Page:Pocket Manual of Rules of Order for Deliberative Assemblies (1876).djvu/134

134 been read, it is open to amendment.” Now any one can move amendments to any part of the Constitution.

When the Chairman thinks it has been modified to suit the wishes of the assembly, he inquires: “Are you ready for the question?” If no one wishes to speak, he puts the question: “As many as are in favor of adopting the constitution as amended will say aye;” and then, “As many as are opposed will say no.” He distinctly announces the result of the vote, which should always be done. If the articles of the constitution are subdivided into sections or paragraphs, then the amendments should be made by sections or paragraphs, instead of by articles.

The Chairman now states that the constitution having been adopted, it will be necessary for those wishing to become members to sign it (and pay the initiation fee, if required by the constitution), and suggests, if the assembly is a large one, that a recess be taken for the purpose. A motion is then made to take a recess for say ten minutes, or until the Constitution is signed. The Constitution being signed, no one is permitted to vote excepting those who have signed it.