Page:Robert's Parliamentary Practice.djvu/112

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
90
PARLIAMENTARY PRACTICE

applied to it, but as soon as it is made the chair states and puts the question thus: "It has been moved and seconded that we adjourn [or to adjourn]. As many as are in favor of the motion say Aye; those opposed say No. The ayes seem to have it." After a slight pause if no division is called for, the chair continues: "The ayes have it, and we stand adjourned." If the ayes are greatly in the majority, the words, "The ayes seem to have it" are omitted. Until the chairman has declared the assembly adjourned, the assembly is still in session and notice of certain motions may be made, the chairman may announce committees, and motions may be made to reconsider, or to reconsider and have entered on the minutes, or to fix the time to which to adjourn. In an assembly which has no provision for another meeting, the motion to adjourn is a main motion without any privilege. In organized societies, however, it is always a privileged motion unless it is qualified, as to adjourn to a certain time.

Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn. This motion outranks all other motions and may be made even after the assembly has voted to adjourn provided it has not been declared adjourned. It is undebatable but can be amended by changing the time. When the assembly has no fixed place for meeting, this motion may include the place and that may be amended. This motion must not be confused with the motion to Fix the Time at which to Adjourn, this latter being a main motion with no privilege whatever. The object of