Page:Robert's Parliamentary Practice.djvu/110

88 proceed to the orders of the day? As many as are in favor of proceeding to the orders of the day, say Aye. Those opposed say No. The ayes have it and the pending question is on ———" [stating the question assigned to that hour]. It requires a two-thirds vote in the negative to defeat this motion, since this would reverse action previously taken by the assembly. If the question is decided in the negative the call for the orders of the day cannot be renewed until the subject then before the assembly has been disposed of. [See R. O. R., pages 68-77 for further information.]

Raise a Question of Privilege. Should there be any disturbing element such as conversation in the room, or an open door admitting noise or causing a draft, or anything whatever affecting any one's rights or privileges as a member of the assembly, he may rise to a "question of privilege." This can be done while another has the floor, and if sufficiently urgent may even interrupt his speech. The member on rising, without waiting for recognition, says, "Mr. Chairman, I rise to a question of privilege." The chair directs him to state his question of privilege and if the chair considers it such a question, the necessary steps are taken in the case. The interrupted business is then resumed. The chair may decide the question to be too unimportant to justify the interruption and may direct the speaker to continue his speech. From this decision an appeal may be made. Usually in simple cases such as annoyance from draft or noise,