CONCLUDING REMARKS. 175 any other manner. In general, the solemnity and deliberation, with which this mode is attended, will do much to allay heat and excitement, and to restore harmony and order to the assembly. 315. A presiding officer will often find him- self embarrassed, by the difficulty, as well as the delicacy, of deciding points of order, or giving directions as to the mariner o! proceeding. In such cases, it will be useful for him to recollect, that — The great purpose of all rules and forms, is to subserve the will of the assembly rather than to restrain it j to facilitate, and not to obstruct, the expression of their deliberate sensu. Secret .Sessions. [316. It is the custom of the Senate of the United States, though it has no special rule requiring it,* to hold secret sessions, especially in its discussions, confirmations and rejections
- There ought to be no secrets whatever in this Govern
ment of ours, a Government of the »>eop^e. i.^ere is no law, or provision or rule, or regulation, winch provides foi keeping secrets. — Speech of Senator Sherman, of Ohio hi the Senate, Jan. 1886.
