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 THE LEGISLATIVE GUIDE, 
 
 CONTAINING 
 
 ALL THE RULES FOR CONDUCTING BUSINESS IN CONGRESS; 
 
 JEFFERSON'S MANUAL; 
 
 AND 
 
 THE CITIZENS' MANUAL, 
 
 inclcdinq a concise system of rules of order founded on congressional 
 proceedings: 
 
 COPIOUS NOTES AND MARGINAL REFERENCES, 
 
 EXPLAINING 
 
 THE RULES AND THE AUTHORITY THEREFOR ; 
 
 DESIGNED 
 
 TO ECONOMIZE TIME AND SECURE UNIFORMITY IN THE PROCEED- 
 INGS OF ALL DELIBERATIVE ASSEMBLIES, 
 
 TO MEET THE WANTS OF EVERT PRIVATE CITIZEN WHO DESIRES TO UNDERSTAND THE RIGHT 
 WAT TO TRANSACT PUBLIC BUSINESS. 
 
 BY 
 
 JOSEPH BARTLETT BURLEIGH, LL, D, 
 
 FOURTH EDITION REVISED. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO. 
 
 1858.
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 The Author's attention was first called to the importance of a uniform 
 system of rules for conducting public business, when presiding at the 
 faculty meetings of a University, which were composed of members edu- 
 cated in the different States of the Union, and in different countries of 
 Europe. 
 
 Questions sometimes arose in reference to the mode of conducting 
 business, respecting which the members entertained various opinions. 
 This led to an examination of works on Parliamentary practice, for 
 there were none based on Congressional proceedings, and it was found 
 that no two books were alike in all respects, that the rules of State 
 Legislatures differed from each other, and from those of Congress, in 
 matters where uniformity would add alike to the convenience of the 
 members and the dispatch of business. 
 
 There are now more than thirty State Legislatures; each having 
 its separate and distinct forms for conducting pub.ic business. After 
 having visited most of those bodies during their sessions, the Author 
 is of the opinion, that much time is needlessly lost for the want of a 
 systematic and uniform standard. 
 
 No one can doubt but that the will of the majority is often defeated, 
 and public business retarded, for the want of the general diffusion 
 of, and the familiar acquaintance with, correct legislative forms of pro- 
 ceeding. 
 
 This Guide contains a full set of rules for conducting business in 
 every association, of whatever name or character, from the lowest to 
 the most exalted. 
 
 By these, a person having properly learned how to conduct the 
 affairs of a small society or meeting of one kind, may know at once 
 how to carry on that much of the proceedings of another body of larger 
 size and greater scope, and a State legislator, on being transferred to 
 Congress, will not be under the disagreeable necessity of unlearning 
 anything he has acquired, and studying a new system of rules for 
 conducting legislative business. 
 
 Entered, according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1862, by 
 Joseph Bartlett Burleigh, 
 In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the District of Mary- 
 land.
 
 ~> r 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Constitution of the United States 5 
 
 Index to the Constitution of the United States 51 
 
 References to Judicial Decisions on Constitution of U. S...52 
 Rules of the House of Representatives of the United States 67 
 
 Joint Rules of both Houses of Congress 107 
 
 Index to Rules of the Ho. of Reps., and to the Joint Rules.lll 
 Rules for conducting business in the Senate of the U. S...125 
 Index to the Rules of the Senate of the United States... 137 
 
 Jefferson's Manual 147 
 
 Index to Jefferson's Manual 193 
 
 Citizens' Manual 195 
 
 Index to Citizens' Manual (Appendix) 27 
 
 A Synopsis of English Legislation 269 
 
 " Laws of Naturalization 273 
 
 " Proceedings in Elections 275 
 
 Holding Elections and Meetings of State Legislatures ....280 
 
 Census of the United States for 1850 281 
 
 European Statistics 287 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Directions for Literary Societies 1 
 
 Outlines for Young Debaters 4 
 
 Hints for Debating Societies 20 
 
 Articles of the Confederation 22 
 
 3 
 
 L: 
 
 r<-.. 5_*'t_j *3 * / -J
 
 Department of State. 
 Washington, Oct. 1, 1850. 
 This is to certify, that Joseph Bartlett 
 Burleigh's Script Edition of the U. S. 
 Constitution with the Amendments, has 
 been carefully collated with the originals 
 in the Archives of this Department, and 
 proved to be accurate in the capitals, 
 orthography, text, and punctuation. 
 
 Secretary of State. 
 
 Chief Clerk. 
 
 Department of State. 
 Washington, October 3, 1850. 
 / have carefully compared Burleigh's Script Edition of the American 
 Constitution and the Amendments appended, with the original manuscript and 
 the twelve Amendments, in the order of their adoption, and have found 
 that it minutely delineates the original documents, with all their peculiarities. 
 
 It may be proper to add, that other Amendments have been proposed, but 
 only the aforesaid twelve have been constitutionally ratified. 
 
 VI 
 
 Keeper of the Archives. 
 
 Washington, D. C, Sept. 30, 1850. 
 / have critically compared Burleigh's Script Constitution of the United 
 States, and all its Amendments, with the original documents deposited at the 
 Department of State, and have found them in every respect alike, even to the 
 minutest particular. 
 
 Proof-Reader in the Department of State. 
 
 (4)
 
 CONSTITUTIOX OF THE UNTTED STATES. 
 
 The following Script is an exact copy, in capitals, ortho- 
 graphy, text, and punctuation, of the Constitution of 
 the United States of America, as proposed by the 
 Convention held at Philadelphia, September 17, 1787, 
 and since ratified by the several States; with the 
 Amendments thereto. 
 
 Wl §t |5e0|l(e of t4e ^bnitea' Stated, in 
 Ureter to down a mo^e dievdect ^/-<(mion, 
 edtavdiwi dadtice, indare aomeAtic 
 <J ranauidityr, duoviae dov tne common 
 aedence, diwmote tne aene^a^ ^Teddate, 
 ana &eca%e tne \yjdedAwia>4 cd Juoivevtii 
 to owi&edvea ana ciii & odteiitw , ao oi- 
 aain ana e&tav-didn t/iid- ^>on&titaticn 
 dot tne ^l/onitea C/tated. od Q/(ome%ica. 
 
 Article* I. 
 
 erection. /. Qwdt deaiddative 'z/oivevd. 
 netein a^antea 6-naw ve vedted in a ^?cn= 
 aie&d o4 tne^lknited c/tatej, itidU&n> ddzad'V 
 ccndi&t od a cfenate and <z/Wcu6e od 0ve= 
 faeAentatived . 
 
 1*
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Represen- 
 tatives, 
 how cho- 
 sen. 
 
 Qualifica- 
 tion of Re- 
 presenta- 
 
 Apportion- 
 ment of 
 Represen- 
 tatives and 
 direct tax- 
 
 Section. 2. STde <S^oa^e c4 0befew= 
 tentative^ &na€t ve ccm/iodea off \yftem= 
 veid cnod-en eveiu dscona ^cLea?" fry tne 
 0^eofi/e off tne beveiat cf fated, ana trie 
 0tectozd- in eacn -jtate dna-tv nave tne 
 ^Qaatifficationd waaidite ffcr (diectotb off 
 tne tnc&t namevcud iyavancn off tne crtate 
 Jjoeat.&tat^e. 
 
 iJyo z!r et&o?i d-nat-C ve a &ve/iwdenta= 
 tive wno dna€t not nave attamea to tne 
 Q/bae off twenty ffive ^IpeaiA., ana veen 
 deven ^llea^d- a Citizen off tne ^Iknited 
 utated, ana vvno d-na<i€ not, zunen etectea, 
 v-e an Jfnnavita?tt off tnat estate in 
 w-nicn ne 6na€z ve cnod-en. 
 
 <Ji>e4wedentatived ana al^ect U axed- 
 6-naz€ -be afzAcztionea awicna tne bevezai 
 tftated wnicn maw <6e mciaaea tvitnin 
 tnid. ^Ifanicn, acccvama, to tnevr zed/iective 
 iJyaTntie^d, va-ntcn 6-nat/ fre a / ete^minea / 
 4y adding to tde -w-do/e <JPa?n<£er o4
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 ffwe zyev&on&, mciaacna tno&e vcund to 
 jeivice ffor a U evm off ^IteavA, ana ex= 
 ciaaina Jinaiand not taccea, tniee ffifflfid 
 off atiotfie'r ^je>idon6-. <J fie actual (onii- 
 meiatton 6-fiai't ve maae wittem tnree 
 
 liear^ affter tne ffivdt ^moeetina off tne 
 loonaze&d off tfie ^Iknitea estates, ana 
 tcutnin every d-av-deatient U evm off ten 
 ^Iteard, in 6-acn, <^4wanne'r ad tney dfiai'i 
 tw Jjpa'UA aitect. <3 fie <Jyiimv-e?" off 
 0&e/izedentatived tnaw net exceea one fflor 
 every tnirty <J fioa&ana, fnit eacfi jtate 
 6-A ai€ nave at <t&ead.t one ^JveAred<enta~ 
 tive ; ana wntiv 6-acn enumeration dnatt 
 ve made, tne estate off *_Jyezo- <z/wam/i^ 
 6-fiire &fia€'i ve entit'tea to cnude tnree, 
 ^/fbaddacfiti&ettd* eiant, tyionoae- *_/&€ana 
 ana iy" rcviaence iy" 'lantaticnd- one, ^?cn^ 
 necttcat ffive, ^JVeitA- Uor-K- &i<t>, Jveto- 
 
 terd-ey ffoa^, zy" enn&ytvania eiafit, i2Det= 
 azvare o?ie, ^/fwaiy€ana &ix, ^Uiryinia 
 
 Census e7 
 ery tea 
 years.
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Vacancies, 
 how filled. 
 
 Represen- 
 tatives 
 choose of- 
 f.i^rs and 
 brin? im- 
 peach- 
 ments. 
 
 Senate, 
 how cho- 
 sen. 
 
 Senators 
 classed. 
 
 ten, <JV oitn i&aio/ina 4ive, joatn 7&i- 
 ^o/lna five, ana Q ewaia tniee. 
 
 tyynen vacancies nafe/ien in tne t €jk>e= 
 fiiedentaticn worn anu estate, tne (oa>e= 
 cative Q^batnozit?^ tneiecjf &na/Z id&ue 
 ^yrwtd. o4 (o/ection to ii// ducn ^Uacan= 
 cied. 
 
 U ne cyfooud-e o4 tybefae&entative^. 6-na// 
 cnade tneir cf gleaner and otner &/jlicev4 ; 
 ana dna/Z -nave tne dc/e {/rower ojf 
 iSmJieacnment. 
 
 jection. 3. U ne jenate c4 tnety/ni^ 
 tea j tat 66. dna/Z v-e comAcjea ojf two 
 jenatoid- focm eacn cftate, cnoden fry 
 tne j/eai&Zataze tneieo/, dor &ix tffeazA. ; 
 ana eacn jenator Ana// nave one tfjote. 
 
 J/wwieatate/u a/ter Mew A-/a// </e 
 ad-dem/Zed in C (ocnd.eaaence 0/ t>/e jfizdt 
 (o/ecticn, t/ey &</a// </e divided ad 
 e^aa//y ad. may </e into tAiee *io/a&ded. 
 <Jde tfeatd c$ t/e tfenatoid c/ t/e /iwt
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 v?tadd dnaz<v ve vacated at tne (oa>Aiza= 
 tton off tne 6-econa ^clear, off tne &eccna 
 jo-tadd- a,t tne (dccfeiiaticn off tne ffoavtn 
 
 ILear, ana off tne tnwa TO'tabd- at tne 
 (exfoliation off tne Mcctn ^uear, &o tnat 
 one tniza wiaif tie cno&en eveiy decona 
 
 I Lear ; ana iff ^Uacancied. naJi/ien vy 
 0hed.ianation , or otnezwide, aazma tne 
 (y&ecedd off tne ioDeai&tataze off any- J tate, 
 tne (occectctive tnezeoff may- mane te7nfio= 
 zazy QwAfiomtmentd* unlit Ine next 
 ^yfbeetcna off tne ^&eat&€ataie, wnicn 
 dna& tnen ffi't'V dacn ^Uacancied. 
 
 <Jvc iyev&on 6-natt ve a C/enatcr 
 ta-no d/zatt not nave attamea to tne Q/bae 
 off tnwty cLeazb, ana veen nine ^lheaz6 
 a Toitixen off tne ^Ivnitea jtate&, ana 
 'in no 6>natt not, tv-rien etectca, tie an <_/n= 
 navitant off tnat jtate ffcr wnicn ne 
 dnat'V ve cno&en. 
 
 U ne Vuice (y^zediaent off tne ^ifcnitea 
 
 Vacancies, 
 how filled. 
 
 Qualifica- 
 tions of Se- 
 nators. 
 
 Vice Presi- 
 dent to 
 p-eside.
 
 10 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Stated- d/ia// ve Uriedident 0/ tne Cren= 
 ate, vat A-natt nave no ^Uote, a?ite6-& 
 tnew ve eaaa€'t / u aiviaea. 
 
 U ne jenate d-natt cnade tneir otncr 
 &££iceid } ana ai&o a 'c/ze&iaent /no te?n= 
 fcoie, in tne Q/bv-A-ence ojf tne ^Uice c/W- 
 iaent, or vv/ien ne &naii eawzcite tne 
 0jfjfice cd ^zedident 0^ t4e United 
 C/tated. 
 
 U ne c/enate anaii nave tne dote 
 <y cuter to tin alt J/mfieacnmentd. 
 y 7ynen dittma vor tnat ^uifiode, tney 
 Anat't fre on Oatn or Q/bjfiiimaticn. 
 (> nnen Me ^ledident ojf t4e tf&ntfect 
 jtated id. tuea, tne ^nie4 fad-tice 6-na/t 
 fiied-ide : QAond 'no Sreid-on d-na/t fre con= 
 victea witnoat tne Tecncai/ience ojf Jive 
 t/ziiad o€ tne iyfkenivci& fite&ent. 
 
 J-adament in &0466. ojf jFmAeac/i^ 
 ment 6-Aa€€ net ecetend jatt/ier t/ian to 
 lenwva/ ^icm Ojffce, anct ctitaua/idica*
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. \\ 
 
 tion to dodd and envoy, any &jfjfice ojf 
 donor, U ' zad-t or 0*wjtu under tde ^dmi* 
 ted cftated : dat tdie 3ra^ty convicted 
 6.£add nevevtdede&d de diadde and dudfect 
 to Kjndictment, U via/, dudament and 
 ca anid-dment, acccvdma to ^BatcA. 
 
 erection. A. <J de <J i??zed, Sddaced and 
 ^f&anner oft doddma Sdectiond jfer £den= 
 atoid and 0loe/zved.entatived, ddadd de fae^ 
 d-wided m eacd at ate du tde <2oeaid.da,= 
 taie tfteieot ; dat tde ^on^edd may at 
 any time dy> JzzaziA made or adter 6-acd 
 U&eaadationd, except ad to tde J dace6- 
 oft cdauny cdenatotd. 
 
 <J de ^onazed-d ddadd awerndde at 
 dea&t once in eve^y, ^liear, and ducd 
 i^vbeetma d-dadd de on tde jUt&t ^yfkon^ 
 day in (2/3 ecem-der , tcn/e&a tdey &dadd 
 du £&o,'ua afefeomt a diddient (/2]3 ay. 
 
 jection. 5. (dacdi c^dooa&e &dadd de 
 tAe dudae od tde Sdectiond, 0&etuznd 
 
 Effect o£ 
 
 Manner of 
 electing 
 member* 
 ul Con- 
 fess. 
 
 Congress 
 assemble 
 annually 
 
 Elections, 
 how judp 
 ed.
 
 ]2 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 and £2,u>a'iijficationd o4 ltd ow?i <yfkem= 
 wvd, and a t^tf(oai<Gutw o4 eacn bnatt 
 con&titate a ^Huoiam to do tzwubined-d ; 
 vat a d-ma&er idyamver maw adtoavn 
 4iom daw to daw, ana maw ve au,tno^= 
 ixed to comfi&v tne Q/bttendance o4 av-= 
 &ent tyfrnrnveid, in diicn K^/canne?", ana 
 under &acn ijenatttec ad eacn cdwou&e 
 maw Swovide. 
 
 0acn cd&oad-e maw determine tne 
 <yvaied o4 ltd zj \oceedinad, Sianidn ltd 
 ^ffoemv-evd 4ov didoideiiw &3enaviour, 
 and, ?&itn tne ^oncavience ojf two tnitdd, 
 ex/iet a ^ytffaemv-er : 
 
 &acn <zf&oa6.e dnat'i neeA a touvnai 
 o4 itd &ioceedmad, and j(wm time to 
 time Aavtidn tne dame, except in a dacn 
 *J aztd ad maw in tneir Zadament w* 
 fytciw jeciecw ; and tne ^Ifead and 
 Jyayt oi- tne ^Abemvezd ojf eitner 
 <zrwoud.e on anw aueUion dda//, at t</te
 
 CONSTITUTION OP THE UNITED STATES. 13 
 
 @DeM,w off one ffiftft, off tno&e &ied.ent y 
 ve entezea on tne £ouvna&. 
 
 <JYeitn>&r j (Zs&oa&e, auuna, tne je&= 
 &ion off loonaie&d, 6-naii, tvilnotct tne 
 i&oit&eiit off tne otner, aatoain ffor move 
 tnan tnzee aayd, ?io / r j to any otner iyiace 
 tnan tnat in wnicn tne two c^woa&ed 
 d-nati v-e 6-ittma. 
 
 erection. 6. *J ' ne fjenatotd and &hefi= 
 leAsntatived &na€€ receive a T^oinffiendation 
 ffcr tneir c/eiviced, to ve a&cettamea vy 
 <=MazcA, and fftaia out off tne <J lea&iiiy 
 off tne ^Ibnitea cf tated. *J new Anaii 
 in aw ^>aA6d , eccceffit <J \ea&on, tzfte€ony 
 ana&Dzeacn off tne )cyeace, ve ffiiivi-tcaea 
 ffzom QADive&t aanny tnecr QAottenaance 
 at tne je&Mon off tneir ve&ffiective c/wou&ed, 
 ana in aoma to ana ictiwnma worn tne 
 6-ame ; ana ffor- any crn-eecn or G2Det i ate 
 in eitner cywoad-e, tney 6.Aa€€ not ve 
 aue&tionea in any otner ij €ace. 
 
 Adjourn- 
 ments. 
 
 Compen- 
 sation. 
 
 Pri villages
 
 |4 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Members 
 not ap- 
 pointed to 
 office- 
 
 Officers of 
 govern- 
 ment can- 
 not be 
 members. 
 
 Revenue 
 
 bills. 
 
 Bills to be 
 presented 
 tothePre- 
 dent. 
 
 His pow- 
 ers over 
 them. 
 
 J^o Senator or 0&efe%e&entative 
 6,4a//, dauna t/e t7i?ne ^or wAicA fie 
 wad e/ectec/ ; /e afifeomted to anu civit 
 
 'ice under tne Qnzutnetity o4 tne 
 nited jtated, wmca> 6-natt nave vcen 
 cwatec/, or tne (emoluments w/ietcot 
 6-na// nave veen encteaded duiina ducft 
 time ; and no *crei&on notaina a?iy @jf s 
 p,ce u?id^r tne ^vk-nited c/tateo, d/iaii 
 ve a ^/tf&emver o4 either cdfcou&e dwina 
 nid Continuance m &4iice. 
 
 ejection, J. Qw// (%li€€6 tor lai&ina 
 
 <L/i)evenae 6-na-i'i oiiainate in tne cd&ouAe 
 
 o4 vhe/iieAentatived ; <tuit tne jenate may 
 
 AwJio&e or concur 'to-it'/i Q/b??iendmentd 
 
 ad o?i otner 0ji//i. 
 
 (^ve^'u e^Sitiionicn Ana// nave Aad-^ed 
 
 tne cTWou&e oi 0befaeAentatived and tne 
 
 tfenate, d-nai-i, vejtcie it /ecome a £tazo-, 
 
 ve fcze&ented to t/e J ^e^ic/e?^t od t£e 
 
 Cbnited tftatet ; J^^/ea/i/zzove /e d/a//
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. T£ 
 
 6ian it, t<at iff not ne &na// tetuvti it, 
 tiAitn nid Uvteotiont to tnat <^%oa6-e in 
 utnicn it Miatt nave ouamatea, uinc 
 6.naw enter tne & v-iectiond at taiae o?i 
 tneir lowinat, ana faooeea to ^eccn6-ia / er 
 it. %Jff affter 6-acn 0teecon&iaevation two 
 tniiaj off tnat cyfcoa&e d-naii aavee to 
 Slaw tne tyai-t'C, it d-naii ve 6-ent, toae= 
 tner tvitn trie & tUcctiond , to tne otner 
 £7U?oiid.e, vy> zvnicn it Mta€^ tinezni^e ve 
 vecon&iaezea, ana iff aA/novea ^W two 
 tnizad off tnat c7fcoa&e, it a-natt vecome 
 a JuoaicA. 'tyjut in ait 6-acn i^ad-ed tne 
 Quoted off? votn <^&oa6.ed d-natt ve detev^ 
 mmea v-m Mead ana *Jya / u4, a?ia / tne 
 Jyamed off tne )^r&uon6 votina ffor and 
 aaam&t tne < £$i/t &na€z ve entezea on 
 tne loainat off eacn <zftooade ie&/iect= 
 ivety. J/ff any (wit^ d-na/i not €-e ze= 
 taznea v?/> tne ty J 'ie&iaent ivitnin ten 
 ayd (c/anaa'Ud e<zceAtea\ a iter it 
 
 Proceed- 
 ings on nil 
 veto. 
 
 Bills to be 
 laws if not 
 returned 
 
 in ten i lays
 
 1(J CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Joint or- 
 ders or re- 
 solutions 
 to be ap- 
 proved by 
 the Presi- 
 dent. 
 
 Powers of 
 Congress 
 
 6.AaAA /iave Aeen faiebented to Aim, tne 
 jame 6-naAA Ae a Aaw, in ti-tie ^/ftan= 
 ner ad if Ae Aad dianed it, un€e&4 tne 
 i&(maw6d Au tAeir Qwdtowfynment Size= 
 vent itd xy&elazn, m wAicA ^fad# it 
 6-AaAt not Ae a ^teaviA. 
 
 CoveiM uider, iybeAoAution, or ^Uote 
 to wAicA tne ^ionciivience cjf tAe jenate 
 and cy&cti&e c4 0&efaed.e?itatived maw Ae 
 nece&d.ai'U iexce/it o?i a aae&tion ojf Q/bd^ 
 toiwnment\ 6-AaAA Ae feze&ented to tAe 
 &ze&ident od tAe ^^nited Stated ; and 
 Aefoie tAe ^fame 'd-Aa// taAe SAAcct, 
 &-na€€ tie aAAzoved Au Aim, or Aeina 
 didafefnoved Ay Aim, 6-AatA Ae ze/ia&d-ed 
 Ay ttvo tAivdt of tAe Senate and <S^on&s 
 of Jbefae&entatived, acco^dina to tAe 
 Uhwte6 and <t&imitationd fa 6d - c viAed in 
 tAe (gate of a gfii/l 
 
 erection. 8. <J ne ^Honazebd &AaAA Aave 
 
 €Pc 
 
 outer
 
 CONSTITUTION' OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 *J c €ay and co/tect U axed, @Biitie4, 
 J/m/io&td and (oxci&ed, to Siay, tne @Be&a 
 ana Jiiovide vot tne common (SlJejfence 
 and aeneza/ Cff^e/daze ojf t^e United 
 C/tatea ; vat a<£€ &Datied, J/mAc&td and 
 (oxcid-ed Ana€€ ve anijfoim t-hzoaanoat tne 
 tysbnUed cftated ; 
 
 <J o vozzoto- ^/ftoney on tne czedit ojf 
 the ^vknited c/tated ; 
 
 <_/ o zeaatate viommetce tCAitn jfozeian 
 xJy ationd, and amona tne 6-eveza^ stated , 
 and u/ttn tne J/ndtan kJ lived ; 
 
 C/ o e&tav-'Vid.n an anijfozm 0i>ate ojf 
 ^Jyatazatcxation, and unijfozm £&azvd 
 on tne 6-avj-ect o4 iyd an-wiafitcied tnwaan- 
 oat tne ^Itnited cftated ; 
 
 U ' c cocn ^/tfcone'U, veaaiate tne ^l/atae 
 tnezeojf, and ojf jfozeian i&oin, and jftx 
 tne jtandazd ojf ^rretantd and ^/fwea= 
 d-azed ; 
 
 <J ' o Sizovide dor tne xy" antdnment ojf 
 
 17 
 
 Lay taxes- 
 Pay debts- 
 
 General 
 welfare- 
 
 Duties uni. 
 form. 
 
 Borrow 
 money. 
 
 Commerce 
 
 2* 
 
 Naturali- 
 zation. 
 
 Bankrupt- 
 cy. 
 
 Coin mo- 
 ney. 
 
 Weights 
 and rneas 
 ures. 
 
 Counter- 
 feiting
 
 18 
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Post roads. 
 
 Promote 
 arts and 
 science. 
 
 coantei'leitma tfie SfecutUie* anct ctwwU 
 ^oin ojf tie tf/onited Stated ; 
 
 STo etta&td 0*<*t Office* and ' fioU 
 
 Inferior 
 courts. 
 
 Piracies, 
 Slc 
 
 Declare 
 war, and 
 make cap- 
 tures. 
 
 Raise ar- 
 mies. 
 
 ooadd ; 
 STc fiwmote tde 0*wa>ieM o^ Science 
 and uAe'fa/o/foitd, <£y> &ecu*mp ^or Uwi* 
 ited 3"imed to Q&iUnoM and J/nventoit 
 tde exc/auve 0lia4t to tdevr ledfiective 
 CfVutinat and @L h&cov&itet ; 
 
 3~o constitute STu^ana/d inffeuor to 
 tne bufiwme joowit ; 
 
 £7~c de/ine and Jumid-n, 0^naaed and 
 ffie/onied committed on tne nian uead, 
 and Odjfenced aaatnd-t tne ££aut oi <Jya= 
 tiond ; 
 
 STo dec/aie °fya^ } ^ant £&ettei4 o£ 
 ^rf&cwatie and 0$>efw,iMi,e, and mane 
 0§>uie4 concerning* i&aJitwied. on ^tand 
 and y rr ater ; 
 
 U o vatd-e and sufifioit Q/b^mle^, vat 
 
 no Q/Jcfifivofiuatio?i o4 ^/fitconeu to tnat 
 
 —
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 19 
 
 6-e 6-na^-t ve dor a lonae^ U evm tnan 
 tivo IteaM ; 
 
 <J ' o /izovide ana maintain a *J\awu>; 
 
 U o mane <y~ba€ed dor tn,e Q ove^n?nent 
 and zjieau'tation o4 tne <tand and nava/ 
 t^P ozced ; 
 
 <J o feiovide tor ca/tina j[o^tn, tne 
 ^Abititia to execute tne <=&atvd off tne 
 ^Cvnion, 6-a/iJizedd J/n6■a^^ectlon4 and ^e= 
 fiei Jrnva&iond ; 
 
 U ' o Jivovide ffor o^aanlzlna>, a^mlna } 
 and ai&ciA'Umna , tne *ywiiiitia, and ffor 
 aave^nlna■ Mien cs avt off tnern ad may 
 ve emfeto'ued in tne Je^ / ulce off tne ^lbni~ 
 ted crtated, ze&eivma to tne jtateo ie^ 
 d-feectivet'u , tne Qwfifiomtment cjf tne 
 Ufffficeid, and tne QAotitncfyit'u off ttain= 
 ma> tne *yp(oiiitia accovdma to trie di&= 
 ci/i^me faie&czifred -^W ^jonaied-d ; 
 
 <l/ o e&eicio-e excvaMve ^Seai6.tation m 
 aw Toa6-e6 ■iv-nat&oevei, over &acn \2J)i6.= 
 
 Navy. 
 
 Rules and 
 articles of 
 war. 
 
 Call oat 
 militia. 
 
 Organize 
 and gov- 
 ern militia 
 
 Officers 
 militia. 
 
 Exclusive 
 legislation 
 over seat 
 of Govera 
 ment.
 
 2() CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 And over 
 forts, arse- 
 nals, docks 
 <5tc. 
 
 To make 
 general 
 laws to 
 carry pow- 
 ers into ef- 
 fect. 
 
 Importa- 
 tion of 
 slaves al- 
 lowed till 
 
 lsus 
 
 frict [not eaceec/ma ten ^yfiited d-aaazej 
 ad may, fry Neddie off Aazticatar 
 Stated, and tne Q/bcce/itance of Conaw&d, 
 become tAe S^eat o4 tne ffoveinment of 
 tne ^Iknited jtated, ana to eveictdc tine 
 Qfoatnoiity ovev ait Placed Siuzcna&ea 
 fry tne Consent of tne <=£eai6-tataw of 
 tne cftate i?i wnicn tne jame d-natt 
 fre, for tne fewction off f^f f o^t^, <^4baaa= 
 'Zined, QwiAenatd, aocn- ^It-aiaa, ana ot/ier 
 needful (yJai'lainad ; Q/wnd 
 
 U o mane at€ Jsatvd wnicn 6-nat-i 
 fre neceA-6-aiy ana fitcfzer for cazzyma 
 into Execution tne foteaomy & cwcid , 
 ana ait otner zyczvezd ve&tea fry tnid 
 Constitution in trie & cveinment of tne 
 ^Ibnitea jtated, or i?i any %2l)efiazt= 
 nient or Officer tne>ieof. 
 
 Jection. p. t_y ne K^mazation or *ym= 
 fooitation of sucn t^rezsond ad any of 
 tne tftated now exi&tma Anatt tnmn
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 21 
 
 Aiofier to aamit, d-natt not ve Sivoniv^ 
 ited vy tne ^onaved-d Siuor to tne ^liear 
 one tnou&ana eia^nt ntinawa and eiant, 
 vat a U ax or aaty may v-e iwifeo&ea 
 on 6-acn, ^y / m^lo^tatlon, not exceeamy ten 
 aoziaM 4or eacn^ )zrei&on. 
 
 STde : *^lvi/eae o4 tne ^frul o4 cyWa^ 
 vea<j ^oifuid frncwC not ve Miafcenaea, 
 anied-d ivnen in ^a&ed o4 Ouett-et'iion or 
 J/nva&ion tne feav-iic ctaiety may ie= 
 auive it. 
 
 *Jyo 0ji& o4 ' Q/wttamder or ex Jiod-t 
 facto Jueaut. d-na^ ve feabbea. 
 
 xjy o ^faftitation, or otner aizect, 
 rJ ax d-natt ve €aia } untebd in cy'^ofeoi^ 
 tion to tne ^en&ad or (onumevation neie= 
 in fre4o^e anectea to ve tanen. 
 
 <Jyo U ax or (SDatu bnaw ve €aia 
 on Q/W , itic€ed exfiovtea 4tom any jtate. 
 
 <Jyc Srie4eve?ice d-naw ve aive?i fry 
 an*u &beawiation o4 Teommezce or xy^e= 
 
 Habeas 
 corpus. 
 
 Attainder 
 and ex post 
 facto laws 
 
 No export 
 ation duty 
 
 Commerco 
 between 
 the State*
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Money, 
 howdrawn 
 from Trea- 
 sury. 
 
 To be pub- 
 lished. 
 
 No nobili- 
 ty. 
 
 Foreign 
 presents 
 and titles. 
 
 Towers de- 
 nied to the 
 States. 
 
 venae to t4e 0*0116 o4 one cftate over 
 tnoA-e od anotnsr : nor &nai€ U(Je&6.eid 
 froand to, or iwm, o?ie jtate, ve ov-iiaed 
 to enter, ctear, or fiau (2Datied tn an= 
 otner. 
 
 <JVc ^/vwonejf d-natt ve ^awn worn 
 tne <_y lead-avy, frat en loond-eauence o4 
 Qwfifizofiuationd made fry Jjiaw ; and 
 a veaatar c/tatement and QAcccoant ojf 
 tne 0heceifitd ana kccAenaitwed oi att 
 fiafriic t_sfkoney> d-natt fre SiafrtiAned 
 
 worn, time to time. 
 
 *Jyo <_y ' it€e off ^Jyofritity d-natt fre 
 
 avanted fry tne ^vknited jtated : QAond 
 no c!reiA.o?i notdina any Ojfjfice ojf csio= 
 
 iit or U ' vad-t tender tneni, 6-nat/, zvitn= 
 oat tne ^jon&ent o4 tne donate &d , acccfet 
 oi anu ty J ze&ent, hmoiame?it, Office, or 
 kJ Me, o4 any nmd zvnatever , worn any 
 
 KJloma, )^r^l7lce, or 4oveian cftate. 
 
 erection. SO. JVc S^tate Ana// enter
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 23 
 
 into an<u U ' leaty, Q/(o<i€iance, or ^>on= 
 dedezation ; at ant Jzzetteid off ,^/tfbataue 
 and 0teefiti&at ; coin <_ytf / fcone / u ; eniU 
 SSi/t'a ojf *ioiedit ; mane any <J ' nina 
 vat ao/d arid 6-itver i^oin a U ender in 
 bailment off SlDevtd ; fiad-d any \yoii4 
 ojf Q/fottamder , ex Sio&t ffacto ^kazv, or 
 ££<aiv itnfiaitina tfi6 Uv-^iyation off &on^ 
 ttactd, or atant any <J itte off *Jy ovi'tity. 
 <Jvo cftato d-naii, witnout tne ioon= 
 &ent oft tne ^>onateAd, lay any J/mfeo&td 
 or QDatied on J/mfacttd or (occ/iottd, ea>= 
 cefftt wnat maw ve avd-o/atety nece&&aiy 
 ffor execatma it' d inA^ection Jjzazad : 
 and tne net0*todace o4 ' a-td (2L \Utea ana 
 J/mfio&t<i, €aid vy any jtate on J/t?i= 
 Aottd or feccffiottd, 6./ia€t ve ffor tne ^Ifc&e 
 ojf tne U leaAavu off tne tyknited jtated ; 
 and ail 6-acn J^&aiad &na€'V v-e 6-uvyect 
 to tne 0w&w,6ion ana ^fontioaz off tne 
 
 Powers de- 
 nied to the 
 States. 
 
 onate&d. 
 
 Other pow 
 ers denied 
 to States.
 
 24 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 <J^c ^ftate &nai/, tvitnoat tne &on= 
 d-ent ojf T&(mawd>d } €ay any ^Duti/ off 
 STonnaae, fieefe U \ocfid, or c?iti/id off 
 ^frar m time off zjeace, enter into any 
 Q/baieement or izomffiact witfi anotner 
 Sftate, or wsitn a ffoieian vr outer, or 
 enaaae in "7/ ar, tmte&d actaaiiy m= 
 vaaea, or in 6-ucn imminent \2J)anaer 
 ad laiti not aamit off aetay. 
 
 Article. II. 
 
 jection. /. U ne executive zyotiter 
 d-nat-i ve ve&tea in a i^r^e^iaent off t/ie 
 ^c/onitea crtated off CMonievica. cy&e 
 d-natz not a nid tJffffice auvina tne U ezm 
 off ff oar ^u^eatd, ana, toaetner tvitn tne 
 ^Uice < cr ^e&iaent , cno&en ffor tne &ame 
 Cy e^m, ve etectea, ad ffottoutt 
 
 (dacn cttate Anal/ affiffioint, m 6-ucn 
 t^vfoa.nner ad tne <=&eai6./ataie tneveoff 
 may anect, a Jyumver off (dtectoid,
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 25 
 
 eatiat' to tne wnote <Jyii??iver off jena= 
 toid and xyb>e/iied-entati'ved to itttt&cfo trie 
 jtate 7nay> ve entitled in tne j&onate&A : 
 
 vat no c/enator or ijheAie&entative, or 
 
 of- U ia&t or 
 
 et&on no'tama an 
 
 7 
 
 ice 
 
 iy^oitt under tne ^Itnited stated, anaw 
 ve afefeomted an fatector. 
 
 The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot for two Persons, of whom one 
 at least shall not be an Inhabitant of the same State with themselves. And they shall make a List of 
 all the Persons voted for, and of the Number of Votes for each ; which List they shall sign and cer- 
 tify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the Government of the United States, directed to the President 
 of the Senate. The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the Senate and Honse of Repre- 
 sentatives, open all the Certificates, ami the Votes shall then be counted. The Person having the great- 
 est Number of Votes shall be the President, if such Number be a Majority of the whole Number of 
 Electors appointed ; and if there be more than one who have such Majority, and have an equal Num- 
 ber of Votes, then the House of Representatives shall immediatelg chase by Ballot one of than for 
 President ; and if no Person have a Majority, then from the five, highest on the List the said House 
 shall in like Manner chuse the President. But in chustng the President, the Votes shall be taken by 
 Slates, the Representation from each State having one Vote ; A quorum for this Purpose shall consist 
 of a Member or Members from two thirds of the States, and a Majority of all the Stales shall he , 
 sary to a Choice. In every Case, after the Choice of the President, the Person having 'lie great 
 Number of Votes of the Electors shall be the Vice President Put if there should remain two or more 
 who have equal Votes, the Senate shall chuse from them by Ballot the Vice President. 
 
 ^onqte&d wiaip dett 
 
 'ewrune 
 
 zate-iM maw 
 U ' i/me ov cnu&ina tne ktectovd, and tne 
 QDay on tvnicn tne?/> &naw aive tnecr 
 ^(Joted ; ?^rucn \k2)a7/ Miat-t ve tne &ame 
 tniotianoat trie ^t'entted c/tated. 
 
 ±J\c xyevbon exce/it a natavat vein 
 i&itizen, or a Sitvzen off tne ^l&nited 
 cf tated, at tne tune off trie Q^bdo/itton 
 off tnid Tfro?i&titation ; Anat-t t i e etiaiwe
 
 26 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 For Vice- 
 Presid't, 
 
 Sec Sec. 
 xti. Ani'ts. 
 
 In case of 
 removal, 
 death, ic, 
 of the Pre- 
 sident his 
 powers de- 
 volve on 
 the Vice 
 President. 
 
 Compensa- 
 tion of Pre- 
 (ident 
 
 to tde Office #/ 0*w&i,ehfd6>} neither 
 d-da// any> ^ciAon ve c/tyto/e to that 
 04/fice wno Ana/d not nave attained to 
 tde o4?ae 0/ thiitn dive ^Ifeaw, and 
 deen j?ouitee?i tyf'eazd a &be6.ic/ent tvit/tni 
 the ^i/onited jtatcd. 
 
 JFn Toad-e of the 0ic77iova€ of 4ne 
 ^veAideiU 'Uom Ojfjfice, or of /ua (2Death, 
 0i)e&ia?iatioii, or <yn afrit ity to aiAchaioe 
 the isowetA ana QDatied of the &aia 
 Office, the jame Ahatd aevotve on tne 
 U(Jice dric&iaent, ana the jeonateAd may 
 v-m JzDazo- facviae for the ^ad-e of 0ie= 
 movat, \2I)eath, xyweAtanation or Jrna= 
 vititw, froth of tue \e6-iaent and ^l/ice 
 £/ \e&iae?it \ aeclavma UAhat Officer Ahati 
 then act ad & ieuac?it, and Mich Offi= 
 cer A-hatz act accozama^i , unti<L t/ie 
 J2D lAafritity fre vemovea, or a &veAiaent 
 Aha€t? fre etectea. 
 
 U 'he 0^veAic/e?it dha//, at stated
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 27 
 
 U lined, zeceive ffor nid J eiviced, a v?cm= 
 ffien&ation, zcinicn 6-natz neitner ve en= 
 wead-ea nor aiwiini&nea aiwma tne tjre~ 
 vioa ffor zvnicn ne ana-tv nave veen 
 etectea, ana ne &nat€ not zeceive witnin 
 tnat cseviod an™ otner (omotwment worn 
 tne ^iknitea J tated, or any off tnem. 
 
 i^Seffote ne enter o?i tne execution off 
 nid Uffffice, ne 6-na^€ tane tne 4o€'towina 
 &atn or Q/bffffiimation : 
 
 "%j ac toiewinvn dti/ear (or affffii?n\ 
 tnat kJ wilt ffait/iffaizy execute tne &jf s 
 vice off iyiediaent off tne ^Iknited fjtated, 
 ana titi€z to tne vedt off my Q/bvility, 
 fized-evve, faotect ana aeffena tne ioon= 
 6-tttatton off tne ^Ibnttea jtated!' 
 
 erection. 2. kJ ne £y J ve&iaent 6-nat'l 
 ve i&ommanaer in i&nieff off tne Q/bvmy 
 ana <JVavy off tue ^Iknitea jtated, ana 
 off tne ^/fm-titia off tue d-evezaz jtated, 
 zo-uen cal zed into tne actua-v jevvice off 
 
 Require- 
 ments. 
 
 Powers 
 
 and duties 
 of the Pre- 
 sident.
 
 »2g CONSTITUTION OP THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Making 
 trealies 
 
 Appoint- 
 ment of 
 public offi- 
 cers. 
 
 tde United Stated ; de may veyuiie tee 
 €fimion, in ^itina, o^ we fruncifrat 
 OMicer in eacti oj( tne executive vZDe^iazt^ 
 mentd, ufton a?iif juvtect wtafona to 
 tde (Sfiutied o4 tdeir lerfiective O^iced, 
 and foe 6.na// nave Neuter to aiant 
 0$)efiiieve<i and ^azdont dor O^enced 
 aaai?iU tde tf/onited c/tated, exce/it in 
 ioa&ed off J/mfaeacnment. 
 
 <3loe &dadd nave {yotc/er', dy> ana 
 witn tne Qnoavice a?ia T&on&ent oft tne 
 jenate, to mane U veatied, fe^ovlaed two 
 tuiiad oft tne uenatovd Aie&cnt concur- ; 
 ana ne d-Ua/t nominate, ana vm ana 
 vvitn tne QAoavice ana ^jon&ent oft tne 
 c/enate, 6-nat't a^iAomt Q/bm^ia&6■aao^6 , 
 otne?" fauvtic Kyvkini&teid- ana i£>on6.utd, 
 l-uaaed oft tne &ufaeme i^ouit, ana a€c 
 ciner uffticevd oj( tne tybnited cftated, 
 to-no&e CMofifiointmentd aze not nezein 
 otnezwibe Sizoviaea ftcr , and ' t^nicn 6-nati
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 29 
 
 ve e&tavti&ued wu J^atv : 'Out tne Tzon= 
 aw&d mau vy> ££auL vc&t tne Q/kfi/ioint= 
 ment o4 6-uc/i injfezior Ufiicezd, ad tneu 
 t/u?in, fao/ier, m tne : \e&ia / cnt a/one, 
 in tne isoavtd o€ <=&avc/ f or m tne cfweac/d 
 o4 (0)e/ia'itmentd. 
 
 U ' ne Urie&iaeiit 6-na// nave Srozver 
 to jfcC-C afe at€ ^Uacancied tnat maty 
 na/iAen auuna tne 0teeced.d ojf tne S y en= 
 ate, &u aiantma Teonimid&iond K/nicn 
 &nai<v exfeive at tne &na ojf tneir next 
 
 J 06-6-10 n. 
 
 section. 3. <^&e &na€i izem time tc 
 time aive to tne ^onaze&d Jrniotmation 
 o€ tne c/tate o4 tne ^Iknion, ana zecom= 
 mend to tneir ^onudeiation &acn *_s/i;ea= 
 6-wea ad ne d-nat'i Miaae nece&&av / u ana 
 exAeaient ; ne may, on ecct^ao^alna^y 
 Ucca6io?id, convene frotA cr&oii&ed, or 
 eitner o£ t/iem, and m i^ade ojf (2l)i&a= 
 aieement />ctiveen t/iem, vt/itn 0te6/iect 
 
 Vacancies 
 in office 
 
 3* 
 
 Further 
 powers 
 and dutie 
 of the P _ e 
 sident.
 
 30 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 to t/ie 2Time e4 Q/fodtoiwi?)icnt } de may 
 adjourn idem, to Mien <J ime ad ne &<nat€ 
 tdind /itofier ; ne Ana€€ tcceive Q/wm= 
 fradd-adoid and otner jiuvtie ^Afcini&let* ; 
 ne 6-nat-o tane ^aze tnat tne ^zoawd ve 
 daUn£a€<t'ii> executed, ana 6-naii ^?om= 
 mi&Aien aw tne ojliiceid o4 tne ^Ivmted 
 jtated. 
 
 c/ection. A. *J ne 0^^e&ide?lt ) ^Uice 
 'crve&iaenl ana ai€ civit u4j(lce^^ o4 tne 
 ^Ifanited cftated, &naii ve ^emeved item 
 UMice on J/m/ieacnment 4or, and &on= 
 viction oi, kJ iea6-on, ijcJii'Vev'u, or otner 
 nian vziwied ana t^dbiddeoneanotd. 
 
 article in. 
 
 erection. /. <_/^ indicia^ (y ozver ojf 
 tne ^Ibnited jtatej, &na€<C <fre vedted in 
 one 6-uAieme %ouzt, and in ducn indeuor 
 jooaztd ad tne loonavedd maw jlvom time 
 to time cidain and edtafr/idd. ST-Zie
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 31 
 
 fadaed, v-otn, oft tn>e sufiieme and infte= 
 vior Coiwtd, snatt note/ tmew &ftfticed 
 duuna aood 'cSenaviour, and sna^t, at 
 atated U imed, veceive ft or tneir c/eiviced, 
 a i&omfoen&atiow, wnicn, snai-v not ve 
 diminisned duuna tneir Contmua?ice in 
 
 Concern- 
 ing the 
 J udges. 
 
 ■ice. 
 
 S^ecticn. 2. <J /ie tadiciai xy outer 
 snat/ extend to ait Cases, i?i <=£atv- ana 
 (oauitu, atisma under t/iis Constitution ? 
 tue ^zoatvd oft t/ie tybnited c/tated, ana 
 kJ ieatied made, or wnicn snait ve made, 
 
 under tAeir Q/butnoritu ; to a/t&ased 
 
 aftftectma Q/bniv-assadoM , other Siufrtic 
 
 ^/f'bmisZeid and T^>onswtd ; to att 
 
 Cased oft ad / miiatty> and 7nafyitwie J-u= 
 
 iisdiction ; to Contwvezsies to 2</nicri 
 
 tde tybnited states sn>a€t ve a £y i a^t / M ; 
 
 to toeiitioveisied vetween two or mote 
 
 c/tated ; vetzv-een a C/tate and (oitizend 
 
 oft another jtate; vettveen Citizens 
 
 Extent of 
 the judi- 
 cial power. 
 
 See 
 
 Amend- 
 ments, 
 Art. xi
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Of original 
 and appel- 
 late juris- 
 diction of 
 the Su- 
 preme 
 Court. 
 
 Trials by 
 jury. 
 
 And w here 
 
 held. 
 
 rJ c/{ffeicnt £f fates., £etwee?i %itizcnd 
 
 rj t/te tame cftate c/aimi?iy £&antU 
 tender ffiantd 0/ a / Mcze?it Stated, anc/ 
 -£etwee?i a S^tate, or tde 'izitizend thezeejl, 
 anc/ 'fozeian Sftatet, 9zitizend or juv= 
 ■tectd. 
 
 Jfn a/Z^ad-ed a/'/ectina Q/tm/a&d-a^ 
 c/om, ot/ier fiuvtic ^yf/rimUeid and%on= 
 ui/d, anc/ t/iod-e m zvnicA a estate Miai-t 
 ve 0*aztw, tue d-afizeme %ouzt duatt 
 nave cziainat luiidc/iction. tj/n at-t 
 the otne'r &ad£d veioze ??ienho?iea, t/tc 
 d-a/izeme Tzotcit dna// nave a/iSie/tate 
 / iczidc/iction , votn, ad to ^katc* a?ia 
 ^ act, zo-itA mic/i SxceAtiond, a7ia anc/er 
 d-acA ^y^eaatationd ad tAe ^onatedd dnatt 
 
 7?iafoe. 
 
 <J Ae >J zia/ of at/^vimed, exce/it in 
 
 Traded ci umfieac/iment, d/ia/A Ae Az/ 
 
 J-wzu ; azict dticAi <J zia,A d-Aa/A Ae AeAcl 
 
 in tAe otate zuAeze tAe daic/ icumcd
 
 CONSTITUTION OP THE UNITED STATES. 33 
 
 6-nat'V nave v-een committed ; wit wnen 
 not committed zvitnm amu c/tate, tne 
 <J licit d/iait ve at &ucn cs' lace or 
 zjtaced aa tne T&onaveAd may vy J^&aw 
 Save dizected. 
 
 jecticn. 3. ^J \ea&o?i aaam&t tne 
 ^Ibnitea cftated, d-nali conu&t ont^u in 
 -tevuina rrar aaai?i&t tnem, or en aa= 
 nevma to tneir (one?med, aivma tnem 
 Q/bid and ^>omfovt. ^/vo /lei&on &na/t 
 fre convicted o4 U \ea&on anteAd on tne 
 U e^tiTnon^ oj( ttao W it?ie&&ed to tne 
 d-ame ovevt Q/wct, or on ^onffe&Mon in 
 ofae7z &ou%t. 
 
