Page:Robert's Parliamentary Practice.djvu/31

Rh heard the motion, instead of repeating it he may say, "You have heard the motion; is it seconded?" If the motion is not then seconded, the chairman says, "There being no second, the motion is not before the assembly."

Stating the Question. When the motion is seconded, if in the form of a resolution, the chair states the question to the assembly thus: "It is moved and seconded to adopt the following resolution: 'Resolved, That,' " etc. [reading the resolution]. If it is in the form of a simple motion the chair states the question thus: "It is moved and seconded 'that the thanks,' " etc. [repeating the motion]. In either case, the question being stated, it is pending, that is, the question is before the assembly for discussion and action. Until the question is stated no member can claim the floor for debate, nor can any main, subsidiary, or privileged motion be made. Some urgent incidental motions, however, may be made. After stating the question, unless some one immediately claims the floor, the chair asks, "Are you ready for the question ?" This means, "Is the assembly ready to have the question on the adoption of the resolution put immediately?" The question is now open to debate, and any subsidiary motion is in order. If there is debate, the chair must wait until it has ceased before putting the question.

Putting the Question or Taking the Vote. The