Page:Robert's Parliamentary Practice.djvu/117

Rh relating to the conduct of business may be suspended by a two-thirds vote, provided that no rule that protects absentees or a minority smaller than one-third, is suspended. The form of the motion is, "I move to suspend the rules which interfere with," etc., stating the object of the suspension, as, "the consideration of a resolution on ———," which resolution is offered immediately after the rules are suspended. If it is desired to take up a question out of its proper order, the motion is made in this form, "I move to suspend the rules and take up [or consider] the resolution ———" [see page 130]. When the object is to introduce a motion and to adopt it without discussion the following form is used: "I move to suspend the rules and adopt the following resolution ——— [or the resolution on ———]." This motion cannot be debated or amended and requires a two-thirds vote for its adoption. The rules suspended are only those which interfere with the specified object.

Instead of a formal motion to suspend the rules, it is more usual to ask for general consent to do the particular business that is out of order. As soon as the request is made the chair inquires if there is any objection, and if no one objects, he directs the member to proceed just as if the rules had been suspended by a formal vote. Standing rules may be suspended by a majority vote.

Objection to the Consideration of a Question. Objection to any original main motion may be made