Sec. 63]
(a) Fix the time to which to Adjourn.
(b) Adjourn.
56. To Amend or Modify. (a) Amend. If it is desired to modify the
question in any way, the proper motion to make is to "amend," either by
"adding" words, or by "striking out" words; or by "striking out certain
words and inserting others;" or by "substituting" a different motion on
the same subject for the one before the assembly; or by "dividing the
question" into two or more questions, as the mover specifies, so as to
get a separate vote on any particular point or points. Sometimes the
enemies of a measure seek to amend it in such a way as to divide its
friends, and thus defeat it.
When the amendment has been moved and seconded, the chairman should
always state the question distinctly, so that every one may know exactly
what is before them, reading first the paragraph which it is proposed to
amend; then the words to be struck out, if there are any; next, the
words to be inserted, if any; and finally, the paragraph as it will
stand if the
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amendment is adopted. He then states that the question is on the
adoption of the amendment, which is open to debate, the remarks being
confined to the merits of the amendment, only going into the main
question so far as is necessary in order to ascertain the propriety of
adopting the amendment.
This amendment can be amended, but an "amendment of an amendment" cannot
be amended. None of the undebatable motions mentioned in Sec. 66, except
to fix the time to which to adjourn, can be amended, nor can the motion
to postpone indefinitely.
(b) Commit. If the original question is not well digested, or needs
more amendment than can well be made in the assembly, it is usual to
move "to refer it to a committee." This motion can be made while an
amendment is pending, and it opens the whole merits of the question to
debate. This motion can be amended by specifying the number of the
committee, or how they shall be appointed, or when they shall report, or
by giving them any other instructions. [See Sec. 53 on committees, and Sec.
46 (c) on their appointment.]
57. To Defer Action. (a) Postpone to a certain time. If it is desired
to defer action
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upon a question till a particular time, the proper motion to make, is to
"postpone it to that time." This motion al
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