not be put unless it is demanded by some member, or is deemed
necessary by the Speaker." The English use the "Previous Question," for
a similar purpose [see note to Sec. 20]. The question of consideration is
seldom raised in Congress, but in assemblies with very short sessions,
where but few questions can or should be considered, it seems a
necessity that two-thirds of the assembly should be able to instantly
throw out a question they do not wish to consider. The more common
form, in ordinary societies, of putting this question, is, "Shall the
question be discussed?" The form to which preference is given in the
rule conforms more to the Congressional one, and is less liable to be
misunderstood.]

Reading Papers. [For the order of precedence, see Sec. 8.] Where papers
are laid before the assembly, every member has a right to have them once
read before he can be compelled to vote on them, and whenever a member
asks for the reading of any such

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paper, evidently for information, and not for delay, the Chair should
direct it to be read, if no one objects. But a member has not the right
to have anything read (excepting stated above) without getting
permission from the assembly.

17. Withdrawal of a Motion. [For order of precedence, see Sec. 8.] When a
question is before the assembly and the mover wishes to withdraw or
modify it, or substitute a different one in its place, if no one
objects, the presiding officer grants the permission; if any objection
is made, it will be necessary to obtain leave to withdraw, etc., on a
motion for that purpose. This motion cannot be debated or amended.
When a motion is withdrawn, the effect is the same as if it had never
been made.* [In Congress, a motion may be withdrawn by the mover, before
a decision or amendment [Rule 40, H. R.]. Nothing would be gained in
ordinary societies by varying from the common law as stated above.]

18. Suspension of the Rules. [For the order of precedence, see Sec. 8.]
This motion is not debatable, and cannot be amended, nor can any
subsidiary [Sec. 7] motion be applied to it, nor a vote on it be
reconsidered [Sec. 27],

=== Page 35 ============================================================

nor a motion to suspend the rules for the same purpose be renewed [Sec. 26]
at the same meeting, though it may be renewed after an adjournment,
though the next meeting be held the sam