Page:Felt’s Parliamentary Procedure Upload 2.pdf/14

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10
Need of Rules.
§ 2

with as little discord as possible, should adopt certain rules, and conduct its business with a regard for certain forms and rules of procedure in order that the will of the majority may be carried out with due regard to the rights of the minority, and that the will of the assembly be ascertained with fair dealing.

It is not of so much importance whose or what set of rules is adopted, as that the assembly recognize and govern itself by some rule or system in conducting its business so that there may be uniformity of proceeding, decorum and regularity, and that the dignity of the body be preserved. It is therefore customary for societies to adopt some authority as a guide in its procedure. When such authority as adopted it should be closely adhered to in all cases to which it is applicable, and is not inconsistent with the organic law or special rules of the society. Any assembly may, however, modify the rules or make for its government special rules which supersede the adopted authority and common parliamentary usage in all