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§ 122 nature cannot be again introduced at that session.

The motion to postpone is not only debatable as to the propriety of postponing, but it also opens to debate the merits of the whole range of pending propositions to as great an extent as if they were directly before the assembly. It cannot be amended, postponed, committed, or tabled, but may be reconsidered. It cannot be applied to any subsidiary question alone, but if moved while a subsidiary motion is pending it relates to the main question also.

Note.—Some authorities hold that the motion for indefinite postponement should have no place in parliamentary law, or at least should be allowed only when authorized by special rule, because the object of the mover, which is not to postpone, but to defeat the question, could be accomplished as quickly and effectually by a negative vote on the main question. Further, since an affirmative vote on the postponement is equivalent to a negative vote on the main question, the use of this motion not only gives the opponents of the measure the advantage of an affirmative vote, which is an important one where the members are indifferent as to the result, but also serves to furnish the op-