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xii which they are called to take action. If there are no rules, or established customs that have the force of rules, there is no restraint upon the majority, and no way by which the rights of the minority can be protected.

The customs and rules usually governing deliberative assemblies in cases not covered by their own specific rules, are commonly known as Parliamentary Law. These customs and rules came originally from England but have been greatly modified by the practice of Congress and of State Legislatures, and especially by the practice of innumerable clubs and societies scattered over the United States. As the same persons frequently belong to several societies, and as the numerous national conventions are composed of delegates from every state in the Union, it is very desirable that there should be uniformity in practice throughout the country. Of late years there has been a remarkable agreement in the rules and customs adopted by societies throughout our entire country.

It is very important that every society should adopt some authority on parliamentary law and, having done so, that the members should conform to the rulings of their authority without concerning themselves with the rulings of other authorities. The time to examine the different rules of order is when the question is being considered as to which authority to adopt. Having adopted one the society should stand by it, and should adopt such additional rules as are