Page:Pocket Manual of Rules of Order for Deliberative Assemblies (1876).djvu/24

24 a call to order [§ 14]; (c) by an objection to the consideration of the question [§ 15]; (d) by a call for the orders of the day [§ 13], or (c) by a question of privilege that requires immediate action, as shown in § 12.

In such cases the member, when he rises and addresses the Chair, should state at once for what purpose he rises, as, for instance, that he “rises to a point of order.”

Before any subject is open to debate [§ 34] it is necessary, first, that a motion be made; second, that it be seconded (see exceptions below); and third, that it be stated by the presiding officer. When the motion is in writing it shall be handed to the Chairman, and read before it is debated.

This does not prevent suggestions of alterations, before the question is stated by the presiding officer. To the contrary, much time may be saved by such informal remarks; which, however, must never be allowed to run into debate. The member who offers the motion, until it has been stated by the presiding officer, can modify his motion, or even