§ 101
The Previous Question.
101
ment until the questions upon which it is moved have been voted on, when the previous question is exhausted and has no further influence. Or, if several questions are before the assembly the previous question may (if this limitation is specified) be moved on the pending question only, when that is a debatable one, and if it is adopted, debate closes on the pending question only.[1] After the pending question has been voted on the main question is again open to debate. If, however, it is not so specified in the motion and the previous question is ordered, nothing but an adjournment or one of the questions noted in Sec. 99—upon which debate is barred—can inter-
- ↑ Note.—In small societies or meetings there is not much use for the previous question, since the members are generally unwilling to shut off discussion. In such assemblies said motion would be impolitic, as well as unjust to the minority, but in large or legislative assemblies where there is a disposition to use debate, or to fillibuster for the sole purpose of wasting time and preventing action, a due regard for the interest of all often calls for some provision for closing debate, and in such cases the use of the previous question is one of the necessities of orderly business.