 *Jne ioonaved-4 d-natt nave (grower tc 
 dec-iaze tne c/ ii?iid-nment o4 \J tead-on, vat 
 no Q/bttamder c£ U iea&on 6-natC tv-ovn 
 teontiJition o€ ( £$<£ooa / , or ^crffeitaze 
 except aauna tne J^ide ojf tne iyei&cn 
 attainted. 
 
 Nocorruj>- 
 tion of 
 
 blood 
 
 (
 
 31 
 
 CONSTITUTION OJ THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Acts of 
 State ac- 
 credited. 
 
 Privileges 
 of citizen- 
 ship. 
 
 Fugitives 
 from jus- 
 tice to be 
 delivered 
 op. 
 
 &vttcle* iv. 
 
 Section. /. §Fu// ffiaUn anc/ ( ^0- 
 dit 6-nat/ ve aiven in eacn 3 tate to tne 
 fiw^/ic Q/(octd, 0heco^a / ^, ana tuaiciat 
 ^toceedinad o4 eveiy otner estate. Q/kna 
 tne Teonave&d may v-y aeneta-v ^Lawa 
 foebciive tne ^(canner in wnicn 6-ucn 
 Qwcld, ffbecozdii and 0" ioceeama<i fina/l 
 6e Aicved, ana tne (direct tneuop 
 
 Section. 2 2Tne *ioitixend ojl eacn 
 jtate 6na€€ v-e entit-iea to a€t ty J uvi= 
 teaed ana J/ynwianitied o4 ^iti&end in 
 tne Aevezai cttated. 
 
 Q/b isezd-on cnaiaea m any c/tate 
 tmtn U vea&on , <zftetony, or otner i£tiine t 
 w/io d-naw 4tee ffwni l-iid-tice, ana ve 
 4oa?ia tn anotner jtate, d-natt on \2I)e= 
 mana o4 tne executive GMoatnoiity o4 
 tne jtate 4io??i wntcn ne €tea, ve ae= 
 iivezea tiA, to v-e lemcvea to tne jtate 
 navma J-uud-aiction of tne iziime.
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 35 
 
 <Jyo zsev&on net a to jevvice or <=£a= 
 v-oar in one estate, anaer tne ^2oati/6 
 tneveoff, eAcaJuna into another, d.na€€, in 
 Toona-eaaence off any> ^zoavo- or ryi)eawCa= 
 tio7i tneiem, t i e aibcnavaea ffvom^ &ac/i 
 fjevvice or .tzoavoar , vat Ana/t ve ae= 
 tivevea uA on le-taim off trie er aity to 
 zo-nom d-ticn, c/evvice or J^oavoar may 
 v-e aae. 
 
 erection. 3. ^Jyeto- cttated maw tt-e 
 aamittea v?f tne T&imate&d into tnid 
 ^lbnio?i ; vat no neiv estate 6-nat-c ve 
 ffovmea or etectea zaitnin tne laudaic^ 
 tion off any ctner j tate ; nor any utate 
 ve ffovmea V'U t/ie I unction off tivc or 
 move jtated, or e/^aitd off jtated, tiutn= 
 oat the Gond-ent off trie J^zoeaidtataved off 
 tue t/tated conceznea ad taet-i ad off tne 
 
 fj -tie loonaved-d d-nat-i nave grower to 
 
 onave&d. 
 ai&/io&e off ana mane al^ neeaffat <yk>a€cd 
 
 Fugitive 
 slaves to 
 be deliv 
 ered up. 
 
 New- 
 States 
 
 Territory 
 and nlher 
 
 Bropertv ol 
 i. State*
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Republi- 
 can form 
 of govern- 
 ment gua- 
 rantied to 
 every 
 State. 
 
 Protection 
 of Slates. 
 
 An.tnd- 
 nients to 
 tins Con- 
 stitution. 
 
 and 0leaa/atton6 wdfeectmy t/ie J ' etu= 
 tovu or otder ^vo/ietty /e/onatny to 
 tde tf/onited Stated ; and not/iny i?i 
 t/id ^onstitation Ana// /e 6-0 con&tzaed 
 a4 to 0*wiudice any ^/atmd 0^ t/ie 
 United Stated, or od any feaitica/ar 
 fjtate. 
 
 Section. A. STde United jtated 
 6-/a// auaiantee to eve^ / u j tate i?i tfud 
 tybnion a 0le/ia//tca7i iflotm c4 Qov^ 
 evnment, and &nat€ footed each oi 
 t/em aaam&t Jfnvauon ; ana on Qac/i^ 
 fi/icatio?t od tne ^teeatd/atiwe, or o4 
 t/ie Sxecative [■ivnen tne ^&eal&'Cata^e 
 ca?mot we convened \ aaat?idt domestic 
 yUio€ence. 
 
 Article- v. 
 
 U ne ioonaied-6, wnenever two t/uzdt 
 <?/ <6otn (^r&oicACd 6.na// deem it neced= 
 \6-avy } 6-ua// ftw/io&e QAomendmentd to
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 37 
 
 tnid ^>on&titation , or ? on tne CMo/i/i-iica^ 
 tion off tne Jzzeaid-'fata'ied off two tAiidd 
 off tn>e &eve^az estates, &na€t catt a 
 Convention ffor faofao&ma> Q/bmena^ 
 mentd, wnicn*, i?i eitAer ^>ad-e, d-natt v-e 
 vaiia to aw J/ntentd ana zsuifaoAed, ad 
 zs avt off tnid Conatitiition , wnen iati^ 
 ffiea vu tne J^eaiA-tatuwd off tnzee 
 ffoaztnd off tne Aeveta-c c/tated, or fry 
 Conventiond in twiee ffoaitnd tnezeoff, ad. 
 tne one or tne otne-r ^stfkoae off 0hati= 
 ffication maw ve faofeo&ea fru tne Con~ 
 aie&d ; zy J ioviaea tnat no Q/bmenament 
 wnicn may 6e wiaae fezior to tne ^Ipear 
 One tnoad-ana eiant nanaiea ana eiant 
 Afiati in any> *_ytfbanner affffecl tne ffiwt 
 ana ffoavtn JO'taad.ed m tne <yyi?itn 
 ^section off tne ffiwt Q/bvticie ; ana 
 tnat no c/tate, zvitnoat ltd- jZpon&ent, 
 dnai-t €<e aefaivea off it' 6- eaaat fjaff= 
 ffvaae in tne oenate. 
 
 4
 
 38 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Pebts of 
 former 
 Govern- 
 ment re- 
 cognised 
 
 What con- 
 stitutes 
 the su- 
 preme law 
 
 Jidges 
 bound to 
 support. 
 
 Oath of 
 public offi- 
 cers to 
 support 
 the Con- 
 stitution. 
 
 Article- vi. 
 
 Q/(q// @Bevi4 contacted and 0n= 
 aaaementd enteied into, v-eiow tne 
 Q/bdo/ition ojf tfiiA T&ow&tita&on , Aiiai'V 
 &e ad valid aaam&t tne ^Itnited jtate& 
 under tnt6 ^ond-tittUion , ad under lAc 
 iooniedezalion. 
 
 U uid i^onA-tUatwn, ana l/ie ^dca-um 
 o4 tne ^l&nited crtated wnic/i dnatt ve 
 made in c/ azucance tnezeov ; ana a€i 
 U zeatied made, or tc/nicn Anal/ /e made, 
 under tne Q/(oiUno'iU / w o/ tne ^Ikmted 
 jlaled, &/ia// -v-e tne au/izeme £&azo- off 
 tne .t&and ; ana tne ludaed i?i eveiw 
 J tate Ana// ve /ou?id tneie/^ ' , any 
 U /una m tne izonAtitution or ^atvd 
 off any j tate to tne i^ontzazu nottvit/= 
 Atandina. 
 
 U ne jenatotA ana xy&e/ized.entativcd 
 /efoze mentioned, and tne ^yikemvezd ojf 
 tne Aeveza/ 3 late £keaiAlatuzc<i, and
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 89 
 
 all executive and tac/icia/ Opftceid, ^ot-d 
 o^ the fybnited 'Stated a?id ' ojt 6/ie 6-eveia/ 
 jtated, 6-nait <ke /wane/ fru Oam or 
 Q/b^ivmation, to &uAj/ioit t/iid Con&ti^ 
 tation ; frut no vefiaioud STett &da// 
 ever fre leauiied at a qualification to 
 an y t$ lce or feud/ic STzuU under t4e 
 nitea C/tated. 
 
 U <£e Kybatiiicatio?i ojf me T&onven* 
 tiond o^ nine Stated, &^a// <£e tujfjfi^ 
 cient ffor t£e Sdta//iddment ojf tdi6 
 YoonUitutioti between tde Stated do vati* 
 iyma me Same. 
 
 DDtlC m Convention fry t^e tf&nani^ 
 rnoud Consent od tde Stated five* 
 dent me Seventeenth (Sfiay. od 
 Scfetemfrer in t4e ^liear od our 
 <t&oid one tnoadand d-even nun= 
 dzed ana (dianty deven and ojf 
 
 No reli- 
 gious test. 
 
 Ratifica- 
 tion of the 
 Constitu- 
 tion. 
 
 When 
 formed.
 
 40 
 
 CONSTITUTION OP THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 ihe Jfnc/e/ienc/ance off ine ^Ikniiecl 
 ^Dialed ojf Q/b'?7le^lca i/te <J wetffiu %\\ 
 U)itllC50 wnewojf v/ e nave neieunic 
 6-uvd.cvtvea oav i_Jya??ied } 
 ff° ^tiad/unaion — (^rieud '. 
 
 ana (£/) efitUu 4iotk ^ui^ainia 
 Do/in ^anaaon 
 %JVic/io€a4 & iiman, 
 KJyaina?iie^ «y ovnam 
 
 *JV etv- cy&amfi&nize 
 <_sfba&&acn,a&elld 
 
 (bonneciicai 
 
 l y\ / eiu- levAeu 
 
 (y enviby-tvama 
 
 i?K 
 
 c J/ m . cram, lofind.on 
 
 oae^ erne 
 
 >oaw <y ' Ziezman 
 QAotexanaer <^7Wamiiion 
 '/rii: <=&ivma&ion 
 (0)avta <LWfyeaZ'te'u. 
 W? 0>ateuon. 
 Zona : (2D anion 
 
 \ 
 
 ^ ''laiiAim 
 
 ov- ^^< / fko^^l^ 
 bt eo iovu<m,ef u 
 <J no s ^f 1 ' iizJiwionA
 
 CONSTITUTION OP THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 41 
 
 tea J/iiaevdo/i 
 
 etaw^e 
 
 ffeo: 0&ead 
 
 Qannma 03ec/hzc/ iun 
 
 fyicnatct SSadAetf 
 Jfaco: (wwom 
 f Carried, x^/mcc^&etivu 
 ^J^yfancJ \ @£an o^ ^ZT/io* Tenifr 
 
 /%)-'• I Jo/in 03/air — 
 
 <3iow c rri€€iam&on 
 
 C. 'tJhat'tedae 
 Charles Cotesworth Pincfoiey 
 T&ftaz/ed r incdne'u 
 &iewe 63ia/er' 
 
 Attest William Jackson Secretary [ ^^ &®a€a / tvm 
 
 4*" 
 
 ttawua 
 
 c/otitu i&aw'ii'. 
 
 ma
 
 42 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Proposed 
 first Con- 
 gress 
 First Ses- 
 sion March 
 4th 1789. 
 
 Rights of 
 consci- 
 ence, free- 
 dom of the 
 press, <fcc. 
 
 Right to 
 bear arms. 
 
 Of qu alt- 
 ering 
 I roops. 
 
 The following articles in addition to, and amendment 
 of, the Constitution of the United States of America, 
 have been ratified by the requisite number of States, and, 
 pursuant fllrthe fifth Article of the original Constitution, 
 have become^, part of that instrument. 
 
 Q/bitic/e tAe 4(,7At....f&onaie&<i &Ka/t 
 maue no taut- le&faecUna an ed-tatticd-ri^ 
 ment ojf ve/iaton, or faonivitina tue we 
 ex&wid-e tneuo4 ; or awiaama the weeaom 
 ojf &/ieech, or od tne /new ; or Me zia/it 
 ojf tAe fiecAte Sieaceavl'U to a&6.em / 6€e ana 
 to fzetitton the Q ove^nment tor a tcawfid 
 ojf azievanced. 
 
 Q/bitic€e the 6£cona...Q4o zve/t \eautatea 
 ^Amtitia, veina neceAAaiw to the &eca= 
 itty> oi a wee fjtate, the uant off the 
 fieofiie to neefi, ana vear QAetwid, &hatt 
 not ve wificnaea. 
 
 QADzticte the thwa......iJyo jotaier 
 
 d-hatt, i?i time o4 Sieace ve aaavtevea 
 en any hoa&e, tutt/iout the consent o4
 
 CONSTITUTION OP THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 43 
 
 t/te Owner, nor in time off zvai, /at in 
 a manner to ve fae&czivec/ <fr<u daw. 
 
 Qwitic/e tne jfouitn.....U ' ne ziant ojf 
 tne Sieo/i/e to fre dscate m tneir fievaond, 
 nou&ed, AaAeM, and ejfiectd, aaam&t tin* 
 leaAonav/e 6-eavcned a?ia 6-eizi^eA, d-na/t 
 not ve violated, ana no ^Taziantd 
 dna/i 16-6-ae, &ut ufion foovavte catide, 
 Aafifeovted <fru Oatn or animation, 
 ana Aaiticatazt'u aeAMivma tne A /ace 
 to v-e &eawnea, ana tne foev&ond or 
 tnmad to fre 6-eizea. 
 
 Q/bztic/e tne jfijftn *JFo Aezd-on 
 
 d-naiz ve neta to an&K/er jfoi a ca/iita/, 
 or otnerund-e mjfavnoud ciime, un/e&d on 
 a Jized-entment or ma / ictnie?tt ojf a ffvand 
 
 l-azu, eccce/it m ca&ed a%i&i?ia m t/ie 
 tana or nava/ jfozced, or in tne ^/ii/i= 
 tia, wne-n m actual 6-etvice in time ojf 
 
 /Far or &uv€ic aanaer ; nor &na/€ 
 
 Right to be 
 
 secure 
 
 from 
 
 searches, 
 general 
 warriuits, 
 &c. 
 
 Indict- 
 ments, 
 punish- 
 ments. &c.
 
 44 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Judict- 
 
 ments, 
 punish- 
 ments, <fcc. 
 
 Trial in 
 criminal 
 rases, and 
 the rishts 
 of a defen- 
 dant. 
 
 antf fieid-071 ve uz/j^ect 4o?<- t/ze Aame 
 offence to ve twice feut in teoAazay off 
 /iffe or 41WI-V- ; nor buait v-e co77z/ie//ea 
 i7i a7fu T£>uniina/ Toa&e tc ve a zvitned-d 
 aaam&t ni?n&e€ff } nor ve aefaived off /iffe, 
 €ivezty>, or fizo/ze'it / u, zz/it/zoiit aae Szto= 
 ce&d off law; nor &/za// faivate fac= 
 Aeitw /e tan,en ffor fouv€ic ud-e, wit/zotzt 
 
 iU&t C077z/ie7l&atl07l. 
 
 Q/bztic/e t/ze 6-ixt/z. J/n a/t cumi* 
 
 71a/ ffzzo&ecizliond , t/ze acca6.ec/ d-/za// en= 
 t-c-y tAe via/zt to a rfzeeaif ana /za/tic 
 tua/ } vm an im/zaztiai f a ' l/ ¥ °jf t/ze 
 t/tate ana aid-tiict ziLrzevein tue ciwze 
 6-nu// nave veen committed, w/zic/z aid= 
 tiict 6-tzat/ nave /-ee7i Sizevioa6€ / ?j> a&cez= 
 taizzea v-u taw, ana to /e i7zffoi77zea / ojf 
 t/ze nataze ana cau&e off t/ze accud.ati07i ; 
 to /e co7zffzontea ivitfc t/ze tctit7ied.6.ed 
 aaambt /zi7n ; to /zave ( ioo77i/za/d.oz'U 
 faoce&d ffor o/tainma G ty u itne&6.e6 in
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 4.5 
 
 nid flavor, and to nave t/ie OAo6-M6t= 
 ance off ^>oan&ei ffor nid deffence. 
 
 Qwfyticte tne &eventn ..*jn jaitd at 
 common taw, ^(^ne^e tne value in con= 
 tiove%6-?i> 6-na€t exceed twenty aottavd, tne 
 viant off tuav v-u f U//l/ ¥ ^natt ve fae= 
 d-ezvea, ana no ffact tzied v / w a fwi>% 
 6nat€ Se otnevtifi&e %e- examined in any 
 woa%t off tne ^Ibnitea jtated, tnan 
 acco^ama to tne za€ed off tne common 
 €ata. 
 
 QwztiC'ie tne eiantn . . . Sxceddive vail 
 bfia-t'i not v-e veaaizea, nor exce&d-ive ffmed 
 imAo&ea, nor cztie€ ana untiMia-c ffian= 
 id-nme?itd mffiicted. 
 
 QAQ^tlC'£e tne nmtn .. <J ne enamevation 
 i?i tne ^,on&titatio?i, off ce^taln wantd, 
 6-nat-v not ve co?i&tzaed to de?i / u or di6= 
 faataae otnevd vetamed v?/ tne '/ieefa€e. 
 
 QAD^tlcle tne tent A. *-J ne feoiveid not 
 
 deteaated to tne ^vknited Cf tated wu tne 
 
 Trials in 
 civil cases. 
 
 Bail anil 
 fines. 
 
 Rights re- 
 served. 
 
 Powers re- 
 served to 
 the States.
 
 46 
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Proposed 
 at the first 
 session of 
 the third 
 Congress 
 March 5th. 
 1794; and 
 declared 
 to have 
 been adop- 
 ted by the 
 Constitu- 
 tional 
 number of 
 States, 
 J any. 8th 
 1798. 
 
 Judicial 
 power. 
 
 See Art. 
 iii. sec. 2. 
 
 Proposed 
 Dec. 12th. 
 1803; and 
 declared 
 to have 
 Deen adop- 
 ted Sept. 
 25th. 1804. 
 
 Manner of 
 electing 
 the Presi- 
 dent and 
 Vice-Pres- 
 ident. 
 
 9oonUttatton, nor fiiohifrited -fry it to 
 tAe Stated, ewe ve&ezved to t/ie cftatet 
 lebfiective/'U, or to tne fieofite. 
 
 Q4)itic/e tne e/eventA . . . .*J ne Ca= 
 dicia/ flower of tne tffonited crtated 
 6.na// not v-e conatzued to extend to any 
 6-tcit in /azv or eauitw, commenced or 
 fno&ecuted aaam&t one of t/ie ^vknited 
 fytated vm ^itixend of anotner eft ate, 
 or v-u T£?itizend or c/aAj^ectd of any 
 
 <.{ft oieian jtate 
 
 Q/bztic€e tne tivetftn . . . U ' ne (diectoid 
 a-nat-i meet in tneir zed-fiective stated, 
 ana vote € i/ w vat'iot for xy zed-ident ana 
 VUice~'c!r%ed-iaent, one of tunom, at vead-t, 
 6nait not fre an innavitant of tne &ame 
 dtate zvitA tnembe'tved ; tneu d-nait name 
 tn their Aa-ttotd trie fiez&on voted for ad 
 kJ te&ident, ana in distinct vai'totd tne 
 fiei4o?i voted for ad < 3Uice-0 S ze&ident, 
 and tn&u 6-natt mane did-tmct iid-td of
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 47 
 
 a// /le^d■ond voted ffo^ ad £y \eudent, and 
 off a/t /letdond votea ffo^ ad- ^Uice~zy' iedt,= 
 e/ent, a?ia off tne nwmvw oj£ voted 4or 
 eacn, tu/iicn tid-td tney, Ana€'V dian and 
 ce^tiff'^r, ana tiandimt d-eatea to tne &eat 
 off tne aove^7^ment off tne ^Ikmted jtated, 
 dmected to tne £/ \ediaent off trie crenate ; 
 
 ^/ne ^rvediaent off tne jenate 6-natl, 
 
 in tne '/ive&ence off trie jenate and <z7&oa&e 
 off (ybefitedentatived , often a-ct trie ceitiffi* 
 canted ana trie voted d-natt trien ve coant^ 
 
 ed ; U ne ftieid-on navtng> tne azeatedt 
 
 ntwiver off voted 4o?" ijiediaent, dnat'i 
 v-e trie ty } lediaent } iff ducn number ve a 
 '/naffoutu off trie lano-te numve'r off (dtec= 
 to id afi/iomted ; ana iff no ftiezdon nave 
 dac/i marovit'u, trien fftzom tne Aezdond 
 navtna tne ntanedt nam^e^d not eaceed^ 
 ma trizee on trie tidt off tnode votea ffo^ 
 ad (y ledident , tne <z/woude off &i>eA%e= 
 6-entatived d-natt crioode tmineatatety , vy> 
 
 Manner of 
 electing 
 the Presi- 
 dent and 
 Vice-Pres- 
 ident.
 
 48 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Manner of 
 electins 
 the Presi- 
 dent and 
 Vice-Pres- 
 ident. 
 
 <tfa//ot, t/te ^ved-ident. 03 at m cAoodintff 
 td& 0*ieMa / ent } t4e voted dda// 4e lateen 
 d-u dialed- } tne wAzeAentation, worn eacn 
 d-tate davma one vote ; a aaoiam ffor 
 tdid fiatfiode d-na// condtdt off a vnemver 
 or me??ivevd ffwm luio-tnizad off trie 
 &tated, ana a matoutu off ait tne d-tated 
 dnat& ve neceAd■a^y tc a c/ioice. Q/wna 
 ifff tne <?fooud.e ojl 0befiiedenlatived d-natt 
 not cnood-e a i^rved-iaent n/nenever- tne 
 iia/it off cnoice d-nati aevotve u/ion 
 lAe?n, vcffoze tne ffouvtn aau off <_stf(cawn 
 next ffo€€o'titina , tnen tne VfJice-zy' ied.= 
 iaent d/iata act ad zs ledtaenl, ad in tne 
 cad-e off tne aeatn or otner co?idtilaliona't 
 
 ai-Aavi'tili/' off tne 'ts J ^edlaent. t/ ne 
 
 Zieidon navina tne azeate&t number off 
 voted ad VVice-)cyied-iaent } Anai-o -vc tne 
 ( ^Uice- < ^/'\ediaent, iff d-acn numver ve a 
 maffo%U?i> off tne zcAnote numver off (otecl= 
 ozd afeAomtea, ana iff no fieidon nave a
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 49 
 
 mafovity-, tn&n, ffw?ri tue two '/iianeAt 
 7^lC7?l€ L 6^6 07i t/ie €i6t, tne t/enate d-nci'L-t 
 cnood-e tne ( ^Utce-zy^e6■iaent; a auoitMn, 
 dor tne fnwfio&e &na€'t con&t&t off two* 
 t/iivc/d o4 tne who've ntcm^eT' off jenatotd, 
 a?ic& a 'ma1<o^it / u> off tne wnoie nwrnver 
 bnatt ve neced-baiii to a cnotce. ^yjut 
 no fle^6■07^ covi&titiitiona'i'V'U ineiiaizt-'ie to 
 tne offfftce off & \ed.iae?it 6.na€z v-e eziaiv'te 
 to tnat offf &Vice ~ & zeuc/ent off tne 
 nitea jtated . 
 
 Agreeable to the third paragraph of Art. II. Section 
 I. of the original Constitution, Congress passed a law on 
 the 23rd. of January, 1845, " that the electors of President 
 and Vice-President shall be appointed in each state on 
 the Tuesday next after the first Monday in the month of 
 November of the year in which they are to be appointed. 
 Provided, That each state may by law provide for the 
 filling of any vacancy or vacancies which may occur in 
 its college of electors when such college meets to give its 
 electoral vote. And provided also, When any state shall 
 have held an election for the purpose of choosing electors, 
 and shall fail to make a choice on the day aforesaid, then 
 the electors may be appointed on a subsequent day in 
 such manner as the state shall by law provide." 
 
 Note. The Articles in addition to, and amendment of, the Constitution, have been numbered 
 in the order of their adoption, (not as proposed). The lltli and 12th Articles were written 
 on separate pieces of parchment, and were not numbered, when proposed ; they have assumed 
 the above titles by their adoption. 
 
 ~5~ D
 
 INDEX TO THE U. S. CONSTITUTION. 
 
 51 
 
 INDEX 
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 A. 
 
 Art. 
 Arts and Sciences, to be promoted .... 1 
 
 Acts, records, and judicial proceedings of each State entitled 
 
 to faith and credit in other States - - - 4 
 
 Amendments to the Constitution, how made - - - 5 
 " " made - - - — 
 
 Appointments, to be made by the President - - -2 
 Apportionment of Representatives • 1 
 
 Appropriations by law ------ 1 
 
 Appropriation for army, not to exceed two years- - 1 
 Armies, Congress to raise and support 1 
 
 Arms, right of the people to keep and bear - - - 2 
 Assemble, people may -------1 
 
 Attainder, bill of, prohibited to Congress - - - 1 
 " prohibited to the States .... 1 
 
 " of treason, shall not work corruption of blood, 
 
 or forfeiture, except during the life of the 
 person attainted ----- 3 
 
 B. 
 
 Bail, excessive, not required -----. 8 
 
 Bankruptcy laws to be uniform - - - - 1 
 
 Bills for raising revenue, shall originate in the House of 
 
 Representatives ...... l 
 
 " before they become laws, shall be passed by both 
 Houses, and approved by President ; or, if dis- 
 approved, shall be passed by two-thirds of each 
 House -----.--1 
 
 " not returned in ten days, unless an adjournment in- 
 tervene, shall be laws ..... i 
 
 Borrow money, Congress may ..... 1 
 
 * A stanjs for Amendment. 
 
 Sec. 
 
 Page 
 
 8 
 
 18 
 
 1 
 
 34 
 
 1 
 
 36 
 
 - 
 
 42 
 
 2 
 
 28 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 9 
 
 22 
 
 8 
 
 18 
 
 8 
 
 18 
 
 A* 
 
 42 
 
 A* 
 
 42 
 
 9 
 
 21 
 
 10 
 
 23 
 
 A* 45 
 8 17 
 
 7 14 
 
 14
 
 52 
 
 INDEX TO THE V. S. CONSTITUTION. 
 
 c. 
 
 Capitation tax, apportionment of. (See also v. Wheat. 
 
 317; iii. Dall. 171.)* 
 Census, or enumeration, to be made every ten years 
 Citizens of each State shall be entitled to the privileges 
 and immunities of citizens in the several States. (See 
 also iv. Johns' Chancery Reports, 430.)* 
 Claims, no prejudice to certain - - 
 
 Claims of the United States, or of the several States, not 
 to be prejudiced by any construction of the Consti- 
 tution ........ 
 
 Coasting trade, regulations respecting • 
 
 " " no preference given .... 
 
 Coins, Congress fix value of foreign » - 
 
 Commerce, Congress to regulate - 
 
 " regulations respecting, to be equal and uniform 
 
 Commissions, to be granted by the President - 
 ] Common law, recognised and established ... 
 
 Congress, vested with power ..... 
 
 " may alter the regulations of State Legislatures 
 concerning elections of Senators and Repre- 
 sentatives, except as to pluct of choosing Sena- 
 tors --...-.. 
 " shall assemble once every year « 
 
 " officers of Government cannot be members of - 
 " may provide for cases of removal, death, &c, of 
 President and Vice President ... 
 " may determine the time of choosing electors of 
 
 President and Vice President ... 
 " may invest the appointment of inferior officers 
 in the President alone, in the courts of law, 
 or the Heads of Departments ... 
 * may establish courts inferior to the Supreme 
 
 Court 
 
 ■ may declare the punishment of treason 
 
 " may prescribe the manner of proving the acts 
 and records of each State .... 
 
 " to assent to the formation of new States - 
 " may propose amendments to Constitution, or call 
 a Convention ...... 
 
 " to lay and collect taxes, duties, pay debts, &c. 
 (See also v. Wheat. 317.)* 
 
 Art. 
 
 Sec. 
 
 Page 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 21 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 7 
 
 4 
 
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 34 
 
 4 
 
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 36 
 
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 Af 
 
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 2 1 25 
 
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 I 
 
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 36 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 17 
 
 * Reports of judicial decisions; for Lawyers and Legislators. 
 
 t Amendment.
 
 INDEX TO THE U. S. CONSTITUTION. 
 
 Congiiess to borrow money. (See also ii. Pet. 465.) 
 
 " to regulate commerce. (See also ix. Wheat. 1 ; 
 
 xvii. Johns, 488.) 
 " to establish uniform laws of bankruptcy and natu- 
 ralization. (See also ix. Wheat. 1 ; xvii. 483 ; 
 
 i. Pet. 251 ; iv. Wash. C. C. R. 317; vi. Pet. 
 
 515; ii. Wheat. 269; iv. Wheat. 122, 192, 
 
 209 ; xii. Wheat. 213; xx. Johns, 693.) 
 " to coin money, regulate the value of coin, and fix 
 
 a standard of weights and measures 
 " to punish counterfeiting ..... 
 " to establish post offices and post roads 
 " to authorize patents to authors and inventors. 
 
 (See also iii. Wheat. Ap. 2, p. vii. Wheat. 356.) 
 " to constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme 
 
 Court. (See also i. Pet. 546.) - 
 " to define and punish piracies, felonies on the 
 
 high seas, and offences against the laws of 
 
 nations. (See also iii. Wheat. 336 ; v. Wheat. 
 
 76, 153, 186.) 
 " to declare war, grant letters of marque, and make 
 
 rules concerning captures. (See also viii. 
 
 Cranch, 110, 154.) 
 " to raise and support armies .... 
 " to provide and maintain a navy. (See also iv. 
 
 Binn. 487.) 
 " to make rules for the government of the army 
 
 and navy ....... 
 
 " to call out the militia in certain cases. (See also 
 
 v. Wheat. 1 ; xix. Johns, 7.) 
 " to organize, arm, and discipline militia. (See 
 
 also iii. S. & R. 169 ; v. Wheat. 1 ; xix. 
 
 Johns, 7.) 
 " to exercise exclusive legislation over seat of Gov- 
 
 ernment. (See also v. Wheat. 317, 324 ; vi. 
 
 Wheat. 440 ; xvii. Johns, 225.) 
 " to pass laws necessary to carry the enumerated 
 
 powers into effect. (See also iv. Wheat. 413 ; 
 
 vi. Wheat. 204.) 
 " limitations of the powers of. (See also i. Wash. 
 
 C. C. R. 500.) 
 " to dispose of, and make rules concerning the ter- 
 ritory or other property of the United States 
 
 Ut 
 
 See. 
 
 Page 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 17 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 17 
 
 17 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 17 
 
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 8 
 
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 19 
 
 19 
 
 20 
 20 
 
 35
 
 54 
 
 INDEX TO THE U. S. CONSTITUTION. 
 
 Art. Sec. Page 
 
 Congress, President may convene and adjourn in certain 
 
 cases - 
 
 Constitution, how amended - 
 
 « laws and treaties, declared to be the su- 
 
 preme law ------ 
 
 « rendered operative by the ratification of 
 
 nine States. (See also v. Wheat. 422.) 
 Contracts, no law impairing - 
 
 Conventions, for proposing amendments to the Constitu- 
 tion ------- 
 
 Counterfeiting, Congress to provide for punishment 
 
 Court, Supreme, its original and appellate jurisdiction. 
 
 (See also v. Serg. & Rawle, 544 ; i. Binney, 138 ; 
 
 i. Wheat. 327 ; vii. Pet. 276.) 
 
 Courts, inferior to the Supreme Court, may be ordained by 
 
 Congress ------- 
 
 Ditto ditto 
 
 Crimes, persons accused of, fleeing from justice, may be de- 
 manded. (See also iv. Johns' Chanc. Rep. 106.) 
 " how to be tried ------- 
 
 Criminal prosecutions, proceedings in cases of - 
 
 D. 
 Debts, against the Confederation, to be valid - 
 Duties, to be laid by Congress, and to be uniform - 
 " further provision respecting - 
 " cannot be laid by the States - 
 " on exports prohibited - - - - - 
 
 " on imports and exports, imposed by States, shall 
 
 inure to the Treasury of the United States - 1 
 
 E. 
 
 Elections, of Senators and Representatives, shall be pre- 
 scribed by the States ... 1 
 " qualifications and returns of members of Con- 
 gress, to be determined by each House - 1 
 Electors of President and Vice President, how chosen, 
 
 and their duties ------ 2 
 
 " altered 12 
 
 " to vote the same day throughout the U. States - 2 
 " no Senator, or Representative, or public officer, 
 
 shall serve as- - - - - -2 
 
 10 
 
 3S 
 
 7 
 
 1 
 
 39 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 23 
 
 5 
 
 1 
 
 37 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 17 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 32 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 18 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 30 
 
 4 
 
 2 
 
 34 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 32 
 
 6 
 
 A» 
 
 44 
 
 6 
 
 1 
 
 38 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 17 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 21 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 23 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 21 
 
 23 
 
 4 
 
 11 
 
 5 
 
 12 
 
 1 
 
 24 
 
 A» 
 
 46 
 
 1 
 
 25 
 
 25 
 
 * A stands for Amendment.
 
 INDEX TO THE U. S. CONSTITUTION. 
 
 Enumeration, every ten years ..... 
 
 Executive power vested in a President. (See President) 
 Exports, not to be taxed ------ 
 
 " and imports, States prohibited from laying duties 
 on -------- 
 
 Ex post facto iaw, none shall be passed. (See also iii. 
 Dall. 386, 396 ; vi. Binn. 271.) 
 " " " prohibited to States - 
 
 F. 
 Fines, excessive, prohibited - - - - 
 Fugitives, from justice, to be delivered up 
 " from service, may be reclaimed 
 
 H. 
 
 Habeas corpus, writ of, can only be suspended in cases of 
 rebellion or invasion - - - - 
 House of Representatives. (See Representatives.) 
 " each may expel a member, (i. Hall's Am. Law 
 Journal, 459.) 
 
 I. 
 
 Impeachment, to be brought by House of Representatives - 
 " tried by the Senate ----- 
 
 " judgment on ----- - 
 
 " all civil officers liable to - 
 
 Importation of slaves, not prohibited till 1808 
 
 Judges, shall hold their offices during good behavioi. (See 
 
 also i. Pet. 546.) 
 
 Judiciart, tribunals inferior to Supreme Court may be 
 created ....... 
 
 Judges, their compensation. (See also vii. Johns' Ch. R., 
 
 303; i. Wheat. 327; i. Pet. 546.) 
 Judicial power, vested in a Supreme Court, and courts 
 inferior ------ 
 
 " powers of the Judiciary. (See Amend- 
 
 ments, Art. xi. ; ii. Dall. 297 ; vi. Wheat. 
 264, 405; ix. Wheat. 819; iv. Wash. 
 C.C.R. 371: i. Pet. 512; ii. Pet. 251; 
 iii. Pet. 289 ; vii. Pet. 276 ; and Act 
 of Congress, 1789.) 
 
 Art. 
 
 Sec. 
 
 Page 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 7 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 24 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 21 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 23 
 
 I 
 
 9 
 
 21 
 
 10 
 
 2:1 
 
 - 8 
 
 A* 
 
 4 
 
 - 4 
 
 2 
 
 34 
 
 - 4 
 
 2 
 
 35 
 
 21 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 8 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 10 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 10 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 30 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 20 
 
 31 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 18 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 31 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 30 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 31 
 
 * A stands for Amendment.
 
 56 
 
 INDEX TO THE U. S. CONSTITUTION*. 
 
 
 Art. 
 
 Sec. 
 
 Page 
 
 Judicial power, restriction as to suits against a State. (See 
 
 11 
 
 A* 
 
 46 
 
 also vi. Wheat. 402; Pet. 110; vii. 
 
 
 
 
 Pet. 627.) 
 
 
 
 
 Judicial proceedings of each State are entitled to faith 
 
 
 
 
 and credit in every State - 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 34 
 
 Jury trial secured, and shall be held in the State where 
 
 
 
 
 the crime shall have been committed - 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 32 
 
 " further regulated ------ 
 
 6 
 
 A* 
 
 44 
 
 " ' secured in suits at common law where the value 
 
 
 
 
 in controversy shall exceed twenty dt. liars. 
 
 7 
 
 A* 
 
 45 
 
 (See also viif. Wheat. 85, 674.) 
 
 
 
 
 L. 
 Law, what is declared the supreme - 
 
 6 
 
 1 
 
 38 
 
 Law, common, recognised and established - 
 
 7 
 
 A* 
 
 44 
 
 Laws, President to see them faithfully executed 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 30 
 
 Legislative powers, vested in Congress. (See Congrtss.) 
 
 
 
 
 Loans, authority to make ...... 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 20 
 
 M. 
 Marque and reprisal, letters of - 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 18 
 
 Militia to be called out, armed, &c, by Congress - 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 19 
 
 " to be officered by the States .... 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 19 
 
 " to be commanded by President - - - . 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 27 
 
 " their right to keep and bear arms secured - 
 
 2 
 
 A* 
 
 42 
 
 Monet shall be drawn from the treasury, only by appro- 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 22 
 
 " Congress to coin and regulate value ... 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 17 
 
 " States cannot make --.-.. 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 23 
 
 N. 
 Naturalization, uniform rules - 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 17 
 
 Navt, Congress to provide and govern - 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 19 
 
 Nobilitt, titles of, shall not be granted by the U. States - 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 22 
 
 nor by the States ---... 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 23 j 
 
 0. 
 
 Officers, of House of Representatives shall be chosen by 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 8 
 
 " of the Senate shall be chosen by the Senate 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 10 
 
 civil, may be removed by impeachment - 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 30 
 
 Order of one House, requiring the concurrence of the 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 7 
 
 16 
 
 * A stands for Amendment. 
 
 

 
 INDEX TO THE U. S. CONSTITUTION. 
 
 Oath, of the President - 
 " of the public officers 
 
 Pardons, President may grant - 
 
 Patents to be granted to inventors - 
 
 Petition, right of ....... 
 
 Persons held to labor or service, their importation or mi- 
 gration into the United States may be prohib- 
 ited after 1808 
 
 " escaping from one State to another, shall be de- 
 livered up to those entitled to service 
 Piract, Congress to prescribe punishment ... 
 Post offices and post roads, establishment of 
 Powers not delegated to Congress, nor prohibited to the 
 
 States, are reserved. (See also i. Wheat. 325.) 10 
 " Legislative. (See Congress.) 
 " Executive. (See President.) 
 " Judicial. (See Judicial.) 
 Preamble. (See also i. Wheat. 324, and v. Wheat. 420.) 
 Presents from foreign powers to public officers prohibited 
 Press, freedom of - 
 
 President of the U. S. vested with the Executive power 
 " " shall be chosen for four years 
 
 " " how elected .... 
 
 \rt. 
 
 Sec. 
 
 Page 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 27 
 
 6 
 
 I 
 
 38 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 28 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 18 
 
 1 
 
 A* 
 
 42 
 
 " " same ..... 
 
 " " qualifications for 
 
 " " who shall act in case of vacancy 
 
 " " compensation of 
 
 " " shall take an oath of office - 
 
 " " may be removed by impeachment 
 
 President, commander of army, navy, and militia - 
 
 " may require the written opinions of the heads 
 
 of Departments - - - - - 2 
 " may reprieve and pardon .... 2 
 
 •' may make treaties, with consent of the Senate 2 
 
 " may appoint to office, with the consent of the 
 
 Senate -.---.-2 
 " shall fill up vacancies happening during the re- 
 
 cess of the Senate - - - - - 2 
 u shall give information to Congress, and recom- 
 
 mend measures - - - - - 2 
 
 20 
 
 4 
 
 2 
 
 37 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 18 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 18 
 
 45 
 
 2 28 
 
 2 28 
 
 2 28 
 
 2 28 
 
 2 29 
 
 3 29 
 
 * A stands for Amendment.
 
 58 
 
 INDEX TO THE U. S. CONSTITUTION. 
 
 Art 
 2 
 2 
 2 
 
 President may convene both Houses, or either House - 
 " may adjourn them in case of disagreement 
 
 " shall receive ambassadors and public ministers 
 
 " shall take care that the laws be faithfully exe- 
 
 cuted ..-...-2 
 " shall commission all officers. (See also 2 
 
 i. Cranch, 137.) 
 Privileges and immunities of members of CongTess - 1 
 
 " of citizens. (See Citizens, also Rights.) 
 
 Property, Congress to provide for care of public property 4 
 " shall not be taken for public use without just 
 
 compensation ----- 5 
 
 Punishments, cruel and unusual, prohibited - - - 8 
 
 Q- 
 
 Quorum, for business, what shall be - - - - 1 
 " of States, in choosing a President by the House 
 
 of Representatives - - - - - 12 
 
 Quartered, no soldier to be quartered on a citizen - - 3 
 
 R. 
 
 Receipts and expenditures, accounts of, to be published - 
 Records, how to be authenticated. (See also vii. Cranch, 
 481 ; iii. Wheat. 234; vi. Wheat. 129 ; i. Pet. 
 81, 352; x. Serg. & Rawle, 242.) 
 Religion, no law to be made, free exercise of. (See also 
 iii. Yeates, 520.) 
 " religious test not required - 
 Reprieves, granted by the President .... 
 Representatives, House of, composed of members chosen 
 
 every second year. (See 
 also v. Wheat. 422.) 
 " " qualifications of inhabitants - 
 
 " " qualifications of members 
 
 " " apportionment of 
 
 " " vacancies, how supplied 
 
 " " shall choose their officers - 
 
 " " shall have the power of im- 
 
 peachment - - - 
 •' " shall be the judge of the elec- 
 
 tion and qualifications of 
 its members - - - 
 
 Soc. 
 3 
 3 
 3 
 
 3 
 3 
 
 29 
 
 29 
 
 30 
 
 30 
 30 
 
 13 
 
 36 
 
 43 
 45 
 
 12 
 
 48 
 42 
 
 42 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 7 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 8 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 8 
 
 11 
 
 * A stands for Amendment.
 
 INDEX TO THE U. S. CONSTITUTION. 
 
 59 
 
 Art. 
 
 Representatives, House of, what shall be a quorum 
 
 " " any number may adjourn 
 
 and compel the attendance 
 of absentees - 
 n " may determine the rules of 
 
 proceeding - 
 " " may punish or expel a member 
 
 " " shall keep a journal and pub- 
 
 lish the same - 
 «« " shall not adjourn for more 
 
 than three days, nor to any 
 other place, without the 
 consent of the Senate 
 « " one-fifth may require the yeas 
 
 and nays ... 
 « " shall originate bills for rais- 
 
 ing revenue - - - 
 " " compensation to be ascer- 
 
 tained by law - - - 
 " " privileged from arrest, except 
 
 in certain cases 
 Representatives, shall not be questioned for speech or 
 debate in the House - 
 " shall not be appointed to office - 
 
 " Bhall not serve as electors of President 
 
 " and direct taxes apportioned according 
 
 to numbers. (See also v. Wheat. 3 1 7.) 
 Representation of a State, vacancies in, supplied until a 
 new election by executive authority - 
 Resolution, order, or vote, requiring the concurrence of 
 both Houses, to undergo the formalities of 
 
 bills 
 
 Revenue bills, to originate in House of Representatives - 
 Rights of the citizen declared to be — 
 
 privileges of citizens of the seve- 
 ral States - 
 " " liberty of conscience in matters 
 
 of religion - 
 " " . freedom of speech and of the 
 
 press - - - - - 
 " " to assemble and petition - 
 
 Sec. Page 
 5 12 
 
 12 
 
 12 
 
 5 
 
 13 
 
 5 
 
 13 
 
 7 
 
 14 
 
 6 
 
 13 
 
 6 
 
 13 
 
 6 
 
 13 
 
 6 
 
 14 
 
 1 
 
 25 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 2 
 
 8 
 
 7 
 
 16 
 
 7 
 
 14 
 
 2 34 
 
 A* 42 
 
 A* 42 
 
 A* 42 
 
 * A stands for Amendment.
 
 60 
 
 INDEX TO THE U. S. CONSTITUTION. 
 
 
 
 Art. 
 
 Sec. 
 
 Page 
 
 Rights of the citizen to keep and bear arms 
 
 1 
 
 A* 
 
 42 
 
 << « 
 
 to be exempt from the quartering 
 
 
 
 
 
 of soldiers - 
 
 3 
 
 A* 
 
 42 
 
 M « 
 
 to be secure from unreasonable 
 
 
 
 
 
 searches and seizures. (See 
 
 4 
 
 A* 
 
 43 
 
 
 also ill. Cranch, 448, 453 ; vi. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Binney, 316.) 
 
 
 
 
 « « 
 
 to be free from answering for a^ 
 crime, unless on presentment 
 
 
 
 
 
 or indictment of a jury - 
 
 5 
 
 A» 
 
 43 
 
 « « 
 
 not to be twice jeoparded for the 
 
 
 
 
 
 same offence ... 
 
 5 
 
 A» 
 
 44 
 
 « u 
 
 not to be compelled to be a wit- 
 
 >5 
 
 
 
 
 ness against himself 
 
 A* 
 
 44 
 
 <t « 
 
 not to be deprived of life, liberty, 
 or property, without due course 
 
 
 
 
 
 of law .... 
 
 5 
 
 A* 
 
 44 
 
 « « 
 
 private property not to be taken 
 
 
 
 
 
 for public use — < 
 
 5 
 
 A* 
 
 44 
 
 
 (See also iii. Yeates, 362 ; vi. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Binn. 509; ii. Dall. 312; i. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Serg. & R. 382 ; vi. Cowen, 
 
 
 
 
 
 530; vii. Pet. 243.) 
 
 
 
 
 M « 
 
 in criminal prosecutions, shall 
 enjoy the right of a speedy 
 trial by jury, with all the 
 means necessary for his de- 
 
 
 
 
 
 fence - - - - - 
 
 6 
 
 A* 
 
 44 
 
 << (i 
 
 in civil cases, trial to be by a jury, 
 and shall only be re-examined 
 
 
 
 
 
 according to common law 
 
 7 
 
 A* 
 
 45 
 
 <« M 
 
 excessive bail shall not be re- 
 quired, excessive fines imposed, 
 nor cruel or unusual punish- 
 
 
 
 
 
 ments inflicted - 
 
 8 
 
 A* 
 
 45 
 
 l« « 
 
 enumeration of certain rights 
 shall not operate against re- 
 
 
 
 
 
 tained rights ... 
 
 9 
 
 A* 
 
 45 
 
 Rule9, each House shall determine its own - 
 
 1 
 
 5 
 
 12 
 
 Seat of Government, 
 
 S. 
 exclusive legislation - 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 19 
 
 
 * A stands for Amendment. 
 
 

 
 INDEX TO THE U. S. CONSTITUTION. 
 
 61 
 
 Art. 
 
 Searches and seizures, security against - 
 Senate, composed of two Senators from each State - 
 " how chosen, classed, and terms of service - 
 «' qualifications of Senators - 
 
 " Vice President to be President of 
 " shall choose their officers - - - - - 
 
 " shall be the judge of the elections and qualifica- 
 tions of its members -"-..-. 
 " what number shall be a quorum - 
 
 " any number may adjourn, and compel attendance 
 of absentees ------- 
 
 " may determine its rules - - - - - 
 
 " may punish or expel a member - 
 •« shall keep a journal and publish the same, except 
 parts requiring secrecy - - - - - 
 
 " shall not adjourn for more than three days, nor to 
 any other place, without the consent of the other 
 House -------- 
 
 " one-fifth may require the yeas and nays 
 " may propose amendments to bills for raising reve- 
 nue -------- 
 
 " shall try impeachments ----- 
 
 " effect of their judgment on impeachment 
 " compensation to be ascertained by law 
 " privileged from arrest - 
 
 " not questioned for any speech or debate 
 
 " shall not be appointed to office - - - 
 " Senator shall not be elector . - - 
 Senators and Representatives, elections of, how pre- 
 scribed ------- 
 
 Slates, their importation may be prohibited after 1808 
 
 escaping from one State to another, may be re- 
 claimed. (See also ii. Serg. & Kawle, 206 ; 
 iii. S. & R. 4; v. 62; i. Wash. Circuit Court 
 Reports, 500.) 
 Soldiers not quartered on citizens - - - - - 
 
 Speaker, how chosen ------- 
 
 Speech, freedom of ------- 
 
 States prohibited from — 
 
 entering into treaty, alliance, or confederation ; 
 granting letters of marque; coining money 
 
 * A stands for Amendment. 
 
 Sec. 
 
 Page 
 
 A* 
 
 43 
 
 3 
 
 8 
 
 3 
 
 8 
 
 3 
 
 9 
 
 3 
 
 9 
 
 3 
 
 10 
 
 5 
 
 11 
 
 5 
 
 12 
 
 5 
 
 12 
 
 5 
 
 12 
 
 5 
 
 12 
 
 12 
 
 5 
 
 13 
 
 5 
 
 12 
 
 7 
 
 14 
 
 3 
 
 10 
 
 3 
 
 10 
 
 6 
 
 13 
 
 G 
 
 13 
 
 6 
 
 13 
 
 6 
 
 14 
 
 1 
 
 25 
 
 4 
 
 11 
 
 9 
 
 20 
 
 35 
 
 3 
 
 A* 
 
 42 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 8 
 
 1 
 
 A» 
 
 42 
 
 10 23
 
 62 
 
 INDEX TO THE U. S. CONSTITUTION. 
 
