Page:Pocket Manual of Rules of Order for Deliberative Assemblies (1876).djvu/158

158 To accomplish this, when any debatable question is before the assembly, it is only necessary for some one to obtain the floor and “call for the previous question;” this call being seconded, the Chairman, as it allows of no debate, instantly puts the question thus: “Shall the main question be now put?” If this is carried by a two-thirds vote [§ 39] all debate instantly ceases, excepting that in case the pending measure has been reported from a committee the member reporting it is, as in all other cases, entitled to the floor to close the debate; after which the Chairman immediately puts the questions to the assembly, first on the motion to commit, if it is pending; if this is carried, of course the subject goes to the committee; if, however, it fails, the vote is next taken on amendments, and finally on the resolution as amended.

If a motion to postpone, either definitely or indefinitely, or a motion to reconsider, or an appeal is pending, the previous question is exhausted by the vote on the postponement, reconsideration or appeal, and does not cut off debate upon any other motions that may be pending. If the call for the previous question fails—that is, the debate is not cut off—