Page:Robert's Parliamentary Practice.djvu/41

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FIRST DRILL
19

tion?[1] [No one claiming the floor he puts the question on the adoption of the resolution thus:] "As many as are in favor of the resolution [or motion] say Aye. Those opposed say No. The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.[2]

Mr. F [obtaining the floor]. I move "that our next meeting be open to the public."

Member [from his seat]. I second the motion.

Chairman. It is moved and seconded "that our next meeting be open to the public." Are you ready for the question?

[Members engage in debate. When it has ceased the chairman proceeds as follows:]

Chairman. Are you ready for the question ? [No response. Chairman stands.] The question is on the adoption of the motion, "that our next meeting be open to the public." As many as are in favor of the motion say Aye. Those opposed say No. The noes have it and the motion is lost.

Mr. G [obtaining the floor]. I move the adoption of the following resolution: "Resolved, That no subsidiary motions except to postpone indefinitely be al-

  1. The chairman cannot put the question on a debatable motion as long as any one entitled to speak on the question wishes to do so. He must, therefore, before putting a debatable question ask, "Are you ready for the question?" and pause sufficiently to allow any one who may wish, to debate or make some subsidiary motion to claim the floor.
  2. Whenever a vote is taken the chairman should announce the result. If there is other business he should then announce the next in order. This saves much trouble, as otherwise members are liable to introduce business that is out of order.