 "States prohibited from — 
 
 emitting bills of credit ; making anything a ten- 
 der but gold and silver coin ; passing bills of at- 
 tainder, ex post facto laws, or laws impairing 
 contract; granting titles of nobility - 
 laying duties on imports and exports. (See also 
 iv. Wheat. 122, 209, 518; v. Wheat. 420; vi. 
 Wheat. 131 ; viii. Wheat. 84, 92,256, note 464; 
 xii. Wheat. 213, 370; xvi. Johns, 233; xii. 
 Mass. 16; vii. Johns, Ch. R. 297; ii. Cowen, 
 626 ; i. Rawle, 181 ; iv. Pet. 41 1, 514 ; vii. Pet. 
 469, viii. Pet. 40.) 
 laying duties on tonnage - 
 
 keeping troops, or ships of war, in time of peace - 
 entering into any agreement or contract with an- 
 other State, or a foreign power - 
 engaging in war ----.. 
 States, new, may be admitted into the Union 
 
 " may be formed within the jurisdiction of others, or 
 by the junction of two or more, with the consent 
 of Congress and the Legislatures concerned 
 State judges bound to consider treaties, the constitution, 
 
 and the laws under it, as supreme - 
 State, guarantied a republican form of government ; pro- 
 tected by United States - 
 Supreme Court. (See Court, and Judiciary.) 
 Suits at common law, proceedings 
 
 Art. Sec. Page 
 
 - 4 
 
 - 7 
 
 Tax, direct, according to representation ... 
 
 " shall be laid only in proportion to census 
 
 (See also v. Wheat. 317 ; iii. Dall. 171.) 
 Tax, on exports, prohibited ---.-. 
 Tender, what shall be a legal ..... 
 
 Territory, or public property, Congress may make rules 
 concerning ...... 
 
 Test, religious, shall not be required .... 
 
 Titles. (See Nobility.') 
 
 Title from foreign State prohibited .... 
 
 Treason, defined ----.-..3 
 
 " two witnesses, or confession, necessary for con- 
 
 viction -.-....3 
 
 10 
 10 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 24 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 24 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 24 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 24 
 
 4 
 
 3 
 
 35 
 
 35 
 
 38 
 
 36 
 
 45 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 21 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 21 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 23 
 
 4 
 
 3 
 
 35 
 
 G 
 
 1 
 
 39 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 22 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 33 
 
 33 
 
 * A stands for Amendment
 
 INDEX TO THE U. S. CONSTITUTION. 
 
 03 
 
 Art. Sec. Fa£e 
 
 Treason, punishment of, may be prescribed by Congress - 3 3 33 
 
 Treasury, money drawn from, only by appropriation - 1 9 22 
 
 Treaties, how made -..-.--2 2 28 
 
 " the supreme law ------ 6 1 38 
 
 " State cannot make - - - - 1 10 23 
 
 V. 
 
 Vacancies, happening during the recess, may be filled tem- 
 porarily by the President - 2 2 29 
 " in representation in Congress, how filled - 1 2 8 
 Veto of the President, effect of, and proceedings on - 1 7 15 
 Vice President of the United States — 
 
 to be President of the Senate - 1 3 9 
 
 how elected -------2 1 24 
 
 amendment - - - - - - - 12 A* 46 
 
 shall, in certain cases, discharge the duties of 
 
 President 2 1 26 
 
 may be removed by impeachment - 2 4 30 
 
 Vote of one House, requiring concurrence of the other - 1 7 16 
 
 W. 
 
 War, Congress to declare. (See also viii. Cranch, 110, 154.) 1 8 18 
 Warrants for searches and seizures, when and how they 
 
 shall issue - - - - - -4 A* 43 
 
 Witness, in criminal cases, no one compelled to be against 
 
 himself -------5 A* 44 
 
 Weights and measures, standard of- - - -1 8 17 
 
 y. 
 
 Yeas and Nats, entered on Journal ... 1 5 12 
 
 * A stands for Amendment.
 
 (64)
 
 STANDING KTJLES AND ORDERS 
 
 CONDUCTING BUSINESS IN THE HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES OP THE UNITED 
 STATES, AND THE JOINT RULES AND ORDERS OP THE 
 TWO HOUSES OF CONGRESS, 
 
 EXPLANATORY NOTES, AND THE TIME OF ADOPTION DESIGNATED 
 OPPOSITE EACH RULE IN THE MARGIN. 
 
 AND 
 
 A COMPLETE INDEX
 
 Office Bouse of Kepre- 
 sentativcs, U.S. 
 Washington, Au- 
 gust 16,1851. 
 
 I, Richard M. Young, 
 Clerk of the House of 
 Representatives of the 
 United States, Do here- 
 by certify, that Joseph 
 Bartlett Burleigh's edi- 
 tion of the Rules and 
 Orders of the House 
 of Representatives, 
 and the Joint Rules 
 of the two Houses of 
 Congress, has been 
 carefully compared 
 with the edition print- 
 ed for the use of the 
 Uouse of Representa- 
 tives, and found cor- 
 rect. 
 
 QyT^t/U^yiC otA- Ua^A^Jt^-* 
 
 Clerk of House of Rep's, U. 8. 
 
 City of Washington, D. C. 
 August 16, 1851. 
 I have carefully compared Burleigh's edition of the Rules and Orders of the House 
 of Representatives of the United States, and the Joint Rules of the Two Houses of 
 Congress, with the edition printed for the use of the House of Representatives, and 
 found the same accurate. 
 
 DAXL. BUCK, 
 Asst. Clh. Office House of Reps U. S. 
 
 (66;,
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 61 
 
 STANDING RULES AND ORDERS 
 
 FOR CONDUCTING BUSINESS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- 
 TATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES, 
 
 WITH NOTES. 
 
 TOUCHING THE DUTY OF THE SPEAKER. 
 
 Rule 1. He shall take the chair every day precisely at 
 the hour to which the House shall have adjourned on the 
 preceding day ; shall immediately call the members to 
 order ; and, on the appearance of a quorum,* shall cause 
 the Journal of the preceding day to be read. 
 
 R. 2. He shall preserve order and decorum ; may speak 
 to points of order in preference to other members, rising 
 from his seat for that purpose ; and shall decide ques- 
 tions of order, subject to an appeal to the House by any 
 two members ; [on which appeal no member shall speak 
 more than once, unless by leave of the Ho use. t] 
 
 R. 3. He shall rise to put a question, but may state it 
 sitting. 
 
 R.4. Questions shall be distinctly put in this form, to wit: 
 
 "As many as are of opinion that (as the question 
 
 * A majority of the House. — See U. S. Constitution, Article I., Sec. 5. 
 
 ■j- Difficulties have often arisen as to a supposed discrepancy between the 
 appeal contemplated in this rule and that referred to in rule 35. There is 
 no discrepancy. The question of order mentioned in the second rule relates 
 to motions or propositions, their applicability or relevancy, or their admissi- 
 bility on the score of time, or in the order of business, &c. The " call to 
 order" mentioned in rule 35, on which, in case of appeal, there can be no 
 debate, has reference only to " transgressions of the rules in speaking," or to 
 indecorum of any kind. See also rule 51, in which debate on an appeal, 
 pending a call for the previous question, is prohibited.
 
 68 
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 may be) say Ay"* and after the affirmative voice is ex- 
 pressed, 
 
 "As many as are of the contrary opinion, say No* If 
 the Speaker doubt, or a division be called for, the House 
 shall divide: those in the affirmative of the question shall 
 first rise from their seats, and afterwards those in the 
 negative.t If the Speaker still doubt, or a count be re- 
 quired, the Speaker shall name two members, one from 
 each side, to tell the members in the affirmative and nega- 
 tive \\ which being reported, he shall rise and state the 
 decision to the House. [No division and count of the 
 House by tellers shall be in order, but upon motion se- 
 conded by at least one-fifth of a quorum of the members.] 
 
 R. 5. When any motion or proposition is made, the 
 question, " Will the House now consider it?" shall not 
 be put unless it is demanded by some member, or is 
 deemed necessary by the Speaker. 
 
 R. 6. The Speaker shall examine and correct the Jour- 
 nal before it is read. He shall have a general direction 
 of the Hall. He shall have a right to name any member 
 to perform the duties of the Chair, but such substitution 
 shall not extend beyond an adjournment. 
 
 R. 7. All committees shall be appointed by the Speaker, 
 unless otherwise specially directed by the House, in 
 
 * The U. S. Constitution prescribes Yea and Nat. Art. I., Sec. 5. 
 
 f The manner of dividing the House, as originally established by the rule 
 of April 7, 1789, was, that the members who voted in the affirmative went 
 to the right of the Chair, those in the negative to the left. This was, doubt- 
 less, taken from the old practice of the House of Commons in England. The 
 passing of the members to and fro across the House was found so inconve- 
 nient, and took up so much time, that the mode of dividing the House was, 
 on the 9th of June, 1789, changed to the present form, the members of each 
 side of the question rising in their seats and being there counted. 
 
 % The two counters stand about three feet apart, in front of the Speaker's 
 desk. Every member voting in the affirmative pasus between the counters. 
 Also every member in the negative. This plan is both more expeditious and 
 less liable to mistakes than any other method ever devised.
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 09 
 
 which case they shall be appointed by ballot,* and if, 
 upon such ballot, the number required shall not be elected 
 by a majority of the votes given, the House shall pro- 
 ceed to a second ballot, in which a plurality of votes 
 shall prevail ; and in case a greater number than is re- 
 quired to compose or complete a committee shall have an 
 equal number of votes, the House shall proceed to a fur- 
 ther ballot or ballots. 
 
 R. 8. The first-named member of any committee shall 
 be the chairman ; and in his absence, or being excused 
 by the House, the next named member, and so on, as 
 often as the case shall happen, unless the committee, by 
 a majority of their number, elect a chairman.t 
 
 R. 9. Any member may excuse himself from serving 
 on any committee at the time of his appointment, if he is 
 then a member of two other committees. 
 
 * The rule, as originally adopted, April 7, 1789, directed that the Speaker 
 should appoint all committees, unless the number was directed to consist of 
 more than three members; in which case, the ballot was to be resorted to. 
 
 -(-The occasion of this rule was this: Mr. John Cotton Smith, of Connec- 
 ticut, had been chairman of the Committee of Claims for several years, and, 
 on the 5th November, 1804, was reappointed. On the succeeding day he 
 was excused from service on the committee, and his colleague, Samuel W. 
 Dana, was appointed " in his stead." The committee considered Mr. Dana 
 its chairman ; he declined to act, contending that he was the tail. Being 
 unable to agree, the committee laid the case before the House on the 20th 
 November. Up to this time, there was no rule or regulation as to the head 
 of a committee; the usage had been that the first-named member acted; but 
 it was usage only, The subject was referred to a committee. On the 22d 
 November, 1804, the committee reported, and recommended that the first- 
 named member be the chairman ; and in case of his absence, or of his being 
 excused by the House, the committee should appoint a chairman, by a ma- 
 jority of its votes. The House rejected this proposition. The Committee of 
 Claims the next day notified the House that, unless some order was taken in 
 the premises, no business could be done by the committee during the session ; 
 and thereupon, on the 20th December, 1805, the House adopted the above 
 rule. In this case the Committee of Claims availed itself of the privilege 
 contained in the last clause of the rule, and elected Mr. Dana chairman, 
 j much against his wishes.
 
 70 
 
 Dec 20, 
 
 itns. 
 
 April 7, 
 1789. 
 
 Sept. 15, 
 1837. 
 
 April 7, 
 1789 
 
 April 7, 
 1769. 
 
 Dec 10, 
 1839. 
 
 Nov. 13, 
 1794. 
 
 March 14 
 1794. 
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 R. 10. It shall be the duty of a committee to meet on 
 the call of any two of its members, if the chairman be 
 absent, or decline to appoint such meeting. 
 
 R. 11. In all other cases of ballot than for committees, 
 a majority of the votes given shall be necessary to an 
 election ; and where there shall not be such a majority 
 on the first ballot, the ballots shall be repeated until a 
 majority be obtained. [And in all ballotings blanks shall 
 be rejected, and not taken into the count in the enumera- 
 tion of votes, or reported by the tellers.] 
 
 R. 12. In all cases of ballot* by the House, the Speaker 
 shall vote ; in other cases he shall not be required to vote, 
 unless the House be equally divided, or unless his vote, if 
 given to the minority, will make the division equal ; and 
 in case of such equal division, the question shall be lost.t 
 R. 1 3. In all cases where other than members of the 
 House may be eligible to an office by the election of the 
 House, there shall be a previous nomination. 
 
 R. 14. In all cases of election by the House of its offi- 
 cers, the vote shall be taken viva voce. 
 
 R. 15. All acts, addresses, and joint resolutions, shall 
 be signed by the Speaker ; and all writs, warrants, and 
 subpoenas, issued by order of the House, shall be under 
 his hand and seal, attested by the Clerk. 
 
 R. 16. In case of any disturbance or disorderly conduct 
 
 * The word here used, in the original formation of the rule, was election. 
 On the 14th January, 1840, it was changed to the word ballot. 
 
 ■("On a very important question, taken December 9, 1803, on an amend- 
 ment to the Constitution, so as to change the form of voting for President 
 and Vice President, which required a vote of two-thirds, there appeared 83 in 
 the affirmative, and 42 in the negative ; it wanted one vote in the affirmative 
 to make the constitutional majority. The Speaker, (Macon,) notwithstand- 
 ing this prohibition of the rule, claimed and obtained his right to vote, and 
 voted in the affirmative ; and it was by that vote that the amendment to the 
 Constitution was carried. The right of the Speaker, as a member of the 
 House, to vote on all questions, is secured by the Constitution ; no act of the 
 House can take it from him, when he chooses to exercise it. 
 
 J
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 71 
 
 in the galleries or lobby, the Speaker (or Chairman of the 
 Committee of the Whole House) shall have power to 
 order the same to be cleared. 
 
 R. 17. No person except members of the Senate, their 
 Secretary, Heads of Departments, Treasurer, Comptroll- 
 ers, Register, Auditors, President's Secretary, Chaplains 
 to Congress, Judges of the United States, Foreign Minis- 
 ters and their Secretaries, officers who, by name, have 
 received, or shall hereafter receive, the thanks of Congress 
 for their gallantry and good conduct displayed in the ser- 
 vice of their country, the Governor for the time being of 
 any State or Territory in the Union, such gentlemen as" 
 have been Heads of Departments or members of either 
 branch of the national Legislature ; [the members of the 
 legislatures, for the time being, of the States and Territo- 
 ries,] and, at the discretion of the Speaker, persons who 
 belong to such legislatures of foreign governments as are 
 in amity with the United States, shall be admitted within 
 the Hall of the House of Representatives ;* [and no per- 
 
 Adoptto 
 
 * The first rule for the admission within the Hall of other than members 
 was adopted on the 7th January, 1802, and was confined to "Senators, offi- 
 cers of the General and State Governments, Foreign Ministers, and such per- 
 sons as members might introduce." On the 11th January, 1802, an attempt 
 was made to amend so as to exclude persons " introduced by members," 
 which failed. On the 8th November, 1804, a proposition was made to con- 
 fine the privilege to Senator*, which also failed. On the 17th December, 
 1805, officers of State Governments were excluded. On 1st February, 1808, 
 a proposition was made to admit ex-members of Congress and the Judges of 
 the Supreme Court ; after a good deal of debate, it was rejected. On the 
 1 1th February, 1809, the rule was enlarged so as to admit judicial officers of 
 the United States, as also ex-members of Congress. On 25th February, 
 1814, those who had been Heads of Departments were admitted. On the 
 10th February, 1815, officers who had received the thanks of Congress were 
 included. On the 12th January, 1816, the Navy Commissioners. On the 
 21st February, 1816, Governors of States and Territories. March 13, 1822, 
 the President's secretary. On the 26th January, 1833, the rule was further 
 enlarged by admitting " such persons as the Speaker or a member might in- 
 troduce," and on the 10th December, 1833, the House, by a vote almost 
 unanimous, rescinded that amendment.
 
 72 
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 son, not known to the Doorkeeper to be entitled to the 
 privilege of the floor, shall enter the Hall, unless the 
 Doorkeeper shall be informed by a member that the indi- 
 vidual is entitled to admission under this rule, and in 
 what capacity.] 
 
 R. IS. Stenographers, wishing to take down the de- 
 bates, may be admitted by the Speaker, who shall assign 
 such places to them, on the floor or elsewhere, to effect 
 their object, as shall not interfere with the convenience of 
 the House. 
 
 R. 19. No person shall be allowed the privilege of the 
 Hall, under the character of stenographer, without a writ- 
 ten permission from the Speaker, specifying the part of 
 the Hall assigned to him ; and no reporter or stenographer 
 shall be admitted under the rules of the House, unless 
 such reporter or stenographer shall state, in writing, for 
 what paper or papers he is employed to report. 
 
 R. 20. The Doorkeeper shall execute strictly the 17th 
 and 18th rules, relative to the privilege of the Hall. 
 
 R. 21. The Clerk of the House shall take an oath for 
 the true and faithful discharge of the duties of his office, 
 to the best of his knowledge and abilities. [He shall be 
 deemed to continue in office until another be appointed.*] 
 
 ORDER OF BUSINESS OF THE SESSION. 
 
 R. 22. After six days from the commencement of a 
 second or subsequent session of any Congress, all bills, 
 resolutions/!" and reports, which originated in the House, 
 
 * There is no law, resolution, rule, or order, directing the appointment of 
 the Clerk of the House. On the 1st of April, 1789, being the first day that 
 a quorum of the House assembled under the new Constitution, the House 
 immediately elected a Clerk by ballot, without a previous order having been 
 passed for that purpose; although, in the case of the Speaker, who was 
 chosen on the same day, an order was previously adopted. A Clerk has 
 been regularly chosen at the commencement of every Congress since. 
 
 f The word "resolutions," as here used, has been construed to apply to 
 joint resolutions only.
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 and at the close of the next preceding session remained 
 undetermined, shall be resumed and acted on in the same 
 manner as if an adjournment had not taken place. 
 
 ORDER OF BUSINESS OF THE DAY. 
 
 R. 23. As soon as the Journal is read, the Speaker 
 shall call for petitions from the members of each State 
 and delegates from each Territory, beginning with Maine* 
 [and the Territory of Wisconsin,! alternately ;] and if, on 
 any day, the whole of the States and Territories shall not 
 be called, the Speaker shall begin on the next day where 
 he left off the previous day ; [provided that, after the first 
 thirty days of the session, petitions shall not be received, 
 except on the first day of the meeting of the House in 
 each week.] 
 
 R. 24. Petitions, memorials, and other papers ad- 
 dressed to the House, shall be presented by the Speaker, 
 or by a member in his place ; a brief statement of the 
 contents thereof shall be made verbally by the introducer ; 
 they shall not be debated on the day of their being pre- 
 sented ; nor on any day assigned by the House for the 
 receipt of petitions after the first thirty days of the ses- 
 sion, unless where the House shall direct otherwise, but 
 shall lie on the table, to be taken up in the order in 
 which they were presented.^ [Members having peti- 
 tions and memorials to present may hand them to the 
 Clerk, endorsing the same with their names, and the refer- 
 
 * This was adopted before the State of Maine came into the Union ; and 
 the call commenced with New Hampshire. On the 13th March, 1822, it 
 was altered so as to commence with Maine. 
 
 •j- This rule was adopted before N. Mex. was constituted a Territory ; and, 
 although no order has beten taken by the House, the Speaker substitutes 
 N. Mex. foi Wisconsin. 
 
 $ With the exception of the clause commencing with the words "nor on 
 any day assigned," &c, this rule is in substance the same as it was originally 
 established on the 7th April, 1 789.
 
 RULES OF THE (J. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 ence or disposition to be made thereof; and such peti- 
 tions and memorials shall be entered on the Journal, sub- 
 ject to the control and direction of the Speaker ; and if 
 any petition or memorial be so handed in, which, in the 
 judgment of the Speaker, is excluded by the rules, the 
 same shall be returned to the member from whom it was 
 received.] 
 
 R. 25. The petitions having been presented and dis- 
 posed of, reports from committees shall be called for and 
 disposed of; [in doing which, the Speaker shall call upon 
 each standing committee, in the order they are named in 
 the 76th and 105th rules; and when all the standing 
 committees have been called on, then it shall be the duty 
 of the Speaker to call for reports from select committees ; 
 if the Speaker shall not get through the call upon the 
 committees before the House passes to other business, he 
 shall resume the next call where he left off.] Resolu- 
 tions shall then be called for in the same order, and dis- 
 posed of by the same rules, which apply to petitions : 
 provided that no member shall offer more than one reso- 
 lution, or one series of resolutions, all relating to the same 
 subject, until all the States and Territories shall have 
 been called. 
 
 R. 26. All the States and Territories shall be called for 
 resolutions on each alternate Monday during each session 
 of Congress; and, if necessary to secure this object on 
 said days, all resolutions which shall give rise to debate 
 shall lie over for discussion, under the rules of the House 
 already established ; and the whole of said days shall be 
 appropriated to resolutions, until all the States and Ter- 
 ritories are called through. 
 
 R. 27. After one hour shall have been devoted to re- 
 ports from committees and resolutions, it shall be in order, 
 pending the consideration or discussion thereof, to enter- 
 tain a motion that the House do now proceed to dispose 
 oTthe business on the Speaker's table, and to the orders
 
 RULES 01' THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 75 
 
 of the day; [which being decided in the affirmative, the 
 Speaker shall dispose of the business on his table in the 
 following order, viz :] 
 
 1st. Messages and other Executive communications. 
 
 2d. Messages from the Senate and amendments proposed 
 by the Senate to bills of the House. 
 
 3d. Bills and resolutions from the Senate on- their first 
 and second reading, that they be referred to committees 
 and put under way ; but if, on being read a second 
 time, no motion be made to commit, they are to be 
 ordered to their third reading, unless objection be 
 made ; in which case, if not otherwise ordered by a 
 majority of the House, they are to be laid ort the table 
 in the general file of bills on the Speaker's table, to be 
 taken up in their turn. 
 
 4th. Engrossed bills and bills from the Senate on their 
 third reading. 
 
 5th. Bills of the House and from the Senate, on the 
 Speaker's table, on their engrossment, or on being or- 
 dered to a third reading, to be taken up and considered 
 in the order of time in which they passed to a second 
 reading. 
 The messages, communications, and bills on his table, 
 
 having been disposed of, the Speaker shall then proceed 
 
 to call the orders vf the day. 
 
 R. 2S. The business specified in the 26th and 27th 
 
 rules shall be done at no other part of the day, except by 
 
 permission of the House. 
 
 LOCAL OR PRIVATE BUSINESS. 
 
 R. 29. Friday and Saturday in every week shall be 
 set apart for the consideration of private bills and private 
 business, in preference to any other, unless otherwise de- 
 termined by a majority of the House.* 
 
 Under the rule of 26th April, 1828, relative to a postponement or change
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 r. 30. On the first and fourth Friday of each month, 
 the calendar of private bills shall be called over, (the 
 chairman of the Committee of the Whole House* com- 
 mencing the call where he left off the previous day,) and 
 the bills to the passage of which no objection shall then 
 be made shall be first considered and disposed of. 
 
 OF DECORUM AND DEBATE. 
 
 R. 31. When any member is about to speak in debate, 
 or deliver any matter to the House, he shall rise from his 
 seat, and respectfully address himself to " Mr. Speaker ;" 
 [and shall confine himself to the question under debate, 
 and avoid personality.] 
 
 R. 32. Members may address the House or committee 
 from the Clerk's desk, or from a place near the Speaker's 
 chair. 
 
 R. 33. When two or more members happen to rise at once, 
 the Speaker shall name the member who is first to speak. 
 
 R. 34. No member shall occupy more than one hour 
 in debate on any question in the House, or in Committee ; 
 but a member reporting the measure under consideration 
 from a committee may open and close the debate : pro- 
 vided, that where debate is closed by order of the House, 
 any member shall be allowed, in committee, five minutes 
 to explain any amendment he may offer, after which any 
 member who shall first obtain the floor shall be allowed 
 to speak five minutes in opposition to it, and there shall 
 be no further debate on the amendment ; but the same 
 privilege of debate shall be allowed in favor of and 
 
 of the order of business, it has been decided that it takes two-thirds to proceed 
 to public business on Friday and Saturday. The reason of this decision is, 
 that the rule of the '26th April, 1828, made no exception in favor of the clause, 
 for a majority, contained in this rule, and that therefore that provision was an- 
 nulled. There have been three appeals upon this point, but the House in all 
 instances affirmed the decision in favor of two-thirds. The House sometimes 
 adjourns on Thursday, and frequently on Friday, till the following Monday. 
 * A Committee of the whole House considers local or private bills. A 
 Committee of the whole House on the state of the Union, public bills.
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 77 
 
 against any amendment that may be offered to the amend- 
 ment ; and neither the amendment nor an amendment to 
 the amendment shall be withdrawn by the mover thereof, 
 unless by the unanimous consent of the Committee. 
 
 R. 35. If any member, in speaking or otherwise, trans- 
 gress the rules of the House, the Speaker shall, or any 
 member may call to order ; in which case, the member 
 so called to order shall immediately sit down, unless per- 
 mitted to explain ; and the House shall, if appealed to, 
 decide on the case, but without debate :* if there be no 
 appeal, the decision of the Chair shall be submitted to. 
 If the decision be in favor of the member called to order, 
 he shall be at liberty to proceed ; if otherwise, he shall not 
 be permitted to proceed, in case any member object, without 
 leave of the House ;t and, if the case require it, he shall be 
 liable to the censure of the House. 
 
 R. 36. If a member be called to order for words spoken 
 in debate, the person calling him to order shall repeat the 
 words excepted to, and they shall be taken down in 
 writing at the Clerk's table ; and no member shall be 
 held to answer, or be subject to the censure of the House, 
 for words spoken in debate, if any other member has 
 spoken, or other business has intervened, after the words 
 spoken, and before exception to them shall have been 
 taken. 
 
 R. 37. No member shall speak more than once to the 
 same question, without leave of the House,J [unless he 
 be the mover, proposer, or introducer of the matter pend- 
 ing ; in which case, he shall be permitted to speak in 
 
 * See rule 2, with note appended to it. 
 
 + That part of this rule which is printed in italic was adopted on the 13th 
 March, 1822, with the exception of the words " in case any member object," 
 which were inserted on the 14th September, 1837. 
 
 * This rule, as originally adopted on the 7th April, 1789, permitted a mem- 
 ber to speak twice, and ended with the word House. It remained unchanged 
 until the 14th January, 1840, when it was established as it now stands.
 
 78 
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 reply, but not until every member choosing to speak shall 
 have spoken.] 
 
 R. 38. If a question depending be lost by adjournment 
 of the House, and revived on the succeeding day, no 
 member who shall have spoken on the preceding day, 
 shall be permitted again to speak without leave.* 
 
 R. 39. While the Speaker is putting any question, or 
 addressing the House, none shall walk out of or across 
 the House; nor, in such case, or when a member is 
 speaking, shall entertain private discourse ; nor while a 
 member is speaking shall pass between him and the chair. 
 [Every member shall remain uncovered during the ses- 
 sion of the House. No member or other person shall 
 visit or remain by the Clerk's table while the ayes and 
 noes are calling, or ballots are counting.] 
 
 R. 40. No member shall vote on any question in the 
 event of which he is immediately and particularly inte- 
 rested^ or in any case where he was not within the bar 
 of the House when the question was put.| [And when 
 any member shall ask leave to vote, the Speaker shall 
 propound to him the question — " Were you within the bar 
 when your name was called?"] 
 
 * There is no proceeding in the House to which this rule can be applied. 
 It was originally framed in reference to that law of Parliament which says 
 that all pending questions are lost by adjournment, and to be again considered 
 must be moved anew. In the rules as revised and established on the 7th 
 January, 1802, the prohibition to speak on the next day was confined to 
 those who had spoken twice on the pieceding day. It so remained until the 
 14th January, 1810, when the word twice was left out. 
 
 f Of late, differences of opinion have occasionally arisen as to the kind of 
 interest alluded to in this rule. It has been contended to apply to members 
 who were merchants or manufacturers, or engaged in other business to be 
 affected by tariffs or other bills touching rates of duties, &c. This construc- 
 tion has never been sustained by the House. The original construction, and 
 the only true one, is direct personal ox pecuniary interest. 
 
 ± As originally adopted, the word present was used in this rule where the 
 ! words " within the bar of the House" now appear. The alteration was made 
 |j on the 14th September, 1837.
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 R. 41. Upon a division and count of the House on any 
 question, no member without the bar shall be counted. 
 
 R. 42. Every member who shall be in the House when 
 the question is put shall give his vote, unless the House, 
 for special reason, shall excuse him.* [All motions to 
 excuse a member from voting shall be made before the 
 House divides, or before the call of the yeas and nays is 
 commenced ; and the question shall then be taken with- 
 out further debate.t] 
 
 R. 43. When a motion is made and seconded, it shall 
 be stated by the Speaker ; or, being in writing, it shall be 
 handed to the Chair, and read aloud by the Clerk, before 
 debated. 
 
 R. 44. Every motion shall be reduced to writing, if the 
 Speaker or any member desire it. [Every written motion 
 made to the House shall be inserted on the Journals, 
 with the name of the member making it, unless it be 
 withdrawn on the same day on which it was submitted.] 
 
 R. 45. After a motion is stated by the Speaker, or 
 read by the Clerk, it shall be deemed to be in the pos- 
 session of the House, but may be withdrawn at any time 
 before a decision or amendment. 
 
 R. 46. When a question is under debate, no motion 
 shall be received but to adjourn, to lie on the table, for 
 the previous question, to postpone to a day certain, to 
 commit or amend,! t0 postpone indefinitely ; which seve- 
 ral motions shall have precedence in the order in which 
 they are arranged ;§ and no motion to postpone to a 
 
 * By rule 41, the date of which is subsequent in date to this, a mem- 
 ber who may be " in the House" is not allowed to vote unless he be " within 
 the bar" upon a division or count of the House. 
 
 ■(•That part of rule 42 which allowed a brief verbal statement of reasons to 
 lie given by any member for requesting to be excused from voting, rescinded 
 January 2, 1845.— Journal H. R., 115. 
 
 ±SfeRule 119. 
 
 §This rule, as originally established, April 7, 1789, read thus; " When a
 
 RULES OF THE IT. 8. HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 day certain, to commit, or to postponeindefinitely, being 
 decided, shall be again allowed on the same day, and at 
 the same stage of the bill or proposition. 
 
 R. 47. When a resolution shall be offered, or a motion 
 made, to refer any subject, and different committees shall 
 be proposed, the question shall be taken in the following 
 order : 
 
 The Committee of the Whole House on the state of the 
 Union; the Committee of the Whole House; a Standing 
 Committee ; a Select Committee. 
 
 R. 48. A motion to adjourn, and a motion to fix the 
 day to which the House shall adjourn, shall be always in 
 order;* [these motions, and the motion to lie on the 
 table, shall be decided without debate.t] 
 
 question is under debate, no motion shall be received unless to amend it, to 
 commit it, for the previous question, or to adjourn." On the 13th Novem- 
 ber, 1794, the motion to postpone to a day certain was introduced next after 
 the previous question. On the 17th December, 1805, the rule was changed 
 as follows: 1st, the previous question; 2d, to postpone indefinitely; 3d, to 
 postpone to a day certain; 4th, to lie; 5th, to commit; 6th, to amend; 7th. 
 to adjourn. On the 23d December, 1811, the order was changed as follows : 
 1st, to adjourn; 2d, to lie; 3d, the previous question; 4th, to postpone inde- 
 finitely; 5th, to postpone to a day certain; 6th, to commit; 7th, to amend. 
 On the 13th March, 1822, they were classed as above, and were declared, 
 for the first time, to have precedence according to their arrangement ; previ- 
 ous to which, the notions of the Speaker often governed as to the precedence 
 of these motions ; and hence the direction of the rule. 
 
 * It has been decided and acted upon, that, under this rule, "a motion to 
 fix the day to which the House shall adjourn" takes precedence of a motion 
 to adjourn. The reason of this decision is, that, before the House adjourned, 
 it was proper to fix the time to which it should adjourn. To this decision, 
 and upon this reasoning, no objection has been made. 
 
 |In the first rules established by the House on the 7th April, 1789, it was 
 directed that " when the House adjourns, the members shall keep their seats 
 until the Speaker go forth, and then the members shall follow." This rule 
 j was left out of the rules established 13th November, 1794. On the 13th 
 March, 1822, a rule was adopted prohibiting a motion to adjourn before four 
 o'clock, if there was a pending question; it was rescinded on the 13th 
 March, 1824. On the 13th March, 1S22, a rule was also adopted against
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 R. 49. The hour at which every motion to adjourn is 
 made shall be entered on the Journal. 
 
 R. 50. The previous question shall be in this form : 
 " Shall the main question be now put ?" [It shall only 
 be admitted when demanded by a majority of the mem- 
 bers present ;] and its effects shall be to put an end to all 
 debate, and bring the House to a direct vote upon a mo- 
 tion to commit, if such motion shall have been made, and 
 if this motion does not prevail, then upon amendments 
 reported by a committee, if any, then [upon pending 
 amendments, and then upon the main question.] On a 
 motion for the previous question,* and prior to the se- 
 conding of the same, a call of the House shall be in 
 order ; but after a majority shall have seconded such 
 
 the rising of the Committee of the Whole before 4 o'clock, which was abro- 
 gated on the 25th March, 1824. 
 
 * The previous question was recognised in the rules established April 7, 
 1789, and could be demanded by five members, (the parliamentary law places 
 it in the power of two members — one to move, the other to second.) On 
 the 23d December, 1811, it was placed on a footing with the yeas and nays 
 — that is, at the command of one-fifth of the members present. It remained 
 so until the 24th February, 1812, when the rule was changed to its present 
 form of a majority. According to former practice, the previous question 
 brought the House to a direct vole on the main question — that is, to agree 
 to the main proposition, to the exclusion of all amendments and incidental 
 motions; but on the 14th January, 1840, it was changed to its present form 
 — first to embrace pending amendments, and then the main proposition. 
 
 The original intent of the previous question was, to ascertain the sense of 
 the House, in the early stages of a subject, as to the propriety of entertaining 
 the matter; and, if decided affirmatively, the debate went on; if decided 
 negatively, the debate ceased, and the subject passed from before the House 
 without motion or further question. This was the practice in Congress 
 under the Confederation ; and it is still the practice in the British Parlia- 
 ment. Now, by the practice of the House, as well as by the terms of the 
 rule, it is reversed ; if the motion for the previous question be decided in the 
 affirmative, debate ceases, and the House proceeds to vote ; if in the negative, 
 the proceedings go on as if the motion for the previous question had not 
 been made.
 
 82 
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 motion, no call shall be in order prior to a decision of the 
 main question.* 
 
 R. 51. On a previous question there shall be no de- 
 bate.! [All incidental questions of order arising after a 
 motion is made for the previous question, and pending 
 such motion, shall be decided, whether on appeal or 
 otherwise, without debate.] 
 
 R. 52. When a question is postponed indefinitely, the 
 same shall not be acted upon again during the session. 
 
 R. 53. Any member may call for the division of a 
 question, which shall be divided if it comprehend propo- 
 sitions in substance so distinct, that one being taken 
 away, a substantive proposition shall remain for the de- 
 cision of the House. [A motion to strike out and insert 
 shall be deemed indivisible ;] but a motion to strike out 
 being lost, shall preclude neither amendment nor a mo- 
 tion to strike out and insert. 
 
 R. 54. Motions and reports may be committed at the 
 pleasure of the House. 
 
 R. 55. No motion or proposition on a subject different 
 from that, under consideration shall be admitted under 
 color of amendment.^ [No bill or resolution shall, at any 
 time, be amended by annexing thereto, or incorporating 
 
 * See rules 63 and 64, for mode of proceeding in a call of the House. 
 
 fThe rules as established 7th April, 1789, allowed each member to speak 
 once on the previous question — that is, Shall the main question be now put ! 
 and so remained until 17th December, 1805, when debate was prohibited; 
 yet, on the 15th December, 1807, after the previous question had been or- 
 dered, the House, on an appeal from the Speaker, reversed his decision, and 
 decided that the main question was open to further debate, 103 to 14— no 
 party vote This decision was reaffirmed by the House, December 2, 1808 
 — yeas 10l, nays 18. 
 
 i This rule was originally established on the 7th April, 1789, and was in 
 these words: "No new motion or proposition shall be admitted, under color 
 of amendment, as a substitute for the motion or proposition under debate." 
 On the 13th March, 1822, it was changed to its present form, in which the 
 words » new" and « substitute" do not appear.
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 83 
 
 therewith, any other bill or resolution pending before the 
 House.*] 
 
 R. 56. When a motion has been once made, and car- 
 ried in the affirmative or negative, it shall be in order for 
 any member of the majority to move for the reconsidera- 
 tion thereof, [on the same or the succeeding day] ; and 
 such motion shall take precedence of all other questions, 
 except a motion to adjoum,t [and shall not be withdrawn 
 after the said succeeding day, without the consent of the 
 
 Adopted. 
 
 * The latter clause of this rule was adopted at the 1st session of the 25th 
 Congress ; and, as originally reported by the committee, the following words 
 were contained at the end of it : " nor by any proposition containing the 
 substance, in whole or in part, of any other bill or resolution pending be- 
 fore the House." These words were stricken out by the House before it 
 would agree to the rule ; by which it would seem to be decided that a bill or 
 resolution might be amended by incorporating therein the substance of any 
 other bill or resolution before the House. Such has been the general practice 
 of the House. 
 
 ■j- A difference of opinion, and a discrepancy in action, have sometimes oc- 
 curred in administering this rule. Twenty years ago, and previously, a 
 motion to reconsider could not be made after the subject was disposed of, if 
 there was another subject before the House, until that subject had passed 
 away ; it was then often too late to make the motion. It was under this 
 practice that Mr. Randolph was unable to move a reconsideration of the set- 
 tlement of the celebrated Missouri question, (notice of which he gave out of 
 time,) as before he could do so the "bill had been taken to the Senate. The 
 practice, of late years, has been changed, so as to allow the motion to recon- 
 sider to be made at any moment within the prescribed time. If the motion 
 be made when a different subject is before the House, it is entered, and 
 remains until that subject is disposed of, and then " takes precedence of all 
 other business, except a motion to adjourn." When any final vote has been 
 taken, and a motion made to reconsider, that motion may be laid on the 
 table; in which case, according to the practice of several years past, the vote 
 stands as though the motion to reconsider had not been made. This is cor- 
 rect, as, if the House wished to retain the matter, it would agree to the mo- 
 tion to reconsider, instead of laying it on the table. Motions to reconsider 
 should be promptly acted on, otherwise it is in the power of a single member 
 (voting on the strong side, against his sentiments, solely for the purpose of 
 placing himself in a situation to make the motion) to arrest business, which 
 a majority have determined to despatch.
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 House, and thereafter any member may call it up for 
 consideration.] 
 
 R. 57. When the reading of a paper is called for, and 
 the same is objected to by any member, it shall be deter- 
 mined by a vote of the House.* 
 
 R. 58. The unfinished business in which the House 
 was engaged at the last preceding adjournment shall 
 have the preference in the orders of the day ; and no mo- 
 tion on any other business shall be received, without 
 special leave of the House, until the former is disposed of. 
 
 R. 59. Every order, resolution, or vote, to which the 
 concurrence of the Senate shall be necessary, shall be 
 read to the House, and laid on the table, on a day pre- 
 ceding that in which the same shall be moved, unless the 
 House shall otherwise expressly allow. 
 
 R. 60. The name of the member who presents a peti- 
 tion or memorial, or who offers a resolution to the con- 
 sideration of the House, shall be inserted on the Journals. 
 
 R. 61. A proposition requesting information from the 
 President of the United States, or directing it to be fur- 
 nished by the head of either of the Executive Depart- 
 ments, or by the Postmaster General, or to print an extra 
 number of any document or other matter, excepting mes- 
 sages of the President to both Houses at the commence- 
 ment of each session of Congress, and the reports and 
 documents connected with or referred to in it, shall lie 
 on the table one day for consideration, unless otherwise 
 ordered by the unanimous consent of the House ; [and 
 all such propositions shall be taken up for consideration 
 in the order they were presented, immediately after re- 
 ports are called for from select committees ; and, when 
 adopted, the Clerk shall cause the same to be delivered.] 
 
 * As originally adopted, this rule contained, after the word " for," the 
 words " which had before been read to the House." They were stricken out 
 on the 14th December, 1795.
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 85 
 
 R. 62. Upon calls of the House, or in taking the yeas 
 and nays on any question, the names of the members 
 shall be called alphabetically. 
 
 R. 63. Upon the call of the House, the names of the 
 members shall be called over by the Clerk, and the ab- 
 sentees noted ; after which, the names of the absentees 
 shall again be called over : the doors shall then be shut, 
 and those for whom no excuse or insufficient excuses are 
 made may, by order of those present, if fifteen in number, 
 be taken into custody as they appear, or may be sent for 
 and taken into custody, wherever to be found, by special 
 messengers to be appointed for that purpose.* 
 
 R. 64. When a member shall be discharged from cus- 
 tody, and admitted to his seat, the House shall determine 
 whether such discharge shall be with or without paying 
 fees ; and, in like manner, whether a delinquent member, 
 taken into custody by a special messenger, shall or shall 
 not be liable to defray the expense of such special mes- 
 senger. 
 
 R. 65. Any fifteen members (including the Speaker, if 
 there be one) shall be authorized to compel the attend- 
 ance of absent members. 
 
 R. 66. No member shall absent himself from the ser- 
 vice of the House, unless he have leave, or be sick, or 
 unable to attend. 
 
 R. 67. A Sergeant-at-arms shall be appointed, to hold 
 his office during the pleasure of the House, whose duty 
 
 * The rule as originally established in relation to a call of the House, 
 which was on the 13th of November, 1789, differed from the present rule in 
 this ; there was one day's notice to be given, and it required a vote of the 
 House, and not fifteen members, to order a member into custody. It was 
 changed to its present form on the 14th December, 1795. On the 7th Jan- 
 uary, 1802, it was changed back to its original form, to require "an order of 
 the House" to take absent members into custody, and so remained until the 
 23d December, 1811, when it was again changed to what it now is — i. e. 
 fifteen members. 
 
 8
 
 86 
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 it shall be to attend the House during its sittings ;* to 
 execute the commands of the House from time to time ; 
 together with all such process, issued by authority thereof, 
 as shall be directed to him by the Speaker. 
 
 R. 68. The symbol of his office (the mace) shall be 
 borne by the Sergeant-at-arms when in the execution of 
 his office.! 
 
 R. 69. The fees of the Sergeant-at-arms shall be, for 
 every arrest, the sum of two dollars ; for each day's cus- 
 tody and releasement, one dollar ; and for travelling ex- 
 penses for himself or a special messenger, going and 
 returning, one-tenth of a dollar per mile. 
 
 R. 70. It shall be the duty of the Sergeant-at-arms to 
 keep the accounts for pay and mileage of members, to 
 prepare checks, and, if required to do so, to draw the 
 money on such checks for the members, (the same being 
 previously signed by the Speaker, and endorsed by the 
 
 * In the rules established November 13, 1791, the Sergeant was empow- 
 ered to appoint a " special messenger" to execute the commands of the House. 
 This authority was stricken from the rules established on the 14th Decem- 
 ber, 1795. 
 
 ■{■At the time this rule was adopted, " a proper symbol of office" for the 
 Sergeant-at-arms was directed to be provided, " of such form and device as 
 the Speaker should direct." 
 
 In pursuance of this order, a mace or " symbol" was procured, which 
 represented the Roman fasces, made of ebony sticks, bound transversely with 
 a thin silver band, terminating in a double tie or beau-knot near the top; at 
 each end a silver band an inch deep, and on the top of each of the rods a 
 small silver spear. A stem of silver f of an inch in diameter, and 2 inches 
 long, from the centre of the fasces, supported a globe of silver, about 2^ 
 inches in diameter, upon which was an eagle, his claws grasping the globe, 
 and just in the act of flight, his wings somewhat more than half extended. 
 The eagle was massive silver, richly carved. The design was fine, and its 
 whole execution beautiful; the entire height about three feet. The mace 
 was destroyed at the conflagration of the Capitol on the 24th August, 1814, 
 and was not replaced until recently. A temporary one was hastily gotten 
 up (of common pine, and painted) for the then next session of Congress, and 
 was tolerated till the session of 1841-'42, when the splendid one now in use 
 was procured.
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 87 
 
 member,) and pay over the same to the member entitled 
 thereto. 
 
 R. 71. The Sergeant-at-arms shall give bond, with 
 surety, to the United States, in a sum not less than five 
 nor more than ten thousand dollars, at the discretion of 
 the Speaker, and with such surety as the Speaker may 
 approve, faithfully to account for the money coming into 
 his hands for the pay of members. 
 
 R. 72. The Sergeant-at-arms shall be sworn to keep 
 the secrets of the House. 
 
 R. 73. A Doorkeeper shall be appointed for the service 
 of the House.* 
 
 R. 74. The Doorkeeper shall be sworn to keep the 
 secrets of the House. 
 
 R. 75. The Postmaster, to superintend the Post Office 
 kept in the Capitol for the accommodation of the mem- 
 bers shall be appointed by the House.t 
 
 R. 76. Twenty-eight standing committees shall be ap- 
 pointed at the commencement of each session, viz : 
 
 A Committee of Elections. -\ To consist of 
 
 A Committee of Ways and Means. C nine mem- 
 
 A Committee of Claims.}: J bers each. 
 
 * The rule of 1789 provided for the appointment of an assistant doorkeeper, 
 and so continued until Colonel John W. Hunter, the incumbent, died, in 
 December, 1841, and the House, on the 13th of that month, abolished the 
 office. 
 
 ■j- Immediately after the organization of the Government under the present 
 Constitution, a room was set apart in the Capitol for the reception and dis- 
 tribution of letters and packets to and from members of the House, without 
 an order for that purpose, and was called the Post Office. It was superin- 
 tended by the Doorkeeper and his assistants. On the 9th of April, 1814, a 
 special allowance was made to the Doorkeeper to meet the expenses of this 
 office, and he was authorized to appoint a Postmaster. The office continued 
 on this footing till April 4, 1838, when an order was passed, as above, for 
 the appointment of the Postmaster by the House itself. 
 
 $ Originally, the Committee of Claims was charged with revolutionary and 
 kind claims, and all sorts of pensions. On the 22d December, 1813, the 
 duties of that committee were divided, and a committee was appointed, called.
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 A Committee on Commerce.* 
 
 A Committee on the Public Lands, j- 
 
 A Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.} 
 
 A Committee for the District of Columbia. 
 
 A Committee on the Judiciary. 
 
 A Committee on Revolutionary Claims.§ 
 
 A Committee on Public Expenditures. 
 
 A Committee on Private Land Claims.] 
 
 A Committee on Manufactures.^ 
 
 A Committee on Agriculture.^ 
 
 A Committee on Indian Affairs.^ 
 
 To consist of 
 )- nine mem- 
 bers each. 
 
 the Committee on Pensions and Revolutionary Claims. On the 9th of De- 
 cember, 1825, a separate committee on Revolutionary Pensions was created, 
 leaving the business of Invalid Pensions to the committee created on the 22d 
 December, 1813. On the 13th December, 1825, four days after its institu- 
 tion, the designation of the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions was 
 changed to the Committee on Military Pensions, and it was charged with 
 both Revolutionary and Invalid Pensions. On the 10th January, 1831, the 
 Committee on Military Pensions became the present Committee on Revolu- 
 tionary Pensions, and an additional committee was created, called the Com- 
 mittee on Invalid Pensions / and the pension business was apportioned to 
 the two committees, as set out in the duties assigned to the committees. 
 
 * This committee was originally a Committee on Commerce and Manu- 
 factures. On the 8th December, 1819, a Committee on Manufactures was 
 constituted, but no duties have been assigned to that committee in the rules. 
 •j- The 3d of January, 1805, was the first time at which it was proposed to 
 appoint a Committee on Public Lands. The proposition was then made by 
 Mr. John Boyle, of Kentucky, and was rejected. On the 17th December, 
 1805, the committee was constituted for the first time. Previous to that day 
 the business relating to the lands of the United States was sent either to the 
 Committee of Claims or to a select committee, and frequently, in parts, to both. 
 $ From the earliest stages of the Government, a select committee was an- 
 nually raised upon the subject of" the Post Office and Post Roads," and was 
 always composed of a member from each State. A standing committee was 
 instituted on the 9th November, 1808, and, like the select committees, was 
 directed to be composed of a member from each State. On the 23d Decem- 
 ber, 1811, it was directed to be composed of the same number of members as 
 the other standing committees. 
 § See note (t) page 87. 
 
 II When the Committee on Private Land Claims was first constituted, it 
 was composed of five members, two less than the other committees. On the 
 19th December, 1817, it was directed to be composed of seven members. 
 K There are no duties assigned to the Committees on Manufactures, Agri-
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 P9 
 
 To consist of 
 nine mem- 
 bers each. 
 
 To consist of 
 five mem 
 bers each. 
 
 A Committee on Military Affairs. 
 
 A Committee on the Militia. 
 
 A Committee on Naval Affairs. 
 
 A Committee on Foreign Affairs. 
 
 A Committee on the Territories. 
 
 A Committee on Revolutionary Pensions.* 
 
 A Committee on Invalid Pensions. 
 
 A Committee on Roads and Canals. 
 
 A Committee on Patents. 
 
