at discussion), notwithstanding
another member may have first risen and addressed the Chair. If the
Chairman rise to speak before the floor has been assigned to any one, it
is the duty of a member who may have previously risen to take his seat.
[See Decorum in Debate, Sec. 36.]

When a member has obtained the floor, he cannot be cut off from
addressing the assembly, nor be interrupted in this speech by a

=== Page 19 ============================================================

motion to adjourn, or for any purpose, by either the Chairman or any
member, except (a) to have entered on the minutes a motion to reconsider
[Sec. 27]; (b) by a call to order [Sec. 14]; (c) by an objection to the
consideration of the question [Sec. 15]; or (d) by a call for the orders of
the day [Sec. 13].* [See note to Sec. 61.] In such cases the member when he
arises and addresses the Chair should state at once for what purpose he
rises, as, for instance, that he "rises to a point of order." A call
for an adjournment, or for the question, by members in their seats, is
not a motion; as no motion can be made, without rising and addressing,
the Chair, and being announced by the presiding officer. Such calls for
the question are themselves breaches of order, and do not prevent the
speaker from going on if he pleases.

3. Before any subject is open to debate [Sec. 34] it is necessary, first,
that a motion he made; second, that it be seconded, (see exceptions
below); and third, that it be stated by the presiding officer. When the
motion is in writing it shall be handed to the Chairman, and read before
it is debated.

This does not prevent suggestions of alterations, before the question is
stated by the

=== Page 20 ============================================================

presiding officer. To the contrary, much time may be saved by such
informal remarks; which, however, must never be allowed to run into
debate. The member who offers the motion, until it has been stated by
the presiding officer, can modify his motion, or even withdraw it
entirely; after it is stated he can do neither, without the consent of
the assembly. [See Sec.Sec. 5 and 17]. When the mover modifies his motion,
the one who seconded it can withdraw his second.

Exceptions: A call for the order of the day, a question of order
(though not an appeal), or an objection to the consideration of a
question [Sec.Sec. 13, 14, 15], does not have to be seconded; and many