Page:Robert's Parliamentary Practice.djvu/116

94 when it relates simply to indecorum, or to the transgression of the rules of speaking, or to the priority of business; or if it is made while the immediately pending question is undebatable. In all other cases it is debatable. When debatable no member is allowed to speak more than once except the presiding officer who may at the close of the debate answer the arguments against his decision. Whether debatable or not, the chairman when stating the question on the appeal may, without leaving his chair, state the reasons for his decision. After the chair has clearly stated his decision from which the appeal is made, the question is put to the assembly in this form: "The question is, Shall the decision of the chair stand as the judgment of the assembly [or society, or club, etc.] ? As many as are in the affirmative [or, of an affirmative opinion] say Aye. Those in the negative [or, those of a contrary opinion] say No." If the ayes are in the majority, he announces the vote thus, "The ayes have it, and the decision of the chair stands as the judgment of the assembly [or, is sustained]." If the vote is a tie it is announced thus, 'There is a tie and the decision of the chair stands," etc. If the noes are only one more than the ayes, the chair may vote Aye, thus making the vote a tie, and announce the decision of the chair sustained, because it requires a majority vote including the chairman's, to reverse his decision.

Suspension of the Rules. The rules of the