 A Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds. 
 
 A Committee of Revisal and Unfinished Business. 
 
 A Committee of Accounts.j- 
 
 A Committee on Mileage. 
 
 A Committee on Engraving, to consist of three members. 
 
 R. 77. It shall be the duty of the Committee of Elec- 
 tions to examine and report upon the certificates of elec- 
 tion, or other credentials, of the members returned to 
 serve in this House ; and to take into their consideration 
 all such petitions and other matters touching elections 
 and returns as shall or may be presented or come into 
 question, and be referred to them by the House. 
 
 R. 78. It shall be the duty of the Committee of Ways 
 and Means to take into consideration all such reports of 
 the Treasury Department, and all such propositions rela- 
 tive to the revenue, as may be referred to them by the 
 House ; to inquire into the state of the public debt or the 
 revenue, and of the expenditure : and to report, from 
 time to time, their opinion thereon ; [to examine into the 
 state of the several public departments, and particularly 
 into the laws making appropriations of moneys, and to 
 report whether the moneys have been disbursed conform- 
 ably with such laws ; and also to report, from time to 
 
 culture, and Indian Affairs, in the rules, but these committees consider what- 
 ever is referred to them in their respective spheres by the House. 
 
 * See note (t) page 87. 
 
 •j- The Committee of Accounts was first constituted as a select committee 
 on the 7th November, 1804; it was made a standing committee December 
 17, 1805. 
 
 8 * 

 
 90 
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 Adopted. 
 
 time, such provisions and arrangements as may be neces- 
 sary to add to the economy of the departments, and the 
 accountability of their officers.]* 
 
 In preparing bills of appropriations for other objects, 
 the Committee of Ways and Means shall not include ap- 
 propriations for carrying into effect treaties made by the 
 United States ; and where an appropriation bill shall be 
 referred to them, for their consideration, which contains 
 appropriations for carrying a treaty into effect, and for 
 other objects, they shall propose such amendments as 
 shall prevent appropriations for carrying a treaty into 
 effect being included in the same bill with appropriations 
 for other objects. 
 
 R. 79. It shall also be the duty of the Committee of 
 Ways and Means, within thirty days after their appoint- 
 ment, at every session of Congress commencing on the 
 first Monday of December, to report the general appro- 
 priation bills — for the civil and diplomatic expenses of 
 Government ; for the army ; for the navy ; and for the 
 Indian department and Indian annuities — or, in failure 
 thereof, the reasons of such failure. 
 
 R. SO. General appropriation bills shall be in order in 
 preference to any other bills of a public nature, unless 
 otherwise ordered by a majority of the House. 
 
 R. SI. No appropriation shall be reported in such gene- 
 ral appropriation bills, or be in order as an amendment 
 thereto, for any expenditure not previously authorized 
 by law, [unless in continuation of appropriations for such 
 
 * That portion of the duty of the Committee of Ways and Means which is 
 printed within brackets was originally adopted on the 7th January, 1802. 
 On 2Gth February, 1814, the Committee on Public Expenditures was cre- 
 ated, and added to the list of standing committees ; the duties of this latter 
 committee are exactly those contained in that portion of the duties of the 
 Committee of Ways and .Means which is referred to in this note as within 
 brackets.— See rule 89. The words ought to be stricken from the specifica- 
 tion of the duties of the Committee of Ways and Means.
 
 RULES OP THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 91 
 
 public works and objects as are already in progress, and 
 for the contingencies for carrying on the several depart- 
 ments of the Government. 
 
 R. 82. It shall be the duty of the Committee of Claims 
 to take into consideration all such petitions and matters 
 or things touching claims and demands on the United 
 States as shall be presented, or shall or may come in 
 question, and be referred to them by the House ; and to 
 report their opinion thereupon, together with such propo- 
 sitions for relief therein as to them shall seem expedient. 
 
 R. 83. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Com- 
 merce to take into consideration all such petitions and 
 matters or things touching the commerce of the United 
 States as shall be presented, or shall or may come into 
 question, and be referred to them by the House ; and to 
 report, from time to time, their opinion thereon.* 
 
 R. 84. It shall be the duty of the Committee on the 
 Public Lands to take into consideration all such petitions 
 and matters or things respecting the lands of the United 
 States as shall be presented, or shall or may come in 
 question, and be referred to them by the House ; and to 
 report their opinion thereon, together with such proposi- 
 tions for relief therein as to them shall seem expedient. 
 
 R. 85. It shall be the duty of the Committee on the 
 Post Office and Post Roads to take into consideration all 
 such petitions and matters or things touching the post 
 office and post roads as shall be presented, or may come 
 in question, and be referred to them by the House ; and 
 to report their opinion thereupon, together with such pro- 
 
 * This committee was originally a Committee on Commerce and Manu- 
 factures. On the 8th December, 1819, a separate Committee on Manufac- 
 tures was constituted, and the duties of the original Committee on Commerce 
 and Manufactures have been conformed as above, by leaving out the words 
 and Manufactures. There are no duties assigned in these rules to the Com- 
 mittee on Manufactures. To this committee is appropriately referred all 
 matters pertaining to manufacturing. 
 
 Jj
 
 92 
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 positions relative thereto as to them shall seem expe- 
 dient. 
 
 R. 86. It shall be. the duty of the Committee for the 
 District of Columbia to take into consideration all such 
 petitions and matters or things touching the said district 
 as shall be presented, or shall come in question, and be 
 referred to them by the House; and to report their 
 opinion thereon, together with such propositions relative 
 thereto as to them shall seem expedient. 
 
 R. 87. It shall be the duty of the Committe on the Ju- 
 diciary to take into consideration such petitions and mat- 
 ters or things touching judicial proceedings as shall be 
 presented, or may come in question, and be referred to 
 them by the House ; and to report their opinion there- 
 upon, together with such propositions relative thereto as 
 to them shall seem expedient. 
 
 R. 88. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Revo- 
 lutionary Claims to take into consideration all such peti- 
 tions and matters or things touching claims and demands 
 originating in the revolutionary war, or arising therefrom, 
 as shall be presented, or shall or may come in question, 
 and be referred to them by the House ; and to report 
 their opinion thereupon, together with such propositions 
 for relief therein as to them shall seem expedient. 
 
 R. 89. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Public 
 Expenditures to examine into the state of the several 
 public departments, and particularly into laws making 
 appropriations of money, and to report whether the mo- 
 neys have been disbursed conformably with such laws ; 
 and also to report, from time to time, such provisions and 
 arrangements as may be necessary to add to the economy 
 of the departments, and the accountability of their 
 officers.* 
 
 * See note to rule 78. And further: on the ^Oth March, 1816, six Com- 
 ' mittees on Expenditures in the several departments of the Government were
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 93 
 
 R. 90. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Private 
 Land Claims to take into consideration all claims to land 
 which may be referred to them, or shall or may come in 
 question ; and to report their opinion thereupon, together 
 with such propositions for relief therein as to them shall 
 seem expedient. 
 
 R. 91. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Mili- 
 tary Affairs to take into consideration all subjects relating 
 to the military establishment and public defence which 
 may be referred to them by the House, and to report 
 their opinion thereupon ; and also to report, from time to 
 time, such measures as may contribute to economy and 
 accountability in the said establishment. 
 
 R. 92. It shall be the duty of the Committee on the 
 Militia to take into consideration and report on all sub- 
 jects connected with the organizing, arming and discip- 
 lining the militia of the United States. 
 
 R. 93. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Naval 
 Affairs to take into consideration all matters which con- 
 cern the naval establishment, and which shall be referred 
 to them by the House, and to report their opinion there- 
 upon ; and also to report, from time to time, such mea- 
 sures as may contribute to economy and accountability 
 in the said establishment. 
 
 R. 94. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Foreign 
 Affairs to take into consideration all matters which con- 
 cern the relations of the United States with foreign na- 
 tions, and which shall be referred to them by the House, 
 and to report their opinion on the same. 
 
 R. 95. It shall be the duty of the Committee on the 
 Territories to examine into the legislative, civil, and 
 criminal proceedings of the Territories, and to devise and 
 report to the House such means as, in their o/ ; mon, may 
 
 created, and added to the list of standing committees. The duties assigned 
 to these several committees would s<*Bm entirely to cover the duties of the 
 Committee on Public Expenditures. — See rules 105 and 106.
 
 94 
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 be necessary to secure the rights and privileges of resi- 
 dents and non-residents. 
 
 R. 96. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Revo- 
 lutionary Pensions to take into consideration all such 
 matters respecting pensions for services in the revolu- 
 tionary war, other than invalid pensions, as shall be 
 referred to them by the House. 
 
 R. 97. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Invalid 
 Pensions to take into consideration all such matters re- 
 specting invalid pensions as shall be referred to them by 
 the House. 
 
 R. 98. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Roads 
 and Canals to take into consideration all such petitions 
 and matters or things relating to roads and canals, and 
 the improvement of the navigation of rivers, as shall be 
 presented, or may come in question, and be referred to 
 them by the House ; and to report thereupon, together 
 with such propositions relative thereto, as to them shall 
 seem expedient. 
 
 R. 99. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Pa- 
 tents to consider all subjects relating to patents which 
 maybe referred to them; and report their opinion thereon, 
 together with such propositions relative thereto as may 
 seem to them expedient. 
 
 R. 100. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Pub- 
 lic Buildings and Grounds to consider all subjects relating 
 to the public edifices and grounds within the city of 
 Washington which may be referred to them ; and report 
 their opinion thereon, together with such propositions 
 relating thereto as may seem to them expedient. 
 
 R. 101. It shall be the duty of the Committee of Re- 
 
 visal and Unfinished Business to examine and report 
 
 what laws have expired, or are near expiring, and require 
 
 to be revived or further continued ; also, to examine and 
 
 jj report, from the Journal of last session, all such matters 
 
 I as were then depending and undetermined.
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 95 
 
 R. 102. It shall be the duty of the Committee of Ac- 
 counts to superintend and control the expenditures of the 
 contingent fund of the House of Representatives ; [also, 
 to audit and settle all accounts which may be charged 
 thereon ; and, also, to audit the accounts of the members 
 for their travel to and from the seat of Government, and 
 their attendance in the House.*] 
 
 R. 103. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Mile- 
 age to ascertain and report the distance to the Sergeant- 
 at-arms for which each member shall receive pay.t 
 
 R. 104. There shall be appointed a standing committee 
 of this House, to consist of three members, to be called 
 the Committee on Engraving^ to whom shall be referred 
 by the Clerk all drawings, maps, charts, or other papers, 
 which may at any time come before the House for en- 
 graving, lithographing, or publishing in any way; which 
 committee shall report to the House whether the same 
 ought, in their opinion, to be published ; and if the House 
 order the publication of the same, that said committee 
 shall direct the size and manner of execution of all such 
 maps, charts, drawings, or other papers, and contract by 
 agreement, in writing, for all such engraving, lithograph- 
 ing, printing, drawing, and coloring, as may be ordered 
 by the House ; which agreement, in writing, shall be fur- 
 nished by said committee to the Committee of Accounts, 
 
 * So much of this rule as directs the Committee of Accounts to audit and 
 settle the mileage and daily pay of the members was adopted at the 1st ses- 
 sion 12th Congress, (1811). At the 1st session of the 25th Congress, (1837,) 
 a Standing Committee on Mileage was created, for the especial purpose of 
 ascertaining and reporting the mileage for which each member shall receive 
 pay. — See rule 103. 
 
 ■(• See rule and note to rule 102. 
 
 $ The resolution of Congress " regulating the printing of Congress, and 
 establishing the compensation for the same," approved July 23, 1846, pro- 
 vides that " When any order for printing requires maps or charts, the same 
 shall be obtained under the direction of the Committee on Contingent Ex- 
 penses of the House making such order."
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 to govern said committee in all allowances for such 
 works ; and it shall be in order for said committee to 
 report at all times. 
 
 R. 105. Six additional standing committees shall be 
 appointed at the commencement of the first session in 
 each Congress, whose duties shall continue until the first 
 session of the ensuing Congress. 
 
 1. A committee on so much of the public accounts and ex-^ 
 
 pcnditures as relate to the Department of State ; 
 
 2. A committee on so much of the public accounts and ex- 
 
 penditures as relate to the Treasury Department ; 
 
 3. A committee on so much of the public accounts and ex- 
 
 penditures as relate to the Department of War; 
 
 4. A committee on so much of the public accounts and ex- j< CO nsist of 
 
 penditures as relate to the Department of the Navy ; v, g ve mem . 
 
 5. A committee on so much of the public accounts and ex- b ers eac h 
 
 penditures as relate to the Post Office ; and 
 
 6. A committee on so much of the public accounts and ex- 
 
 penditures as relate to the Public Buildings. 
 
 J 
 
 R. 106. It shall be the duty of the said committees to 
 examine into the state of the accounts and expenditures 
 respectively submitted to them, and to inquire and report 
 particularly — 
 
 Whether the expenditures of the respective depart- 
 ments are justified by law ; 
 
 Whether the claims from time to time satisfied and dis- 
 charged by the respective departments are supported by 
 sufficient vouchers, establishing their justness both as to 
 their character and amount ; 
 
 Whether such claims have been discharged out of 
 funds appropriated therefor, and whether all moneys 
 have been disbursed in conformity with appropriation 
 laws ; and 
 
 Whether any, and what, provisions are necessary to be 
 adopted, to provide more perfectly for the proper appli-
 
 RULES OP THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 9T 
 
 cation of the public moneys, and to secure the Govern- 
 ment from demands unjust in their character or extrava- 
 gant in their amount. 
 
 And it shall be, moreover, the duty of the said com- 
 mittees to report, from time to time, whether any, and 
 what, retrenchment can be made in the expenditures of 
 the several departments, without detriment to the public 
 service; whether any, and what, abuses at any time exist 
 in the failure to enforce the payment of moneys which 
 may be due to the United States from public defaulters or 
 others ; and to report, from time to time, such provisions 
 and arrangements as may be necessary to add to the 
 economy of the several departments and the accounta- 
 bility of their officers.* 
 
 tit shall be the duty of the several Committees on 
 Public Expenditures to inquire whether any offices be- 
 longing to the branches or departments, respectively, 
 concerning whose expenditures it is their duty to inquire, 
 have become useless or unnecessary ; and to report, from 
 time to time, on the expediency of modifying or abolish- 
 ing the same : also, to examine into the pay and emolu- 
 ments of all offices under the laws of the United States ; 
 and to report from time to time such a reduction or in- 
 crease thereof as a just economy and the public service 
 may require. 
 
 R. 107. The several standing committees of the House 
 shall have leave to report by bill or otherwise. 
 
 R. 108. No committee shall sit during the sitting of the 
 House, without special leave. 
 
 R. 109. It shall be the duty of the Clerk to make, and 
 cause to be printed, and delivered to each member at the 
 commencement of every session of Congress, a list of the 
 
 * Sec notes to rules 78 and 89. 
 
 J This part of the duties of those committees was, previous to 1841, over- 
 looked, and omitted in the rules. 
 
 A DOPTXD 
 
 Febr'y 19 
 1817 
 
 March lo, 
 1822. 
 
 Nov'r 13 
 1794. 
 
 March "3, 
 
 1822. 
 
 !» 
 
 G 
 
 J]
 
 ss 
 
 RLLES OP THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 reports which it is the duty of any officer or department 
 of the Government to make to Congress ; referring to the 
 act or resolution, and page of the volume of the laws or 
 Journal in which it may be contained , and placing under 
 the name of each officer the list of reports required of 
 him to be made, and the time when the report may be 
 expected. 
 
 R. 110. It shall be the duty of the Clerk of the House, 
 at the end of each session, to send a printed copy of the 
 Journals thereof to the Executive, and to each branch of 
 the Legislature of every State. 
 
 R. 111. All questions of order shall be noted by the 
 Clerk, with the decision, and put together at the end of 
 the Journal of every session. 
 
 R. 112. Whenever confidential communications are 
 received from the President of the United States, the 
 House shall be cleared of all persons, except the mem- 
 bers, Clerk, Sergeant-at-arms, and Doorkeeper,* and so 
 continue during the reading of such communications, and 
 (unless otherwise directed by the House) during all de- 
 bates and proceedings to be had thereon. And when the 
 Speaker, or any other member, shall inform the House 
 that he has communications to make, which he conceives 
 ought to be kept secret, the House shall, in like manner, 
 be cleared, till the communication be made ; the House 
 shall then determine whether the matter communicated 
 requires secrecy or not, and take order accordingly. 
 
 R. 113. All questions relating to the priority of busi- 
 ness to be acted on, shall be decided without debate. 
 
 * In the rule as originally established on the 17th February, 1792, it is 
 provided that the House be cleared of all persons, except " the members and 
 the Clerk." In the rule? of the 13th November, 1794, the language used is 
 " the members of the House and its officers." In the edition of 7th January, 
 1802, the terms "members and Clerk" are again used; and on the 23d De- 
 cember, 1811, it was changed to its present form, so as to include the Ser- 
 geant and Doorkeeper.
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 99 
 
 OF BILLS. 
 
 R. 114. Every bill shall be introduced on the report of 
 a committee, or by motion for leave. In the latter case, 
 at least one day's notice shall be gi"en of the motion* in 
 the House, or by filing a memorandum thereof with the 
 Clerk, and having it entered on the Journal ; and the 
 motion shall be made, and the bill introduced, if leave is 
 given, when resolutions are called for : such motion, or 
 the bill when introduced, may be committed. 
 
 R. 115. Every bill shall receive three several readings 
 in the House, previous to its passage ; and bills shall be 
 despatched in order as they were introduced, unless 
 where the House shall direct otherwise ; but no bill shall 
 be twice read on the same day, without special order of 
 the House. 
 
 R. 116. The first reading of a bill shall be for informa- 
 tion, and, if opposition be made to it, the question shall 
 be, " Shall this bill be rejected ?" If no opposition be 
 made or if the question to reject be negatived, the bill 
 shall go to its second reading without a question. t 
 
 * In the early stages of the Government, before the institution of standing 
 committees, it was the common practice to introduce bills, on motion for 
 leave, by individual members; the bills were then referred to a select com- 
 mittee, to examine and report upon. The practice, however, of introducing 
 bills by members, on leave, gradually grew into disuse as standing commit- 
 tees were created, and, for nearly thirty years, no case occurs on the Jour- 
 nals. A few cases have occurred within the last five or six years. It is an 
 inconvenient practice, and does not facilitate business. Previous to the 13th 
 March, 1822, so strict was the House upon the introduction of bills, that 
 standing committees had to obtain leave, in every case, to report by bill. On 
 that day the 107th rule was adopted. 
 
 + But not on the day of its introduction ; that is prohibited by rule 115. 
 The meaning of the rule is, that it passes to its second reading the next day 
 " without motion or question ;" it is the duty of the Speaker then to take it 
 up, and give it the second reading when clearing his table under the 25th 
 rule. If no opposition be made to a bill, or if the question to reject be nega- 
 tived, and the bill receives its second reading forthwith, (as is usual,) it is 
 always understood that it is by " special order of the House." In the rapid
 
 100 
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 Adopted. 
 
 Nov. 13, 
 17'J4. 
 
 Sept. 14, 
 1C37. 
 
 Nov'r 13, 
 1704. 
 
 Dec. 29, 
 1817. 
 
 March 13 
 1822. 
 
 April 7, 
 1789. 
 
 R. 117. Upon the second reading of a bill, the Speaker 
 shall state it as ready for commitment or engrossment ; 
 and, if committed, then a question shall be, whether to a 
 select or standing committee, or to a Committee of the 
 Whole House ; if to a Committee of the Whole House, 
 the House shall determine on what day ; [if no motion 
 be made to commit, the question shall be stated on its en- 
 grossment ; and if it be not ordered to be engrossed on 
 the day of its being reported, it shall be placed in the 
 general file on the Speaker's table, to be taken up in its 
 order.] But, if the bill be ordered to be engrossed, the 
 House shall appoint the day when it shall be read the 
 third time. 
 
 R. 118. Not more than three bills, originating in the 
 House, shall be committed to the same Committee of the 
 Whole ; and such bills shall be analogous in their nature, 
 which analogy shall be determined by the Speaker. 
 
 R. 119. A motion to strike out the enacting words of a 
 bill shall have precedence of a motion to amend ; and, if 
 carried, shall be considered equivalent to its rejection.* 
 
 R. 120. After commitment and report thereof to the 
 House, or at any time before its passage, a bill may be 
 recommitted. t 
 
 and hurried manner in which bills are now reported and acted upon, the mo- 
 tion is seldom or never made, nor is the question put, " Shall the bill be now 
 read a second time." The Speaker takes it for granted that the motion has 
 been made and allowed, and announces the second reading as soon as the 
 first reading is completed. When a bill is read the first time, and no dispo- 
 sition of it be moved, it remains on the Speaker's table, to receive its second 
 reading on the next day, as matter of course, in the 3d class of the 25th rule. 
 * Rule 119 may be considered an exception to the 46th rule. It was 
 adopted on the same day and takes precedence of a motion to amend. Rule 
 
 119 has, however, of late years fallen into disuse. In the ordinary sessions 
 
 of the House the motion "to i.ai ifo\ the table" is used in its stead. 
 
 In Committee of the Whole its place is supplied by reporting the measure 
 
 to the House and recommending that it do not pass. 
 
 | A difference of opinion often arises as to the construction of this rule. 
 
 Anciently, it was held and practised upon, according to its terms, that a bill 
 
 J
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 101 
 
 R. 121. All bills ordered to be engrossed shall be exe- 
 cuted in a fair round hand. 
 
 R. 122. No amendment by way of rider shall be re- 
 ceived to any bill on its third reading. 
 
 R. 123. When a bill shall pass, it shall be certified by 
 the Clerk, noting the day of its passage at the foot thereof. 
 
 OF COMMITTEES OF THE WHOLE HOUSE. 
 
 R. 124. It shall be a standing order of the day, through- 
 out the session, for the House to resolve, itself into a Com- 
 mittee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.* 
 
 R. 125. In forming a Committee of the Whole House, 
 the Speaker shall leave his chair, and a chairman, to pre- 
 side in committee, shall be appointed by the Speaker.t 
 
 R. 126. Whenever the Committee of the Whole on the 
 state of the Union, or the Committee of the Whole House, 
 finds itself without a quorum, the chairman shall cause 
 the roll of the House to be called, and thereupon the 
 committee shall rise, and the chairman shall report the 
 
 could be recommitted at any time before its passage. Of late years, it has 
 been decided that, if the previous question, on its passage, be ordered, a mo- 
 tion to recommit is not in order, but that the question must be put on the 
 passage of the bill. I think the practice unsound. The intention of a re- 
 commitment is for the purpose of perfecting the bill, and it is endangered by 
 forcing its passage in an imperfect state. 
 
 * For more than forty years it was held and practised, under this rule, that 
 the House could resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole on the state of 
 the Union at any time. Recently, however, a different practice prevailed, it 
 being held that several of the rules prescribing the order of business, as well 
 as special orders, interposed to prevent it ; in consequence of which, the 
 House, on the 1st June, 1840, amended the 136th rule so as to go into Com- 
 mittee of the Whole on the state of the Union at any time : in other words, 
 restored the ancient practice under the 124th rule. 
 
 f Originally the rule was silent as to the mode of appointing a chairman 
 of the Committee of the Whole. He was appointed by the House by nomi- 
 nation and vote thereon. That practice became very inconvenient ; and on 
 the 13th November, 1794, the rule was amended by adding "by the 
 Speaker." 
 ===========================
 
 102 
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 names of the absentees to the House, which shall be en- 
 tered on the Journal. f 
 
 R. 127. Upon bills committed to a Committee of the 
 Whole House, the bill shall be first read throughout by 
 the Clerk, and then again read and debated by clauses, 
 leaving the preamble to be last considered : the body of 
 the bill shall not be defaced or interlined ; but all amend- 
 ments, noting the page and line, shall be duly entered by 
 the Clerk on a separate paper, as the same shall be 
 agreed to by the committee, and so reported to the 
 House.* After report, the bill shall again be subject to 
 be debated and amended by clauses, before a question to 
 engross it be taken. 
 
 R. 128. All amendments made to an original motion in 
 committee shall be incorporated with the motion, and so 
 reported. 
 
 R. 129. All amendments made to a report committed 
 to a Committee of the Whole House shall be noted, and 
 reported, as in the case of bills. 
 
 R. 130. All questions, whether in Committee or in the 
 House, shall be propounded in the order in which they 
 were moved, except that, in filling up blanks, the largest 
 sum and longest time shall be first put. 
 
 R. 131. No motion or proposition for a tax or charge 
 upon the people shall be discussed the day in which it is 
 made or offered ; and every such proposition shall receive 
 its first discussion in a Committee of the Whole House. 
 
 R. 132. No sum or quantum of tax or duty, voted by 
 a Committee of the Whole House, shall be increased in 
 the House until the motion or proposition for such in- 
 crease shall be first discussed and voted in a Committee 
 of the Whole House ; and so in respect to the time of its 
 continuance. 
 
 * This refers to bills in manuscript and bills from the Senate. It was long 
 after the date of this rule that the practice of printing the bills was adopted. 
 f See rule 63-64 & 65.
 
 RULES OP THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 103 
 
 R. 133. All proceedings touching appropriations of 
 money shall be first discussed in a Committee of the 
 Whole House.* 
 
 R. 134. The rules of proceedings in the House shall be 
 observed in a Committee of the Whole House, so far as 
 they may be applicable, except the rule limiting the times 
 of speaking ; [but no member shall speak twice to any 
 question, until every member choosing to speak shall 
 have spoken.] 
 
 R. 135. In Committee of the Whole on the state of the 
 Uniont the bills shall be taken up and disposed of in 
 their order on the calendar ; but when objection is made 
 to the consideration of a bill, a majority of the committee 
 shall decide, without debate, whether it shall be taken up 
 and disposed of, or laid aside ; provided that general ap- 
 propriation bills, and, in time of war, bills for raising men 
 or money, and bills concerning a treaty of peace, shall be 
 preferred to all other bills, at the discretion of the com- 
 mittee, and when demanded by any member, the ques- 
 tion shall first be put in regard to them. 
 
 R. 136. No standing rule or order of the House shall 
 be rescinded or changed^ without one day's notice being 
 given of the motion therefor ; [nor shall any rule be sus- 
 pended, except by a vote of at least two-thirds of the 
 members present ;§] nor shall the order of business, as 
 
 I Adopted. 
 
 * This rule, as first adopted, required all proceedings touching appropria- 
 tions of money to be first moved in Committee of the Whole. The word 
 "moved" was struck out on the 17th December, 1805, as it was found, in 
 practice, greatly to retard public business. 
 
 ■j- See note to rule 30, page 76. 
 
 i The words " or changed" were added on the 23d December, 1811. 
 
 § This rule was amended at this place, June 18, 1841, [extra session 27th 
 Congress,] by inserting these words : " It shall not be in order to move a sus- 
 pension of the rules for any purpose, until after the daily call for petitions, 
 reports of committees, and resolutions shall be completed, except for amotion 
 to proceed to the orders of the day." At the commencement of the next ses-
 
 J 04 
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 established by the rules, be postponed or changed, except 
 by a vote of at least two-thirds of the members present. 
 [The House may, at any time, by a vote of a majority of 
 the members present, suspend the rules and orders for 
 the purpose of going into the Committee of the Whole 
 House on the state of the Union ; and also for providing 
 for the discharge of the Committee of the Whole House, 
 and the Committee of the Whole House on the state of 
 the Union] from the further consideration of any bill 
 referred to it, after acting without debate on all amend- 
 ments pending, and that may be offered.* 
 
 R. 137. Except during the last ten days of the session, 
 the Speaker shall not entertain a motion to suspend the 
 rules of the House at any time, except on Monday of 
 every week : provided nothing herein contained shall be 
 construed to alter so much of the 136th rule as provided 
 as follows : " The House may at any time, by a vote of 
 a majority of the members present, suspend the rules and 
 orders for the purpose of going into the Committee of the 
 Whole House on the state of the Union ; and, also, for 
 providing for the discharge of the committee from the 
 further consideration of any bill referred to it, after acting 
 without debate on all amendments pending, and that 
 may be offered. 
 
 R. 138. It shall be in order for the Committee on En- 
 rolled Bills to report at any time. 
 
 R. 139. The rules of Parliamentary Practice, comprised 
 in Jefferson's Manual, shall govern the House in all cases 
 to which they are applicable, and in which they are not 
 inconsistent with the Standing Rules and Orders of the 
 
 sion, the House adopted the rules of the 2Gth Congress, by which this and all 
 other amendments made at the extra session fell. 
 
 * December 4, 1843, the rules of the 27th Congress were adopted, with 
 the exception of this rule. On the 11th March, 1844, this rule was re- 
 adopted.
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 105 
 
 House, and the Joint Rules of the Senate and House of 
 Representatives.* 
 
 R. 140. No person shall be permitted to perform divine 
 service in the chamber occupied by the House of Repre- 
 sentatives, unless with the consent of the Speaker. 
 
 R. 141. The rule for paying witnesses summoned to 
 appear before this House, or either of. its committees, 
 shall be as follows : For each day a witness shall attend, 
 the sum of two dollars ; for each mile he shall travel in 
 coming to or going from the place of examination, the 
 sum of ten cents each way ; but nothing shall be paid for 
 travelling home when the witness has been summoned at 
 the place of trial. 
 
 R. 142. The Clerk shall, within thirty days after the 
 close of each session of Congress, cause to be completed 
 the printing and primary distribution, to members and 
 delegates, of the Journal of the House, together with an 
 accurate index to the same. 
 
 R. 143. There shall be retained in the library of the 
 Clerk's office, for the use of the members there, and not 
 to be withdrawn therefrom, two copies of all the books 
 and printed documents deposited in the library. 
 
 R. 144. The Clerk shall have preserved for eaoh mem- 
 ber of the House an extra copy, in good binding, of all 
 the documents printed by order of either House at each 
 future session of Congress. 
 
 R. 145. The Clerk shall make a weekly statement of 
 the resolutions and bills (Senate bills inclusive) upon the 
 Speaker's table, accompanied with a brief reference to 
 the orders and proceedings of the House upon each, and 
 the date of such orders and proceedings ; which state- 
 ment shall be printed for the use of the members. 
 
 * The rules of Congress embrace all that is essential in common legislative 
 proceedings. In order, however, to meet any contingency and gratify curi- 
 osity, Jefferson's Manual, with all the Latin phrases translated, has been in- 
 serted in the latter part of this volume. See page 147. 
 
 5*
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 R. 146. The Clerk shall cause an index to be prepared 
 to the acts passed at every session of Congress, and to be 
 printed and bound with the acts. 
 
 R. 147. The unappropriated rooms in that part of the 
 Capitol assigned to the House shall be subject to the 
 order and disposal of the Speaker, until the further order 
 of the House. 
 
 R. 148. Maps accompanying documents shall not be 
 printed, under the general order to print, without the 
 special direction of the House. 
 
 R. 149. No committee shall be permitted to employ a 
 clerk at the public expense, without first obtaining leave 
 of the House for that purpose. 
 
 R. 150. No extra compensation shall be allowed to 
 any officer or messenger, page, laborer, or other person 
 in the service of the House, or engaged in or about the 
 public grounds or buildings : and no person shall be an 
 officer of the House, or continue in its employment, who 
 shall be an agent for the prosecution of any claim against 
 the Government, or be interested in such claim otherwise 
 than an original claimant ; and it shall be the duty of the 
 Committee of Accounts to inquire into and report to the 
 House any violation of this rule. 
 
 R. 151. Upon the engrossment of any bill making ap- 
 propriations of money for works of internal improvement 
 of any kind or description, it shall be in the power of any 
 member to call for a division of the question, so as to 
 take a separate vote of the House upon each item of im- 
 provement or appropriation contained in said bill, or upon 
 such items separately, and others collectively, as the 
 member making the call may specify ; and if one-fifth of 
 the members present second said call, it shall be the duty 
 of the Speaker to make such divisions of the question, 
 and put them to vote accordingly. 
 
 R. 152. The following resolution was passed by the
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 107 
 
 House of Representatives, January 30, 1846. — Journal 
 Ho. Reps., 1st sess. 29th Congress, page 323. 
 
 " Whereas the Clerk of this House is by law made the 
 responsible officer for the proper disbursement of the con- 
 tingent fund, and is required to give bond for the faithful 
 disbursement thereof: therefore, 
 
 "Resolved, That, from and after the passage of this reso- 
 lution, all contracts, bargains, or agreements, relative to 
 the furnishing any matter or thing, or for the performance 
 of any labor for the House of Representatives, be made 
 with the Clerk, or approved by him, before any allow- 
 ance shall be made therefor by the Committee of Ac- 
 counts." 
 
 JOINT RULES AND ORDERS OF THE TWO HOUSES. 
 
 Rule 1. In every case of an amendment of a bill 
 agreed to in one House, and dissented to in the other, if 
 either House shall request a conference, and appoint a 
 committee for that purpose, and the other House shall 
 also appoint a committee to confer, such committees shall, 
 at a convenient hour, to be agreed on by their chairman, 
 meet in the conference chamber, and state to each other, 
 verbally or in writing, as either shall choose, the reasons 
 of their respective Houses for and against the amend- 
 ment, and confer freely thereon. 
 
 R. 2. When a message shall be sent from the Senate 
 to the House of Representatives, it shall be announced at 
 the door of the House by the Doorkeeper, and shall be 
 respectfully communicated to the Chair by the person by 
 whom it may be sent. 
 
 R. 3. The same ceremony shall be observed when a 
 message shall be sent from the House of Representatives 
 to the Senate. 
 
 R. 4. Messages shall be sent by such persons as a
 
 108 
 
 JOINT RULES. 
 
 sense of propriety in each House may determine to be 
 proper. 
 
 R. 5. While bills are on their passage between the two 
 Houses, they shall be on paper, and under the signature 
 of the Secretary or Clerk of each House, respectively. 
 
 R. 6. After a bill shall have passed both Houses, it 
 shall be duly enrolled on parchment by the Clerk of the 
 House of Representatives, or the Secretary of the Senate, 
 as the bill may have originated in the one or the other 
 House, before it shall be presented to the President of 
 the United States. 
 
 R. 7. When bills are enrolled, they shall be examined 
 by a joint committee of two from the Senate and two 
 from the House of Representatives, appointed as a stand- 
 ing committee for that purpose, who shall carefully com- 
 pare the enrollment with the engrossed bills, as passed in 
 the two Houses, and, correcting any errors that may be 
 discovered in the enrolled bills, make their report forth- 
 with to their respective Houses. 
 
 R. 8. After examination and report, each bill shall be 
 signed in the respective Houses, first by the Speaker of 
 the House of Representatives, then by the President of 
 the Senate. 
 
 R. 9. After a bill shall have been thus signed in each 
 House, it shall be presented, by the said committee, to 
 the President of the United States, for his approbation, 
 (it being first endorsed on the back of the roll, certifying 
 in which House the same originated ; which endorsement 
 shall be signed by the Secretary or Clerk, as the case may 
 be, of the House in which the same did originate,) and 
 shall be entered on the Journal of each House. The 
 said committee shall report the day of presentation to the 
 President ; which time shall also be carefully entered on 
 the Journal of each House. 
 
 R. 10. All orders, resolutions, and votes, which are to 
 be presented to the President of the United States, for his
 
 JOINT RULES. 
 
 109 
 
 approbation, shall also, in the same manner, be previ- 
 ously enrolled, examined, and signed ; and shall be pre- 
 sented in the same manner, and by the same committee, 
 as provided in the cases of bills. 
 
 R. 11. When the Senate and House of Representatives 
 shall judge it proper to make a joint address to the Presi- 
 dent, it shall be presented to him in his audience chamber 
 by the President of the Senate, in the presence of the 
 Speaker and both Houses. 
 
 R. 12. When a bill or resolution which shall have 
 passed in one House is rejected in the other, notice thereof 
 shall be given to the House in which the same shall have 
 passed. 
 
 R. 13. When a bill or resolution which has been passed 
 in one House shall be rejected in the other, it shall not be 
 brought in during the same session, without a notice of 
 ten days, and leave of two-thirds of that House in which 
 it shall be renewed. 
 
 R. 14. Each House shall transmit to the other all pa- 
 pers on which any bill or resolution shall be founded. 
 
 R. 15. After each House shall have adhered to their 
 disagreement, a bill or resolution shall be lost. 
 
 R. 16. No bill that shall have passed one House shall 
 be sent for concurrence to the other on either of the three 
 last days of the session. 
 
 R. 17. No bill or resolution that shall have passed the 
 House of Representatives and the Senate shall be pre- 
 sented to the President of the United States, for his ap- 
 probation, on the last day of the session. 
 
 R. 18. When bills which have passed one House are 
 ordered to be printed in the other, a greater number of 
 copies shall not be printed than may be necessary for the 
 use of the House making the order. 
 
 R. 19. No spirituous liquors shall be offered for sale, 
 or exhibited, within the Capitol, or on the public grounds 
 adjacent thereto. 
 
 10
 
 110 
 
 JOINT RULES. 
 
 Adopted, [r — == 
 
 R. 20. A committee, consisting of three members of the 
 Senate and three members of the House of Representa- 
 tives, shall be chosen by their respective Houses, which 
 shall constitute a Committee on Printing, which shall 
 have power to adopt such measures as may be deemed 
 necessary to remedy any neglect or delay on the part of 
 the contractor to execute the work ordered by Congress, 
 and to make a pro rata reduction in the compensation 
 allowed, or to refuse the work altogether, should it be 
 inferior to the standard ; and in all cases, the contractor 
 and his securities shall be responsible for any increased 
 expenditure consequent upon the non-performance of the 
 contract. The committee shall audit and pass upon all 
 accounts for printing ; but no bill shall be acted upon for 
 work that is not actually executed and delivered, and 
 which they may require to be properly authenticated. 
 
 R. 21. It shall be in order for the Committee on Print- 
 ing to report at any time. 
 
 R. 22. After six days from the commencement of a 
 second or subsequent session of Congress, all bills, reso- 
 lutions, or reports which originated in either House, and, 
 at the close of the next preceding session, remained un- 
 determined in either House, shall be resumed and acted 
 on in the same manner as if an adjournment had not 
 taken place.
 
 INDEX TO THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Ill 
 
 INDEX 
 
 TO THE 
 
 RULES AND ORDERS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 
 
 AND TO THE JOINT RULES. 
 
 A. 
 
 Rule 
 Absent members, their attendance may be compelled by fifteen 
 
 members ------- 65 
 
 Absent, no member allowed to be, unless sick or on leave - 66 
 
 Absentees at a call, proceedings against - 64 
 
 Accounts of members, Sergeant to keep - 70 
 
 Acts and addresses signed by the Speaker .... 15 
 
 Address to the President, how to be presented (joint rule) - 11 
 
 Adhere, effect of a vote in the two Houses to (joint rule) - 15 
 
 Adjourn, motion to, always in order, but not to be debated - 48 
 
 " hour to be entered ---.-.. 49 
 
 Admission within the Hall, the persons entitled to 17 
 
 Agents for claims --------. 150 
 
 Amend, order of motion to------. 4(5 
 
 Amendment not to be admitted, if on a subject different from that 
 
 under consideration ------ 55 
 
 Amendments to engrossed bills, by way of rider, not permitted - 122 
 
 " to engrossed bills, to be kept on separate paper - 127 
 
 " to original motions, in Committee of the Whole - 128 
 " to bills and resolutions, cannot be made by adding 
 
 other bills or resolutions ----- 55 
 
 " U rules, proposition of ----- 136 
 
 " to reports in Committee of the Whole - - - 129 
 " to bills on which the two Houses disagree, confer- 
 ence upon (joint rule) - - - l 
 " of Senate, to bills, when considered ... 27
 
 112 
 
 INDEX TO THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 Appeals, how made and debated ...... 
 
 " proceedings in case of, for transgressing rules 
 " not debated on previous question - 
 
 Appropriation bills, may be amended in Committee of the 
 Whole out of their order - - - 
 « " to be reported within thirty days - 
 
 " " to have preference in order of day - 
 
 " " appropriations not authorized by law, not 
 
 to be made - . - - - 
 Appropriation for treaties not to be included in bills making 
 
 appropriation for other objects - 
 Appropriations to be first discussed in Committee of the Whole 
 " votes upon each item of, may be taken 
 
 B. 
 Ballot for committees ........ 
 
 " in other cases ..-..--. 
 Ballots, blank, not counted ..... - - 
 
 " no person to look on when tellers are counting 
 
 Bar, no member to vote unless within the - - - - . 
 
 Bills ox the table, when to be taken up and disposed of- 
 Bills reported &X first session, to be resumed at second 
 " private, to have precedence on Fridays and Saturdays 
 " " to be called over on first and fourth Fridays of every 
 
 month — preference to those not objected to - 
 " rejected, if enacting words be stricken out ... 
 
 " cannot be amended by adding other bills - - - - 
 
 " proceedings on leave to introduce - 
 
 " how to be introduced or reported ..... 
 
 " leave to introduce -------- 
 
 " making appropriations, to be reported within thirty days - 
 " " " to have preference in order - 
 
 " " " not authorized by law excluded - 
 
 " " " to be first discussed in Committee 
 
 of the Whole .... 
 
 " the several readings of ------ . 
 
 " if opposed on first reading, question to reject to be put, &c. 
 " how to be disposed of on second reading .... 
 
 " not more than three to be committed to the same Committee 
 
 of the Whole 
 
 " may be recommitted at any time before passage 
 
 " to be engrossed in a fair round hand .... 
 
 " amendments of Senate, when considered - 
 
 Rule 
 
 2 
 
 35,36 
 
 51 
 
 135 
 79 
 80 
 
 81 
 
 78 
 133 
 151 
 
 7 
 11 
 11 
 39 
 40 
 27 
 22 
 29 
 
 30 
 
 119 
 
 55 
 
 114 
 
 114 
 
 114 
 
 79 
 
 80 
 
 SI 
 
 133 
 115 
 116 
 
 117 
 
 118 
 
 120 
 
 121 
 
 27
 
 INDEX TO THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 113 
 
 Bills, engrossed, when to be read a third time .... 
 " from the Senate, when to be read and disposed of - 
 " not to be amended on third reading by rider - 
 " when passed, to be certified by the Clerk - - - . 
 " [in Committee of the Whole] how to be taken up ; not to 
 be interlined ; amendments to, how to be kept and re- 
 ported ; and, after report, may be again debated and 
 amended -----..__ 
 " on their passage to be on paper (joint rule) ... 
 " to be enrolled on parchment after passing the two Houses 
 (joint rule) - - . . . „ ■ 
 
 (See Engrossed Bills.) 
 " passed one House and lost in the other, notice to be given 
 
 of (joint rule) 
 
 " passed one House and lost in the other, how they may be re- 
 newed (joint rule) ----... 
 " when sent from one House to the other, to be accompanied 
 by the papers on which they are founded (joint rule) - 
 " not to be sent from one House to the other for concurrence 
 
 on the three last days of the session (joint rule) - 
 " not to be presented to the President on the last day of a 
 
 session (joint rule) 
 
 " joint rule relative to printing of 
 
 " resolutions, and reports not disposed of at one session of a 
 Congress, which shall have passed either House, to be 
 taken up after six days of a succeeding session (joint 
 
 rule) 
 
 Blanks, rule respecting the filling of 
 
 Blank ballots, not to be counted ..... 
 Bond of Sergeant-at-arms - ---.... 
 Business, unfinished, precedence of - 
 
 Business, unfinished at first, to be resumed at second session of 
 Congress -----.._ 
 " daily order of---..... 
 " order of, changed or postponed, two-thirds necessary - 
 " no debate on priority of - .... 
 Business on the table, when to be taken up and disposed oi 
 Business on the Speaker's table, mode of disposing of - 
 " " " " list to be made of 
 
 " private, to have preference on Fridays and Saturdays - 
 " to be called over on first and fourth Fridays in 
 every month, and preference given to matters 
 not objected to - 
 
 Bute 
 
 27 
 
 27 
 
 122 
 
 123 
 
 127 
 5 
 
 22 
 130 
 11 
 71 
 58 
 
 22 
 
 23 
 
 136 
 
 113 
 
 27 
 
 27 
 
 145 
 
 29 
 
 30 
 
 10* 
 
 U
 
 114 INDEX TO THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 C. Rule 
 
 Calls on Departments for information, rules relating to - - 01 
 
 Calls of the House, names called alphabetically ... 62 
 « « « in order prior to second of previous question, 
 
 but not after 50 
 
 « « " proceedings on a call .... 63, 64 
 
 « « « Speaker and fifteen members may compel at- 
 tendance of absent members - 65 
 Capitol, unappropriated rooms in- - - - - - 147 
 
 " no spirits to be brought within or about (joint rule) - 19 
 
 Chair, Speaker may substitute a member to take the - 6 
 
 Chairman of Committee, who shall be - 8 
 
 " of Committee of Whole, Speaker names - - 125 
 
 Charge on the people, motions for- - - - - - 131 
 
 Claims, officers of House not to prosecute ----- 150 
 
 Clerk to cause resolutions to be delivered to President, &c. - 61 
 " to take an oath to act faithfully, and tenure of appoint- 
 ment, &c. --------- 21 
 
 " to make a list of reports to be made by public officers to 
 
 Congress --------- 109 
 
 " to forward the Journals to Governors of the States - - 110 
 
 " to make weekly a list of business on Speaker's table - - 145 
 
 " to cause Journal to be completed and distributed - - 142 
 
 " to furnish members with bound documents ... 144 
 
 " to cause the laws to be indexed ----- 146 
 
 " all contracts, &c, to be made or approved by - - - 152 
 
 " to note questions of order - - - - - - 111 
 
 " to attest legal acts signed by the Speaker ... 15 
 
 " to retain certain books in the office library ... 143 
 
 Clerks to Committees, House must order employment of - 149 
 
 Commit or amend, order of motions to ----- 46 
 
 Committees, how to be appointed ------ 7 
 
 " who shall be chairman - 8 
 
 " to meet on call of two members - 10 
 
 " order in which they shall be called for reports - 25 
 " a member may, in a certain case, be excused from 
 
 serving on------- 9 
 
 " precedence of, in motions for reference - - - 47 
 
 " appointment of standing ..... 76 
 
 " duties of, viz: of Elections ..... 77 
 
 " " " of Ways and Means - - 78,79,80,81 
 
 " " " of Claims 82 
 
 " " " on Commerce .... 83 
 
 " " " on Public Lands .... 84
 
 INDEX TO THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 115 
 
 Committees, duties of, viz: on Post Office and Post Roads 
 « « « for the District of Columbia 
 
 « » " on the Judiciary -'-.-• 
 
 <« « « on Revolutionary Claims 
 
 « » » on Public Expenditures - 
 
 « « « on Private Land Claims - 
 
 « " « on Military Affairs - 
 
 « « " on the Militia .... 
 
 « " " on Naval Affairs • 
 
 « « " on Foreign Affairs - 
 
 « « " on the Territories - 
 
 « « - on Revolutionary Pensions 
 
 « " " on Invalid Pensions - 
 
 « " " on Roads and Canals - 
 
 » " " on Patents - 
 
 « « " on Public Buildings ... 
 
 « « « on Revisal and Unfinished Business 
 
 " " " of Accounts - - - - - 
 
 « « " on Mileage - 
 
 " " " on Engraving - - - - 
 
 Committees on Expenditures, appointment and duties of the six 
 Committees, standing, may report by bill .... 
 
 " not to sit during session of House - - 
 
 " not to employ clerks ------ 
 
 Committee of the Whole on the Union, a standing order of 
 the day -------- 
 
 " rules may be suspended at any time to go into - 
 
 " House may discharge, and terminate debate in - 
 
 " how a quorum may be compelled - - - - 
 
 " business of to be considered and concluded in order of 
 
 reference -------- 
 
 Committee of the Whole, how formed - - - - - 
 
 " how to proceed in cases of bills . . - - 
 
 " how to report amendments to original motions - 
 
 " how to report amendments to a report - - - 
 
 " rules of the House to be observed in 
 
 " must first entertain all motions for laying or increas- 
 
 ing taxes -------- 
 
 " appropriations must be first discussed in - 
 
 Committee clerks, House to order employment of - 
 Committee on Enrolled Bills, appointment and duties of (joint 
 
 rule) ... 
 
 " to report at any time ------ 
 
 Rule 
 85 
 86 
 87 
 88 
 89 
 90 
 91 
 92 
 93 
 94 
 95 
 96 
 97 
 98 
 99 
 100 
 101 
 102 
 103 
 104 
 105, 106 
 107 
 108 
 149 
 
 124 
 
 136 
 
 136 
 
 63,126 
 
 135 
 125 
 12"- 
 128 
 129 
 134 
 
 131, 132 
 133 
 
 149 
 
 7 
 138
 
 116 INDEX TO THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 Rule 
 
 54 
 47 
 
 1 
 
 112 
 
 72 
 
 74 
 
 5 
 
 39 
 
 Commitment of motions and reports to be at the pleasure of the 
 House -------* 
 
 « when different committees are proposed, their order 
 
 Conference on disagreeing votes of the two Houses, rule respect- 
 ing (joint rule) ------- 
 
 Confidential communications or proceedings, rules upon - 
 « Sergeant-at-arms sworn to secrecy - 
 
 " Doorkeeper sworn to secrecy - 
 
 Consideration, questions of ------- 
 
 Contersation, (private,) not to be entertained while a member is 
 speaking - - 
 
 D. 
 
