion without a vote upon it. FORM— The form is: "I object to the con- sideration of the question." The Chairman: "There is an objec- tion to the consideration of this question; will the as- sembly consider the ques- tion? All those in favor of considering it please rise." (Secretary counts.) "Con- trary rise." (Secretary counts again.) The result is stated. If two-thirds vote "No," the objection to the considera- tion of the question is sus- tained and the original mo- tion is not voted upon. —36— The Chairman says: "Since two- thirds did not object to con- sider the question we are now ready to discuss the motion * * • (stating the complete original mo- tion) and after the discus- sion we will vote upon it." This is done and the major- ity vote decides the original question as it is a main motion. RANK— The motion objecting to the con- sideration of a question, must be made immediately after the question has been stated, before there is any discussion and requires no second. DEBATABLE— It is not debatable. AMENDABLE— It may not be amended. VOTE — It requires a 2/3 rising vote. Outline of the motion to Call for the Reading of Papers. OBJECT — The object is to bring before the assembly matters per- taining to the assembly, as the reading of minutes, mo- tions, resolutions or any other documents. FORM — The form is: "I call for the read- ing of * * * ." RANK — They may be called for at any time and as often as one wishes. DEBATABLE— It is not debatable. AMENDABLE— It may not be amended. VOTE — It requires a majority vote. —37— Outline of the motion asking Leave to Withdraw a Motion. OBJECT- — The object is to enable the as- sembly to have a motion withdrawn that has been made, seconded and stated by the chair. It removes the original motion without a vote upon it. FORM— The form is: "I move that I be given leave to withdraw my motion," or "I move that the member be given leave (or asked) to withdraw his mo- tion." If the motion has not been stated by the chair it can be removed by the chair- man giving his consent and if there is no objection no vote need be taken upon the withdrawal. The Chairman says: "If there is no objec- tion Mr. may with- draw his motion." RANK — It may be made whenever a de- batable motion is before the house. It requires no second. DEBATABLE— It is not debatable. AMENDABLE — It may not be amended. VOTE — It requires a majority vote. Outline of the motion to Suspend the Rules. OBJECT — The object is to set aside tem- porarily, rules which inter- fere with some desired ac- tion which is not in conflict —38— with the constitution or by- laws or with the fundamen- tal principles of parliamen- tary law. FORM — The form is : "I move that we sus- pend the rules that interfere with * * * ," or, "I move that we suspend the rules to allow me to introduce • * * »» RANK — It is the lowest of the incidental motions, and may be made when there is no other mo- tion before the assembly. DEBATABLE— It is not debatable. AMENDABLE — It may not be amended. VOTE — It requires a 2/3 rising vote. Names of the new officers and of the persons to make motions at the next les- son are now drawn and motions assigned as follows: Main motion. Objection to the consideration of the question. Reading of papers. Leave to withdraw a motion. Suspension of rules. Adjournment follows. —39— LESSON 7. Proceed as in the previous lessons and follow the order of business including the assigned lessons. The new lesson follows: SUBSIDIARY MOTIONS are those that dispose of other motions. They are the most important in club life. They may be applied to any main motion and when made they supersede the main motion and must be decided before the main motion can be acted upon. In the order of their precedence they rank as in the following list. When one of them is made every motion in the list above it is in order and every one below it is out of order. Subsidiary Motions. To Lay on the Table. To Call for the Previous Question. To Limit Debate. To Extend Debate. To Postpone Definitely or to a Certain Time. To Refer to a Committee. To Amend. To Postpone Indefinitely. It is well to learn these by heart in the order named that you will know which motion has precedence. Outline of the motion to Lay on the Table. OBJECT — The object of this motion is to enable the assembly to set aside instantly, a matter un- der discussion for the time —40— being. It has the advantage that it can be taken from the table when a motion to that effect is carried. FORM— The form is: "I move to lay this matter upon the table. RANK — It is the highest of the subsidiary motions and must be consid- ered at once. DEBATABLE— It is not debatable. AMENDABLE— It is not amendable. VOTE- — It requires a majority vote. NOTE — When a motion is tabled it takes with it all the motions and amendments that have been added to it, such as, refer- ring to a committee or to amend and when a motion to take it from the table is car- ried these same motions go with it and must be decided first, before the original mo- tion is decided. Outline of the motion to Call for the Previous Question. OBJECT — The object of this motion is to cut off debate and bring the question to a vote instantly. FORM— The form is: "I call for the prev- ious question," (meaning the original motion) . The Chair- man says: "The previous question has been called for, all those in favor of closing debate, that the previous question may be considered —41— - at once, please rise." If this is carried then put the previous question (original motion), and take a vote upon it. RANK — It may be made at any time that there is a debatable motion before the assembly. DEBATABLE— It is not debatable. AMENDABLE— It may not be amended. VOTE^ — It requires a two-thirds vote. (This requires much practice to under- stand as two votes must be taken, one to find out if the members wish to stop de- bate and the other on the original motion) . Draw the names for new officers and for the assignment of the following motions: Main motion. To amend. To lay on