Page:The True Story of the Vatican Council.djvu/92

80 (5.) The whole schema was then re-examined by the commission. It was amended, or even remodelled, and then reprinted and distributed again to the bishops, and submitted once more to a general congregation by a reporter deputed by the commission out of its own number.

(6.) After renewed discussion it was then put again to the vote, which might be given in three forms: 1. Placet, or aye; 2. Non Placet, or no; 3. Placet juxta modum, or aye with modification, which is equivalent to voting for a bill on the second reading with the intention of amending it in committee. Those who voted juxta modum were required to send in their amendment in writing, which was printed, submitted to the deputation, and reported again to the general congregation for another voting.

(7.) If the schema so remodelled was further amended, the same process might be repeated. If, however, it was accepted by a majority of the Council, it was then passed by vote, and reserved for a final voting in the public session over which the Pope presided in person. The voting in Public Session, all discussion being over, was only by aye or no, by placet or non placet. This method of proceeding was published in the preliminary assembly of the Council by the Constitution Multiplices inter on the 6th of December, 1869. It underwent afterwards certain modifications