 Debate, provisions for the preservation of order and decorum in - 
 " on appeals, limited nature of 
 " on appeals in calls to order prohibited - - - - 
 
 " prohibited on motions to adjourn 
 " prohibited on motion to lie on the table 
 » prohibited to speak more than once or twice - - 37,38,134 
 » prohibited on petitions and other papers on day of pre- 
 sentation -------- 
 
 " prohibited on priority of business - - - - - 
 
 " to be precluded by the previous question - 
 
 " no speech to exceed one hour - - - - - 
 
 " in Committee of the Whole, House may terminate 
 Departments, calls for information from - 
 
 « list of reports from --.--. 
 
 Division of questions, when and how they may be allowed 
 
 Division of the Hocse, how made and decided ... 
 
 Divine service not to be performed in the Hall, unless by the 
 
 consent of the Speaker - - - - - 
 
 Disorder of the gallert, remedy for 
 
 Documents, members to be furnished with an extra set 
 
 " rule respecting printing extra numbers - - - 
 
 Doorkeepers, to be appointed ------- 
 
 " to be sworn to secrecy ------ 
 
 " required to execute rules strictly - - - - 
 
 Duties or taxes, rules to be observed respecting the imposition 
 or increase of - 
 
 31,35 
 
 2 
 
 35 
 
 48 
 
 24 
 
 113 
 
 50, 51 
 
 34 
 
 136 
 
 61 
 
 109 
 
 53, 151 
 
 4 
 
 140 
 16 
 
 144 
 61 
 73 
 74 
 20 
 
 E. 
 
 Elections, how to be conducted 
 
 " previous nomination necessary - 
 
 " votes to be viva voce 
 
 131,132 
 
 11, 12 
 13 
 14
 
 INDEX TO THE RULES OP THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 11 
 
 Rule 
 Enacting words, if stricken out, to be considered as a rejection 
 
 of bill, &c. 1 L9 
 
 Ensign or mace, relating to the ------ 68 
 
 Engraving, Committee on------- 76 
 
 " duties of 104 
 
 Engrossment to be in a fair round hand ----- 121 
 
 I Engrossed bills not to be amended by riders - 122 
 " " while on their passage between the two Houses 
 
 (joint rule.) --..._ 5 
 (See Bills.) 
 
 Enrolled bills, Committee on, may report at any time - - 138 
 " " to be examined by the committee -> 
 
 " " provision for the appointment of £. (joint rule) 7 
 
 the Committee on 3 
 
 " " to be signed by the presiding officers of the 
 
 Houses (joint rule) ----- 8 
 " " how to be presented to the President, and the 
 
 time to be noted (joint rule) ... 9 
 " " not to be presented to the President on the last 
 
 day of session (joint rule) - 17 
 Executive Departments, rules to be observed in calling for in- 
 formation from heads of - 61 
 Executive communications, when to be read - 27 
 Excused from voting, rule relating to being (rescinded*) - 42 
 Excused trom serving on a committee, a member may be 9 
 Extra compensation forbidden ------ 150 
 
 F. 
 
 Fees in cases of calls of the House, payment by members - 64 
 
 " of Sergeant-at-arms -------- 69 
 
 Friday, private business, precedence on 29 
 
 G. 
 
 Galleries may be cleared in cases of disorder ... - 16 
 
 Governors, send journals to- - - - - - - 110 
 
 " admitted in the Hall 17 
 
 H. 
 
 Hall to be under the direction of the Speaker - - - - 6 
 
 " persons who may be admitted within the - - - - 17 
 
 " this rule to be strictly executed ----- 20 
 " not to be used in the performance of Divine service, unless 
 
 by consent of the Speaker ------ 140 
 
 *So much as relates to reasons for bein? excused rescinded at id sess. 29th Congress.
 
 1 J 8 INDEX TO THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 Hats off during session of House - 
 
 Heads of Departments, calls for information from - 
 
 Hour rule for speaking ------ 
 
 Interested, members not to vote when - - - - - 
 Indefinitely questions not to be resumed which are postponed 
 Information, calls on the President and Departments for - 
 Insert and strike out, questions indivisible - - - - 
 Index to laws, to be made ------ 
 
 J. 
 
 Jefferson's Manual, to goven. in certain cases 
 Joint resolutions, or propositions requiring the consent of the 
 Senate, to be laid on the table one day 
 " " signed by the Speaker - - - - 
 
 Journal, reading of -------- 
 
 " to be examined by the Speaker ------ 
 
 « to be printed and distributed within thirty days after the 
 adjournment -------- 
 
 " written motions to be entered - 
 
 " to be sent to Governors ------ 
 
 Laws to be signed by the Speaker ------ 
 
 " index to be made -------. 
 
 Lie on the table, precedence of a motion to 
 " " no debate on a motion to 
 
 Lie on the table one day, all matters requiring the concurrence 
 of the Senate to - 
 u " " all calls on Executive officers for in- 
 
 formation shall - - - - 
 
 " " " motion to print extra numbers 
 
 Library of Clerk's office, books to be retained - 
 Lobby may be cleared in cases of disorder - 
 
 M. 
 
 Mace, or symbol of office of the Sergeant - 
 Maps, not printed under common order - - . 
 Manual, Jefferson's, to govern in certain cases 
 Memorials, when to be presented - 
 
 " rules to be observed on the presentation of 
 
 " names of members presenting 
 
 Members, not to vote, when interested - - - 
 " to be furnished with extra set of documents 
 
 Rule 
 39 
 61 
 34 
 
 40 
 52 
 61 
 53 
 146 
 
 139 
 
 59 
 
 15 
 
 1 
 
 6 
 
 142 
 
 44 
 
 110 
 
 15 
 
 146 
 
 46 
 
 48 
 
 59 
 
 61 
 
 81 
 
 143 
 
 16 
 
 68 
 148 
 139 
 
 23 
 23,24 
 
 60 
 
 40 
 144
 
 INDEX TO THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 119 
 
 Rule 
 
 Members, to sit uncovered ....... 39 
 
 " their names to be called alphabetically ... 62 
 
 " proceedings against absentees at call - - - 63, 64 
 
 " to be paid by Sergeant-at-arms ..... 70 
 
 " may address the House from the Clerk's desk, or a 
 
 place near by------- 32 
 
 Messages between the two Houses, how to be announced and 
 
 delivered (joint rules) ...... 2, 3 
 
 " by whom to be sent (joint rule) .... 4 
 
 Messages from Senate, when considered ..... 27 
 
 Messages from President, when read ..... 27 
 
 Mileage, duty of Committee on ...... 103 
 
 Morning hour, for reports and resolutions .... 27 
 
 " " no suspension during ..... 136 
 
 Motions, to be stated by the Speaker or read by the Clerk - - 43 
 
 " if desired, shall be reduced to writing .... 44 
 
 " when to be considered as in possession of the House - 45 
 " precedence and order of certain .... 47,48,130 
 
 " may be committed at pleasure ..... 54 
 
 " when they may be withdrawn - 44, 45 
 
 N. 
 
 Name of member presenting petitions ..... 60 
 
 " " presenting resolution - 60 
 
 Nomination, cases in which it shall be necessary ... 13 
 
 Newspapers, reporters to give names of - 19 
 
 O. 
 
 Order, proceedings in cases of calls to - - . _ - 35 36 
 
 " Speaker to decide questions of 2 
 
 " Speaker to make calls to ----- . 35 
 
 " Clerk to note questions of - - - - . . m 
 
 " questions of, arising after previous question, no debate - 51 
 
 Order of business of the session -----. 22 
 
 " " of the day ....... 23 
 
 " " postponed or changed - - - - - 136 
 
 Order op calling for petitions ..... 23 
 
 " " for reports of committees ... 25 
 
 Orders of the day, when to be called ..... 27 
 " " may be moved pending consideration or dis- 
 cussion of reports and resolutions - 27 
 " " unfinished business to have precedence in - 58
 
 120 
 
 INDEX TO THE RT'LES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 P. 
 
 Pat of members, by Sergeant-at-arms - 
 Petitions, when they may be presented - 
 
 " rules to be observed on presentation of 
 
 " rule respecting debate on - 
 
 " may be handed to the Clerk - 
 
 " name of member presenting - 
 
 Personality in debate to be avoided - 
 
 Postmaster General, calls for information from - 
 
 Postmaster of House to be appointed - 
 Postponed indefinitely, effect of question which is - 
 Postpone, to day certain, orde r of motion - 
 
 " or change order of business - 
 
 Precedence, or ~i , , ... ... . , 
 
 5- to be decided without debate 
 •Priority of business, j 
 
 Precedence of motions -------. 
 
 President, rules to be observed in calling for information from the 
 
 " manner of presenting bills and resolutions to the (joint 
 
 rule) ........ 
 
 " manner of presenting joint addresses to the (joint 
 
 rule) ........ 
 
 " no bill or resolution to be presented on the last day of 
 
 the session to the (joint rule) - - - - 
 
 Printing of the two Houses, Committee on (joint rule) - 
 
 Printing, Committee on, may report at any time (joint rule) 
 
 Printing of Journals to be completed within thirty days after 
 
 an adjournment- .... 
 
 Printing of bills, joint rule relating to (joint rule) - 
 
 Printing, motion for extra numbers to lie one day ... 
 
 Previous auESTioN, order of motion for 
 
 " " rules relating to the - 
 
 Private business, to have preference on Fridays and Saturdays 
 
 " to be called over on first and fourth Fridays 
 
 of every month, and preference given to, if 
 
 not objected to ..... 
 
 Privileged characters, to come within the Hall, named - 
 
 " rules respecting, to be strictly executed 
 
 Q- 
 
 Questions, precedence of 
 
 manner of putting ..... 
 decorum to be observed during the putting of 
 may be divided, and the manner of dividing 
 
 Rule 
 70 
 23 
 23,24 
 24 
 24 
 60 
 31 
 61 
 75 
 52 
 46 
 136 
 
 113 
 
 46 
 61 
 
 9 
 
 11 
 
 17 
 20 
 21 
 
 142 
 18 
 61 
 46 
 50,51 
 29 
 
 46 
 
 4 
 
 39 
 
 53
 
 INDEX TO THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 Rule 
 Questions to be propounded in the order in which they are 
 
 moved -------- 130 
 
 Quorum, fifteen members may compel the attendance of a - - 65 
 
 " how compelled in Committee of the Whole - - 126 
 
 R. 
 
 Reading a paper, if objected to, rule respecting the - 57 
 
 Reconsider, rule respecting motions to 56 
 
 Reference, order and precedence of motions of - - 47 
 
 " of motions to be at the pleasure of the House - 54 
 Reporters, rules respecting - - - - - - -18, 19 
 
 Reports, may be committed at pleasure ----- 54 
 
 Reports of committees, when to be made - - - 25 
 
 Reports to be made to Congress, Clerk to make a list of - 109 
 
 Resolutions, when they may be submitted .... 25, 26 
 
 " only one at a time ------ 25 
 
 " every alternate Monday set aside for - - 26 
 
 " those giving rise to debate to lie over - - - 26 
 
 " cannot be amended by adding other resolutions - 55 
 " requiring assent of the Senate, to be laid on the 
 
 table one day before acting on, &c. - - - 59 
 " calling on Executive officers for information, to lie 
 
 one day --, 61 
 
 " name of member moving .... 60 
 
 " orders, votes, &c, requiring the President's appro 
 
 bation, shall be signed and presented as in cases 
 
 of bills (see Bilk) (joint rule) - - - - 10 
 
 " passed one House and lost in the other, notice to be 
 
 given (joint rule) ------ 12 
 
 " not to be presented to the President on the last day 
 
 of the session (joint rule) - - 17 
 
 Riders, engrossed bills not to be amended by - - - - 122 
 
 Rooms, Speaker to dispose of unappropriated - - - . 147 
 
 Rules, how to be amended, rescinded, or suspended - - - 130 
 " majority may suspend, to go into Committee of the Whole 
 
 on the state of the Union ------ 136 
 
 " shall not be suspended, except on Monday only, to go into 
 
 Committee of the Whole ------ 137 
 
 Saturday, private bills precedence on 29 
 
 Secjiecy, rule relating to -•---... 112 
 
 " Sergeant-at-arms sworn to ----- - 72 
 
 " Doorkeepers sworn to ----- - 74 
 
 11
 
 122 INDEX TO THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 Rule 
 
 59 
 
 27 
 
 27 
 
 2,3 
 
 67 
 
 69 
 
 68 
 
 70 
 
 71 
 
 72 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 7 
 
 33 
 
 35 
 
 147 
 
 6 
 
 12 
 
 15 
 
 140 
 25 
 
 Senate, all orders to be laid on the table one day which require 
 the assent of the „--■•■-" 
 » bills and resolutions, when to be read - - - - 
 
 " consider messages from ------ 
 
 » messages to and from (joint rules) . - - - 
 Sergeant-at-arms, to be appointed, and duties of the 
 
 « « fees of the ------ 
 
 « « his mace or symbol of office - 
 
 « « to pay members . - - - - 
 
 « « to give bond ------ 
 
 « « to be sworn to secrecy - - - - 
 
 Speaker, to take the chair at ti.e hour of meeting - 
 " to have preference in speaking to order - 
 
 " to rise to put a question 
 
 " to decide questions of order - 
 
 " to examine the Journal ------ 
 
 " to have direction over the Hall - - - - - 
 
 « to appoint committees ------ 
 
 " to name member who is to speak - - - - 
 
 " to call members to order ------ 
 
 " to have direction over unappropriated rooms 
 
 " may substitute a member in his place - - - - 
 
 " case in which he shall or may vote - - - - 
 
 " to sign acts, addresses, writs, subpoenas, &c. 
 " Divine service not to be performed in the Hall, unless by 
 consent of the ------- 
 
 Speaker's table, mode of disposing of business on - 
 
 Speaking, rules to be observed in the House - 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 
 
 " " " in Committee - - - - 134, 32 
 
 " private discourse not to be entertained, nor is any 
 
 person to pass between the chair and the member 
 who is -------- 39 
 
 Speak, Speaker to designate the member who is first to - - 33 
 
 " no member to speak more than once or twice - - 37,38, 134 
 
 Speech, no speech to exceed an hour ----- 34 
 
 Spirits, not to be brought within or about the Capitol (joint 
 
 rule) 19 
 
 Stenographers, may be admitted on the floor, &c. - - - 18 
 
 " further regulations for 19 
 
 Strike out and insert, rules respecting motions to - 53 
 
 Substitute for a proposition, rule respecting a - - - - 55 
 
 Summons, to be signed by the Speaker ... - 15 
 
 Suspension of rules, two-thirds necessary - - - 136 
 
 " " only to be permitted on Monday - - 137
 
 INDEX TO THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 123 
 
 Taxes or Duties, respecting the imposition of - 
 Tellers may be appointed to count in certain cases - 
 
 U. 
 
 Uncovered, members to sit - 
 
 Unfinished business, to have precedence, &c. - 
 
 V. 
 
 Vote, may be taken on each item of appropriation ... 
 " no member to vote when interested, or without the bar 
 " every member present shall vote, unless excused 
 " to be given viva voce * . • 
 
 Voting, manner of------.-. 
 
 " who are to be excluded from ..... 
 
 " if a member requests to vote, he is to be interrogated by 
 the Speaker ----.-.- 
 
 Viva voce, elections to be by - 
 
 W. 
 
 Witnesses, how to be subpoenaed - 
 
 " rule for compensating ..... 
 
 Withdrawal of motions, rule respecting the ... 
 Writs, Subpcenas, &c, to be signed by the Speake &*. 
 Writing, motions to be reduced to, if desired 
 Words excepted to, to be reduced to writing 
 
 Y. 
 Yeas and Nats, when calling, no one to go near the table - 
 " " to be taken alphabetically ... 
 
 Rule 
 
 131, 132 
 
 4 
 
 39 
 
 58 
 
 151 
 
 40,41 
 
 42 
 
 14 
 
 4 
 
 40,41 
 
 40 
 14 
 
 15 
 141 
 44,45 
 15 
 44 
 36
 
 INSIDE VIEW OF A LEGISLATIVE HALL 
 
 v 
 
 mm 
 
 sff 
 
 QW 
 
 mm 
 
 -d 
 
 JOLT 
 
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 QCE 
 
 Kl 
 
 ON THE PLAN OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U. S. 
 _ " (124) ~"
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. SENATE. 
 
 125 
 
 RULES 
 
 CONDUCTING BUSINESS 
 
 SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Rule 1. The President having taken the chair, and a 
 quorum being present, the Journal of the preceding day 
 shall be read, to the end that any mistake may be cor- 
 rected that shall be made in the entries. 
 
 R. 2. No member shall speak to another, or otherwise 
 interrupt the business of the Senate, or read any news- 
 paper, while the Journals or public papers are reading, 
 or when any member is speaking in any debate. 
 
 R. 3. Every member, when he speaks, shall address 
 the Chair, standing in his place ; and, when he has fin- 
 ished, shall sit down. 
 
 R. 4. No member shall speak more than twice, in any 
 one debate, on the same day, without leave of the 
 Senate. 
 
 R. 5. When two members rise at the same time, the 
 President shall name the person to speak ; but in all 
 cases the member who shall first rise and address the 
 Chair shall speak first. 
 
 R. 6. When a member shall be called to order by the 
 President, or a Senator, he shall sit down ; and every 
 question of order shall be decided by the President, with- 
 
 11*
 
 126 
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. SENATE. 
 
 out debate, subject to an appeal to the Senate ; and the 
 President may call for the sense of the Senate on any 
 question of order. 
 
 R. 7. If the member be called to order by a senator 
 for words spoken, the exceptionable words shall immedi- 
 ately be taken down in writing, that the President may 
 be better enabled to judge of the matter. 
 
 R. 8. No member shall absent himself from the service 
 of the Senate, without leave of the Senate first obtained. 
 And, in case a less numuer than a quorum of the Senate 
 shall convene, they are hereby authorized to send the 
 Sergeant-at-arms, or any other person or persons by 
 them authorized, for any or all absent members, as the 
 majority of such members present shall agree, at the ex- 
 pense of such absent members, respectively, unless such 
 excuse for non-attendance shall be made as the Senate, 
 when a quorum is convened, shall judge sufficient ; and, 
 in that case, the expense shall be paid out of the contin- 
 gent fund. And this rule shall apply as well to the first 
 convention of the Senate at the legal time of meeting, as 
 to each day of the session, after the hour has arrived to 
 which the Senate stood adjourned. 
 
 R. 9. No motion shall be debated until the same shall 
 be seconded. 
 
 R. 10. When a motion shall be made and seconded, it 
 shall be reduced to writing, if desired by the President, 
 or any member, delivered in at the table, and read, before 
 the same shall be debated. 
 
 R. 11. When a question is under debate, no motion 
 shall be received but, 1st, to adjourn, 2d, to lie on the 
 table, 3d, to postpone indefinitely, 4th, to postpone to a 
 day certain, 5th, to commit, or, 6th, to amend ; which 
 several motions shall have precedence in the order they 
 stand arranged, and the motion for adjournment shall 
 always be in order, and be decided without debate. 
 
 R. 12. If the question in debate contains several points,
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. SENATE. 
 
 127 
 
 any member may have the same divided : but, on a mo- 
 tion to strike out and insert, it shall not be in order to 
 move for a division of the question : but the rejection of 
 a motion to strike out and insert one proposition shall not 
 prevent a motion to strike out and insert a different pro- 
 position ; nor prevent a subsequent motion, simply to 
 strike out ; nor shall the rejection of a motion simply to 
 strike out prevent a subsequent motion to strike out and 
 insert. 
 
 R. 13. In filling up blanks, the largest sum and longest 
 time shall be first put. 
 
 R. 14. When the reading of a paper is called for, and 
 the same is objected to by any member, it shall be deter- 
 mined by a vote of the Senate, and without debate. 
 
 R. 15. The unfinished business in which the Senate 
 was engaged at the last preceding adjournment, shall 
 have the preference in the special orders of the day. 
 
 R. 1 6. When the yeas and nays shall be called for by 
 one-fifth of the members present,* each member called 
 upon shall, unless for special reason he be excused by 
 the Senate, declare openly, and without debate, his assent 
 or dissent to the question. In taking the yeas and nays, 
 and upon the call of the house, the names of the mem- 
 bers shall be taken alphabetically. 
 
 R. 17. When the yeas and nays shall be taken upon 
 any question, in pursuance of the above rule, no member 
 shall be permitted, under any circumstances whatever, to 
 vote after the decision is announced from the Chair. 
 
 R. 18. On a motion made and seconded to shut the 
 doors of the Senate, on the discussion of any business 
 which may, in the opinion of a member, require secrecy, 
 the President shall direct the gallery to be cleared ; and, 
 during the discussion of such motion, the doors shall 
 remain shut. 
 
 * See Art. I., Sec. 5., page 12 Constitution of the U. States.
 
 128 
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. SENATE. 
 
 R. 19. No motion shall be deemed in order, to admit 
 any person or persons whatsoever within the doors of the 
 Senate chamber to present any petition, memorial, or ad- 
 dress, or to hear any such read. 
 
 R. 20. When a question has been once made and car- 
 ried in the affirmative or negative, it shall be in order for 
 any member of the majority to move for the reconsidera- 
 tion thereof: but no motion for the reconsideration of 
 any vote shall be in order after a bill, resolution, mes- 
 sage, report, amendment or motion upon which the vote 
 was taken, shall have gone out of the possession of the 
 Senate, announcing their decision ; nor shall any motion 
 for reconsideration be in order, unless made on the same 
 day on which the vote was taken, or within the next two 
 days of actual session of the Senate thereafter. 
 
 R. 21. When the Senate are equally divided, the Secre- 
 tary shall take the decision of the President. 
 
 R. 22. All questions shall be put by the President of 
 the Senate, either in the presence or absence of the Presi- 
 dent of the United States ; and the senators shall signify 
 their assent or dissent, by answering, ay* or no.* 
 
 R. 23. The Vice President, or President of the Senate 
 pro tempore, shall have the right to name a member to 
 perform the duties of the chair; but such substitution 
 shall not extend beyond an adjournment. 
 
 R. 24. After the Journal is read, the President shall 
 first call for petitions, and then for reports from standing 
 committees ; and every petition or memorial, or other 
 paper, shall be referred, of course, without putting a 
 question for that purpose, unless the reference is objected 
 to by a member at the time such petition, memorial, or 
 other paper, is presented. And before any petition or 
 memorial, addressed to the Senate, shall be received and 
 raad at the table, whether the same shall be introduced 
 
 * See Constitution of the U. States, Art. I., Sec. 5, p. 12.
 
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. SENATE. 
 
 129 
 
 by the President or a member, a brief statement of the 
 contents of the petition or memorial shall verbally be 
 made by the introducer. 
 
 R. 25. One day's notice, at least, shall be given of an 
 intended motion for leave to bring in a bill ; and all bills 
 reported by a committee, shall, after the first reading, be 
 printed for the use of the Senate : but no other paper or 
 document shall be printed for the use of the Senate, with- 
 out special order. 
 
 R. 26. Every bill shall receive three readings previous 
 to its being passed ; and the President shall give notice 
 at each, whether it be the first, second, or third ; which 
 readings shall be on three different days, unless the Sen- 
 ate unanimously direct otherwise. And all resolutions 
 proposing amendments to the constitution, or to which 
 the approbation and signature of the President may be 
 requisite, or which may grant money out of the contin- 
 gent or any other fund, shall be treated, in all respects, in 
 the introduction and form of proceedings on them, in the 
 Senate, in a similar manner with bills ; and all other 
 resolutions shall lie on the table one day for considera- 
 tion, and also reports of committees. 
 
 R. 27. No bill shall be committed or amended until it 
 shall have been twice read, after which it may be referred 
 to a committee. 
 
 R. 28. All bills on a second reading shall first be con- 
 sidered by the Senate in the same manner as if the Sen- 
 ate were in committee of the whole, before they shall be 
 taken up and proceeded on by the Senate agreeably to 
 the standing rules, unless otherwise ordered. And when 
 the Senate shall consider a treaty, bill, or resolution, as 
 in committee of the whole, the Vice President, or Presi- 
 dent pro tempore, may call a member to fill the chair, dur- 
 ing the time the Senate shall remain in committee of the 
 whole : and the chairman so called shall, during such 
 time, have the powers of a President pro tempore.
 
 13( 
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. SENATE. 
 
 R. 29. The final question, upon the second reading of 
 every bill, resolution, constitutional amendment, or mo- 
 tion, originating in the Senate, and requiring three read- 
 ji ings previous to being passed, shall be, "Whether it shall 
 be engrossed and read a third time ?" and no amendment 
 shall be received for discussion at the third reading of 
 any bill, resolution, amendment, or motion, unless by 
 unanimous consent of the members present ; but it shall 
 at all times be in order, before the final passage of any 
 such bill, resolution, constitutional amendment, or motion, 
 to move its commitment ; and should such commitment 
 take place, and any amendment be reported by the com- 
 mittee, the said bill, resolution, constitutional amendment, 
 or motion, shall be again read a second time, and con- 
 sidered as in committee of the whole, and then the afore- 
 said question shall be again put. 
 
 R. 30. The special orders of the day shall not be called 
 by the Chair before one o'clock, unless otherwise directed 
 by the Senate. 
 
 R. 31. The titles of bills, and such parts thereof only 
 as shall be affected by proposed amendments, shall be 
 inserted on the Journals. 
 
 R. 32. The proceedings of the Senate, when not acting 
 as in committee of the whole, shall be entered on the 
 Journal as concisely as possible, care being taken to de- 
 tail a true and accurate account of the proceedings ; but 
 every vote of the Senate shall be entered on the Journal, 
 and a brief statement of the contents of each petition, 
 memorial, or paper, presented to the Senate, shall also be 
 inserted on the Journal. 
 
 R. 33. The following standing committees, to consist 
 of five members each, shall be appointed at the com- 
 mencement of each session, with leave to report by bill 
 or otherwise : 
 
 A Committee on Foreign Relations. 
 
 A Committee on Finance.
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. SENATE. 
 
 131 
 
 A Committee on Commerce. 
 
 A Committee on Manufactures. 
 
 A Committee on Agriculture. 
 
 A Committee on Military Affairs. 
 
 A Committee on the Militia. 
 
 A Committee on Naval Affairs. 
 
 A Committee on Public Lands. 
 
 A Committee on Private Land Claims. 
 
 A Committee on Indian Affairs. 
 
 A Committee of Claims. 
 
 A Committee on Revolutionary Claims. 
 
 A Committee on the Judiciary. 
 
 A Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads. 
 
 A Committee on Roads and Canals. 
 
 A Committee on Pensions. 
 
 A Committee on the District of Columbia. 
 
 A Committee on Patents and the Patent Office. 
 
 A Committee on Retrenchment, to consist of five mem- 
 bers, whose duty it shall be to take into consideration the 
 expenditures of the government in the several depart- 
 ments thereof, and to inquire whether any, and, if any, 
 what retrenchment can be made, without injury to the 
 public service ; and to report thereupon, together with 
 such propositions relative thereto as to them shall seem 
 expedient. 
 
 A Committee on Territories, to consist of five mem- 
 bers. 
 
 A Committee of three members, whose duty it shall 
 be to audit and control the contingent expenses of the 
 Senate. 
 
 A Committee on Public Buildings, to consist of three 
 members, to act jointly with the same committee of the 
 House of Representatives. 
 
 A Committee on Printing, to consist of three members, 
 to whom shall be referred every question on the printing 
 of documents, reports, or other matter transmitted by
 
 132 
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. SENATE. 
 
 either of the executive departments, and all memorials, 
 petitions, accompanying documents, together with all 
 other matter, the printing of which shall be moved, ex- 
 cepting bills originating in Congress, resolutions offered 
 by any senator, communications from the legislatures of 
 the respective States, and motions to print by order of the 
 standing committees of the Senate ; and it shall be the 
 duty of such Committee on Printing to report in every 
 case in one day, or sooner, if practicable 
 
 And a committee, consisting of three members, whose 
 duty it shall be to examine all bills, amendments, resolu- 
 tions, or motions, before they go out of possession of the 
 Senate, and shall deliver the same to the Secretary of the 
 Senate, who shall enter upon the Journal that the same 
 have been correctly engrossed. 
 
 R. 34. In the appointment of the standing committees 
 the Senate will proceed by ballot severally to appoint the 
 chairman of each committee, and then, by one ballot, the 
 other members necessary to complete the same ; and a 
 majority of the whole number of votes given shall be ne- 
 cessary to the choice of a chairman of a standing com- 
 mittee. All other committees shall be appointed by 
 ballot, and a plurality of votes shall make a choice. 
 When any subject or matter shall have been referred to 
 a committee, any other subject or matter of a similar 
 nature may, on motion, be referred to such committee. 
 
 R. 35. When motions are made for reference of the 
 same subject to a select committee, and to a standing 
 committee, the question on reference to the standing com- 
 mittee shall be first put. 
 
 R. 36. When nominations shall be made in writing by 
 the President of the United States to the Senate, a future 
 day shall be assigned, unless the Senate unanimously 
 direct otherwise, for taking them into consideration. 
 Nominations neither approved nor rejected during the 
 session at which they are made, shall not be acted upon
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. SENATE. 
 
 133 
 
 at any succeeding session without being again made by 
 the President. When the President of the United States 
 shall meet the Senate in the Senate chamber, the Presi- 
 dent of the Senate shall have a chair on the floor, con- 
 sidered as the head of the Senate, and his chair shall be 
 assigned to the President of the United States. When 
 the Senate shall be convened by the President of the 
 United States to any other place, the President of the 
 Senate and senators shall attend at the place appointed. 
 The Secretary of the Senate shall also attend to take the 
 minutes of the Senate. 
 
 R. 37. Whenever a treaty shall be laid before the 
 Senate for ratification, it shall be read a first time for in- 
 formation only ; when no motion to reject, ratify, or 
 modify the whole, or any part, shall be received. Its 
 second reading shall be for consideration and on a subse- 
 quent day ; when it shall be taken up as in committee of 
 the whole, and every one shall be free to move a ques- 
 tion on any particular article, in this form : " Will the 
 Senate advise and consent to the ratification of this 
 article?" or to propose amendments thereto, either by 
 inserting or by leaving out words ; in which last case, 
 the question shall be, " Shall these words stand as part 
 of the article ?" And in every of the said cases, the con- 
 currence of two-thirds of the senators present shall be 
 requisite to decide affirmatively. And when through the 
 whole, the proceedings shall be stated to the house, and 
 questions shall be again severally put thereon for con- 
 firmation, or new ones proposed, requiring, in like man- 
 ner, a concurrence of two-thirds, for whatever is retained 
 or inserted ; the votes so confirmed shall, by the house, 
 or a committee thereof, be reduced into the form of a 
 ratification, with or without modifications, as may have 
 been decided, and shall be proposed on a subsequent day, 
 when every one shall again be free to move amendments, 
 either by inserting or leaving out words ; in which last 
 
 12 
 
 Y/OR.Rulb 
 H. Reps.
 
 134 
 
 RULES OP THE U. S. SENATE. 
 
 Cor. Rulei 
 IJ Reps. ! 
 
 case, the question shall be, " Shall these words stand as 
 part of the resolution ?" And, in both cases, the concur- 
 rence of two-thirds shall be requisite to carry the affirma- 
 tive, as well as, on the final question, to advise and con- 
 sent to the ratification in the form agreed to. 
 
 R. 38. All confidential communications, made by the 
 President of the United States to the Senate, shall be by 
 the members thereof kept secret ; and all treaties which 
 may be laid before the Senate shall also be kept secret 
 until the Senate shall, by their resolution, take off the 
 injunction of secrecy. 
 
 R. 39. All information or remarks, touching or con- 
 cerning the character or qualifications of any person 
 nominated by the President to office, shall be kept secret. 
 
 R. 40. When acting on confidential or executive busi- 
 ness, the Senate shall be cleared of all persons, except the 
 Secretary, the principal or the executive Clerk, the Ser- 
 geant-at-arms and Doorkeeper, and the Assistant Door- 
 keeper. 
 
 R. 41. The legislative proceedings, the executive pro- 
 ceedings, and the confidential legislative proceedings of 
 the Senate, shall be kept in separate and distinct books.* 
 
 R. 42. The President of the United States shall, from 
 time to time, be furnished with an authenticated transcript 
 of the executive records of the Senate ; and all nomina- 
 tions approved, or definitively acted on by the Senate, 
 shall be returned by the Secretary, from day to day, as 
 such proceedings may occur ; but no further extract from 
 the executive Journal shall be furnished, except by spe- 
 cial order; and no paper, except original treaties trans- 
 mitted to the Senate by the President of the United 
 States, or any executive officer, shall be returned or de- 
 livered from the office of the Secretary, without an order 
 afthe Senate for that purpose. 
 
 * See Constitution of the U. States, Art. I., Sec. 5, p. 12.
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. SENATE. 
 
 135 
 
 R. 43. When an amendment to be proposed to the 
 Constitution is under consideration, the concurrence of 
 two-thirds of the members present shall not be requisite 
 to decide any question for amendments, or extending to 
 the merits, being short of the final question. 
 
 R. 44. When any question may have been decided by 
 the Senate, in which two-thirds of the members present 
 are necessary to carry the affirmative, any member who 
 votes on that side which prevailed in the question, may 
 be at liberty to move for a reconsideration ; and a motion 
 for reconsideration shall be decided by a majority of 
 votes. 
 
 R. 45. Messages shall be sent to the House of Repre- 
 sentatives by the Secretary, who shall previously endorse 
 the final determination of the Senate thereon. 
 
 R. 46. Messengers are introduced in any state of busi- 
 ness, except while a question is putting, while the yeas 
 and nays are calling, or while the ballots are counting. 
 
 R. 47. The following persons, and none others, shall 
 be admitted on the floor of the Senate : members of the 
 House of Representatives, and their Clerk ; the Secretary 
 of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of 
 War, the Secretary of the Navy, the Attorney General, 
 and the Postmaster General ; the private Secretary of the 
 President, chaplains to Congress, judges of the United 
 States, foreign ministers, and their secretaries ; officers 
 who, by name, have received, or shall hereafter receive, 
 the thanks of Congress for their gallantry and good con- 
 duct in the service of their country, or who have received 
 medals by a vote of Congress ; the governor for the time 
 being of any State or Territory of the Union ; the ex- 
 governors of the several States; the ex-officers of the 
 Senate ; such gentlemen as have been heads of depart- 
 ments, or members of either branch of Congress ; persons 
 who, for the time being, belong to the respective State 
 and Territorial legislatures ; and persons belonging to 
 
 Cor. Kui.r 
 H. Reps. 
 
 CnuB.U.8 
 
 Art, V , 
 
 St. J. 
 
 Rule 56, 
 II Rep*. 
 
 Joint R. 4 
 
 Rule 27, 
 H. Reps 
 
 Rule 17, 
 II. Reps.
 
 136 
 
 RULES OF THE U. S. SENATE. 
 
 such legislatures of foreign governments as are in amity 
 with the United States. 
 
 R. 48. The presiding officer of the Senate shall have 
 the regulation of such parts of the Capitol and of its pas- 
 sages as are or may be set apart for the use of the Senate 
 and its officers. 
 
 R. 49. Whenever a claim is presented to the Senate 
 and referred to a committee, and the committee report 
 that the claim ought not to be allowed, and the report be 
 adopted by the Senate, it shall not be in order to move to 
 take the papers from the files for the purpose of referring 
 them at a subsequent session, unless the claimants shall 
 present a memorial for that purpose, stating in what 
 manner the committee have erred in their report, or that 
 new evidence has been discovered since the report, and 
 setting forth the new evidence in the memorial : Pro- 
 vided, That this rule shall not extend to any case where 
 an adverse report, not in writing, shall have been made 
 prior to the 25th of January, 1842. 
 
 R. 50. Any officer or member of the Senate convicted 
 of disclosing for publication any written or printed matter 
 directed by the Senate to be held in confidence shall be 
 liable, if an officer, to dismissal from the service of the 
 Senate, and, in the case of a member, to suffer expulsion 
 from the body.
 
 INDEX TO THE RULES OF THE U. S. SENATE. 
 
 137 
 
 INDEX 
 
 THE RULES OF THE SENATE 
 
 THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Absence, from the Senate, not allowed without leave- » 
 
 " without leave, in cases of, the Sergeant-at-arms may be sent 
 Adjournment, motion for, has precedence - 
 Admission on the floor, the persons entitled to - 
 Amendments to a resolution to amend the Constitution, carried by a 
 
 majority ... 
 
 Appeal allowed from the decision of the President - 
 
 Rule 
 8 
 
 11 
 
 47 
 
 B. 
 
 Bills may be introduced upon one day's notice - - - -25 
 
 " shall be read twice before amendment or reference - - -27 
 " reported, shall be printed ..-.---25 
 " shall receive three readings on different days - - - - 26 
 
 " on second reading, considered as in committee of the whole - 28 
 " proceedings on, at different stages ------ 29 
 
 " titles of, only, and parts affected by amendments, inserted on the 
 
 Journal ----------31 
 
 " engrossed, how examined, reported, and entered - - - 33 
 " joint rule relative to printing of ------ 18 
 
 Blanks, in filling, what motions have preference - - - - 13 
 
 Business, unfinished, has preference -15 
 
 12*
 
 INDEX TO THE RULES OF THE U. S. SENATE. 
 
 c. 
 
 Rule 
 
 Chair to be addressed - - - 3 
 
 Character of persons nominated to be kept secret - - - - 39 
 
 Claims, effect of decisions upon -------49 
 
 Commit, motion to, in order at any time before final passage - - 29 
 Committees, standing ---------33 
 
 " how appointed --------34 
 
 " reports from standing, when received - - - - 24 
 
 " reports of, to lie one day ------ 26 
 
 Communications, confidential to be kept secret - - - - 38 
 
 Confidence, respecting violations of ------ 50 
 
 Consent, bills may be read three times in one day, by unanimous - 26 
 " nominations may be considered on the day received, by unani- 
 mous ----------36 
 
 Constitution, what majority requisite to amend a resolution proposing 
 
 amendments to the ------ 43 
 
 Conversation among the members, not allowed during the debate, or 
 
 while papers are reading .... - 2 
 
 D. 
 
 Debate, no member to speak more than twice, in one day, in the same, 
 without leave - - - - - 
 
 " not allowed on a call to order - 
 
 " prohibited on a motion to adjourn 
 
 " not allowed on a call for reading papers 
 
 " not allowed in taking yeas and nays - 
 Documents, to be printed only by special order 
 
 E. 
 
 Executive record, extracts from, prohibited - 
 Executive proceedings to be kept in separate books 
 Expulsion, a cause for - 
 
 Floor of Senate, the persons entitled to admission on the 
 
 17 
 
 G. 
 
 Galleries, when they shall be cleared U
 
 INDEX TO THE RULES OF THE U. S. SENATE. 
 
 139 
 
 J. 
 
 Rule 
 1 
 
 Journal, to be read on a quorum assembling - - - - 
 
 " to contain the titles only of bills, and the parts affected by 
 
 proposed amendments ■ - - - - - - 31 
 
 " every vote to be entered on ------ 32 
 
 " a brief statement of every memorial, petition, and paper, to 
 
 be entered on -------- 32 
 
 " to be as concise as possible, when acting as in committee of 
 
 the whole ---------32 
 
 " engrossed bills to be entered on - - - - - - 32 
 
 Leave to bring in a bill, one day's notice of motion for required - - 25 
 
 M. 
 
 Members, prohibited from speaking to each other during debate - - 2 
 " present, not a quorum, empowered to send for absent mem- 
 bers -..-.-.---8 
 
 " shall express assent or dissent by ay or no - - - 22 
 
 Member, when he speaks, shall address the chair .... 3 
 
 ■ after speaking shall sit down ------ 3 
 
 " shall speak but twice the same day, in one debate, without 
 
 leave ----------4 
 
 " first rising and addressing the chair, shall speak first - - 5 
 
 " called to order by the President or senator, shall sit down - C 
 " words of, shall be taken down, when called to order by a 
 senator --------- 
 
 " shall not absent himself without leave - - - - 
 
 " any, may desire a motion to be reduced to writing - - 10 
 
 " may have a question divided, if susceptible of division - - 12 
 
 " required to vote when yeas and nays are called - - 16 
 
 " not allowed to vote after decision is announced - - - 17 
 Memorial or Petition, contents of, shall be stated before received 
 
 and read ------ 24 
 
 « " when received ------ 24 
 
 " " how referred ------ 24 
 
 " " contents of, to be entered on the Journal - 32 
 Messengers, when introduced - - - - - - -46 
 
 Motion, not to be debated until seconded ------ 9 
 
 " made and seconded, shall, if desired, be reduced to writing - 10 
 " to be read before debated - .....io
 
 40 
 
 INDEX TO THE RULES OF THE U. S. SENATE. 
 
 Motion, to adjourn has preference ------- 
 
 to adjourn, to be decided without debate - 
 privileged, what shall be, when a subject is under debate 
 privileged in filling blanks ------- 
 
 privileged, in reference to select or standing committees 
 to close the galleries, shall be discussed confidentially - 
 to admit persons for the purpose of presenting memorial, not 
 in order --------- 
 
 to reconsider, when and by whom may be made - - - 
 
 N. 
 
 Newspapers, not to be read while a member is speaking - 
 Nominations not to be considered on the day received, unless by con- 
 sent .-------- 
 
 " not finally acted on during the session, to fall 
 Notice of one day required of an intended motion for leave to bring in 
 a bill 
 
 Papers and Documents not to be printed without special order - 
 Persons not admitted to present a memorial, &c. - 
 
 " entitled to admission on floor, the -- 
 Petition, before received, contents of, to be stated - - - 
 
 " when received - 
 
 " how referred -------- 
 
 " contents of those presented to be entered on the Journal 
 
 Rule 
 11 
 11 
 11 
 13 
 35 
 18 
 
 19 
 44 
 
 25 
 
 o. 
 
 Officer of the Senate, for what liable to dismissal - - - 50 
 
 Orders of the day, special, not called before one o'clock - - - 30 
 
 " of the day, special, unfinished business has preference in - 15 
 
 Order, interruption of---.--""-*"* 
 
 " upon a call to, the member shall sit down - - - - 6 
 
 " questions of, to be decided without debate - - - - 6 
 
 " appeals on questions of, may be made from the President's de- 
 cision ----------6 
 
 " on questions of, the President may require the sense of the 
 
 Senate 6 
 
 " upon a call to, by a senator, for words spoken, the exceptionable 
 
 words shall be taken down ------ 7
 
 INDEX TO THE RULES OF THE U. S. SENATE. 
 
 141 
 
 Rule 
 President to be first addressed by the speaker ----- 3 
 
 " to decide when two or more rise at the same time to speak 5 
 
 " to decide questions of order ----.. 6 
 
 " may call for the sense of the Senate on a question of 
 
 order ----.....6 
 
 " may desire a motion to be reduced to writing - - - 10 
 
 " to decide on an equal division - - - - - - 21 
 
 " decision of, on an equal division, to be taken by the Secre- 
 tary 21 
 
 " shall put all questions 22 
 
 " may, for a limited time, name a member to perform the 
 
 duties of the Chair --23 
 
 " may appoint a chairman, while the Senate are acting as in 
 
 committee of the whole ...... 28 
 
 " to give notice of the several readings of bills - - - 26 
 
 " to have the regulation of the parts of the Capitol appropri- 
 
 ated to the Senate ....... 
 
 " to be assigned the President's chair when attending the de- 
 
 liberations of the Senate ...... 
 
 Presiding officer of the Senate to have the regulation of certain 
 parts of the Capitol ..... 
 
 Privilege of admission to the floor, persons entitled to 
 
 48 
 
 36 
 
 Q. 
 
 Question under debate, when, and by what motions superseded - -11 
 " may be divided ........12 
 
 " final, on second reading ----..-29 
 
 " to be decided, ay or no - - - - - - - 22 
 
 " to be put by the President of the Senate - - - - 22 
 
 " on amending the Constitution, short of the main question, 
 
 to be determined by a majority ..... 43 
 
 Quorum, proceedings when a less number shall have assembled 8 
 
 R. 
 
 Reading newspapers prohibited while the Journals or public papers 
 
 are reading or a member speaking 2 
 " of a paper called for, and objected to, to be decided by the 
 
 Senate 14 
 
 Reconsideration, motion for, may be made by one of the majority - 20 
 
 or by a member of the side that prevailed - - 44
 
 142 
 
 INDEX TO THE RULES OF THE U. S. SENATE. 
 
 Reconsideration, motion for, must be made within two days after 
 
 vote ...---=■- 
 
 « motion for, must be made before the subject-matter 
 
 is out of possession of Senate - - - - 
 
 « of a question requiring the affirmative vote of two- 
 
 thirds, to be determined by a majority 
 Record, executive, extracts from, prohibited - 
 Reference of petitions, &c, how made ------ 
 
 Reports of standing committees, when received - 
 
 " of committees, to lie one day ------ 
 
 Resolutions, requiring approbation of the President to amend Consti- 
 tution, and gr^nt money, to be treated as bilk - 
 " other, to lie one day ------- 
 
 " on third reading, amended only by consent - 
 
 " engrossed, recommitted, and reported, to be again read a 
 
 second time -------- 
 
 Rale 
 20 
 20 
 
 44 
 
 42 
 24 
 24 
 26 
 
 26 
 26 
 29 
 
 29 
 
 Secrecy enjoined on confidential communications - - - - 38 
 
 " enjoined on remarks on persons nominated - - - - 39 
 
 " enjoined on treaties --------38 
 
 Secretary to endorse bills passed, &c. - - - - - - 45 
 
 " to take the decision of the Vice President when the Senate 
 
 is equally divided - - - - - - -21 
 
 to receive from committee, and enter engrossed bills - - 33 
 to furnish the President with transcripts of executive Jour- 
 nal 42 
 
 to attend and take minutes when Senate is convened to any 
 other place .-------36 
 
 to make returns on nominations, from day to day - - 42 
 to return or deliver no paper, except original treaties, with- 
 out order of Senate -------42 
 
 to furnish no extract from executive Journal without spe- 
 cial order ---------42 
 
 to convey messages to House of Representatives - - 45 
 Senate, proceedings of, when a number less than a quorum shall have 
 
 assembled ---------8 
 
 " proceedings of, in quasi committee, to be entered concisely - 32 
 " ceremonial proceedings when met by the President of the 
 United States at any other place than the Senate Cham- 
 ber 36
 
 INDEX TO THE RULES OF THE U. S. SENATE. 
 
 143 
 
 Senate, relating to the executive proceedings of 
 
 - < 
 
 I 
 * who shall be admitted when engaged in executive or confi- 
 dential business -------- 
 
 " the proceedings of, to be recorded separately . . - 
 
 " transcripts and extracts from executive records, in what cases 
 
 furnished --------- 
 
 « votes of, to be entered on Journal - 
 
 " contents of memorials and petitions presented to, to be entered 
 on the Journal -------- 
 
 " shall be cleared of all persons except their officers, when act- 
 ing on executive business ------ 
 
 " executive proceedings of, to be recorded separately from the 
 legislative --------- 
 
 Speaking, among the members, prohibited during debate - - - 
 " more than twice in one day, on the same subject, pro- 
 
 hibited --------- 
 
 Rule 
 36 
 37 
 38 
 39 
 40 
 
 40 
 
 41 
 
 43 
 
 32 
 
 32 
 
 40 
 
 41 
 2 
 
 T. 
 
 - 13 
 
 - 37 
 
 - 38 
 
 16 
 
 Time, longest, first put ------- 
 
 Treaties, proceedings on ----- - 
 
 " to be kept secret, until injunction be removed - 
 
 U. 
 
 Unfinished business, has preference in special orders 
 
 V. 
 
 Vice President, or President pro tempore, may appoint a chair- 
 man -- 23 
 
 Vote, every, to be entered on the journal ------ 32 
 
 " no member allowed to, after decision is announced - - - 17 
 
 W. 
 
 Words, exceptionable, shall be taken down, when a call to order is 
 
 made by a senator .-------7
 
 J 44 
 
 INDEX TO THE RULES OF THE U. S. SENATE. 
 
 Y. 
 
 Rule 
 
 Yeas and Nats, to be called alphabetically 16 
 
 <( «< may be required by one-fifth - - - - - 16 
 
 <t k to be taken without debate - - • - - 16 
 u « after being taken, no member allowed to enter his 
 
 vote • • - - I * 
 
 J
 
 JEFF.ERSOFS MANUAL, 
 
 CONTAINING THE 
 
 RULES OF PARLIAMENTARY PRACTICE, 
 
 EXPLANATORY NOTES, 
 
 A TRANSLATION OF FOREIGN PHRASES, 
 
 MARGINAL REFERENCES TO THE RULES OF THE TWO HOUSES OF CONGRESS, WHICH HATE BEEN 
 DERIVED THEREFROM, 
 
 WITH 
 
 AN INDEX. 
 
 13 K
 
 , Yv, ' *T ; 
 
 AUTHOR OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE AND OF JEFFERSON'S 
 MANUAL. 
 
 (146)" 
 
 r^J
 
 A MANUAL* 
 
 PARLIAMENTARY PRACTICE 
 
 BY THOMAS JEFFERSON. 
 IMPORTANCE OF RULES. 
 
 SECTION I. 
 
 THE IMPORTANCE OF ADHERING TO RULES. 
 