the table. To call for the previous question. Adjournment follows. LESSON 8. Proceed as in the previous lessons. After the order of business and the as- signed lesson discuss the outlines of three more subsidiary motions. Outline of the motion to Limit Debate. OBJECT — ^The object is to limit discus- sion of a main motion either to a specified time or to in- dividual debate. FORM— The form is either *'I move that debate be Hmited until 2:30 P. M.," or "I move that de- bate be limited to * * * minutes to each person. —42— RANK — It may be made whenever there is a debatable motion before the assembly. DEBATABLE— It is not debatable. AMENDABLE — It may be amended once. VOTE — It requires a 2/3 rising vote. Outline of the motion to Extend Debate. OBJECT — The object is to extend the dis- cussion either in individual cases or to a specified time. FORM — The form is either "I move that the time for debate for Mr. be extended 3 min- utes" or "I move that debate on this question be extended until 3 o'clock. RANK — It may be made whenever there is a debatable motion in which debate has been lim- ited. DEBATABLE— It is not debatable. AMENDABLE — It may be amended once. VOTE — It requires a 2/3 rising vote. Outline of the motion to Postpone to a Definite Time. OBJECT — The object is to delay the con- sideration of a question un- til some specified future time when it comes up as unfinished business. FORM— The form is: "I move that this matter be postponed until the next meeting" (or until some future definite time). RANK — It takes precedence of a motion to commit, to amend, or postpone indefinitely. —43— DEBATABLE— It is debatable. AMENDABLE>-It may be amended. VOTE — It requires a majority vote. Names for new officers and for the as- signment of the following motions are drawn : Main motion. Limit debate. Extend debate. Postpone to a definite time. Adjournment follows: LESSON 9. Proceed with the meeting as in the prev- ious lessons. Following the order of business and the assigned lesson discuss the outlines of the remaining subsidiary motions. Refer to a Committee. In order to conduct an organization suc- cessfully, the work of committees is very important. In the efficient performance of the work of committees lies the strength of the organization. There are three kinds of committees: standing, special and the committee of the whole. It is usual for the presiding officer to make the person making the motion to refer any matter to a committee the chair- man of that committee. This, however, is not obligatory. Standing committees are those which transact the business of the organization and are provided for in the constitution. They are usually appointed for one year by the presiding officer. It is advisable —44— in the constitution to add the clause "with the approval of the Executive Board or Committee." The presiding officer frequently ap- points only the chairman of the commit- tee and asks him to appoint his own com- mittee. Wise officers consider very carefully the chairman of committees because with good committees the organization will live. In large organizations each member of the board of directors is usually the chair- man of a standing committee. Special committees are those selected for special purposes as occasions arise. They go out of existence just as soon as that specific object is accomplished and reported. They may be appointed by the presiding officer or the assembly, unless the consti- tution provides for the appointment defi- nitely. A special committee reports as follows, the chairman of the committee reading: "Mr. Chairman and Members: Your committee appointed for the purpose of investigating (or purchasing) begs leave to submit the following report * * *." Then include your report and sign your name (given name and surname without any prefix) with the rest of the committee following it. (See Lesson 2, report of committee on constitution). After the chairman of the committee reads his report with recommendations, we need action. —45— The chairman of the committee shouldl immediately move the adoption of this re-'! port. After this is seconded the presid- ing oflicer presents the question for dis- cussion and it is voted upon. Minority Report. It may happen, however, that the com- mittee is not unanimous in this recom- mendation. In order that a report may be vahd it must have the vote of the ma- jority of the members of the committee. If as a member of the committee a per- son does not agree with the majority, he has the privilege of making a minority report, if there is no objection to receiv- ing it. This must be decided by a ma- jority vote if an objection is raised. He reports as follows: "Mr. Chairman and Members: The un- dersigned not agreeing with the majority begs leave to submit the following minor- ity report * * * ." He then makes his recommendations in order that no one can mistake his point of view. Having read the minority report he at once moves to substitute his report for the majority report. The minority report must be read be- fore the majority report is put to a vote. Any other motion coming before this has precedence, especially a motion to lay on the table which is easily carried as it al- lows of no discussion and requires only a majority vote. The person making the minority report must not be too reserved and expect some- one else to move its adoption. He should —46— I not feel hurt if voted down but yield gracefully. Committee of the Whole. The committee of the whole is the com- mittee appointed out of the assembly in its entirety, that is the entire assembly re- solves itself into one large committee. When this motion is made, seconded and carried the Chairman at once calls another member to the chair and takes his place as a member of the assembly. The secretary need not record anything when the assembly is in the committee of the whole. Only two motions are permitted during the discussion of the very urgent matter that caused this committee to be formed. These are "to amend" and "to