Page:Pocket Manual of Rules of Order for Deliberative Assemblies (1876).djvu/140

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140
OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES.
[§ 51

the assembly in its proper order, to state and put all questions properly brought before the assembly, to preserve order and decorum, and to decide all questions of order (subject to an appeal). When he “puts a question” to vote, and when speaking upon an appeal, he should stand;[1] in all other cases he can sit. In all cases where his vote would affect the result, or where the vote is by ballot, he can vote. When a member rises to speak, he should say, “Mr. Chairman,” and the Chairman should reply, “Mr. A;” he should not interrupt a speaker as long as he is in order, but should listen to his speech, which should be addressed to him and not to the assembly. The Chairman should be careful to abstain from the appearance of partisanship, but he has the right to call another member to the chair while he addresses the assembly on a question; when speaking to a question of order he does not leave the chair.

51. The Clerk, Secretary or Recording Secretary, as he is variously called, should keep a record of the proceedings, the character


  1. In meetings of boards of managers, committees, and other small bodies, the chairman usually retains his seat, and even members in speaking do not rise.