 Mr. Onslow, the ablest among the Speakers of the House of Com 
 mons, used to say, ' It was a maxim he had often heard when he was 
 a young man, from old and experienced members, that nothing tended 
 more to throw power into the hands of administration, and those who 
 acted with the majority of the House of Commons, than a neglect of, 
 or departure from, the rules of proceeding : that these forms, as insti- 
 tuted by our ancestors, operated as a check and control on the actions 
 of the majority, and that they were, in many instances, a shelter and 
 protection to the minority against the attempts of power.' So far the 
 maxim is certainly true, and is founded in good sense, that as it is 
 always in the power of the majority, by their numbers, to stop any 
 improper measures proposed on the part of their opponents, the only 
 weapons by which the minority can defend themselves against similar 
 attempts from those in power, are the forms and rules of proceeding, 
 which have been adopted, as they were found necessary, from time to 
 time, and are become the law of the House ; by a strict adherence to 
 which, the weaker party can only be protected from those irregularities 
 and abuses which these forms were intended to check, and which the 
 wantonness of power is but too often apt to suggest to large and suc- 
 cessful majorities. [2 Hats. 171, 172. ] 
 
 * This Manual was compiled more than half a century ago hy Ex-President Jefferson. 
 Its Parliamentary rules are received as authority, when they do not conflict with those 
 of Congress. See Rule 139, House Representatives, page 134. 
 
 (147)
 
 148 
 
 PRIVILEGE. 
 
 And whether these forms be in all cases the most rational or not, is 
 really not of so great importance. It is much more material that 
 there should be a rule to go by, than what that rule is ; that there may 
 be an uniformity of proceeding in business, not subject to the caprice 
 of the Speaker, or captiousness of the members. It is very material 
 that order, decency, and regularity be preserved in a dignified public 
 body. [ 2 Hats. 149. ] 
 
 SECTION II. 
 
 PRIVILEGE. 
 
 The privileges of the members of Parliament, from small and obscure 
 beginnings, have been advancing for centuries with a firm and never 
 yielding pace. Claims seem to have been brought forward from time 
 to time, and repeated, till some example of their admission enabled 
 them to build law on that example. We can only, therefore, state the 
 point of progression at which they now are. It is now acknowledged, 
 1st. That they are at all times exempted from question elsewhere for 
 anything said in their own house ; that during the time of privilege, 
 2d, Neither a member himself, his wife, [ Ord. of the H. of Com. 
 16G3, July 16, ] or his servants, for any matter of their own, may be 
 [Elsynge217. 1 Hats. '11. 1 Gi^ey's deb. 133, ] arrested, on mense pro- 
 cess,* in any civil suit. 3d, Nor be detained under execution, though 
 levied before time of privilege. 4th, Nor impleaded, cited, or sub- 
 poenaed in any court. 5th, Nor summoned as a witness or juror. 
 6th, Nor may their lands or goods be distrained. 7th, Nor their per- 
 sons assaulted, or characters traduced. And the period of time, 
 covered by privilege, before and after the session, with the practice of 
 short prorogations under the connivance of the crown, amounts in fact 
 to a perpetual protection against the course of justice. In one instance, 
 indeed, it has been relaxed by the 10 G. 3. c. 50, which permits judiciary 
 proceedings to go on against them. That these privileges must be con- 
 tinually progressive seems to result from their rejecting all definition 
 of them ; the doctrine being that ' their dignity and independence are 
 preserved by keeping their privileges indefinite ;' and that ' the maxims 
 upon which they proceed, together with the method of proceeding, rest 
 entirely in their own breast, and are not defined and ascertained by 
 any particular stated laws.' [ 1 Blackst. 103, 104. ] 
 
 "While privilege was understood in England to extend, as it does here, 
 only to exemption from arrest eundo, morando, et reuendo,f the House 
 of Commons themselves decided that ' a convenient time was to be 
 understood.' (1580.) [ 1 Hats. 99, 100. ] Nor is the law so strict in 
 
 * And compelled to give bail. 
 + For thp necessary time of goinf 
 
 n . remaining at. nnrl returning from.
 
 PRIVILEGE. 
 
 149 
 
 point of time as to require the party to set out immediately on his 
 return, but allows him time to settle his private affairs and to prepare 
 for his journey ; and does not even scan his road very nicely, nor forfeit 
 his protection for a little deviation from that which is most direct ; 
 some necessity, perhaps, constraining him to it. [ 2 Stra. 986, 987. ] 
 
 This privilege from arrest, privileges of course against all process the 
 disobedience to which is punishable by an attachment of the person ; 
 as a subpoena ad respondendum, or testificandum,* or a summons on a 
 jury, and with reason ; because a member has superior duties to per- 
 form in another place. 
 
 Privilege from arrest takes place by force of the election ; and before 
 a return be made, a member elected may be named of a committee, 
 and is to every intent a member, except that he cannot vote until he is 
 sworn. [ Memor. 107, 108. Dewes, 642, col. 2, 643, col. 1. Pet. miscel. 
 pari. 119. Lex. Pari. c. 23. 2 Hats. 22, 62. ] 
 
 Every man must, at his peril, take notice who are members of either 
 house returned of record. [ Lex. Pari. 23, 4. inst. 24. ] 
 
 On complaint of a breach of privilege, the party may either be sum- 
 moned, or sent for in custody of the serjeant. [ 1 Grey, 88, 95. ] 
 
 The privilege of a member is the privilege of the House. If the 
 member waive it without leave, it is a ground for punishing him, but 
 cannot in effect waive the privilege of the House. [ 3 Grey, 140, 222. ] 
 For any speech or debate in either house, they shall not be 
 questioned in any other place. [ S. P. Protest of the Commons 
 to James I. 1621. 2 Rapin, No. 54, pp. 211, 212. ] But this is restrained 
 to things done in the House in a parliamentary course. [ 1 Rush. 663. ] 
 For he is not to have privilege contra morem parliamentarium, -j- to 
 exceed the bounds and limits of his place and duty. [ Com. p. ] 
 
 If an offence be committed by a member in the House, of which the 
 House has cognizance, it is an infringement of their right for any per- 
 son or court to take notice of it, till the House has punished the 
 offender, or referred him to a due course. [ Lex. Pari. 63. ] 
 
 Privilege is in the power of the House, and is a restraint to the pro- 
 ceeding of inferior courts ; but not of the House itself. [ 2 Nalson, 
 450. 2 Grey, 399. ] For whatever ia spoken in the House is subject to 
 the censure of the House ; and offences of this kind have been severely 
 punished by calling the person to the bar to make submission, commit- 
 ting him to the tower, expelling the House, &c. [ Scob. 72. L. Pari, 
 c. 22. ] 
 
 It is a breach of order for the Speaker to refuse to put a question 
 which is in order. [ 2 Hats. 175, 6. 5 Grey, 133. ] 
 
 And even in cases of treason, felony, and breach of the peace, to 
 which privilege does not extend as to substance, yet in Parliament a 
 member is privileged as to the mode of proceeding. The case is first 
 to be laid before the House, that it may judge of the fact, and of the 
 grounds of the accusation, and how far forth the manner of the trial 
 may concern their privilege. Otherwise it would be in the power of 
 other branches of the government, and even of every private man, under 
 pretences of treason, &c, to take any man from his service in the 
 House, and so as many, one after another, as would make the House 
 what he pleaseth. [ Dec. of the Com. on the King's declaring Sir John 
 Hotham a traitor. 4 Rushw. 586. ] So when a member stood indicted 
 
 A summons for answering or testifying. + Contrary to Parliamentary custom. 
 
 13*
 
 QUORUM. 
 
 of felony, it was adjudged that he ought to remain of the House till 
 conviction. For it may be any man's case, who is guiltless, to be 
 accused and indicted of felony, or the like crime. [23 El. 1580. 
 D'Ewes. 283, col. 1. Lex. Pari. 133. ] 
 
 When it is found necessary for the public service to put a member 
 under arrest, or when, on any public inquiry, matter comes out which 
 may lead to affect the person of a member, it is the practice immedi- 
 ately to acquaint the House that they may know the reasons for such 
 a proceeding, and take such steps as they think proper. [ 2 Hats. 259. ] 
 Of which see many examples. [lb. 256, 257, 258.] But the com- 
 munication is subsequent to the arrest. [ 1 Blackst. 167. ] 
 
 It is highly expedient, says Hatsell, for the due preservation of the 
 privileges of the separate branches of the legislature, that neither 
 should encroach on the other, or interfere in any matter depending be- 
 fore them, so as to preclude, or even influence that freedom of debate, 
 which is essential to a free council. They are, therefore, not to take 
 notice of any bills or other matters depending, or of votes that have 
 been given, or of speeches which have been held, by the members of 
 either of the other branches of the legislature, until the same have been 
 communicated to them in the usual parliamentary manner. [ 2 Hats. 
 252. 4 Inst. 15. Seld. Jud. 53. ] Thus the king's taking notice of the 
 bill for suppressing soldiers depending before the House ; his proposing 
 a provisional clause for a bill before it was presented to him by the two 
 Houses ; his expressing displeasure against some persons for matters 
 moved in Parliament during the debate and preparation of a bill, were 
 breaches of privilege; [2 Nalson, 743, ] and in 1783, December 17, it 
 was declared a breach of fundamental privileges, &c, to report any 
 opinion, or pretended opinion of the king, on any bill or proceeding 
 depending in either House of Parliament, with a view to influence the 
 votes of the members. [ 2 Hats. 251, 6. ] 
 
 SECTION III. 
 
 QUORUM. 
 
 In general, the chair is not to be taken till a quorum for business is 
 present ; unless, after due waiting, such a quorum be despaired of, 
 when the chair may be taken, and the House adjourned. And when- 
 ever, during business, it is observed that a quorum is not present, any 
 member may call for the House to be counted, and being found deficient, 
 business is suspended. [ 2 Hats. 125, 126. ]
 
 CALL OF THE HOUSE. — SPEAKER. 
 
 151 
 
 SECTION IV. 
 
 CALL OF THE HOUSE. 
 
 On a call of the House, each person rises up as he is called and 
 answereth ; the absentees are then only noted, hut no excuse to be made 
 till the House be fully called over. Then the absentees are called a 
 second time, and if still absent excuses are to be heard. [ Ord. H. 
 Com. 92. ] 
 
 They rise that their persons may be recognized ; the voice in such a 
 crowd, being an insufficient verification of their presence. But in so 
 small a body as the Senate of the United States the trouble of rising 
 cannot be necessary. 
 
 Orders for calls on different days may subsist at the same time, 
 f 2 Hats. 72. ] 
 
 SECTION V. 
 
 SPEAKER. 
 
 When but one person is proposed, and no objection made, it has not 
 been usual in Parliament to put any question to the House ; but without 
 a question, the members proposing him, conduct him to the chair. 
 But if there be objection, or another proposed, a question is put by the 
 Clerk. [ 2 Hats. 168. ] As are also questions of adjournment. 
 [ 6 Grey, 406. ] Where the House debated and exchanged messages 
 and answers with the king for a week, without a Speaker, till they 
 were prorogued, they have done it dedie in diem* for fourteen days. 
 [ 1 Chand. 331, 335. ] 
 
 Where the Speaker has been ill, other Speakers, pro tempore, have 
 been appointed. Instances of this are 1 H. 4. Sir John Cheyney, 
 and so Sir William Sturton, and in 15 H. 6. Sir John Tyrrel, in 1656. 
 Jan. 27, 1658. March 9, 1659. Jan. 13. 
 
 Sir Job Charlton ill. Seymour chosen 1673, Feb. 18. ~| no ^ mere iy p ro 
 
 Seymour being ill, Sir Robt. Sawyer chosen, 1678, ! , n ™ , 
 
 April 15. pemp.|_ii,Aanu. 
 
 Sawyer being ill, Seymour chosen. J 169, 276, 277. ] 
 
 Thorpe in execution, a new Speaker chosen, [ 31 H. VI. 3 Grey, 11, ] 
 and March 14, 1694, Sir John Trevor chosen. There have been no later 
 instances. 2 Hats. 161. 4 Inst. 8 L. Pari. 263. 
 
 A Speakerf may be removed at the will of the House, and a Speaker 
 pro temporef appointed. [2 Grey, 186. 5 Grey, 134. ] 
 
 * From day to day. 
 
 f For the occasion.
 
 152 
 
 ADDRESS. — COMMITTEES. 
 
 SECTION VI. 
 
 ADDRESS. 
 
 A joint address of both Houses of Parliament is read by the Speaker 
 of the House of Lords. It may be attended by both Houses in a body, 
 or by a Committee from each House, or by the two Speakers only. 
 An address of the House of Commons only, may be presented by the 
 whole House, or by the Speaker, [ 9 Grey, 473. 1 Chandler, 298, 301, ] 
 or by such particular members as are of the Privy Council. [2 Hats. 278.] 
 
 SECTION VII. 
 
 COMMITTEES, 
 
 Standing Committees, as of Privileges and Elections, &c, are usually 
 appointed at the first meeting, to continue through the session. The 
 person first named is generally permitted to act as Chairman. But 
 this is a matter of courtesy ; every Committee having a right to elect 
 their own Chairman, who presides over them, puts questions, and 
 reports their proceedings to the House. [4 Inst. 11, 12. Scob. 9. 
 1 Grey, 122. ] 
 
 At these Committees the members are to speak standing, and not 
 sitting ; though there is reason to conjecture it was formerly otherwise. 
 [ D'Ewes, 630, col. 1. 4 Pari. hist. 440. 2 Hats. 77. ] 
 
 Their proceedings are not to be published, as they are of no force 
 till confirmed by the House. [ Rushw. part 3, vol. 2. 74. 3 Grey, 401. 
 Scob. 39. ] Nor can they receive a petition but through the House. 
 [ 9 Grey, 412. ] 
 
 When a Committee is charged with an inquiry, if a member prove to 
 be involved, they cannot proceed against him, but must make a special 
 report to the House, whereupon the member is heard in his place, or 
 at the bar, or a special authority is given to the Committee to inquire 
 concerning him. [ 9 Grey, 523. ] 
 
 So soon as the House sits, and a Committee is notified of it, the 
 Chairman is in duty bound to rise instantly, and the members to attend 
 the service of the House. [ 2 Nals. 319. ] 
 
 It appears that on Joint Committees of the Lords and Commons, 
 each Committee acted integrally in the following instances : [ 7 Grey, 
 261, 278, 285, 338. 1 Chandler, 357, 462. ] In the following instances 
 j^does not appear whether they did or not : [6 Grey, 129. 7 Grey, 213, 
 
 229,
 
 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. 
 
 153 
 
 SECTION VIII. 
 
 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE 
 
 The speeches, messages, and other matters of great concernment, are 
 usually referred to a Committee of the whole House. [6 Grey, 311. ] 
 Where general principles are digested in the form of resolutions, which 
 are debated and amended till they get into a shape which meets the 
 approbation of a majority. These being reported and confirmed by the 
 House, are then referred to one or more Select Committees, according 
 as the subject divides itself into one or more bills. [ Scob. 36, 44. ] 
 Propositions for any charge on the people are especially to be first 
 made in a Committee of the Whole. [ 3 Hats. 127. ] The sense of the 
 whole is better taken in Committee, because in all Committees every 
 one speaks as often as he pleases. [ Scob. 49. ] They generally 
 acquiesce in the Chairman named by the Speaker ; but, as well as all 
 other Committees, have a right to elect one, some member, by consent, 
 putting the question. [Scob. 36. 3 Grey, 301. ] The form of going 
 from the House into Committee, is for the Speaker, on motion, to put 
 the question, that the House do now resolve itself into a Committee of 
 the Whole to take under consideration such a matter, naming it. If 
 determined in the affirmative, he leaves the chair, and takes a seat 
 elsewhere, as any other member ; and the person appointed Chairman 
 seats himself at the Clerk's table. [ Scob. 36. ] Their quorum is the 
 same as that of the House ; and if a defect happens, the Chairman, on 
 a motion and question, rises, the Speaker resumes the chair, and the 
 Chairman can make no other report than to inform the House of the 
 cause of their dissolution. If a message is announced during a Com- 
 mittee, the Speaker takes the chair, and receives it, because the Com- 
 mittee cannot. [ 2 Hats. 125, 126. ] 
 
 In a Committee of the Whole, the tellers on a division, differing as to 
 the numbers, great heats and confusion arose, and danger of a decision 
 by the sword. The Speaker took the chair, the mace was forcibly laid 
 on the table, whereupon, the members retiring to their places, the 
 Speaker told the House ' he had taken the chair without an order, to 
 bring the House into oi'der.' Some excepted against it ; but it was 
 generally approved as the only expedient to suppress the disorder. 
 And every member was required, standing up in his place, to engage 
 that he would proceed no further in consequence of what had hap- 
 pened in the Grand Committee, which was done. [ 3 Grey, 128. ] 
 
 A Committee of the Whole being broken up in disorder, and the 
 chair resumed by the Speaker without an order, the House was ad- 
 journed. The next day the Committee was considered as thereby dis- 
 solved, and the subject again before the House; and it was decided in 
 the House without returning into Committee. [3 Grey, 130. ] 
 
 No previous question can be put in a Committee ; nor can this Com- 
 mittee adjourn as others may; but if their business is unfinished, they 
 rise, on a question, the House is resumed, and the Chairman reports 
 that the Committee of the Whole have, according to order, had under 
 their consideration such a matter, and have made progress therein ;
 
 154 
 
 EXAMINATION OF WITNESSES. 
 
 but not having had time to go through the same, have directed him to 
 ask leave to sit again. Whereupon a question is put on their having 
 leave, and on the time when the House will again resolve itself into a 
 Committee. [ Scob. 38. ] But if they have gone through the matter 
 referred to them, a member moves that the Committee may rise, and 
 the Chairman report their proceeding, to the House; which being 
 resolved, the Chairman rises, the Speaker resumes the chair, the 
 Chairman informs him that the Committee have gone through the busi- 
 ness referred to them, and that he is ready to make report when the 
 House shall think proper to receive it. If the House have time to re- 
 ceive it, there is usually a cry of 'Now, now,' whereupon he makes the 
 report ; but if it be late, the cry is ' To-morrow, to-morrow,' or ' on 
 Monday,' &c, or a motion is made to that effect, and a question put 
 that it be received to-morrow, &c. [ Scob. 38. ] 
 
 In other things the rules of proceeding are to be the same as in the 
 House. [ Scob. 39. ] 
 
 SECTION IX 
 
 EXAMINATION OF WITNESSES. 
 
 Common fame is a good ground for the House to proceed by inquiry, 
 and even to accusation. [Resolution House Commons. 1 Car. 1, 
 1625. Rush. L. Pari. 115. 1 Grey, 16—22, 92. 8 Grey, 21, 23, 
 27, 45. ] 
 
 Witnesses are not to be produced but where the House has previously 
 instituted an inquiry, [2 Hats. 102,] nor then are orders for their 
 attendance given blank. [ 3 Grey, 51. ] 
 
 When any person is examined before a Committee, or at the bar of 
 the House, any member wishing to ask the person a question, must 
 address it to the Speaker or Chairman, who repeats the question to the 
 person, or says to him, 'you hear the question, answer it.' But if the 
 propriety of the question be objected to, the Speaker directs the witness, 
 counsel, and parties to withdraw ; for no question can be moved or put, 
 or debated while they are there. [ 2 Hats. 108. ] Sometimes the 
 questions are previously settled in writing before the witness enters. 
 [ lb. 106, 107. 8 Grey, 64. ] The questions asked must be entered 
 in the Journals. [ 3 Grey, 81 ] But the testimony given in answer 
 before the House is never written down ; but before a Committee it 
 must be, for the information of the House who are not present to hear 
 it. [ 7 Grey, 52, 334. ] 
 
 If either House have occasion for the presence of a person in custody 
 of the other, they ask the other their leave that he may be brought up 
 to them in custody. [ 3 Hats. 52. ]
 
 ARRANGEMENT OF BUSINESS. — ORDER. 
 
 155 
 
 A member, in his place, gives information to the House of what he 
 knows of any matter under hearing at the bar. [Jour. H. of C, Jan. 
 22, 1744—5. ] 
 
 Either House may request, but not command the attendance of a 
 member of the other. They are to make the request by message to the 
 other House, and to express clearly the purpose of attendance, that no 
 improper subject of examination may be tendered to him. The House 
 then gives leave to the member to attend, if he choose it ; waiting first 
 to know from the member himself whether he chooses to attend, till 
 which they do not take the message into consideration. But when the 
 Peers are sitting as a court of criminal judicature, they may order 
 attendance ; unless where it be a case of impeachment by the Commons. 
 There it is to be a request. [3 Hats. 17. 9 Grey, 306, 406. 10 
 Grey, 133. ] 
 
 Counsel are to be heard only on private, not on public bills, and on 
 such points of law only as the House shall direct. [ 10 Grey, 61. ] 
 
 SECTION X. 
 
 ARRANGEMENT OF BUSINESS. 
 
 The Speaker is not precisely bound to any rules as to what bills or 
 other matter shall be first taken up, but is left to his own discretion, 
 unless the House on a question decide to take up a particular subject. 
 [ Hakew. 136. ] 
 
 A settled order of business is, however, necessary for the government 
 of the presiding person, and to restrain individual members from calling 
 up favourite measures, or matters under their special patronage, out 
 of their just turn. It is usual also for directing the discretion of the 
 House, when they are moved to take up a particular matter, to the 
 prejudice of others having priority of right to their attention in the 
 general order of business. 
 
 SECTION XI. 
 
 ORDER. 
 
 In Parliament 'instances make order,' [per Speaker Onslow, 2 Hats. 
 141, ] but what is done only by one Parliament, cannot be called cus- 
 tom of Parliament. [ 1 Grey, 52. ]
 
 156 
 
 ORDER RESPECTING PAPERS. — ORDER IN DEBATE. 
 
 SECTION XII. 
 
 ORDER RESPECTING PAPERS. 
 
 The Clerk is to let no journals, records, accounts, or papers be taken 
 from the table, or out of his custody. [ 2 Hats. 193, 194. ] 
 
 Mr. Prynne having, at a Committee of the Whole, amended a mis- 
 take in a bill without order or knowledge of the Committee, was repri- 
 manded. [ 1 Chand. 77. ] 
 
 A bill being missing, the House resolved that a protestation should 
 be made and subscribed bj the members 'before Almighty God and 
 this honourable House, that neither myself nor any other to my know- 
 ledge, have taken away, or do at this present conceal a bill entitled,' &c. 
 [ 6 Grey, 202. ] 
 
 After a bill is engrossed, it is put into the Speaker's hands, and he 
 is not to let any one have it to look into. [ Town. col. 209. ] 
 
 SECTION XIII. 
 
 ORDER IN DEBATE. 
 
 "When the Speaker is seated in his chair, every member is to sit in 
 his place. [ Scob. 6. 3 Grey, 403. ] 
 
 When any member means to speak, he js to stand up in his place, 
 uncovered, and to address himself, not to tire House, or any particular 
 member, but to the Speaker, who calls him by his name, that the 
 House may take notice who it is that speaks. [ Scob. 6. D'Ewes, 487. 
 Col. 1. 2 Hats. 77. 4 Grey, 66. 8 Grey, 108. ] But members who 
 are indisposed may be indulged to speak sitting. [2 Hats. 75, 77. 
 1 Grey, 195.] 
 
 When a member stands up to speak, no question is to be put, but he 
 is to be heard, unless the House overrule him. [ 4 Grey, 390. 
 5 Grey, 6, 143. ] 
 
 If two or more rise to speak nearly together the Speaker determines 
 who was first up, and calls him by name, whereupon he proceeds, un- 
 less he voluntarily sits down and gives way to the other. But some- 
 times the House does not acquiesce in the Speaker's decision, in which 
 case the question is put, 'which member was first up?' [2 Hats. 76. 
 Scob. 7. D'Ewes, 434. Col. 1, 2. ] 
 
 No man may speak more than once to the same bill on the same day ; 
 or even on another day if the debate be adjourned. But if it be read 
 more than once in the same day, he may speak once at every reading.
 
 ORDER IN DEBATE. 
 
 157 
 
 [ Co. 12, 116. Hakew. 148. Scob. 58. 2 Hats. 75. ] Even a change 
 of opinion does not give a right to be heard a second time. [ Smyth 
 Comw. L. 2, c. 3. Arcan. Pari. 17. ] 
 
 But he may be permitted to speak again to clear a matter of fact. 
 [ 3 Grey, 357, 416. ] Or merely to explain himself, 2 Hats. 73, in 
 some material part of his speech, lb. 75, or to the manner or words of 
 the question, keeping himself to that only, and not travelling into the 
 merits of it, [ Memorials in Hakew. 29, ] or to the orders of the 
 House if they be transgressed, keeping within that line, and not falling 
 into the matter itself. [ Mem. in Hakew. 30, 31. ] 
 
 But if the Speaker rises to speak, the member standing up ought to 
 sit down, that he may be first heard. [ Town. col. 205. Hale Pari. 
 133. Mem. in Hakew. 30, 31. ] Nevertheless, though the Speaker 
 may of right speak to matters of order, and be first heard, he is re- 
 strained from speaking on any other subject, except where the House 
 have occasion for facts within his knowledge ; then he may, with their 
 leave, state the matter of fact. [ 3 Grey, 38. ] 
 
 No one is to speak impertinently, or beside the question, superflu- 
 ously or tediously. [ Scob. 31, 33. 2 Hats. 166, 168. Hale Pari. 
 133.] 
 
 No person is to use indecent language against the proceedings of the 
 House, no prior determination of which is to be reflected on by any 
 member, unless he means to conclude with a motion to rescind it. 
 [ 2 Hats. 169, 170. Rushw. p. 3, v. 1, fol. 42. ] But while a propo- 
 sition is under consideration, is still in fieri,* though it has even been 
 reported by a Committee, reflections on it are no reflections on the 
 House. [ 9 Grey, 508. ] 
 
 No person in speaking, is to mention a member then present by his 
 name ; but to describe him by his seat in the House, or who spoke last, 
 or on the other side of the question, &c. [ Mem. in Hakew. 3 Smyth's 
 Comw. L. 2, c. 3, ] nor to digress from the matter to fall upon the per- 
 son, [Scob. 31. Hale Pari. 133. 2 Hats. 166, ] by speaking, reviling, 
 nipping, or unmannerly words against a particular member. [ Smyth's 
 Comw. L. 2, c. 3. ] The consequences of a measure may be reprobated 
 in strong terms ; but to arraign the motives of those who propose or 
 advocate it, is a personality, and against order. Qui digreditur a 
 materia ad personam.-)- Mr. Speaker ought to suppress. [ Ord. Com. 
 1604, April 19. ] 
 
 No one is to disturb another in his speech by hissing, coughing, 
 spitting, [6 Grey, 332. Scob. 8. Dewes, 332, col. 1. 640, col. 2,] 
 speaking or whispering to another, [Scob. 6. D'Ewes, 487, col. 1. ] 
 nor to stand up or interrupt him, [ Town. col. 205. Mem. in Hakew. 
 31, ] nor to pass between the Speaker and the speaking member, nor to 
 go across the House, [ Scob. 6, ] or to walk up and down it, or to take 
 books or papers from the table, or write there. [ 2 Hats. 171. ] 
 
 Nevertheless, if a member finds that it is not the inclination of the 
 House to hear him, and that by conversation, or any other noise, they 
 endeavor to drown his voice, it is his most prudent way to submit to 
 the pleasure of the House, and sit down ; for it scarcely ever happens 
 that they are guilty of this piece of ill-manners without sufficient reason, 
 or inattentive to a member who says any thing worth their hearing. 
 [2 Hats. 77, 78.] 
 
 * Progress. 
 
 f Those who depart from the subject to personality. 
 
 14
 
 ORDER IN DEBATE. 
 
 If repeated calls do not produce order, the Speaker may call by his 
 name any member obstinately persisting in irregularity, whereupon the 
 House may require the member to withdraw. He is then to be heard 
 in exculpation, and to withdraw. Then the Speaker states the offence 
 committed, and the House considers the degree of punishment they 
 will inflict. [ 2 Hats. 167, 7, 8, 172. ] 
 
 For instances of assaults and affrays in the House of Commons, and 
 the proceedings thereon, see 1 Pet. Misc. 82. 3 Grey, 128. 4 Grey, 
 328. 5 Grey, 382. 6 Grey, 254. 10 Grey, 8. Whenever warm 
 words, or an assault, have passed between members, the House, for the 
 protection of their members, requires them to declare in their places 
 not to prosecute any quarrel, [ 3 Grey, 128, 293. 5 Grey, 289, ] or 
 orders them to attend the Speaker, who is to accommodate their differ- 
 ences, and report to the House, [ 3 Grey, 419, ] and they are put under 
 restraint if they refuse, or until they do. [ 9 Grey, 234, 312. ] 
 
 Disorderly words are not to be noticed till the member has finished 
 his speech. [ 5 Grey, 356. 6 Grey, 60. ] Then the person objecting 
 to them, and desiring them to be taken down by the Clerk at the table, 
 must repeat them. The Speaker then may direct the Clerk to take 
 them down in his minutes. But if he thinks them not disorderly, he 
 delays the direction. If the call becomes pretty general, he orders the 
 Clerk to take them down, as stated by the objecting member. They are 
 then part of his minutes, and when read to the offending member, he 
 may deny they were his words, and the House must then decide by a 
 question whether they are his words or not. Then the member may 
 justify them, or explain the sense in which he used them, or apologize. 
 If the House is satisfied, no further proceeding is necessary. But if 
 two members still insist to take the sense of the House, the member 
 must withdraw before that question is stated, and then the sense of the 
 House is to be taken. [ 2 Hats. 199. 4 Grey, 170. 6 Grey, 59.] 
 When any member has spoken, or other business intervened, after offen- 
 sive words spoken, they cannot be taken notice of for censure. And 
 this is for the common security of all, and to prevent mistakes which 
 must happen if words are not taken down immediately. Formerly they 
 might be taken down any time the same day. [2 Hats. 196. Mem. in 
 Hakew. 71. 3 Grey, 48. 9 Grey, 514. ] 
 
 Disorderly words spoken in a Committee must be written down as in 
 the House ; but the Committee can only report them to the House for 
 animadversion. [ 6 Grey, 46. ] 
 
 In Parliament to speak irreverently or seditiously against the king is 
 against order. [Smyth's Comvv. L. 2, c. 3. 2 Hats. 170. ] 
 
 It is a breach of order in debate to notice what has been said on the 
 same subject in the other House, or the particular votes or majorities 
 on it there : because the opinion of each house should be left to its own 
 independency, not to be influenced by the proceedings of the other ; and 
 the quoting them might beget reflections leading to a misunderstanding 
 between the two houses. [ 8 Grey, 22. ] 
 
 Neither House can exercise any authority over a member or officer 
 of the other, but should complain to the House of which he is, and 
 leave the punishment to them. Where the complaint is of words dis- 
 respectfully spoken by a member of another House, it is difficult to 
 obtain punishment, because of the rules supposed necessary to be 
 observed (as to the immediate noting down of words) for the security 
 of members. Therefore, it is the duty of the House and more particu-
 
 ORDERS OF THE HOUSE. 
 
 1J)9 
 
 larly of the Speaker to interfere immediately, and not to permit expres- 
 sions to go unnoticed which may give a ground of complaint to the 
 other House, and introduce proceedings and mutual accusations be- 
 tween the two Houses, which can hardly be terminated without difficulty 
 and disorder. [ 3 Hats. 51. ] 
 
 No member may be present when a bill or any business concerning 
 himself is debating ; nor is any member to speak to the merits of it till 
 he withdraws. [ 2 Hats. 219. ] The rule is that if a charge against 
 a member arise out of a report of a Committee, or examination of wit- 
 nesses in the House, as a member knows from that to what points he is 
 to direct his exculpation, he may be heard to those points, before any 
 question is moved or stated against him. He is then to be heard, and 
 withdraw before any question is moved. But, if the question itself is 
 the charge, as for breach of order, or matter arising in the debate, 
 there the charge must be stated, that is, the question must be moved, 
 himself heard, and then to withdraw. [ 2 Hats. 121, 122. ] 
 
 Where the private interests of a member are concerned in a bill or 
 question, he is to withdraw. And where such an interest has appeared, 
 his voice has been disallowed, even after a division. In a case so contrary, 
 not only to the laws of decency, but to the fundamental principle of the 
 social compact, which denies to any man to be a judge in his own cause, 
 it is for the honor of the House that this rule, of immemorial observ- 
 ance, should be strictly adhered to. [ 2 Hats. 119, 121. 6 Grey, 368. ] 
 
 No member is to come into the House with his head covered, nor 
 remove from % one place to another with his hat on, nor put on his 
 hat in coming in, or removing until he be set down in his place. 
 [ Scob. 6. ] 
 
 A question of order may be adjourned to give time to look into pre- 
 cedents. [2 Hats. 118. ] 
 
 In Parliament, all decisions of the Speaker may be controlled by the 
 House, f 3 Grey, 319. ] 
 
 SECTION XIV. 
 
 ORDERS OF THE HOUSE. 
 
 Of right, the door of the House ought not to be shut, but to be kept 
 by porters, or Serjeants at arms, assigned for that purpose. [ Mod. 
 Pari. 23.] 
 
 The only case, where a member has a right to insist on any thing, is 
 where he calls for the execution of a subsisting order of the House. 
 Here, there having been already a resolution any member has a right 
 to insist that the Speaker, or any other whose duty it is, shall carry it 
 into execution ; and no debate or delay can be had on it. Thus any 
 member has a right to have the House or gallery cleared of strangers, 
 an order existing for that purpose ; or to have the House told when
 
 PETITIONS 
 
 How far an order 
 
 there is not a quorum present. [ 2 Hats. 87, 129. ] 
 of the House is binding, see Hakew. 392. 
 
 But -where an order is made that any particular matter be taken up 
 on a particular day, there a question is to be put when it is called for, 
 whether the House will now proceed to that matter ? Where orders of 
 the day are on important or interesting matter, they ought not to be 
 proceeded on till an hour at which the House is usually full. 
 
 Orders of the day may be discharged at any time, and a new one 
 made for a different day. [ 3 Grey, 48, 313. ] 
 
 When a session is drawing to a close, and the important bills are all 
 brought in, the House, in order to prevent interruption by further un- 
 important bills, sometimes come to a resolution that no new bill be 
 brought in, except it be sent from the other House. [ 3 Grey, 156. ] 
 
 All orders of the House determine with the session ; and one taken 
 under such an order may, after the session is ended, be discharged on 
 a habeas corpus.* [Raym. 120. Jacob's L. D. by Ruff head. Parlia- 
 ment, 1 Lev. 165. Prichard's case. ] 
 
 SECTION XV. 
 
 PETITIONS. 
 
 A petition prays something. 
 [ 1 Grey, 58. ] 
 
 A remonstrance has no prayer. 
 
 Petitions must be subscribed by the petitioners, [ Scob. 87. L. Pari, 
 c. 22. 9 Grey, 362, ] unless they are attending, [ 1 Grey, 401, ] or 
 unable to sign, and averred by a member. [ 3 Grey, 418. ] But a 
 petition not subscribed, but which the members presenting it affirmed 
 to be all in the hand writing of the petitioner, and his name written in 
 the beginning, was on the question (March 14, 1800,) received by the 
 Senate. The averment of a member or of somebody without doors that 
 they know the hand writing of the petitioners is necessary, if it be ques- 
 tioned. [ 6 Grey, 36. ] It must be presented by a member, not by the 
 petitioners, and must be opened by him, holding it in his hand. 
 [ 10 Grey, 57. ] 
 
 Regularly a motion for receiving it must be made and seconded, and 
 a question put whether it shall be received ? But a cry from the House 
 of ' received,' or even its silence, dispenses with the formality of this 
 question. It is then to be read at the table and disposed of. 
 
 * " Have you the body." This phrase designates the most emphatic words of a writ 
 issued by a Judge or Court, commanding a person, who has another in custody, or in 
 imprisonment, to have his body before the Judge or Court at a particular time and 
 place, and to state the cause of imprisonment. The person, whether a sheriff, jailor, or 
 other person, is bound to produce the body of the prisoner at the time and place ap- 
 pointed; if the prisoner is illegally detained, the Judge or Court are bound at once to 
 set him at liberty.
 
 MOTIONS. — RESOLUTIONS. BILLS, LEAVE TO BRING IN. 
 
 1G1 
 
 SECTION XVI. 
 
 MOTIONS. 
 
 When a motion has been made, it is not to be put to the question or 
 debated until it is seconded. [ Scob. 21. ] 
 
 It is then, and not till then, in possession of the House, and cannot 
 be withdrawn but by leave of the House. It is to be put into writing, 
 if the House or Speaker require it, and must be read to the House by 
 the Speaker as often as any member desires it for his information. 
 [ 2 Hats. 82. ] 
 
 It might be asked whether a motion for adjournment or for the orders 
 of the day can be made by one member while another is speaking ? It 
 cannot. When two members offer to speak, he who rose first is to be 
 heard, and it is a breach of order in another, to interrupt him, unless 
 by calling him to order, if he departs from it. And the question of 
 order being decided, he is still to be heard through. A call for ad- 
 journment, or for the order of the day, or for the question, by gentle- 
 men from their seats, is not a motion. No motion can be made without 
 rising and addressing the chair. Such calls are themselves breaches 
 of order, which though the member who has risen may respect, as an 
 expression of the impatience of the House against further debate, yet, 
 if he chooses, he has a right to go on. 
 
 SECTION XVII 
 
 RESOLUTIONS. 
 
 When the House commands, it is by an « order.' But facts, princi- 
 ples, their own opinions, and purposes are expressed in the form of 
 resolutions. 
 
 SECTION XVIII. 
 
 BILLS, LEAVE TO BRING IN. 
 
 When a member desires to bring in a bill on any subject, he states 
 to the House, in general terms, the causes for doing it, and concludes by 
 
 14* I-
 
 IG2 
 
 BILLS, FIRST READING. — BILLS, SECOND READING. 
 
 moving for leave to bring in a bill entitled, &c. Leave being given, 
 on the question, a Committee is appointed to prepare and bring in the 
 bill. The mover and seconder are always appointed on this Committee, 
 and one or more in addition. [ Hakew. 132. ] 
 
 It is to be presented fairly written, without any erasure or interlinea- 
 tion, or the Speaker may refuse it. [ Scob. 41. 1 Grey, 82, 84. ] 
 
 SECTION XIX. 
 
 BILLS, FIRST READING. 
 
 When a bill is first presented, the Clerk reads it at the table and 
 hands it to the Speaker, who, rising, states to the House the title of 
 the bill, that this is the first time of reading it, and the question will 
 be, whether it shall be read a second time ? Then sitting down to give 
 an opening for objections, if none be made, he rises again and puts the 
 question whether it shall be read a second time ? [ Hakew. 137, 141. ] 
 A bill cannot be amended at the first reading, [ 6 Grey, 286, ] nor is it 
 usual for it to be opposed then: but it may be done and rejected. 
 [D'Ewes, 335, col. 1. 3 Hats. 198. ] 
 
 SECTION XX. 
 
 BILLS, SECOND READING. 
 
 The second reading must regularly be on another day. [ Hakew. 
 143. ] It is done by the Clerk at the table, who then hands it to the 
 Speaker. The Speaker, rising, states to the House the title of the 
 bill, that this is the second time of reading it, and that the question 
 will be, whether it shall be committed, or engrossed, and read a third 
 time ? But if the bill came from the other House, as it always comes 
 engrossed, he states that the question will be whether it shall be read a 
 third time ? and before he has so reported the state of the bill, no one 
 is to speak to it. [ Hakew. 143, 140. ] 
 
 :'J
 
 BILLS, COMMITMENT. 
 
 1G3 
 
 SECTION XXI. 
 
 BILLS, COMMITMENT. 
 
 If on motion and question it be decided that the bill shall be com- 
 mitted, it may then be moved to be referred to a Committee of the 
 whole house, or to a special Committee. If the latter, the Speaker 
 proceeds to name the Committee. Any member also may name a single 
 person, and the Clerk is to write him down as of the Committee. But 
 the House have a controlling power over the names and number, if a 
 question be moved against any one, and may, in any case, put in and put 
 out whom they please. 
 
 Those who take exceptions to some particulars in the bill are to be 
 of the Committee. But none who speak directly against the body of the 
 bilL For he that would totally destroy will not amend it. [ Hakew. 
 146. Town, coll. 208. D'Ewes, 634, col. 2. Scob. 47, ] or as is said, 
 [ 5 Grey, 145, ] the child is not to be put to a nurse that cares not for 
 it. [ 6 Grey, 373. ] It is, therefore, a constant rule, ' that no man is 
 to be employed in any matter who has declared himself against it.' 
 And when any member who is against the bill heai"S himself named of 
 its Committee, he ought to ask to be excused. Thus, March 7, 1606, 
 Mr. Hadley was, on the question being put, excused from being of 
 a Committee, declaring himself to be against the matter itself. 
 [ Scob. 46. ] 
 
 The Clerk may deliver the bill to any member of the Committee. 
 [ Town, col. 138. ] But it is usual to deliver it to him who is first 
 named. 
 
 In some cases the House has ordered a Committee to withdraw im- 
 mediately into the Committee chamber, and act on, and bring back, the 
 bill, the House continuing to sit. [ Scob. 48. ] 
 
 A Committee meets when and where they please, if the House has 
 not ordered time and place for them. [ 6 Grey, 370. 1 But they can 
 only act when together, and not by separate consultation and consent, 
 nothing being the report of the Committee but what has been agreed 
 to in Committee actually assembled. 
 
 A majority of the Committee constitutes a quorum for business. 
 [Elsynge's method of passing bills, 11. ] 
 
 Any member of the House may be present at any select Committee, 
 but cannot vote, and must give place to all of the Committee, and sit 
 below them. [Elsynge, 12. Scob. 49. ] 
 
 The Committee have full power over the bill, or other paper com- 
 mitted to them, except that they cannot change the title or subject. 
 [ 8 Grey, 228.] 
 
 The paper before a Committee, whether select, or of the whole, may 
 be a bill, resolutions, draught of an address, &c, and it may either 
 originate with them, or be referred to them. In every case, the whole 
 paper is read first by the Clerk, and then by the Chairman by para- 
 graphs, [ Scob. 49, ] pausing at the end of each paragraph, and putting 
 questions for amending, if proposed. In the case of resolutions on dis- 
 tinct subjects, originating with themselves, a question is put on each
 
 REPORT OF COMMITTEE. 
 
 separately, as amended, or unamended, and no final question on the 
 whole. [ 3 Hats. 276. ] But if they relate to the same subject, a 
 question is put on the -whole. If it be a bill, draught of an Address, or 
 other paper originating with them, they proceed by paragraphs, putting 
 questions for amending, either by insertion or striking out, if proposed ; 
 but no question on agreeing to the paragraphs separately. This is re- 
 served to the close, when a question is put on the whole, for agreeing 
 to it as amended, or unamended. But if it be a paper referred to them, 
 they proceed to put questions of amendment, if proposed, but no final 
 question on the whole ; because all parts of the paper having been 
 adopted by the House, stand of course, unless altered, or struck out by 
 a vote. Even if they are opposed to the whole paper, and think it can- 
 not be made good by amendments, they cannot reject it, but must re- 
 port it back to the House w'thout amendments, and there make their 
 opposition. 
 
 The natural order, in considering and amending any paper, is, to begin 
 at the beginning, and proceed through it by paragraphs ; and this order 
 is so strictly adhered to in Parliament, that when a latter part has 
 been amended, you cannot recur back and make any alteration in a 
 former part. [ 2 Hats. 90. ] In numerous assemblies this restraint 
 is doubtless important. 
 
 To this natural order of beginning at the beginning, there is a single 
 exception found in Parliamentary usage. When a bill is taken up in 
 Committee, or on its second reading, they postpone the preamble, till 
 the other parts of the bill are gone through. The reason is, that on 
 consideration of the body of the bill, such alterations may therein be 
 made as may also occasion the alteration of the preamble. [ Scob. 50. 
 7 Grey, 431. ] 
 
 When the Committee is through the whole a member moves that the 
 Committee may rise, and the Chairman report the paper to the House, 
 with or without amendments, as the case may be. [ 2 Hats. 289, 292. 
 Scob. 53. 2 Hats. 290. 8 Scob. 50. ] 
 
 When a vote is once passed in a Committee, it cannot be altered but 
 by the House, their votes being binding on themselves. June 4, 1607. 
 
 The Committee may not erase, interline, or blot the bill itself, but 
 must, in a paper by itself, set down the amendments, stating the words 
 which are to be inserted or omitted, [ Scob. 50, ] and where, by refer- 
 ences to the page, line and word of the bill. [Scob. 50. ] 
 
 SECTION XXII. 
 
 REPORT OF COMMITTEE. 
 
 The Chairman of the Committee, standing in his place, informs the 
 House that the Committee, to whom was referred such a bill, have, 
 according to order, had the same under consideration, and have directed
 
 BILL, RECOMMITMENT. — BILL, REPORT TAKEN UP. 
 
 1G.> 
 
 him to report the same without any amendment, or with sundry amend- 
 ments, (as the case may be) which he is ready to do when the House 
 pleases to receive it. And he, or any other may move that it be now 
 received. But the cry of 'Now, now,' from the House, generally dis- 
 penses with the formality of a motion and question. He then reads the 
 amendments with the coherence in the bill, and opens the alterations, 
 and the reasons of the Committee for such amendments until he has 
 gone through the whole, He then delivers it at the Clerk's table, where 
 the amendments reported are read by the Clerk, without the coherence, 
 whereupon the papers lie on the table till the House, at its convenience, 
 shall take up the report. [Scob. 52. Hakew. 148.] 
 
 The report being made, the Committee is dissolved, and can act no 
 more without a new power. [Scob 51.] But it may be revived by a 
 vote, and the same matter recommitted to them. [ 4 Grey, 361. ] 
 
 SECTION XXIII 
 
 BILL, RECOMMITMENT. 
 
 After a bill has been committed and reported, it ought not, in an 
 ordinary course, to be recommitted. But in cases of importance, and 
 for special reasons, it is sometimes recommitted, and usually to the same 
 Committee. [Hakew. 151.] If a report be recommitted before agreed 
 to in the House, what has passed in Committee is of no validity ; the 
 whole question is again before the Committee, and a new resolution 
 must be again moved, as if nothing had passed. [ 3 Hats. 131, note. ]* 
 
 A particular clause of a bill may be committed without the whole bill, 
 [ 3 Hats. 131, ] or so much of a paper to one, and so much to another 
 Committee. 
 
 SECTION XXIV 
 
 BILL, REPORT TAKEN UP. 
 
 When the report of a paper, originating with a Committee, is taken up 
 by the House, they proceed exactly as in Committee. Here, as in Com- 
 mittee, when the paragraphs have, on distinct questions, been agreed i I P- 103 - 
 
 * In the Senate, January, 1800, the Salvage Bill was recommitted three times after 
 the commitment.
 
 ICG 
 
 QUASI-OOMMITTEE — BILL, SECOND READING IN THE HOUSE. 
 
 to seriatim,* [5 Grey, 366. 6 Grey, 368. 8 Grey, 47, 104, 360. 
 1 Torbuck's deb. 125. 3 Hats. 348, ] no question need be put on the 
 whole report. [ 5 Grey, 381. ] 
 
 On taking up a bill reported with amendments, the amendments only 
 are read by the Clerk. The Speaker then reads the first, and puts it to 
 the question, and so on till the whole are adopted or rejected, before 
 any other amendment be admitted, except it be an amendment to an 
 amendment. [Elsynge's Mem. 53. ] When through the amendments 
 of the Committee, the Speaker pauses, and gives time for amendments to 
 be proposed in the House to the body of the bill: as he does also if it 
 has been reported without amendments ; putting no questions but on 
 amendments proposed : and when through the whole, he puts the ques- 
 tion whether the bill shall be read a third time? 
 
 SECTION XXV. 
 
 QUASlf-COMMITTEE. 
 
 The particular form of Parliamentary proceeding in Committee of the 
 whole House is the following : 1. In a Committee every member may 
 speak as often as he pleases. 2. The votes of a Committee may be rejected 
 or altered when reported to the House. 3. A Committee, even of the whole, 
 cannot refer any matter to another Committee. 4. In a Committee no 
 previous question can be taken. The only means to avoid an improper 
 discussion is to move that the Committee rise: and if it be apprehended 
 that the same discussion will be attempted on returning into Committee, 
 the House can discharge them, and proceed itself on the business, keep- 
 ing down the improper discussion by the previous question. 5. A Com- 
 mittee cannot punish a breach of order, in the House, or in the gallery. 
 [ 9 Grey, 113. ] It can only rise and report it to the House, who may 
 proceed to punish. 
 
 SECTION XXVI. 
 
 BILL, SECOND READING IN THE HOUSE. 
 
 In Parliament, after the bill has been read a second time, if, on the 
 motion and question, it be not committed, or if no proposition for com- 
 mitment be made, the Speaker reads it by paragraphs, pausing between 
 
 * In regular order. 
 
 t Just as if. This means where the whole assembly act just as if in Committee, or a 
 Committee of the whole House.
 
 BILL, SECOND READING IN THE HOUSE. 
 
 107 
 
 each, but putting no question but on amendments proposed ; and when 
 through the whole, he puts the question whether it shall be read a third 
 time ? if it came from the other House. Or, if originating with them- 
 selves, whether it shall be engrossed and read a third time ? The 
 Speaker reads sitting, but rises to put questions. The Clerk stands 
 while he reads. 
 
