In preparing this book such well-known authorities as Reed, Cushing, Robert, Shattuck, and other kindred works have been consulted. These authorities have been carefully studied and compared, and, where they seem to conflict, preference has been given to those rules which seem most applicable and helpful to such assemblies as are not legislative.
While simplicity has been his chief aim, the author has endeavored to give a complete outline of the subject in as few words as possible, by omitting nothing which should be said and saying nothing which might be omitted, and to arrange and explain each motion in so concise a manner that any person, whether informed or not upon parliamentary law, will, after a careful perusal of the pages, be competent to take an active part in the proceedings of any deliberative assembly, or be able to preside at a public meeting with the ease and dignity expected of a presiding officer.
By explaining the reason for the rule, and by giving proper forms for presenting
