Page:Robert's Parliamentary Practice.djvu/100

78 principle of American parliamentary law is that an assembly has a right, by a two-thirds vote, to suspend any rule of parliamentary procedure that does not protect absentees or a minority smaller than one-third. These principles taken together give to members the greatest freedom to introduce and to discuss questions that is compatible with the best interests of the entire assembly.

Take a Question from the Table. In Chapter XI was described the method of laying questions on the table. When it is desired to resume the consideration of such a question, a motion is made in a form similar to this: "I move to take from the table the resolution relating to ——." This motion may be made at any time when no question is pending, and when business of this class or new or unfinished business is in order. It is undebatable and no subsidiary motion can be applied to it. If the motion is adopted the chair immediately states the question which is in exactly the same condition that it was when it was laid on the table, excepting that if not taken up until the next session, orders limiting or closing debate are ignored.

Take Up a Postponed Question Before Its Proper Time. A question postponed to a certain time cannot be taken up before that time except by suspending the rules for this purpose, which requires a two-thirds vote. This motion can be made only when nothing is pending. It is undebatable and cannot be amended or have any other subsidiary motion applied