 The bill being now as perfect as its friends can make it, this is the 
 proper stage for those fundamentally opposed to make their first attack. 
 All attempts at earlier periods are with disjointed efforts ; because 
 many who do not expect to be in favor of the bill ultimately, are willing 
 to let it go on to its perfect state, to take time to examine it themselves, 
 and to hear what can be said for it ; knowing that, after all, they will 
 have sufficient opportunities of giving it their veto. Its two last stages 
 therefore are reserved for this, that is to say, on the question whether 
 it shall be read a third time ? And lastly, whether it shall pass ? The 
 first of these is usually the most interesting contest ; because then the 
 whole subject is new and engaging, and the minds of the members 
 having not yet been declared by any trying vote, the issue is the more 
 doubtful. In this stage, therefore, is the main trial of strength between 
 its friends and opponents: and it behooves every one to make up his 
 mind decisively for this question, or he loses the main battle ; and acci- 
 dent and management may, and often do, prevent a successful rallying 
 on the next and last question, whether it shall pass ? 
 
 When the bill is engrossed, the title is to be endorsed on the back, 
 and not within the bill. [ Hakew. 250. ] 
 
 Where papers are laid before the House, or referred to a Committee, 
 every member has a right to have them once read at the table, before 
 he can be compelled to vote on them. But it is a great, though com- 
 mon error, to suppose that he has a right, toties quoties,* to have acts, 
 journals, accounts or papers on the table read independently of the will 
 of the House. The delay and interruption which this might be made 
 to produce, evince the impossibility of the existence of such a right. 
 There is indeed so manifest a propriety of permitting every member to 
 have as much information as possible on every question ou which he is 
 to vote, that when he desires the reading, if it be seen that it is really 
 for information, and not for delay, the Speaker directs it to be read 
 without putting a question, if no one objects. But if objected to, a 
 question must be put. [2 Hats. 117, 118. ] 
 
 It is equally an error to suppose that any member has a right, without 
 a question put, to lay a book or paper on the table, and have it read, on 
 suggesting that it contains matter infringing on the privileges of the 
 House. [2 Hats. 117, 118.] 
 
 For the same reason a member has not a right to read a paper in his 
 place, if it be objected to, without leave of the House. But this rio-or 
 is never exercised, but where there is an intentional or gross abuse of 
 the time and patience of the House. 
 
 A member has not a right even to read his own speech, committed to 
 writing, without leave. This also is to prevent an abuse of time ; and 
 therefore is not refused, but where that is intended. [ 2 Grey, 227. ] 
 
 Formerly, when papers were referred to a Committee, they used to be 
 first read: but of late, only the titles; unless a member insists they 
 shall be read, and then nobody can oppose it. [ 2 Hats. 117. ] 
 
 * Whenever this may occur.
 
 168 
 
 PRIVILEGED QUESTIONS. 
 
 SECTION XXVII 
 
 PRIVILEGED QUESTIONS. 
 
 It is no possession of a bill, unless it be delivered to the Clerk to be 
 read, or the Speaker reads the title. [ Lex. pari. 274. Elsynge mem. 
 95. Ord. House of Commons, 64. ] 
 
 It is a general rule that the question first moved and seconded shall 
 be first put. [ Scob. 22, 28. 2 Hats. 81. ] But this rule gives way 
 to -what may be called privileged questions ; and the privileged ques- 
 tions are of different grade" among themselves. 
 
 A motion to adjourn simply takes place of all others ; for otherwise 
 the House might be kept sitting against its will, and indefinitely. Yet 
 this motion cannot be received after another question is actually put, 
 and while the House is engaged in voting. 
 
 Orders of the day take place of all other questions, except for adjourn- 
 ment. That is to say, the question which is the subject of an order is 
 made a privileged one, pro hac vice.* The order is a repeal of the 
 general rule as to this special case. When any member moves, therefore, 
 for the orders of the day to be read, no further debate is permitted on 
 the question which was before the House; for if the debate might pro- 
 ceed, it might continue through the day, and defeat the order. This 
 motion, to entitle it to precedence, must be for the orders generally, 
 and not for any particular one ; and if it be carried on the question, 
 'Whether the House will now proceed to the orders of the day,' they 
 must be read and proceeded on in the course in which they stand. 
 [ 2 Hats. 83. ] For priority of order gives priority of right, which 
 cannot be taken away but by another special order. 
 
 After these there are other privileged questions which will require 
 considerable explanation. 
 
 It is proper that every Parliamentary assembly should have certain 
 forms of question so adopted, as to enable them fitly to dispose of every 
 proposition which can be made to them. Such are, 1. The previous 
 question. 2. To postpone indefinitely. 3. To adjourn a question to a 
 definite day. 4. To lie on the table. 5. To commit. 6. To amend. 
 The proper occasion for each of these questions should be understood. 
 
 1. When a proposition is moved, which it is useless or inexpedient 
 now to express or discuss, the previous question has been introduced 
 for suppressing, for that time, the motion and its discussion. [ 3 Hats. 
 188, 189. ] 
 
 2. But as tne previous question gets rid of it only for that day, and the 
 same proposition may recur the next day, if they wish to suppress it for 
 the whole of that session, they postpone it indefinitely. [ 3 Hats. 183. ] 
 This quashes the proposition for that session, as an indefinite adjourn- 
 ment is a dissolution or the continuance of a suit, sine dief is a discon- 
 tinuance of it. 
 
 3. When a motion is made which it will be proper to act on nt infor- 
 mation is wanted, or something more pressing claims the present time, 
 
 For this time. 
 
 f Without naming any particular day.
 
 PRIVILEGED QUESTIONS. 
 
 1G9 
 
 the question or debate is adjourned to such day within the session as 
 will answer the views of the House. [2 Hats. 81. ] And those who 
 have spoken before may not speak again when the adjourned debate is 
 resumed. [ 2 Hats. 73. ] Sometimes, however, this has been abusively 
 used by adjourning it to a day beyond the session, to get rid of it 
 altogether, as would be done by an indefinite postponement. 
 
 4. When the House has something else which claims its present atten- 
 tion, but would be willing to reserve in their power to take up a pro- 
 position whenever it shall suit them, they order it to lie on their table. 
 It may then be called for at any time. 
 
 5. If the proposition will want more amendment and digestion, than 
 the formalities of the House will conveniently admit, they refer it to a 
 Committee. 
 
 6. But if the proposition be well digested, and may need but few and 
 simple amendments, and especially if these be of leading consequence, 
 the whole House may then proceed to consider and amend it. 
 
 Have these questions any privilege among themselves ? Or are they 
 so equal that the common principle of the 'first moved, first put,' takes 
 place among them ? This will need explanation. Their competitions 
 may be as follows : 
 
 1. Previous question and postpone. 
 
 " " commit. 
 
 " " amend. 
 
 2. Postpone and previous question. 
 
 " " commit. 
 
 " " amend. 
 
 3. Commit and previous question, f of the fourth class, the rule 
 
 u a postpone, 'first moved first put' takes 
 
 " " amend. 
 
 4. Amend and previous question. 
 
 " " postpone. 
 
 " " commit. 
 
 In the first class, where the previous question is first moved, the 
 effect is peculiar. For it not only prevents the after motion to post- 
 pone or commit from being put to question before it, but also from 
 being put after it. For if the previous question be decided affirmatively, 
 to wit, that the main question shall now be put, it would, of course, be 
 against the decision to postpone or commit. And if it be decided 
 negatively, to wit, that the main question shall not now be put, this 
 puts the House out of possession of the main question, and conse- 
 quently there is nothing before them to postpone or commit. So that 
 neither voting for or against the previous question, will enable the 
 advocates for postponing or committing to get at their object. Whether 
 it may be amended shall be examined hereafter. 
 
 Second class. If postponement be decided affirmatively, the propo- 
 sition is removed from before the House, and consequently there is no 
 ground for the previous question, commitment, or amendment. But, if 
 decided negatively, that it shall not be postponed, the main question 
 may then be suppressed by the previous question, or may be committed, 
 or amended. 
 
 The third class is subject to the same observations as the second. 
 
 The fourth class. Amendment of the main question first moved, and 
 afterwards the previous question, the question of amendment shall be 
 first put. 
 
 15 
 
 In the first, second, and third 
 classes, and the first member 
 
 place.
 
 170 
 
 PRIVILEGED QUESTIONS. 
 
 Amendment and postponement competing, postponement is first put, | 
 as'the equivalent proposition to adjourn the main question would be in j 
 Parliament. The reason is, that the question for amendment is not sup- 
 pressed by postponing or adjourning the main question, but remains 
 before the House whenever the main question is resumed ; and it might 
 be that the occasion for other urgent business might go by, and be lost 
 by length of debate on the amendment, if the House had it not in their 
 power to postpone the whole subject. 
 
 Amendment and commitment. The question for committing, though 
 last moved, shall be first put : because in truth it facilitates and befriends 
 the motion to amend. Scobell is express. ' On a motion to amend a 
 bill, any one may, notwithstanding, move to commit it, and the question 
 for commitment shall be first put.' [ Scob. 46. ] 
 
 We have hitherto considered the case of two or more of the privileged 
 questions contending for privilege between themselves, when both were 
 moved on the original or main question ; but now let us suppose one of 
 them to be moved, not on the original primary question, but on the 
 secondary one for example. 
 
 Suppose a motion to postpone, commit or amend the main question, 
 and that it be moved to suppress that motion by putting a previous 
 question on it. This is not allowed : because it would embarrass ques- 
 tions too much to allow them to be piled on one another several stories 
 high ; and the same result may be had in a more simple way, by deciding 
 against the postponement, commitment or amendment. [2 Hats. 81. 
 2, 3, 4.] 
 
 Suppose a motion for the previous question, or commitment, or amend- 
 ment, of the main question, and that it be then moved to postpone the 
 motion for the previous question, or for commitment or amendment of 
 the main question. 1. It would be absurd to postpone the previous 
 question, commitment or amendment alone, and thus separate the 
 appendage from its principal. Yet it must be postponed separately 
 from its original, if at all : because when a main question is before 
 the House no motion shall be received but to commit, amend or pre- 
 question the original question. Therefore the motion to postpone the 
 secondary motion for the previous question or for committing or amend- 
 ing, cannot be received. 2. This is a piling of questions one on another, 
 which, to avoid embarrassment, is not allowed. 3. The same result 
 may be had more simply by voting against the previous question, com- 
 mitment or amendment. 
 
 Suppose a commitment moved of a motion for the previous question, 
 or to postpone or amend. The first, second and third reasons before 
 stated all hold good against this. 
 
 Suppose an amendment moved to a motion for the previous 
 question. Answer. The previous question cannot be amended. 
 Parliamentary usage fixes its forms to be, Shall the main ques- 
 tion be now put? i. e., at this instant. And as the present instant 
 is but one, it can admit of no modification. To change it to to- 
 morrow, or any other moment, is without example, and without 
 utility. But suppose a motion to amend a motion for postponement ; 
 as to one day instead of another, or to a special, instead of indefinite 
 time. The useful character of amendment gives it a privilege of attach- 
 ing itself to a secondary and priviledged motion. That is, we may 
 amend a postponement of a main question. So we may amend a com- 
 mitment of a main question, as by adding, for example, 'with instruc-
 
 PRIVILEGED QUESTIONS. 
 
 171 
 
 tions to inquire, &c.' In like manner, if an amendment be moved to 
 an amendment, it is admitted. But it would not be admitted in another 
 degree, to wit : to amend an amendment to an amendment of a main 
 question. This would lead to too much embarrassment. The line must 
 be drawn somewhere, and usage has drawn it after the amendment to 
 the amendment. The same result nnist be sought by deciding against 
 the amendment to the amendment, and then moving it again as it was 
 wished to be amended. In this form it becomes only an amendment to 
 an amendment. 
 
 In filling a blank with a sum, the motion must be first put on the 
 smallest sum and longest time. [5 Grey, 179. 2 Hats. 81, 83. 
 3 Hats. 132, 133. ] And this is considered to be, not in the form 
 of an amendment to the question, but as alternative or succes- 
 sive originals. In all cases of time or number, we must consider 
 whether the larger comprehends the lesser, as in a question to what 
 day a postponement shall be, the number of a Committee, amount 
 of a fine, term of an imprisonment, the terminus in quem,* or in 
 any other case. Then the question must begin a maximo.f Or 
 whether the lesser concludes the greater, as in questions on the limita- 
 tion of the rate of interest, on what day the session shall be closed by 
 adjournment, on what day the next shall commence, or the teminus 
 a quo J in any other case, where the question must begin a minimo. \ 
 The object being not to begin at that extreme, which, and more, being 
 within every man's wish, no one could negative it, and yet, if he should 
 vote in the affirmative, every question for more would be precluded ; 
 but at that extreme which would unite few, and then to advance or 
 recede till you get to a number which will unite a bare majority. [3 
 Grey, 376, 384, 385. ] ' The fair question in this case is not that to 
 which and more all will agree, but whether there shall be addition to 
 the question.' [ 1 Grey, 3o5. ] 
 
 Another exception to the rule of priority is when a motion has been 
 made to strike out, or agree to a paragraph. Motions to amend it are 
 to be put to the question before a vote is taken on striking out, or 
 agreeing to the whole paragraph. 
 
 But there are several questions, which being incidental to every one, 
 will take place of every one, privileged or not, to wit : a question of 
 order arising out of any other question, must be decided before that 
 question. [ 2 Hats. 88. ] 
 
 A matter of privilege arising out of any question, or from a quarrel 
 between two members, or any other cause, supersedes the consideration 
 of the original question, and must be first disposed of. [ 2 Hats. 88. ] 
 
 Reading papers relative to the question before the House. This 
 question must be put before the principal one. [ 2 Hats. 88. ] 
 
 Leave asked to withdraw a motion. The rule of parliament being 
 that a motion made and seconded is in possession of" the House, and 
 cannot be withdrawn without leave, the very terms of the rule imply 
 that leave may be given, and consequently may be asked and put to the 
 question. 
 
 * Term of irrecleemability of a loan. 
 + From the greatest. 
 
 t When an act shall commence. 
 $ From the least.
 
 THE PREVIOUS QUESTION. 
 
 SECTION XXVIII. 
 
 THE PREVIOUS QUESTION. 
 
 When any question is before the House, any member may move a 
 previous question, ' Whether that question (called the main question) 
 shall now be put?' If it pass in the affirmative, then the main ques- 
 tion is to be put immediately, and no man may speak any thing further 
 to it, either to add or alter. [Menior. in Hakew. 28. 4 Grey, 27.] 
 
 This kind of question is understood by Mr. Hatsell to have been 
 introduced in 1604. [2 Hats. 80.] Sir Henry Vane introduced it. 
 [2 Grey, 113, 114. 3 Grey, 384.] When the question was put in this 
 form, ''Shall the main question be put ?' A determination in the nega- 
 tive suppressed the main question during the session ; but since the 
 words ' now put' are used, they exclude it for the present only. For- 
 merly, indeed, only till the present debate was over, [4 Grey, 43,] but 
 now "for that day and no longer. [2 Grey, 113, 114.] 
 
 Before the question, 'whether the main question shall now be put?' 
 any person might formerly have spoken to the main question, because 
 otherwise he would be precluded from speaking to it at all. [Mem. in 
 Hakew. 28.] 
 
 The proper occasion for the previous question, is when a subject is 
 brought forward of a delicate nature as to high personages, &c, or the 
 discussion of which may call forth observations which might be of 
 injurious consequences. Then the previous question is proposed : and, 
 in the modern usage, the discussion of the main question is suspended, 
 and the debate confined to the previous question. The use of it has 
 been extended abusively to other cases : but in these it is an embar- 
 rassing procedure : its uses would be as well answered by other more 
 simple parliamentary forms, and therefore it should not be favored, 
 but restricted within as narrow limits as possible. 
 
 Whether a main question may be amended, after the previous ques- 
 tion on it has been moved and seconded ? 2 Hats. 88, says, if the pre- 
 vious question has been moved and seconded, and also proposed from 
 the chair (by which he means stated by the Speaker for debate), it has 
 been doubted whether an amendment can be admitted to the main 
 question ? He thinks it may, after the previous question moved and 
 seconded, but not after it has been proposed from the chair. In this 
 case he thinks the friends to the amendment must vote that the main 
 question be not now put; and then move their amended question, 
 which, being made new by the amendment, is no longer the same which 
 has been just suppressed, and therefore may be proposed as a new one. 
 But this proceeding certainly endangers 'the main question, by dividing 
 its friends, some of whom may choose it unamended, rather than lose it 
 altogether : while others of them may vote, as Hatsell advises, that the 
 main question be not now put, with a view to move it again in an 
 amended form. The enemies to the main question, by this manoeuvre 
 of the previous question, get the enemies to the amendment added 
 to them on the first vote, and throw the friends of the main question 
 under the embarrassment of rallying again as they can. To support 
 his opinion, too, he makes the deciding circumstance, whether an
 
 AMENDMENTS. 
 
 173 
 
 amendment may or may not be made, to be that the previous question 
 has been proposed from the chair. But as the rule is, that the house is 
 in possession of a question as soon as it is moved and seconded, it can- 
 not be more than possessed of it by its being also proposed from the 
 chair. It may be said, indeed, that the object of the previous question, 
 being to get rid of a question, which it is not expedient should be dis- 
 cussed, this object may be defeated by moving to amend, and, in the 
 discussion of that motion, involving the subject of the main question. 
 But so may the object of the previous question be defeated by moving 
 the amended question, as Mr. Hatsell proposes, after the decision 
 against putting the original question. He acknowledges, too, that the 
 practice has been to admit a previous amendment, and only cites a few 
 late instances to the contrary. On the whole, I should think it best to 
 decide it ab inconvenienti,* to put it in the power of one side of the 
 House to defeat a proposition by hastily moving the previous question, 
 and thus forcing the main question to be put unamended; or to put in 
 the power of the other side to force on, incidentally at least, a discus- 
 sion which would be better avoided? Perhaps the last is the least 
 inconvenience ; inasmuch as the Speaker, by confining the discussion 
 rigorously to the amendment only, may prevent their going into the 
 main question, and inasmuch also as so great a proportion of the cases 
 in which the previous question is called for, are fair and proper sub- 
 jects of public discussion, and ought not to be obstructed by a formality 
 introduced for questions of a peculiar character. 
 
 SECTION XXIX 
 
 AMENDMENTS. 
 
 On an amendment being moved, a member who has spoken 10 the 
 main question may speak again to the amendment. [ Scob. 23. ] 
 
 If an amendment be proposed inconsistent with one already agreed 
 to, it is a fit ground for its rejection by the House ; but not within the 
 competence of the Speaker to suppress as if it were against order. For 
 were he permitted to draw questions of consistence within the vortex 
 of order, he might usurp a negative on important modifications, and 
 suppress, instead of subserving, the legislative will. 
 
 Amendments may be made so as totally to alter the nature of the 
 proposition ; and it is a way of getting rid of a proposition, by making 
 it bear a sense different from what was intended by the movers, so that 
 they vote against it themselves. [2 Hats. 79, 4, 82, 84. ] A new bill 
 may be ingrafted by way of amendment on the words 'Be it enacted,' 
 &c. [1 Grey, 190," 102. ] 
 
 If it be proposed to amend by leaving out certain words, it may be 
 
 * Which is most inconvenient . 
 
 15
 
 174 
 
 AMENDMENTS. 
 
 Re. 110, 
 Ho. Reps. 
 page 100, 
 
 moved as an amendment to this amendment to leave out a part of the 
 words of the amendment, which is equivalent to leaving them in the 
 bill. [ 2 Hats. 80, 9. ] The Parliamentary question is always whether 
 the words shall stand as a part of the bill? 
 
 When it is proposed to amend by inserting a paragraph, or part of 
 one, the friends of the paragraph may make it as perfect as they can 
 by amendments, before the question is put for inserting it. If it be 
 received, it cannot be amended afterwards, in the same stage ; because 
 the House, has on a vote, agreed to it in that form. In like manner if 
 it is proposed to amend by striking out a paragraph, the friends of the I 
 paragraph are first to make it as perfect as they can by amendments, ; 
 before the question is put for striking it out. If on the question it be j 
 retained, it cannot be amended afterwards : because a vote against , 
 striking out is equivalent to a vote agreeing to it in that form. 
 
 When it is moved to amend, by striking out certain words, and in- ; 
 serting others, the manner of stating the question is, first to read the j 
 whole passage to be amended as it stands at present, then the words 
 proposed to be struck out, next those to be inserted, and lastly the J 
 whole passage as it will be when amended. And the question, if 
 desired, is then to be divided, and put first on striking out. If carried, 
 it is next on inserting the words proposed. If that be lost, it may be 
 moved to insert others. [2 Hats. 80, 7. ] 
 
 A motion is made to amend by striking out certain words, and 
 inserting others in their place, which is negatived. Then it is moved 
 to strike out the same words, and to insert others of a tenor entirely 
 different from those first proposed. It is negatived. Then it is moved 
 to strike out the same words and insert nothing, which is agreed to. 
 All this is admissible ; because to strike out and insert A, is one pro- 
 position. To strike out and insert B, is a different proposition. And 
 to strike out and insert nothing, is still different. And the rejection of 
 one proposition does not preclude the offering a different one. Nor 
 would it change the case were the first motion divided by putting the 
 question first on striking out, and that negatived. For as putting the 
 whole motion to the question at once, would not have precluded, the 
 putting the half of it cannot do it.* 
 
 But if it had been carried affirmatively to strike out the words and 
 to insert A, it could not afterwards be permitted to strike out A, and 
 insert B. The mover of B should have notified, while the insertion of 
 A was under debate, that he would move to insert B. In which case 
 those who preferred it would join in rejecting A. 
 
 After A is inserted, however, it may be moved to strike out a portion 
 of the original paragraph, comprehending A, provided the coherence to 
 be struck out be so substantial as to make this effectively a different 
 proposition. For then it is resolved into the common case of striking 
 out a paragraph after amending it. Nor does any thing forbid a new 
 insertion instead of A and its coherence.f 
 
 * In the case of a division of the question, and a decision against striking out, I ad- 
 vance doubtingly the opinion here expressed. I find no authority either way ; and I 
 know it may be viewed under a different aspect. It may be thought, that having 
 decided separately not to strike out the passage, the same question for striking out 
 cannot be put over again, though with a view to a different insertion. Still I think it 
 more reasonable and convenient to consider the striking out, and insertion, as forming 
 one proposition ; but should readily yield to any evidence that the contrary is the prac- 
 tice in parliament. 
 
 t In Senate, January 25, 179S, a motion to postpone until the second Tuesday in Feb- 
 ruary some amendments proposed to the Constitution. The words ' until the second
 
 DIVISION OF THE QUESTION. 
 
 175 
 
 A bill passed by the one House with blanks. These may be filled up 
 by the other by way of amendments, returned to the first as such and 
 passed. [ 3 Hats. 83. ] 
 
 The number prefixed to the section of a bill, being merely a marginal 
 indication, and no part of the text of the bill, the Clerk regulates that, 
 the House or Committee is only to amend the text. 
 
 SECTION XXX. 
 
 DIVISION OF THE QUESTION. 
 
 If a question contain more parts than one, it may be divided into two 
 or more questions. [ Mem. in Hakew. 29. ] But not as the right of 
 an individual member, but with the consent of the House. For who is 
 to decide whether a question is complicated or not? where it is com- 
 plicated ? into how many propositions it may be divided ? The fact is, 
 that the only mode of separating a complicated question is, by moving 
 amendments to it ; and these must be decided by the House on a ques- 
 tion, unless the House orders it to be divided, as on the question Dec. 
 2, 1640, making void the election of the Knights for Worcester, on a 
 motion, it was resolved to make two questions of it, to wit: one on each 
 knight. [ 2 Hats. 85, 86. ] So wherever there are several names in a 
 question, they may be divided and put one by one. [ 9 Grey, 444. ] 
 So 1729, April 17, on an objection that a question was complicated, it 
 was separated by amendment. [ 2 Hats. 79, 5. ] 
 
 1798, May 30, the Alien Bill in Quasi-Committee. To a section and 
 
 Tuesday in February' were struck out by way of amendment. Then it was moved to 
 add ' until the first day of June.' Objected that it was not in order, as the question 
 should be first put on the longest time ; therefore after a shorter time decided against, a 
 longer cannot be put to question. It was answered that this rule takes place only in 
 filling blanks for time. But when a specific time stands part of a motion, that may be 
 struck out as well as any other part of the motion ; and when struck out, a motion may 
 be received to insert any other. In fact, it is not till they are struck out, and a blank 
 for the time thereby produced, that the rule can begin to operate, by receiving all the 
 propositions for different times, and putting the questions successively on the longest. 
 Otherwise it would be in the power of the mover, by inserting originally a short time, 
 to preclude the possibility of a longer. For till the short time is struck out, you cannot 
 insert a longer; and if, after it is struck out, you cannot do it, then it cannot be done 
 at all. Suppose the first motion had been to amend by striking out 'the second Tuesday 
 of February,' and inserting instead thereof 'the first of June.' It would have been 
 regular then to divide the question, by proposing first the question to strike out, and 
 then that to insert. Now this is precisely the effect of the present proceeding; only 
 instead of one motion and two questions, there are two motions and two questions to 
 effect it; the motion being divided as well as the question. 
 
 When the matter contained in two bills might be better put into one, the manner is 
 to reject the one, and incorporate its matter into another bill by way of amendment. So 
 if the matter of one bill would be better distributed into two, any part may be struck 
 out by way of amendment, and put into a new bill. If a section is to be transposed, a 
 question must be put on striking it out where it stands, and another for inserting it in 
 the place desired.
 
 170 
 
 CO-EXISTING QUESTIONS. 
 
 proviso in the original, had been added two new provisoes by way of 
 amendment. On a motion to strike out the section as amended, the 
 question was desired to be divided. To do this it must be put first on 
 striking out either the former proviso, or some distinct member of the 
 section. But when nothing remains but the last member of the section, 
 and the provisoes, they cannot be divided so as to put the last member 
 to question by itself; for the provisoes might thus be left standing 
 alone as exceptions to a rule when the rule is taken away ; or the new 
 provisoes might be left to a second question, after having been decided 
 on once before at the same reading ; which is contrary to rule. But 
 the question must be on striking out the last member of the section as 
 amended. This sweeps away the exceptions with the rule, and relieves 
 from inconsistence. A question to be divisible, must comprehend points 
 so distinct and entire, that one of them being taken away, the other 
 may stand entire. But a proviso or exception, without an enacting 
 clause, does not contain an entire point or proposition.* 
 
 SECTION XXXI 
 
 CO-EXISTING QUESTIONS 
 
 It may be asked whether the House can be in possession ot two mo- 
 tions or propositions at the same time ? So that one of them being 
 decided, the other goes to question without being moved anew ? The 
 answer must be special. When a question is interrupted by a vote of 
 adjournment, it is thereby removed from before the House, and does 
 not stand ipso factof before them at their next meeting : but must come 
 forward in the usual way. So when it is interrupted by the order of 
 the day. Such other privileged questions also as dispose of the main 
 question (e. g. the previous question, postponement or commitment,) 
 remove it from before the House. But it is only suspended by a mo- 
 
 * May 31. The same bill being before the Senate. There was a proviso that the bill 
 should not extend. 1. To any foreign minister; nor 2. to any person to whom the 
 President should give a passport ; nor 3. to any alien merchant conforming himself to 
 such regulations as the President shall prescribe, and a division of the question into its 
 simplest elements was called for. It was divided into four parts, the fourth taking in 
 the words 'conforming himself,' &c. It was objected that the words 'any alien mer- 
 chant' could not be separated from their modifying words ' conforming." &o., because 
 these words, if left by themselves, contain no substantive idea, will make no sense. 
 But admitting that the divisions of a paragraph into separate questions must be so made 
 as that each part may stand by itself, yet the house having, on the question, retained 
 the two first divisions, the words ' any alien merchant' may be struck out, and their 
 modifying words will then attach themselves to the preceding description of persons, 
 and become a modification of that description. 
 
 ■When a question is divided, after the question on the first member, the second is 
 open to debate and amendment : because it is a known rule, that a person may rise and 
 speak at any time before the question has been completely decided, by putting the nega- 
 tive as well as affirmative side. But the question is not completely put when the vote 
 has been taken on the first member only. One-half of the question, both affirmative 
 and negative, remains still to be put. [See Execut. Journ. June 25, 1795.] The same 
 decision by Ex-President John Adams. 
 
 \ By that fact.
 
 EQUIVALENT QUESTIONS. 
 
 177 
 
 tiou to amend, to -withdraw, to read papers, or by a question of order 
 or privilege, and stands again before the House when these are decided. 
 None but the class of privileged questions can be brought forward -while 
 there is another question before the House, the rule being, that when a 
 motion has been made and seconded, no other can be received, except 
 it be a privileged one. 
 
 SECTION XXXII 
 
 EQUIVALENT QUESTIONS. 
 
 If, on a question for rejection, a bill be retained, it passes of course 
 to its next reading. [ Hakew. 141. Scob. 42. ] And a question for a 
 second reading, determined negatively, is a rejection without farther 
 question. [ 4 Grey, 149. And see Elsynge's memor. 42, ] in what 
 cases questions are to be taken for rejection. 
 
 Where questions are perfectly equivalent, so that the negative of the 
 one amounts to the affirmative of the other, and leaves no other alter- 
 native, the decision of the one concludes necessarily the other. [ 4 
 Grey, 157. ] Thus the negative of striking out amounts to the affirma- 
 tive of agreeing ; and therefore to put a question on agreeing after that 
 on striking out, would be to put the same question in effect twice over. 
 Not so in questions of amendments between the two Houses. A motion 
 to recede being negatived, does not amount to a positive vote to insist, 
 because there is another alternative, to wit, to adhere. 
 
 A bill originating in one House, is passed by the other with an 
 amendment. A motion in the Originating House to agree to the amend- 
 ment is negatived. Does there result from this a vote of disagreement, 
 or must the question on disagreement be expressly voted ? The ques- 
 tions respecting amendments from another House are: 1st, to agree; 
 2d, disagree ; 3d, recede ; 4th, insist ; 5th, adhere. 
 
 1st. To agree, ) Either of these concludes the other necessarily, 
 
 2d. To disagree. J for the positive of either is exactly the equivalent 
 of the negative of the other, and no other alternative remains. On 
 either motion amendments to the amendment may be proposed, e. g. if 
 it be moved to disagree, those who are for the amendment have a right 
 to propose amendments, and to make it as perfect as they can, before 
 the question of disagreeing is put. 
 
 3d. To recede. You may then either insist or adhere. 
 
 4th. To insist. You may then either recede or adhere. 
 
 5th. To adhere. You may then either recede or insist. 
 
 Consequently the negative of these is not equivalent to a positive 
 vote the other way. It does not raise so necessary an implication as 
 may authorize the Secretary by inference to enter another vote : for two 
 alternatives still remain, either of which may be adopted by the House. 
 
 M
 
 173 
 
 THE QUESTION. — BILLS, THIRD READING. 
 
 SECTION XXXIII. 
 
 THE QUESTION. 
 
 The question is to be put first on the afiirmative, and then on the 
 negative side. 
 
 After the Speaker has put the affirmative part of the question, any 
 member who has not spoken before to the question, may rise and speak 
 before the negative be put. Because it is no full question till the nega- 
 tive part be put. [ Scob. 23. 2 Hats. 73. ] 
 
 But in small matters, and which are of course such as receiving pe- 
 titions, reports, withdrawing motions, reading papers, &c, the Speaker 
 most commonly supposes the consent of the House, where no objection 
 is expressed, and does not give them the trouble of putting the question 
 formally. [ Scob. 22. 2 Hats. 79, 2, 87. 5 Grey, 129. 9 Grey, 301.] 
 
 SECTION XXXIY. 
 
 BILLS, THIRD READING. 
 
 To prevent bills being passed by surprise, the House, by a standing 
 order, directs that they shall not be put on their passage before a fixed 
 hour ; naming one at which the house is commonly full. [Hakew. 153.] 
 A bill reported, and passed to the third reading, cannot on that day 
 be read the third time and passed ; because this would be to pass on 
 two readings in the same day. 
 
 At the third reading, the Clerk reads the bill, and delivers it to the 
 Speaker, who states the title ; that it is the third time of reading the 
 bill ; and that the question will be, whether it shall pass. Formerly, 
 the Speaker, or those who prepared a bill, prepared also a breviate, or 
 summary statement of its contents, which the Speaker read when he 
 declared the state of the bill at the several readings. Sometimes, 
 however, he read the bill itself, especially on its passage. [Hakew. 
 136, 137, 153. Coke, 22, 115.] 
 
 Latterly, instead of this, he, at the third reading, states the whole 
 contents of the bill verbatim ; only, instead of reading the formal parts, 
 'Be it enacted,' &c, he states, that 'the preamble recites so and so; 
 ] the first section enacts that,' &c. ' the second section enacts,' &c. 
 
 A bill on the third reading is not to be committed for the matter or 
 
 j body thereof; but to receive some particular clause or proviso, it hath 
 
 I been sometimes suffered, but as a thing very unusual. [Hakew. 150.] 
 
 Thus [27 El. 1584] a bill was committed on the third reading, having 
 
 been formerly committed on the second; but is declared not usual. 
 
 [D'Ewes, 337, col. 2, 414, col. 2.]
 
 DIVISION OF THE HOUSE. 
 
 179 
 
 When an essential provision has been omitted, rather than erase the 
 bill, and render it suspicious, they add a clause on a separate paper, 
 engrossed, and called a Rider, which is read and put to the question 
 three times. [Elsynge's Memorials, 59. 6 Grey, 335. 1 Blackst. 183.] 
 For examples of Riders, [see 3 Hats. 121, 122, 124, 126. ] Every one 
 is at liberty to bring in a Rider, without asking leave. [10 Grey, 52.] 
 
 It is laid down, as a general rule, that amendments proposed at the 
 second reading shall be twice read; and those proposed at the third 
 reading, thrice read ; as also all amendments from the other House. 
 [Town. col. 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28.] 
 
 It is with great, and almost invincible reluctance, that amendments 
 are admitted at this reading, which occasion erasures or interlineations. 
 Sometimes a proviso has been cut off from a bill ; sometimes erased. 
 [9 Grey, 513.] 
 
 This is the proper stage for filling up blanks ; for, if filled up before, 
 and now altered by erasure, it would be peculiarly unsafe. 
 
 At this reading the bill is debated afresh, and, for the most part, is 
 more spoken to at this time than on any of the former readings. 
 [Hakew. 153.] 
 
 The debate on the question, whether it should be read a third time, 
 has discovered to its friends and opponents the arguments on which 
 each side relies, and which of these appear to have influence with the 
 House; they have had time to meet them with new arguments, and to 
 put their old ones into new shapes. The former vote has tried the 
 strength of the first opinion, and furnished grounds to estimate the 
 issue ; and the question now offered for its passage, is the last occasion 
 which is ever to be offered for carrying or rejecting it. 
 
 When the debate is ended, the Speaker, holding the bill in his hand, 
 puts the question for its passage, by saying, ' Gentlemen, all you who 
 are of opinion that this bill shall pass say 'aye;' and, after the answer 
 of the ayes, 'all those of the contrary opinion say ' no.' [Hakew. 154.] 
 After the bill is passed there can be no further alteration of it in any 
 point. [Hakew. 159.] 
 
 SECTION XXXV. 
 
 DIVISION OP THE HOUSE. 
 
 The affirmative and negative of the question having been both put 
 and answered, the Speaker declares whether the yeas or nays have it, 
 by the sound, if he be himself satisfied, and it stands as the judgment 
 of the House. But, if he be not himself satisfied which voice is the 
 greater, or if, before auy other member comes into the House, or before 
 any new motion made (for it is too late after that), any member shall 
 rise and declare himself dissatisfied with the Speaker's decision ; then 
 the Speaker is to divide the House. [Scob. 24. 2 Hats. 140.] 
 
 When the House of Commons is divided, the one party goes forth, and 
 the other remains in the house. This has made it important which go
 
 DIVISION OF THE HOUSE. 
 
 forth, and which remain ; because the latter gain all the indolent, the 
 indifferent, and inattentive. Their general rule therefore is, that those 
 who give their votes for the preservation of the orders of the House 
 shall stay in, and those who are for introducing any new matter or 
 alteration, or proceeding contrary to the established course, are to go 
 out. But this rule is subject to many exceptions and modifications. [2 
 Hats. 134. 1 Rush. p. 3, fol. 92. Scob. 43, 52. Co. 12, 116. D'Ewes, 
 505, col. 1. Mem. in Hakew. 25, 29.] 
 
 The one party having gone forth, the Speaker names two tellers from 
 the affirmative, and two from the negative side, who first count those 
 sitting in the House, and report the number to the Speaker. Then they 
 place themselves within the door, two on each side, and count those 
 who went forth, as they come in, and report the number to the Speaker, i 
 [Mem. in Hakew. 26.] 
 
 A mistake in the report of the tellers may be rectified after the I 
 report made. [2 Hats. 145, note.] 
 
 In the House of Commons every member must give his vote, the one j 
 way or the other. [Scob. 24.] As it is not permitted to any one to 
 withdraw who is in the House when the question is put ; nor is any j 
 one to be told in the division who was not in when the question was \ 
 put. [2 Hats. 140.] 
 
 This last position is always true, when the vote is by yeas and nays : 
 where the negative as well as affirmative of the question is stated by 
 the President at the same time, and the vote of both sides begins and 
 proceeds pari passu.* It is true, also, when the question is put in the 
 usual way, if the negative has also been put. But if it has not, the 
 member entering, or any other member, may speak, and even propose 
 amendments, by which the debate may be opened again, and the ques- 
 tion be greatly deferred. And as some who have answered aye may 
 have been changed by the new arguments, the affirmative must be put 
 over again. 
 
 If then the member entering may. by speaking a few words, occasion 
 a repetition of the question, it would be useless to deny it, on his simple 
 call for it. 
 
 While the House is telling, no member may speak, or move out of his 
 place ; for, if any mistake be suspected, it must be told again. [Mem. 
 in Hakew. 26. 2 Hats. 143.] 
 
 If any difficulty arises in point of order during the division, the 
 Speaker is to decide peremptorily, subject to the future censure of the 
 House, if irregular. He sometimes permits old experienced members 
 to assist him with their advice ; which they do, sitting in their seats, 
 covered, to avoid the appearance of debate : but this can only be with 
 the Speaker's leave, else the division might last several hours. [2 
 Hats. 143.] 
 
 The voice of the majority decides. For the lex majoris partisf is the 
 law of all councils, elections, &c, where not otherwise expressly pro- 
 vided. [Hakew. 93.] But if the House be equally divided, 'semper 
 presumatur pro negante ; : % that is, the former law is not to be changed, 
 but by a majority. [Towns, col. 134.] 
 
 When, from counting the House, on a division, it appears that there 
 is not a Quorum, the matter continues exactly in the state in which it 
 
 * With equal gradations, i. e. alphabetically, or otherwise. 
 % It is alw ays to be in favor of the negative. 
 
 j- Will of the majority.
 
 TITLE. RECONSIDERATION. 
 
 181 
 
 was before the division, and must be resumed at that point on any 
 future day. [2 Hats. 126.] 
 
 May 1, 1606, on a question whether a member having said yea, 
 may afterwards sit and change his opinion, a precedent was remem- 
 bered by the Speaker, of Mr. Morris, attorney of the wards, in 39 Eliz. 
 who, in like case, changed his opinion. [Mem. in Hakew. 27.] 
 
 SECTION XXXVI. 
 
 TITLE. 
 
 After the bill has passed, and not before, the title may be amended, 
 and is to be fixed by a question ; and the bill is then sent to the other 
 House. 
 
 SECTION XXXVII. 
 
 RECONSIDERATION. 
 
 In Parliament, a question once carried cannot be questioned again 
 at the same session, but must stand as the judgment of the House. 
 [ Towns, coll. 67. Mem. in Hakew. 33. ] And a bill once rejected, an- 
 other of the same substance cannot be brought in again the same ses- 
 sion. [ Hakew. 158. 6 Grey, 392. ] But this does not extend to 
 prevent putting the same question in different stages of a bill ; because 
 every stage of a bill submits the whole and every part of it to the 
 opinion of the House, as open for amendment, either by insertion or 
 omission, though the same amendment has been accepted or rejected 
 in a former stage. So in reports of Committees, e. g. report of an 
 address, the same question is before the House, and open for free dis- 
 cussion. [Towns, coll. 26. 2 Hats. 98, 100, 101. ] So orders of the 
 House, or instructions to Committees, may be discharged. So a bill, 
 begun in one House, sent to the other, and there rejected, may be re- 
 newed again in that other, passed and sent back. [ lb. 92. 3 Hats. 
 161. ] Or if, instead of being rejected, they read it once and lay it 
 aside, or amend it, and put it off a month, they may order in another to 
 the same effect, with the same or a different title. [ Hakew. 97, 98. ] 
 
 Divers expedients are used to correct the effects of this rule, as by 
 passing an explanatory act, if any thing has been omitted or ill ex- 
 pressed, [ 3 Hats. 278, ] or an act to enforce, and make more effectual an 
 act, &c, or to rectify mistakes in an act, &c, or a Committee on one 
 bill may be instructed to receive a clause to rectify the mistakes of an- 
 
 16
 
 182 
 
 BILLS SENT, &C. AMENDMENTS BETWEEN THE HOUSES. 
 
 Rule 56, 
 Ho. Bepa. 
 
 page 1813. 
 
 Bes. 20, 
 i 1!. Sen. 
 
 pp. 128 & 
 las. 
 
 Joint Rs. 
 1 12, 14, 
 
 15 & 1«. p. 
 107 4 109. 
 
 .loint He. 
 18, p. 109. 
 
 other. Thus, June 24, 1685, a clause was inserted in a bill for recti- 
 fying a mistake committed by a Clerk in engrossing a bill of supply. 
 [ 2 Hats. 194, 6. ] Or the session may be closed for one, two, three or 
 more days, and a new one commenced. But then all matters depending 
 must be finished, or they fall, and are to begin de novo.* [ 2 Hats. 91 
 to 98. ] Or a part of the subject may be taken up by another bill, or 
 taken up in a different way. [ 6 Grey, 304, 316. ] 
 
 And in cases of the last magnitude, this rule has not been so strictly 
 and verbally observed, as to stop indispensable proceedings altogether. 
 [ 2 Hats. 92, 98. ] Thus, when the address on the preliminaries of 
 peace in 1782, had been lost by a majority of one, on account of the 
 importance of the question, and smallness of the majority, the same 
 question in substance, though with some words not in the first, and 
 which might change the opinion of some members, was brought on 
 again and carried ; as the motives for it were thought to outweigh the 
 objection of form. [ 2 Hats. 99, 100. ] 
 
 A second bill may be passed to continue an act of the same session ; 
 or to enlarge the time limited for its execution. [ 2 Hats. 95, 98. ] 
 This is not in contradiction to the first act. 
 
 SECTION XXXVIII. 
 
 BILLS SENT TO THE OTHER HOUSE. 
 
 A bill from the other house is sometimes ordered to lie on the table. 
 [ 2 Hats. 97. ] 
 
 When bills passed in one House and sent to the other, are grounded 
 on special facts requiring proof, it is usual either by message, or at a 
 conference, to ask the grounds and evidence : and this evidence, whe- 
 ther arising out of papers, or from the examination of witnesses, is 
 immediately communicated. [ 3 Hats. 48. ] 
 
 SECTION XXXIX. 
 
 AMENDMENTS BETWEEN THE HOUSES. 
 
 When either House, c. g. the House of Commons, sends a bill to the 
 other, the other may pass it with amendments. The regular progres- 
 sion in this case is, that the Commons disagree to the amendment ; the 
 lords insist on it ; the Commons insist on their disagreement ; the lords 
 adhere to their amendment ; the Commons adhere to their disagree- 
 ment. The term of insisting may be repeated as often as they choose, 
 to keep the question open. But the first adherence by either renders
 
 AMENDMENTS BETWEEN THE HOUSES. 
 
 183 
 
 it necessary for the other to recede or adhere also ; when the matter is 
 usually suffered to fall. [ 10 Grey, 148. ] Latterly, however, there are 
 instances of their having gone to a second adherence. There must be 
 an absolute conclusion of the subject somewhere, or otherwise transac- 
 tions between the Houses would become endless. [ 3 Hats. 268, 270. ] 
 The term of insisting, we are told by Sir John Trevor, was then [1679] 
 newly introduced into parliamentary usage by the lords. [ 7 Grey, 
 94. ] It was certainly a happy innovation, as it multiplies the oppor- 
 tunities of trying modifications which may bring the Houses to a con- 
 currence. Either House, however, is free to pass over the term of 
 insisting, and to adhere in the first instance. [ 10 Grey, 146. ] But 
 it is not respectful to the other. In the ordinary parliamentary course, 
 there are two free conferences at least before an adherence. [10 Grev, 
 147.] 
 
 Either House may recede from its amendment and agree to the bill ; 
 or recede from their disagreement to the amendment, and agree to the 
 same absolutely, or with an amendment. For here the disagreement 
 and receding destroy one another, and the subject stands as before the 
 disagreement. [Elsynge, 23 — 27. 9 Grey, 476.] 
 
 But the House cannot recede from, or insist on, its own amendment, 
 with an amendment, for the same reason that it cannot send to the 
 other House an amendment to its own act after it has passed the act. 
 They may modify an amendment from the other House by ingrafting an 
 amendment on it, because they have never assented to it ; but they 
 cannot amend their own amendment, because they have, on the ques- 
 tion, passed it in that form. [ 9 Grey, 353. 10 Grey, 240. ] [ U. S. Sen- 
 ate, March 29, 1798.] Nor where one House has adhered to their 
 amendment, and the other agrees with an amendment, can the first 
 House depart from the form which they have fixed by an adherence. 
 
 In the case of a money bill the lords' proposed amendments become, 
 by delay, confessedly necessary. The Commons, however, refused 
 them as infringing on their privilege as to money bills ; but they offered 
 themselves to add to the bill a proviso to the same effect, which had no 
 coherence with the lord's amendments ; and urged that it was an expe- 
 dient warranted by precedent, and not unparliamentary in a case become 
 impracticable, and irremediable in any other way. [ 3 Hats. 256, 266, 
 270, 271. ] But the lords refused, and the bill was lost. [1 Chand. 
 288. ] A like case, [ 1 Chand. 311. ] So the Commons resolved that 
 it is unparliamentary to strike out at a conference any thing in a bill 
 which hath been agreed and passed by both Houses. [ 6 Grev, 274. 
 1 Chand. 312. ] 
 
 A motion to amend an amendment from the other House takes pre- 
 cedence of a motion to agree or disagree. 
 
 A bill originating in one House, is passed by the other with an 
 amendment. The originating House agrees to their amendment with 
 an amendment. The other may agree to their amendment with an 
 amendment ; that being only in the second and not the third degree. 
 For as to the amending House, the first amendment with which they 
 passed the bill is a part of its text ; it is the only text they have agreed 
 to. The amendment to that text by the originating House, therefore, 
 is only in the first degree, and the amendment to that again by the 
 amending House is only in the second, to wit : an amendment to an 
 amendment, and so admissible. Just so when, on a bill from the origi- 
 nating House, the other, at its second reading, makes an amendment ,
 
 184 
 
 CONFERENCES. 
 
 on the third reading this amendment is become the text of the bill, and, 
 if an amendment to it be moved, an amendment to that amendment may 
 also be moved, as being only in the second degree. 
 
 SECTION XL. 
 
 CONFERENCES. 
 
 It is on the occasion of amendments between the Houses that con- 
 ferences are usually asked ; k.ut they may be asked in all cases of dif- 
 ference of opinion between the two Houses on matters depending 
 between them. The request of a conference, however, must always be 
 by the House which is possessed of the papers. [ 3 Hats. 31. 1 Grey, 
 425. ] 
 
 Conferences may be either simple or free. At a conference simply, 
 written reasons are prepared by the House asking it ; and they are read 
 and delivered, without debate, to the managers of the other House, at 
 the conference, but are not then to be answered. [ 3 Grey, 144. ] 
 
 The other House then, if satisfied, vote the reasons satisfactory, or 
 say nothing. If not satisfied, they resolve them not satisfactory, and 
 ask a conference on the subject of the last conference ; where they 
 read and deliver, in like manner, written answers to those reasons. 
 [ 3 Grey, 183. ] 
 
 They are meant chiefly to record the justification of each House to 
 the nation at large, and to posterity, and in proof that the miscarriage 
 of a necessary measure is not imputable to them. [ 3 Grey, 255. ] 
 
 At free conferences, the managers discuss viva voce* and freely, and 
 interchange propositions for such modifications as may be made in a 
 parliamentary way, and may bring the sense of the two Houses together. 
 And each party reports in writing, to their respective Houses, the sub- 
 stance of what is said on both sides, and it is entered in their Journals. 
 [ 9 Grey, 220. 3 Hats. 280. ] 
 
 "This report cannot be amended or altered, as that of a Committee 
 maybe." [Journ. Sen. May 24, 1796.] 
 
 A conference may be asked, before the House asking it has come to a 
 resolution of disagreement, insisting, or adhering. [ 3 Hats. 269, 341. ] 
 In which case the papers are not left with the other conferees, but are 
 brought back, to be the foundation of the vote to be given. And this 
 is the most reasonable and respectful proceeding. For, as was urged 
 by the lords on a particular occasion, 'It is held vain, and below the 
 wisdom of Parliament, to reason or argue against fixed resolutions, and 
 upon terms of impossibility to persuade.' [3 Hats. 226. ] 
 
 So the Commons say, ' An adherence is never delivered at a free con- 
 ference, which implies debate.' [ 10 Grey, 147. ] And, on another 
 occasion, the lords made it an objection, that the Commons had asked 
 a free conference, after they had made resolutions of adhering. 
 
