Page:Robert's Rules of Order - 1915.djvu/152



are not subject to amendment. The only amendments in order are those that change the words "pine benches" or "oak chairs" — that is, first those to be struck out, and when they are perfected, then those to be inserted. Suppose the motion to "strike out 'pine'" is pending, and it is moved to amend by adding "and nsert 'oak.'" This motion is out of order, as it changes one form of amendment to another form. It is not in order to move to strike out the word "adopt" in a motion and insert the word "reject," as "adopt" is a formal word necessary to show the kind of motion made. Practically, however, the same result may be attained by moving to postpone indefinitely — that is, to reject, the main question. The chair should never rule an amendment out of order unless he is perfectly sure that it is so. If he is in doubt he should admit the amendment, or submit the question as to its being in order to the assembly as described in 21. Every original main motion may be amended. All others may be amended, except those contained in the following list of

Motions That Cannot Be Amended. To adjourn (except when it is qualified, or when made in an assembly with no provision for a future meeting) 17 Call for the orders of the day 20 Question of order, and appeal 21

To object to consideration of a question 23

Call for a division of the assembly 25

To grant leave to withdraw a motion 27