ere made with no reference to the application of rules which it
was claimed were made to prevent any proceedings at all by the body
acting under them.

"The present occupant of the chair has tried, and will try, to give
full effect to all rules wherever applicable, and especially to
protect the rights of the minority to the utmost extent the rules
will justify.

"The Chair is not called upon to hold that any of the standing
rules of the House are in conflict with the Constitution, as it
is not necessary to do so. It only holds that there is nothing in
the rules which gives them application pending proceedings to amend
and rescind them. It also holds that under the first of the
resolutions adopted by the House on December 19, 1881, the right
was reserved to order the standing rules set aside at any time this
House so decided, and without regard to dilatory forms of proceedings
provided for in them. The Chair does not hold that pending the
question of consideration no motion shall be in order. It is
disposed to treat one motion to adjourn as proper at this time, as
it is a well-known parliamentary motion, and that such motion may
be liable at some stage of the proceedings to be repeated if made
for a proper and not a dilatory purpose.

"The Chair feels better satisfied with its ruling in this case,
because the rule proposed to be adopted is one which looks to an
orderly proceeding in the matter of taking up and disposing of
contested-election cases, a duty cast directly on the House by the
Constitution of the United States, and an essential one to be
performed before it is completely organized.

"The Chair is unable to find in the whole history of the government
that any dilatory motions have ever been made or entertained to
prevent the consideration or disposition of a contested-election
case until this Congress. The point of order has not yet been made
against obstructive motions to prevent the consideration of a
contested-election case, and the Chair is not now called on to
decide whether such motions are in order or not where they would
prevent a complete organization of the House. The principle here
involved will suffice to indicate the opinion of the Chair on that
question.

"The question here decided the Chair understands to be an important
one, because it comprehends the complete organization of the House
to do business, but it feels that on principle and sound precedents
the point of order made by t