Page:Pocket Manual of Rules of Order for Deliberative Assemblies (1876).djvu/131

§ 48] one, this would generally be better than to have the informal discussion.

After this preliminary motion has been voted on, or even without waiting for such motion, one like this can be offered: “I move that a committee of five be appointed by the Chair to draft a constitution and by-laws for a society for [here state the object], and that they report at an adjourned meeting of this assembly.” This motion can be amended [§ 56] by striking out and adding words, etc., and it is debatable.

When this committee is appointed, the Chairman may inquire: “Is there any other business to be attended to?” or, “What is the further pleasure of the meeting?” When all business is finished, a motion can be made to adjourn, to meet at a certain place and time, which, when seconded and stated by the Chair, is open to debate and amendment. It is usually better to fix the time of the next meeting [see § 63] at an earlier stage of the meeting; and then, when it is desired to close the meeting, move simply “to adjourn,” which cannot be amended or debated. When this motion is carried, the Chairman says: “This meeting stands adjourned, to meet at,” etc., specifying the time and place of the next meeting.