adopt." When the Chairman of the committee takes the chair he states the motion and asks for discussion. Following this a vote is taken first on the amendments if any were made and second on the adoption of the entire mo- tion as amended. When the deliberations are concluded a member moves "that the committee rise and report" (this form is used in order not to confuse with to adjourn). This motion being seconded and carried the presiding officer of the organization again takes the chair and asks the chair- man of the committee of the whole to re- port. This chairman rises and states the result of the deliberations and the secre- tary records the motion and the result and this ends the committee of the whole. —47— The committee of the whole is only used for a very important question which does not admit of delay and in order to discuss the question with the same in- formality as in committee. The chairman of the committee of the whole reports as follows: *'The chairman of the committee appointed to discuss the motion * * * begs leave to report that * * * ." Action is then taken as in any other committee report. Outline of the motion to Refer to a Com- mittee. OBJECT — To postpone action in a matter until more information on the subject can be obtained. FORM— The form is: "I move that this subject be left in the hands of a committee" (either to investigate or with power to act). If a committee of the whole is desired the form is: *T move that we resolve our- selves into a committee of the whole to decide this mat- ter so as to avoid delay." RANK — It takes precedence of a motion to amend or postpone indefi- nitely. DEBATABLE— It is debatable. AMENDABLE^ — It may be amended. VOTE — It requires a majority vote. The outline of the motion "to amend" will be found in Lesson 2. Outline of the motion to Postpone In- definitely. OBJECT — The object is to reject a motion without a vote upon it. —48— FORM— The form is: "I move that the matter be postponed indefi- nitely." RANK — It is the lowest motion, it takes precedence only of a main motion. DEBATABLE— It is fully debatable. AMENDABLE— It may not be amended. VOTE^ — It requires a majority vote. Draw names for officers for the last lesson and the assignment of the follow- ing motions: Main motion. Motion to refer to a committee. Majority committee report. Minority committee report. Motion to resolve the assembly into a committee of the whole. Motion to postpone indefinitely. Adjournment follows: LESSON 10. Proceed with the meeting as in the previous lessons. Following the order of business and the lesson take up the three unclassified motions to Reconsider, to Take from the Table and to Rescind. Outline of the motion to Reconsider. OBJECT — The object is to bring back to the assembly a matter which has been decided. FORM— The form is: 'T move that the motion * * * (repeat- ing motion) be reconsidered. —49— RANK — This motion may be made at the same meeting that the vote on the motion which it is desired to reconsider was taken, provided some other business has been transacted in the meantime, or it may be made the next following day, legal holidays excepted (not the next meeting), and must be made by a person who has voted with the pre- vailing side. Any member may second it. DEBATABLE— This motion is debatable when the original motion to be reconsidered is debatable. AMENDABLE — It may not be amended. VOTE — It requires a majority vote. Outline of the motion to Rescind. OBJECT — The object is to annul a matter which has been decided. FORM — The form is: "I move the motion * * * (repeating the mo- tion) be rescinded." RANK — This motion is used when it is too late to reconsider. DEBATABLE— It is debatable. AMENDABLE— It may be amended. VOTE — It requires a 2/3 vote if no notice of the motion has been given at the previous meeting or in the call for this meeting. If notice has been given it may be rescinded by a ma- jority vote. —50— Outline of the motion to Take from the Table. OBJECT— The object is to bring back to the assembly a matter which has been tabled. FORM — "I move to take the motion * * * (repeating the mo- tion) from the table. RANK — It is not in order unless some other business has been transacted since the matter was laid on the table. This motion may be made by any member. DEBATABLE— It is not debatable. AMENDABLE — It may not be amended. VOTE — It requires a majority vote. —51- The following table has been prepared for use during meetings. At the top of the table is the key indicating what the marginal references mean. debatable. = fully debatable. 2/3=2/3 rising vote. o=requires no second. a=amendable. PRIVILEGED. a Fix Time and Place to Adjourn. To Adjourn, a Take a Recess, a Raise a Question of Privilege. o Call for the Orders of the Day. INCIDENTAL. o Point of Order. Appeal. 2/3 o Objection to Consideration of Question. Reading of Papers, o Leave to Withdraw^ a Motion. 2/3 Suspension of Rules. SUBSIDIARY. Lay on the Table. 2/3 Previous Question. 2/3 a Limit Debate. 2/3 a Extend Debate. a Postpone to Definite Time. a Refer to a Committee. a To Amend. Postpone Indefinitely. MAIN AND UNCLASSIFIED, a Main Motions. Reconsider. 2/3 a Rescind. Take from the Table. —52— The following motions are used for the specified purpose, to be referred to when in doubt at a meeting. The key to the table applies here also. To modify or amend a motion use either of the following: a Motion to amend, a Motion to refer to a committee. To defer action use either of these: a Postpone to a certain time. Lay on the Table. To suppress or limit debate use either of these: 2/3 Call for the previous question. 2/3 a Limit debate. To suppress entirely use either of these: 2/3 Object to its consideration. Postpone indefinitely. To consider a question a second time use either of these: Reconsider. 2/3 a Rescind. Take from the table. After the lesson the meeting is ad- journed. Further skill in the use of parliament- ary law will be obtained by continuing the practice in classes organized for the pur- pose. —53—