 * With the living voice, i. e. orally
 
 MESSAGES. 
 
 185 
 
 It was then affirmed, however, on the part of the Commons, that 
 nothing was more parliamentary, than to proceed with free conferences 
 after adhering. [ 3 Hats. 2G9. ] And we do, in fact, see instances of 
 conference, or of free conference, asked after the resolution of disa- 
 greeing ; [ 3 Hats. 251, 253, 260, 286, 291, 316, 349 ; ] of insisting, [ ib. 
 280, 296, 299, 319, 322, 355 ; ] of adhering, [269, 270, 283, 300;] and 
 even of a second or final adherence. [ 3 Hats. 270. ] 
 
 And in all cases of conference asked after a vote of disagreement, &c. 
 the Conferees of the House asking it are to leave the papers with the 
 Conferees of the other ; and in one case where they refused to receive 
 them, they were left on the table in the conference-chamber. [ Ib. 271, 
 317, 323, 354. ] [ 10 Grey, 146. ] 
 
 After a free conference the usage is to proceed with free conferences, 
 and not to return again to a conference. [ 3 Hats. 270. 9 Grey, 229. ] 
 
 After a conference denied a free conference may be asked. [ 1. 
 Grey, 45. ] 
 
 When a conference is asked, the subject of it must be expressed, or 
 the conference not agreed to. [ Ord. H. Commons, 89. 1 Grey, 425. 
 7 Grey, 31. ] They are sometimes asked to inquire concerning an 
 offence or default of a member of the other House. [ 6 Grey, 181. 1 
 Chandler, 304. ] Or the failure of the other House to present to the 
 king a bill passed by both Houses. [ 8 Grey, 302. ] Or on informa- 
 tion received, and relating to the safety of the nation. [ 10 Grey, 171. ] 
 Or when the methods of Parliament are thought by the one House to 
 have been departed from by the other, a conference is asked to come 
 to a right understanding thereon. [ 10 Grey, 148. ] 
 
 So when an unparliamentary message has been sent, instead of an- 
 swering it they ask a conference. [ 3 Grey, 155. ] 
 
 Formerly, an address, or articles of impeachment, or a bill with 
 amendments, or a vote of the House, or concurrence in a vote, or a 
 message from the king, were sometimes communicated by way of con- 
 ference. [ 6 Grey, 128, 300, 387. 7 Grey, 80. 8 Grey, 210, 255. 1 
 Torbuck's Deb. 278. 10 Grey, 293. 1 Chand. 49, 287. ] But this is not 
 the modern practice. [ 8 Grey, 255. ] 
 
 A conference has been asked after the first reading of a bill. [1 Grey, 
 194. ] This is a singular instance. 
 
 SECTION XLI 
 
 MESSAGES. 
 
 Messages between the Houses are to be sent only while both Houses 
 are sitting. [ 3 Hats. 15. ] They are received during a debate, with- 
 out adjourning the debate. [ 3 Hats. 22. ] 
 
 In the House of Representatives, as in Parliament, if the House be in 
 
 16*
 
 186 
 
 MESSAGE!?. 
 
 Committee when a messenger attends, the Speaker takes the chair to 
 receive the message, and then quits it to return into Committee, with- 
 out any question or interruption. [ 4 Grey, 226. ] 
 
 Messengers are not saluted by the members, but by the Speaker, for | 
 the House. [ 2 Grey, 253, 274. ] 
 
 If messengers commit an error in delivering their message, they may 
 be admitted, or called in, to correct their message. [ 4 Grey, 41. ] 
 
 Accordingly, March 13, 1800, the Senate having made two amend- 
 ments to a bill from the House of Representatives, their Secretary, by 
 mistake, delivered one only ; which being inadmissible by itself, that 
 House disagreed, and notified the Senate of their disagreement. This 
 produced a discovery of the mistake. The Secretary was sent to the 
 other House to correct his mistake, the correction was received, and 
 the two amendments acted on de novo.* 
 
 As soon as the messenger, who has brought bills from the other 
 House, has retired, the Speaker holds the bills in his hand, and ac- 
 quaints the House, 'that the other House have, by their messenger, 
 sent certain bills,' and then reads their titles, and delivers them to the 
 Clerk to be safely kept, till they shall be called for to be read. 
 [Hakew. 178.] 
 
 It is not the usage for one House to inform the other, by what num- 
 bers a bill has passed. [ 10 Grey, 150. ] Yet they have sometimes 
 recommended a bill, as of great importance, to the consideration of the 
 House to which it is sent. [ 3 Hats. 25. ] Nor, when they have re- 
 jected a bill from the other House, do they give notice of it ; but it 
 passes, sub silentio,f to prevent unbecoming altercations. [ 1 Blackst. 
 183.] 
 
 A question is never asked by the one House of the other, by way of 
 message, but only at a conference ; for this is an interrogatory, not a 
 message. [3 Grey, 151, 181. ] 
 
 When a bill is sent by one House to the other, and is neglected, they 
 may send a message to remind them of it. [ 3 Hats. 25. 5 Grey, 154. ] 
 But if it be mere inattention, it is better to have it done informally, by 
 communications between the Speakers, or members of the two Houses. 
 Where the subject of a message is of a nature that it can properly be 
 communicated to both Houses of Parliament, it is expected that this 
 communication should be made to both on the same day. But where a 
 message was accompanied with an original declaration, signed by the 
 party to which the message referred, its being sent to one House was 
 not noticed by the other, because the declaration, being original, could 
 not possibly be sent to both Houses at the same time. [ 2 Hats. 260, 
 261, 262. ] 
 
 The king, having sent original letters to the Commons, afterwards 
 desires they may be returned, that he may communicate them to the 
 lords. [ 1 Chandler, 303. ] 
 
 * Anew. t ^ n silence.
 
 ASSENT. — JOURNALS. 
 
 187 
 
 SECTION XLII 
 
 ASSENT. 
 
 The House which has received a bill and passed it may present it for 
 the king's assent, and ought to do it, though they have not by message 
 notified to the other their passage of it. Yet the notifying by message 
 is a form -which ought to be observed between the two Houses, from mo- 
 tives of respect and good understanding. [ 2 Hats. 242. ] Were the 
 bill to be withheld from being presented to the king, it would be an in- 
 fringement of the rules of parliament. [ lb. ] 
 
 When the bill is enrolled, it is not to be written in paragraphs, but 
 solidly, and all of a piece, that the blanks between the paragraphs may 
 not give room for forgery. [ 9 Grey, 143. ] 
 
 SECTION XLIII. 
 
 JOURNALS. 
 A 
 
 If a question is interrupted by a vote to adjourn, or to proceed to the 
 orders of the day, the original question is never printed in the journal, 
 it never having been a vote, nor introductory to any vote ; but when 
 suppressed by the previous question, the first question must be stated, 
 in order to introduce, and make intelligible the second [ 2 Hats. 83. ] 
 
 So also when a question is postponed, adjourned, or laid on the table, 
 the original question, though not yet a vote, must be expressed in the 
 journals ; because it makes part of the vote of postponement, adjourn- 
 ing or laying on the table. 
 
 Where amendments are made to a question, those amendments are 
 not printed in the journals, separated from the question; but only the 
 question as finally agreed to by the House. The rule of entering in 
 the journals only what the House has agreed to, is founded in great 
 prudence and good sense ; as there may be many questions proposed 
 which it may be improper to publish to the world in the form in which 
 they are made. [ 2 Hats. 85. ] 
 
 The first order for printing the votes of the House of Commons was 
 Oct. 30, 1685. [1 Chandler, 387.] 
 
 Some judges have been of opinion that the journals of the House of 
 Commons are no records, but only remembrances. But this is not law. 
 [Hob. 110, 111. Lex. pari. 114, 115. Jourl. H. C. Mar. 17, 1592. Hale 
 pari. 105. ] For the lords in their House have power of judicature, 
 the Commons in their House have power of judicature, and both Houses 
 together have power of judicature ; and the book of the Clerk of the 
 House of Commons is a record, as is affirmed by act of pari. 6 H. 8, c. 
 16, 4 Inst. 23, 24, and every member of the House of Commons hath % 
 judicial place. [4 Inst. 15.] As records they are open to every per-
 
 188 
 
 ADJOURNMENT. — A SESSION. 
 
 son, and a printed vote of either House is sufficient ground for the other 
 to notice it. Either may appoint a Committee to inspect the journals 
 of the other, and report what has been done by the other in any parti- 
 cular case. [2 Hats. 261. 3 Hats. 27 — 30. ] Every member has aright 
 to see the journals, and to take and publish votes from them. Being a 
 record every one may see and publish them. [ 6 Grey, 118, 119. ] 
 
 On information of a misentry or omission of an entry in the journal, 
 a Committee may be appointed to examine and rectify it, and report it 
 to the House. [ 2 Hats. 194, 5. ] 
 
 SECTION XLIV. 
 
 ADJOURNMENT. 
 
 The two Houses of Parliament have the sole, separate, and inde- 
 pendent power of adjourning each their respective Houses. The king 
 has no authority to adjourn them ; he can only signify his desire, and 
 it is in the wisdom and prudence of either House to comply with his 
 requisition, or not, as they see fit. [ 2 Hats. 232. 1 Blackstone, 186. 
 5 Grey, 122. ] 
 
 A motion to adjourn simply cannot be amended as by adding 'to a 
 particular day.' But must be put simply ' that this House do now ad- 
 journ? 1 and if carried in the affirmative, it is adjourned to the next 
 sitting day, unless it has come to a previous resolution ' that at its rising 
 it will adjourn to a particular day,' and then the House is adjourned to 
 that day. [ 2 Hats. 82. ] 
 
 Where it is convenient that the business of the House be suspended 
 for a short time, as for a conference presently to be held, &c, it ad- 
 journs during pleasure. [ 2 Hats. 305. ] Or for a quarter of an hour. 
 [ 5 Grey, 331. ] 
 
 If a question be put for adjournment it is no adjournment till the 
 Speaker pronounces it. [ 5 Grey, 137. ] And from courtesy and re- 
 spect, no member leaves his place till the Speaker has passed on. 
 
 SECTION XLV 
 
 A SESSION. 
 
 Parliament have three modes of separation, to wit : by adjournment, 
 by prorogation, or dissolution by the king, or by the efflux of the term 
 for which they were elected. Prorogation or dissolution constitutes 
 there what is called a session, provided some act has passed. In this 
 case all matters depending before them are discontinued, and at their
 
 TREATIES. 
 
 189 
 
 next meeting are to be taken up de novo,* if taken up at all. [ 1 
 Blackst. 186. ] Adjournment, which is by themselves, is no more than 
 a continuance of the session from one day to another, or for a fortnight, 
 a month, &c, ad libitum. f All matters depending remain in statu quo, J 
 and when they meet again, be the term ever so distant, are resumed 
 without any fresh commencement, at the point at which they were left. 
 [ 1 Lev. 165. Lex. Pari. c. 2. 1 Ro. Rep. 29. 4 Inst. 7, 27, 28. Hutt. 
 61. _ 1 Mod. 252. Ruffb. Fac's. L. Diet. Parliament. 1 Blackst. 186. ] 
 Their whole session is considered in law but as one day, and has rela- 
 tion to the first day thereof. [ Bro. abr. parliament. 86. ] 
 
 Committees may be appointed to sit during a recess by adjournment, 
 but not by prorogation. [5 Grey, 374. 9 Grey, 350. 1 Chandler, 50. ] 
 Neither House can continue any portion of itself in any parliamentary 
 function, beyond the end of the session, without the consent of the 
 other two branches. When done, it is by a bill constituting them com- 
 missioners for the particular purpose. 
 
 When it was said above, that all matters depending before parliament 
 were discontinued by the determination of the session, it was not meant 
 for judiciary cases, depending before the House of Lords, such as im- 
 peachments, appeals, and writs of error. These stand continued, of 
 course, to the next session. [Raym. 120, 381. Ruffb. Fac. L. D. Par- 
 liament. ] 
 
 SECTION XLVI. 
 
 TREATIES. 
 
 Treaties are legislative acts. A treaty is a law of the land. It dif- 
 fers from other laws only as it must have the consent of a foreign 
 ' nation, being but a contract with respect to that nation. In all coun- 
 tries, I believe, except England, treaties are made by the legislative 
 power : and there also, if they touch the laws of the land, they must be 
 approved by Parliament. [ Ware v. Hylton, 3 Dallas rep. 273. ] It 
 is acknowledged, for instance, that the king of Great Britain cannot by 
 a treaty make a citizen of an alien. [ Vattel. B. 1. c. 19, sec. 214. ] 
 An act of parliament was necessary to validate the American treaty of 
 1783. And abundant examples of such acts can be cited. In the case 
 of the treaty of Utretcht in 1712, the commercial articles required the 
 concurrence of parliament. But a bill brought in for that purpose was 
 rejected. France, the other contracting party, suffered these articles, 
 in practice, to be not insisted on,and adhered to the rest of the treaty' 
 [4 Russel's Hist. Mod. Europe 457. 2 Smollet. 242, 246. ] 
 
 * Anew. 
 
 J In their former condition. 
 
 t At pleasure. 
 
 Joint Ylti 
 20, p. 110. 
 
 Const. TJ. 
 S. Art. 11, 
 Sec. 2, p. 
 28. 
 
 Rs. 37 & 
 38, Sen. p. 
 ia:j & 134
 
 190 
 
 IMPEACHMENT. 
 
 SECTION XLVII. 
 
 IMPEACHMENT. 
 
 Jurisdiction. The lords cannot impeach any to themselves, nor join 
 in the accusation, because they are the judges. [ Seld. Judic. in pari. 
 12, 63. ] Nor can they proceed against a commoner but on complaint 
 of the Commons, [ id. 84. ] The lords may not, by the law, try a com- 
 moner for a capital offence, on the information of the king, or a private 
 person ; because the accused is entitled to a trial by his peers gene- 
 rally ; but on accusation by the House of Commons, they may proceed 
 against the delinquent, of whatsoever degree, and whatsoever be the 
 nature of the offence ; for there they do not assume to themselves trial 
 at common law. The Commons are then instead of a jury, and the 
 judgment is given on their demand, which is instead of a verdict. So 
 the lord's do only judge, but not try the delinquent. [Id. 6, 7. ] But 
 Wooddeson denies that a commoner can now be charged capitally before 
 the lords, even by the Commons ; and cites Fitzharris's case, 1681, 
 impeached of high treason, where the lords remitted the prosecution to 
 the inferior court. [ 8 Grey's deb. 325 — 7, 2. Wooddesson, 601, 576. 
 3 Seld. 1610, 1619, 1641. 4 Blacks. 257. 3 Sed. 1604, 1618, 9, 1656.] 
 Accusation. The Commons, as the grand inquest of the nation, be- 
 come suitors for penal justice. [2 "Woodd. 597. 6 Grey, 356.] The 
 general course is to pass a resolution containing a criminal charge 
 against the supposed delinquent, and then to direct some member to 
 impeach him by oral accusation, at the bar of the House of Lords, in 
 the name of the Commons. The person signifies that the articles will 
 be exhibited, and desires that the delinquent may be sequestered from 
 his seat, or be committed, or that the peers wiL take order for his ap- 
 pearance. [ Sachev. trial. 325. 2 Wood. 602, 605. Lords. Journ. 3 
 June, 1701. 1 Wms. 616. 6 Grey, 324. ] 
 
 Process. If the party do not appear, proclamations are to be issued, 
 giving him a day to appear. On their return they are strictly exam- 
 ined. If any error be found in them, a new proclamation issues giving 
 a short day. If he appear not, his goods may be arrested, and they 
 may proceed. [ Seld. Jud. 98, 99. ] 
 
 Articles. The accusation (articles) of the Commons is substituted in 
 place of an indictment. Thus, by the usage of parliament, in impeach- 
 ment for writing or speaking, the particular words need not be specified. 
 [ Sach. tr. 325. 2 Wood. 602—605. Lords. Journ. 3 June, 1701. 1 Wms. 
 616.] 
 
 Appearance. If he appears, and the case be capital, he answers in 
 custody: though not if the accusation be general. He is not to be 
 committed but on special accusations. If it be for a misdemeanor only, 
 he answers a lord in his place, a commoner at the bar, and not in cus- 
 tody, unless, on the answer, the lords find cause to commit him, till he 
 find sureties to attend, and lest he should fly. [ Seld. Jud. 98, 99. ] A 
 copy of the articles is given him, and a day fixed for his answer. [ T. 
 Ray. 1 Rushw. 268. Fost. 232. 1 Clar. Hist, of the reb. 379. ] On a 
 misdemeanor, his appearance may be in person, or he may answer in 
 writing, or by attorney. [ Seld. Jud. 100. ] The general rule on an
 
 IMPEACHMENT. 
 
 101 
 
 accusation for a misdemeanor is, that in such a state of liberty or re- 
 straint as the party is when the Commons complain of him, in such he 
 is to answer. [ Id. 101. ] If previously committed by the Commons, 
 he answers as a prisoner. But this may be called in some sort judicium 
 parium suorum.* [lb. ] In misdemeanors the party has a right to 
 counsel by the common law ; but not in capital cases. [ Seld. Jud. 
 102—5. ] 
 
 Answer. The answer need not observe great strictness of form. He 
 may plead guilty, as to part, and defend as to the residue ; or, saving 
 all exceptions, deny the whole, or give a particular answer to each ar- 
 ticle separately. [ 1 Rush. 274. 2 Rush 1374. 12 Part. hist. 442. 3 
 Lords. Journ. 13 Nov. 1643. 2 Wood. 607. ] But he cannot plead a 
 pardon in bar to the impeachment. [ 2 Wood. 615. 2 St. tr. 735. ] 
 
 Replication, Rejoinder, &c. There may be a replication, rejoinder, 
 &c. [Seld. Jud. 114. 8 Grey's deb. 233. Sacher. tr. 15. Journ. H. of 
 Commons, 6 March, 1640, 1. ] 
 
 Witnesses. The practice is, to swear the witnesses in open House, 
 and then examine them there : or a Committee may be named, who 
 shall examine them in Committee, either on interrogatories agreed on 
 in the House, or such as the Committee in their discretion shall demand. 
 [ Seld. Jud. 120, 123. ] 
 
 Jury. In the case of Alice Pierce, 1 R. 2, a jury was impanelled for 
 her trial before a Committee. [Seld. Jud. 123. ] But this was on a 
 complaint, not on impeachment, by the Commons. [ Seld. Jud. 163. ] 
 It must also have been for a misdemeanor only, as the lords spiritual 
 sat in the case, which they do on misdemeanors, but not in capital 
 cases. [Id. 148. ] The judgment was a forfeiture of all her lands and 
 goods. [Id. 188.] This, Shelden says, is the only jury he finds re- 
 corded in parliament for misdemeanors : but he makes no doubt, if the 
 delinquent doth put himself on the trial of his country, a jury ought to 
 be impanelled, and he adds that it is not so on impeachment by the 
 Commons; for they are in loco proprio,f and there no jury ought to be 
 impanelled. [ Id. 124. ] The Ld. Berkeley, 6 E. 3, was arraigned for 
 the murder of L. 2, on an information on the part of the king, and not 
 on impeachment of the Commons ; for then they had been patria sua. J 
 He waived his peerage, and was tried by a jury of Gloucestershire and 
 Warwickshire. [Id. 125. ] In 1 H. 7, the Commons protest that they 
 are not to be considered as parties to any judgment given, or hereafter 
 to be given in parliament. [ Id. 133. ] They have been generally, 
 and more justly considered, as is before stated, as the grand jury. For 
 the conceit of Selden is certainly not accurate, that they are the patria 
 sua of the accused, and that the lords do only judge, but not try. It 
 is undeniable that they do try. For they examine witnesses as to the 
 facts, and acquit or condemn, according to their own belief of them. 
 And Lord Hale says, 'the peers are judges of law as well as of fact.' 
 [2 Hale, P. C. 275. ] Consequently of fact as well as of law. 
 
 Presence of Commons. The Commons are to be present at the ex- 
 amination of witnesses. [ Seld. Jud. 124. ] Indeed they are to attend 
 throughout, either as a Committee of the whole House, or otherwise, at 
 discretion, appoint managers to conduct the proofs. [ Rushw. tr. of 
 Straff, 37. Com. Journ. 4 Feb. 1709, 10. 2 Wood. 614.] Andjudg- I 
 
 * Judgment of his peers, or equals. 
 J The country. 
 
 f In the right place. 
 
 8*
 
 192 
 
 IMPEACHMENT. 
 
 ment is not to be given till they demand it, [ Seld. Jud. 124.] But 
 they are not to be present on impeachment when the lords consider of 
 the answer or proofs, and determine of their judgment. Their presence 
 however is necessary at the answer and judgment in cases capital. [ Id. 
 158, 159, as well as not capital, 162. ] The lords debate the judgment 
 among themselves. Then the vote is first taken on the question of 
 guilty or not guilty: and if they convict, the question, or particular 
 sentence, is out of that which seemeth to be most generally agreed on. 
 [ Seld. Jud. 167. 2 Wood. 612. ] 
 
 Judgment. Judgments in parliament for death have been strictly 
 guidecfper legem terrse,* which they cannot alter : and not at all accord- 
 ing to their discretion. They can neither omit any part of the legal 
 judgment, nor add to it. Their sentence must be secundum, non ultra 
 legem.f [Seld. Jud. 168 — 171.] This trial, though it varies in external 
 ceremony, yet differs not in essentials from criminal prosecutions before 
 inferior courts. The same rales of evidence, the same legal notions of 
 crimes and punishments prevail. For impeachments are not framed to 
 alter the law, but to carry it into more effectual execution against too 
 powerful delinquents. The judgment therefore is to be such as is war- 
 ranted by legal principles or precedents. [ 6 Sta. tr. 14. 2 Wood. 611. ] 
 The chancellor gives judgments in misdemeanors ; the Lord High Steward 
 formerly in cases of life and death. [ Seld. Jud. 180. ] But now the 
 steward is deemed not necessary. [Fost. 144. 2 Wood. 613.] In mis- 
 demeanors the greatest corporal punishment hath been imprisonment. 
 [ Seld. Jud. 184. ] The king's assent is necessary in capital judgments, 
 (but 2 Wood. 614, contra) but not in misdemeanors. [ Seld. Jud. 136. ] 
 
 Continuance. An impeachment is not discontinued by the dissolution 
 of parliament, but may be resumed by the new parliament. [ T. Ray. 
 383. 4 Com. Journ. 23 Dec. 1790, Lords Jour. May 16, 1791. 2 Wood. 
 618.] 
 
 * By the law of the land. 
 
 f According to, not against law. 
 
 FINIS.
 
 index to Jefferson's manual. 
 
 193 
 
 INDEX TO JEFFERSON'S MANUAL. 
 
 Absence, 
 
 Address, 
 
 Adjournment, 
 
 Amendment, ....... 
 
 " Between the Houses, ... 
 
 Arrangement of Business, 
 
 Assent, ........ 
 
 Bills, Leave to Bring in, 
 
 " First Reading, 
 
 " Second Reading, . • . . . 
 
 " Recommitment, ..... 
 
 ■ Report Taken Up, 
 
 " Second Reading in the House, . . 
 
 " Third Reading, 
 
 " Sent to the Other House, . . . 
 
 Call of the House, 
 
 Committers, ....... 
 
 " Of the Whole 
 
 " Report of, 
 
 " Quasi 
 
 Conferences, 
 
 Debate, Order in, 
 
 Errors, Way to Amend, ..... 
 Felony, Mode of Proceeding on Charge of, . 
 Gallery, Committee cannot Punish for disorder in, 
 House, Division of the, ..... 
 " Orders of the, ..... 
 
 Impeachment, 
 
 Journals, ....... 
 
 Longest Time Question first put, . . 
 
 Messages, . 
 
 Motions, Respecting, ..... 
 
 Order, " ..... 
 
 Papers, Orders Respecting, .... 
 
 Petitions, ....... 
 
 Privilege, ........ 
 
 Questions, Privileged, ..... 
 
 " Previous, ..... 
 
 " Division, ..... 
 
 " Co-existing, . . • . . 
 
 " Equivalent, ..... 
 
 " Putting the, . ; 
 
 Quorum, 
 
 Reconsideration, ...... 
 
 Resolutions, Respecting, . . ... 
 
 Rules, Importance of Adhering to, . . . 
 
 Session, Respecting a, 
 
 Speaker, " " 
 
 Title, " the, 
 
 Treatise, " 
 
 Vote, Cannot till sworn, ..... 
 Witnesses, Examination of, . 
 
 PAGE 
 
 151 
 
 152 
 
 188 
 
 173 
 
 182 
 
 155 
 
 187 
 
 161 
 
 162 
 
 162 
 
 163 
 
 165 
 
 166 
 
 178 
 
 182 
 
 151 
 
 152 
 
 153 
 
 164 
 
 166 
 
 184 
 
 156 
 
 156 
 
 149 
 
 166 
 
 179 
 
 159 
 
 190 
 
 187 
 
 171 
 
 185 
 
 161 
 
 155 
 
 156 
 
 160 
 
 148 
 
 168 
 
 172 
 
 175 
 
 176 
 
 177 
 
 178 
 
 150 
 
 181 
 
 161 
 
 147 
 
 188 
 
 151 
 
 181 
 
 189 
 
 149 
 
 154 
 
 17 
 
 N
 
 EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM EX-GOVERNOR W. G. D. WORTHINGTON. 
 
 I have examined " Burleigh's Legislative Guide," and find, as its 
 name implies, that it is indispensable for every legislator who desires 
 to establish a uniform system of rules for conducting public business 
 throughout the United States. In my humble judgment, every State 
 Legislature will immediately adopt it as their standard as soon as the 
 merits of the work can be known. 
 
 W. G. D. WORTHINGTON. 
 
 I am convinced that the "Legislative Guide" will prove a valuable 
 text-book for collegiate students, and will use it as such at St. Timo- 
 thy's Hall, believing that every young American ought to be acquainted 
 with the routine of order appropriate to legislative assemblies. 
 
 L. VAN BOHKELEN, Rector. 
 
 St. Timothy's Hall, Catonsville, Md., Feb. 26, 1852. 
 
 Ex. of Letter from Hon. J. C. Legrand, Ch. Justice Court of Appeals, Md. 
 
 Baltimore, Feb. 9, 1852. 
 The plan of the Legislative Guide enables the student or legislator 
 to discover, with facility, the rule and reason for it, in each particular 
 instance, and must, therefore, be of great value to legislative and other 
 deliberative bodies. JNO. CARROLL LEGRAND. 
 
 At a meeting of the School Commissioners of Baltimore held Feb. 10, 
 1852, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted : Resolved, 
 That the American Manual; — that the Thinker ; — that the Practical 
 Spelling Book by Joseph Bartlett Burleigh, LL. D., be introduced into 
 the Public Schools of Baltimore. 
 
 J. W. TILYARD, Cleric Com. Pub. Sch. Balto. 
 
 At a meeting of the Controllers of Public Schools, First District of 
 Pennsylvania, held at the Controllers' Chamber, on Tuesday, December 
 10th, 1850, the following resolution was adopted: — 
 
 Resolved, That the American Manual, by Joseph Bartlett Burleigh, 
 be introduced as a class-book into the Grammar Schools of this District. 
 
 ROBERT J. HEMPHILL, See. 
 
 Philadelphia, Nov. 13, 1851. 
 At a meeting of the Controllers of Public Schools, First District of 
 Pennsylvania, held on Tuesday, Nov. 11th, 1851, the following resolu- 
 tion was adopted : 
 
 Resolved, That the "Thinker," by Joseph Bartlett Burleigh, be intro- 
 duced as a class-book into the Public Schools of this District. 
 
 ROBERT J. HEMPHILL, Sec.
 
 THE CITIZENS' MANUAL, 
 
 A FORM FOR ORGANIZING 
 
 LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETIES. 
 
 A CONCISE SYSTEM OF UNIFORM RULES OP ORDER, FOUNDED ON THE REGULATIONS FOR CON- 
 DUCTING BUSINESS IN THE 
 
 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE U. S., 
 
 TO SECURE THE UNIFORMITY AND DISPATCH OF BUSINESS IN ALL SOCIETIES, 
 
 AND SECULAR MEETINGS, AND IN ALL RELIGIOUS, POLITICAL 
 
 AND LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLIES, 
 
 MARGINAL REFERENCES TO THE CORRESPONDING ORDER OF CONGRESS 
 
 1'ROM WHICH THE RULE IS DERIVED, A SYNOPSIS OF THE BRITISH 
 
 CONSTITUTION, VALUABLE STATISTICAL TABLES, THE CENSUS 
 
 OF 1850, AND A COMPLETE INDEX.
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE OPINIONS OF EMINENT MEN. 
 
 The Legislative Guide deserves to be called the politician's and legislator's vade mecum.— Edi- 
 tor of Boston Evening Traveller. 
 
 The Legislative Guide is the most complete work of the kind that we have yet seen.— Editor 
 of Boston Conner. 
 
 Altogether it is the most complete and sntisfactorv book on the varied but kindred subjects on 
 which it treats, that has issued from the American press.— Editor of Baltimore Patriot. 
 
 The Legislative Guide is the most complete compendium of information upon the subject that 
 has ever Been published.— Editor of Philadelphia City Item. 
 
 From the Hon. George M. Dallas, late President of the U. S. Senate.— \ have read with very great 
 satisfaction the Legislative Guide It is admirably adapted for popular use. and cannot lad, in a 
 country like ours, winch is crowded in all its parts with deliberative bodies, either prescribed by 
 law, or suddenly and spontaneously convening, to be a most convenient Guide for the orderly 
 transaction of public business. It merits, and I hope will receive, extensive diffusion and 
 adoption. 
 
 From Millard Fillmore, President of the United States— It will prove a valuable book for refer- 
 ence, not inilv to public men, but to all who may be called upon to take part in deliberative assem- 
 blies.— Washington, .May l?th, 1852. 
 
 From the Hon. Eli K. Price.— 1 think the Legislative Guide a book that cannot be too generally 
 dilt'used. 
 
 The Legislative Guide ought to accomoany the Bible and the Almanac, and be owned by every 
 family throughout the laud. — Editor of Richmond ( Va.) Whig. 
 
 The Legislative Guide contains, in one volume, a mass of information which could not hereto- 
 fore he obtained without referring and re-referriug to many volumes. The precision, perspicuity 
 and accuracy of the Guide, must soon make it a standard for all deliberative and legislative 
 bodies.— Editor of Richmond ( Va.) Enquirer. 
 
 This book contains in one volume a mass of information which could not before be obtained 
 without examining many volumes. It contains the best edition of Jefferson's Manual ever pub- 
 lished ; the English authority is compactly arranged by itself; the foreign phrases translated, and 
 reference made on each page to the portion from which rules have been deduced by Congress. 
 It also contains a form for organizing literary and debating societies, outlines for young debaters, 
 and much other original matter, not to be found in any other work. No library should be with- 
 out the Legislative Guide, or, as we would call it, the freeman's vade mecum. — Editor of Bal- 
 timore Republican. 
 
 All the rules are arranged in a practical manner and a perspicuous style. — Editor of Bait. Sun. 
 
 We, the undersigned, teachers in the Public Schools of Pittsburg, have used Burleigh's Ameri" 
 can Manual with great satisfaction and delight. The plan of the work is in all respects judi- 
 cious. The marginal exercises are a novel and original feature, and are arranged with great 
 accuracy and discrimination. Their use not only excites the liveliest interest among the pupils, 
 but produces great, salutary, and lasting effects, in arousing the mental powers, and leading the 
 scholars constantly to investigate, reason, and judge for themselves. The Manual is elegantly 
 written, and must have the effect to give a taste to what is pure and loftv in the English lan- 
 guage. Signed by B. M. KERR, J. WH1TTIER, 
 and twenty-three other principals of Public Schools in Pennsylvania. 
 
 From the Fredericksburg, Va.. Herald. The American Manual possesses a kind of railroad 
 facility in arousing the minds of youth ; no one who is entrusted with the education of the rising 
 generation should be ignorant of its contents, or a stranger to its thorough and efficient mode of 
 imparting knowledge. It contains a condensed, lucid, exact, and comprehensive view of our 
 social and political institutions, and ought to be in every family. 
 
 From Hon. Wm. Roberts, President of the Bd. Pub. Sch. Com. of Princess Ann Co., Virginia — 
 I consider the American Manual the best book for training the young mind, in the earlier 
 stages of its education, I have ever seen. 
 
 Extract of a Letter from Alexandtr Campbell, D. D , LL. D , President of Bethany Collri/e. Vir- 
 ginia. — The American Manual is an admirable text-book for teacher and pupil, on the various 
 important subjects so essential to the American scholar and statesman. 
 
 Extract of a Letter from Hon. B. Everett Smith. — I douht whether the ingenuity of man can 
 ever devise a work better adapted to the purpose avowed by the author. I arose from the peru- 
 sal of the American Manual, more deeply impressed than ever with my responsibility as a citizen, 
 and with the absolute necessity of fostering sound virtue and political morality. 
 
 Extract of a Letter from Hon. L. G. Edwards, President of the Board of Public School Commis- 
 sioners for Norjotk County. Virginia — I consider the American Manual a desideratum which had 
 not before been supplied, and respectfully recommend that it be used generally in every District 
 School in this county. 
 
 At a meeting of the Controllers of Public Schools, First District of Pennsylvania, held on Tues- 
 day, Nov. 11th, 1851, the following resolution was adopted :— Resolved, That the " Thinker," by 
 Joseph Bartlett Burleigh, be introduced as a class-book into the Public Schools of this District. 
 
 ROBERT J. HEMPHILL, Sec. 
 At a meeting of the Board of School Commissioners for the city of Baltimore, held on Tues- 
 day H)lh February, 1852. the following resolution was unanimously adapted :— Resolved. That the 
 " Thinker," by Joseph Bartlett Burleigh, LL. D, be introduced as a class-book into the Public 
 Schools of Baltimore. 
 
 J. W. TILYARD, Clerk Com of Pub. Schools, Baltimore. 
 
 (196)
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 The right way of conducting the business of any meeting or 
 society, by applying the proper rules, is exceedingly simple and 
 easy to understand. 
 
 All rules of order, from the humblest juvenile association to the 
 highest legislative assembly, should have for their basis the same 
 system, wisely arranged in order to secure accuracy in business, 
 economy of time, method, consistency, and equity. 
 
 The Legislative proceedings of a monarchy frequently have a 
 tendency to exalt the few, by depressing the many. As the laws 
 enacted by Parliament are not the most congenial to the best inter- 
 ests of a Republic, so neither is the voluminous and complicated 
 system of rules, which best subserve the interests of a kingly legisla- 
 ture, the most suitable for an assembly of freemen, where all have 
 equal rights and equal claims. 
 
 The design of this work is to establish a uniform standard of 
 rules, deduced from the regulations of the most exalted deliberative 
 body of the world, for the management of public meetings, of every 
 kind, throughout the Union. 
 
 [ I ] The rules of Congress, like all other human productions, are 
 not perfect, but they have been gradually formed, with the utmost 
 care, to suit the genius of our republican institutions. Some of the 
 most learned and patriotic of the present and the past age have, for 
 a series of years, practically tested the working of each rule through 
 every phase of legislation. Hence if any forms can command universal 
 respect and confidence it must be those for conducting business in 
 the Congress of the United States. 
 
 [ \ 1 The American people are pre-eminently remarkable for asso- 
 ciations and societies of every description, the object of which is to 
 promote improvement in our social relations, in benevolence, in 
 government, in literature, and in piety. Nothing contributes so 
 much to the respectability, dignity, and usefulness of these various 
 convocations, as a regular, uniform, orderly, and methodical mode 
 of conducting business. 
 
 : 17* TW
 
 198 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 A general knowledge of proper legislative rules always tends to 
 economize time, secure the dispatch of business, and harmonize all 
 the proceedings. Nothing is hazarded in the assertion, that for the 
 want of the timely enforcement of correct uniform rules of order 
 hatred has been engendered, philanthropic movements defeated, 
 and the welfare of the majority sacrificed to aggrandize the few. 
 
 " Knowledge is power" — hence the necessity for its general diffu- 
 sion. The nature of our unequalled social and political institutions 
 presupposes that every citizen takes a part in deliberative meetings 
 of some kind. Whether it be in the school boy's debating club or 
 the collegian's society, the poor man's beneficial association or 
 the banker's corporation, the small meeting at the rustic school- 
 house, or the vast assemblage at the national capitol, a mite 
 society or the highest ecclesiastical convention, the knowledge of a 
 correct uniform mode of conducting business contributes, in the 
 highest degree, to success. 
 
 [ I ] The rules here laid down may, by the marginal references, be 
 traced to those of Congress, or to the Constitution of the United 
 States. 
 
 [ I ] To restore confidence when doubt prevails, to bestow sys- 
 tem when anarchy rules, to give uniformity and accuracy in doing 
 every kind of public business by assembled citizens, to economize 
 time and promote the dignity of legislation in every part of our 
 confederacy, is the object of the Citizens' Manual. 
 
 [ I ] As its name purports, it is designed for the use of every 
 citizen, and should be owned and read by every one who feels an 
 interest in sustaining the dignity of our social compact, in dissemi- 
 nating the blessings of liberty in other countries, and in transmitting 
 the inestimable privileges of a Republican Government to future 
 generations. 
 
 The author is indebted to Gen. Packer, late Speaker of the House of 
 Representatives of Pennsylvania, for valuable suggestions, the sub- 
 stance of which are embodied in this edition of the Legislative Guide.
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 In the United States all power is vested in the 
 hands of the people. Every citizen exerts a 
 primary influence that either tends to destroy or 
 perpetuate our social and political institutions. 
 It is universally conceded that general intelli- 
 gence and sound morality are indispensable safe- 
 guards, without which every Republic must be 
 ruined. Europe sends to our shores, on an aver- 
 age, more than a thousand inhabitants for each 
 and every day in every year. 
 
 [§] A large majority, of this down trodden 
 population, have arrived at years of maturity 
 without any correct knowledge of a Republican 
 government. Being neither able to read nor 
 write, they seem to have no other idea of liberty 
 than that of unrestrained licentiousness. 
 
 [§] Hence they plunge into all manner of vice 
 and dissipation, and hence the poor houses and 
 prisons of all our atlantic cities are filled, with more 
 than two to one, of this class. Ragged and dis- 
 sipated, having none to enlighten them, they soon 
 grow more callous, and become the sappers instead 
 of the supporters of our glorious institutions. 
 
 [§] The quickest, the most effective way to |
 
 200 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 promote a universal love for knowledge and pure 
 morality, is by enlisting all the people into social 
 meetings for mental and moral culture, by forming 
 various debating, beneficial, literary, and religious 
 societies, each of which, in its proper sphere, tends 
 to engender a spirit of inquiry and a desire for ra- 
 tional pursuits. 
 
 [§] Social elevation should occupy the leisure 
 of the whole community, and thereby impart a 
 relish for useful vocations and the true enjoyments 
 of life. 
 
 [§] The bitter fruits of monarchy, sent us in 
 the shape of adult pauper population, must be 
 sweetened and rendered serviceable by societies 
 for general improvement, or they will endanger 
 the very existence of our social fabric. 
 
 [§] Let a proper literary spirit pervade the 
 land, and on all haunts of dissipation, jails, and 
 prisons, may be written, " To let." 
 
 [§] The human mind must have employment. 
 The minister, the lawyer, the physician, the 
 school-master, the merchant, the mechanic, the 
 farmer, and the best educated, should either take 
 the lead or an active part in forming and sus- 
 taining debating, literary, and other ennobling 
 societies. 
 
 [§] By this means the minds of all may be 
 aroused to the paramount importance of mental 
 culture and rational improvement. Vast multi- 
 tudes may thus be saved who otherwise would 
 annually become the new supporters of the haunts
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 201 
 
 of iniquity, and in rotation ruin their health, 
 blast their character, and sink into premature and 
 ignoble graves. 
 
 [§] But the real benefits of debating and other 
 societies are not confined to the illiterate alone, for 
 the rich harvest is enjoyed by all. 
 
 [§] To say nothing of the literati of the old world 
 whose writings and whose deeds are as imperisha- 
 ble as the history of civilization, there have been 
 multitudes of eminent men in the United States, 
 who, but for the literary society, might have lived 
 useless lives and, unhonored, died in obscurity. 
 
 [§] Clay commenced his career at a village so- 
 ciety, and Franklin formed a debating club of two 
 associates. 
 
 [§] As the sculptor turns the roughest marble 
 into speaking beauty, and as the lapidary trans- 
 forms the most insignificant pebble into the bril- 
 liant diamond, so does the literary society disclose 
 the inherent beauties and powers of the mind, by 
 bringing to the service of man and to the glory of 
 God genius and talent that otherwise might have 
 existed only to breed wickedness and misery. 
 
 [§] To forward the vital object of mental illu- 
 mination and moral culture, a brief form has been 
 given in this Manual for establishing societies for 
 social and general improvement. This form is so 
 simple and easy to be understood, that all who 
 read intelligibly can comprehend it. 
 
 [§] An outline has also been added for con- 
 ducting discussions and preparing lectures, and it
 
 202 
 
 DIRECTIONS FOE FORMING SOCIETIES. 
 
 is to be hoped that every intelligent citizen will 
 take a deep and an abiding interest in promoting 
 societies for the general diffusion of knowledge. 
 
 [§] It is believed that any person of common 
 intelligence, by studying this book, may make 
 himself not only competent to take part in any 
 society, but also to preside over its deliberations, 
 and determine questions of order with ease and 
 accuracy. 
 
 [§] No one can reasonably bring forward the 
 plea that it is not necessary for him to understand 
 legislative rules, from the fact that he never 
 intends to preside at any meeting, for those who 
 are ignorant of these forms yield much power into 
 the hands of those who know them. 
 
 [§] An adroit presiding officer often has it in 
 his power to control the action of vast assemblies, 
 who are ignorant of the right rules for conducting 
 public business. 
 
 [§] Hence, to guard against official encroach- 
 ment, as well as against the combination of a few 
 well informed members, it becomes the duty of all 
 to know the proper way of proceeding in delibera- 
 tive assemblies. 
 
 DIRECTIONS FOR FORMING SOCIETIES. 
 
 [§] If you wish the advantages of a Literary 
 Society, in your village or town, either for your 
 own or other's benefit, call on your neighbours, 
 propose the subject, state the objects of such a 
 society, and obtain as many as you can to co-
 
 DIRECTIONS FOR FORMING SOCIETIES. 
 
 203 
 
 operate with you in this noble work. Get a few 
 of the most influential citizens to call a meeting to 
 organize a society — either state to the audience 
 the importance of such an institution, or prevail 
 on a clergyman, or some other influential indi- 
 vidual, to do it. Secure a committee to draft a 
 constitution, or have one already prepared. 
 
 [§] Be not discouraged, if but few attend the 
 meeting or co-operate with you. " The most effi- 
 cient literary society of the world had its origin 
 with two individuals, who by accident met at a 
 hotel in London, and in conversation on the de- 
 plorable ignorance of the great mass of the people, 
 one proposed to the other the formation of a society 
 that would have a direct influence in the diffusion 
 of useful knowledge, to which the other heartily 
 assented. 
 
 [§] They made arrangements, and advertised a 
 meeting for the purpose of organizing a society, 
 but no one attended with them ; one appointed 
 the other president, and he in turn his associate 
 secretary — they discussed and passed resolutions, 
 which were published in the papers, with the 
 statement that they were passed at a respectable 
 meeting called for the purpose of forming a society 
 for the diffusion of useful knowledge, and that 
 another meeting would be held at such a time, 
 which was attended by a large audience of the 
 wealthy and influential, not only of London, but 
 from many parts of the British empire ; and since 
 then the society has, with constantly increasing
 
 204 
 
 PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 energy, been scattering light, knowledge, and innu- 
 merable blessings over the civilized world."* 
 
 PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 § 1. Both Houses of Congress precede the business 
 of each day with Prayer.-)- This righteous example 
 was set by the founders of our Government, and is 
 commended to all deliberative bodies and associa- 
 tions of whatever name or character ; for no un- 
 dertaking can ever attain permanent usefulness 
 without the approval and the blessing of the Most 
 High. 
 
 § 2. Every meeting should be opened precisely at 
 the time appointed. The presiding officer on taking 
 the Chair should at once call the meeting to order. J 
 His first duty is to ascertain if a quorum be present. 
 This he may do, by either counting, or requiring 
 the secretary to call over, the names of those 
 assembled. 
 
 MANNER OF ORGANIZING. 
 
 § 1. No business can be legally transacted without 
 a quorum. Hence the president should not continue 
 
 * Wright's Casket. 
 
 f Each House elects its own chaplain at the beginning of every 
 session. The chaplains usually belong to different denominations, and 
 alternate with each other i. e., A officiates in the Senate and B in the 
 House of Representatives on Monday ; but on Tuesday B conducts the 
 religious exercises of the Senate, and A those of the House of Repre- 
 sentatives. 
 
 X In case the members are engaged in conversation, &c, this is done 
 by rapping on the desk or table, and saying the meeting will please come 
 to order.
 
 PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 205 
 
 to occupy his seat unless that number be present. 
 When, any time after the meeting is opened, a 
 member suspects that a quorum is wanting, he 
 may call for the body to be counted. A deficiency 
 being found business should, at once, be suspended. 
 
 § 2. Should there not be a quorum it is usual to 
 wait half an hour and then adjourn, provided a 
 legal number, for transacting business, cannot be 
 convened. The adjournment when there is less 
 than a quorum must, of course, be to the next 
 regular time for assembling ; but a special meeting 
 may be called whenever occasion requires. 
 
 § 3. When the clerk* calls the roll each mem- 
 ber should rise as his name is called and answer. 
 Absentees should be noted, and their names called 
 a second time, when excuses may be heard. 
 
 § 4. The members rise that they may be re- 
 cognized ; this rule, however, need not be enforced 
 in small bodies, nor in large ones where the 
 members are presumed to be well acquainted. 
 
 § 5. The main object is to facilitate acquaint- 
 anceship at anniversaries, conferences, and con- 
 ventions, where various sections of the Union are 
 represented. 
 
 § G. No member of a legislative body should 
 absent himself from its meetings without leave.t 
 
 * Or secretary, as the case may be. 
 
 f When any member wishes to be absent for a few days he should 
 
 rise and say, Mr. President I ask leave of absence for days from |j- 
 
 to-day. Or in case a member happens to be unexpectedly detained from jj 
 the assembly, he may obtain leave of absence through the agency of if 
 any other member. 
 
 IS
 
 206 
 
 PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 A less number than a quorum may send for any or 
 all the absent members. This rule applies to the 
 first and every subsequent meeting. 
 
 THE PRESIDING OFFICER.* 
 
 § 1. The speaker)- of the House of Representa- 
 tives of the United States is usually elected in the 
 following way: On the day appointed for the 
 meeting of Congress, the representatives assemble 
 in their hall at 12 M. The clerk of the last 
 House opens the session by calling the names of 
 the members by states and territories. 
 
 § 2. A quorum being present, the clerk names, 
 with the permission of the House, two or more 
 members to act as tellers, making the selection 
 
 * The presiding officer of the Upper House of Legislatures, of Lite- 
 rary Societies, of Bank Directors, of Colleges, and of Rail-Road Com- 
 panies, and in fact all other corporations, is usually styled the Presi- 
 dent ; of a Religious Convention, or a town meeting, a Moderator ; 
 of the Lower House of Legislatures, a Speaker; of a called meeting 
 or of a Committee, Chairman ; of a Medical Faculty, Dean. By 
 giving the following form for electing Presiding officers, it is not 
 proposed to change their title in any way, but only to secure uniformity 
 in electing them by ballot, throughout the country. It should also be 
 understood that the rule laid down above has reference solely to pre- 
 siding officers who are elective, and does not apply to corporations and 
 societies which provide for a chairman without election ; in some associa- 
 tions, and especially in ecclesiastical conventions, provision is made 
 that the senior member shall be the President, i. e. the one who has 
 been longest a member of the association ; not the one who has attained 
 the greatest age, unless he also happens to be the oldest member. The 
 Rules, however, which follow should be binding, alike, on all Presiding 
 officers. They are based on those of Congress, and unless they are, in the 
 main, complied with, all hope of uniformity and regularity in con- 
 ducting Legislative business throughout the Union must be abandoned. 
 
 f For President of the Senate see Art. I. Sec. 3, page 9 Const. U. S.
 
 PRELIMI XARY OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 20* 
 
 from each of the prominent political parties. Then 
 the members present proceed to elect, by ballot, 
 their Speaker. 
 
 § 3. It is the duty of the tellers to announce 
 distinctly the names of each of the members re- 
 ceiving votes, so that all may count the ballots for 
 the several candidates, and thereby the better 
 guard against any oversight or error. 
 
 § 4. The Speaker* is required to have a majority 
 of all the votes given, and is seldom elected on the 
 first balloting, unless the dominant party has 
 previously held a caucus,-)* and even then the 
 nominated candidate is liable to be defeated by 
 the running of other members, J or by the coalition 
 of minorities. 
 
 * la case of a removal, death, resignation, or inability both of the 
 President and Vice-President of the United States, the President of the 
 Senate pro tempore, and, in case there shall be no President of the 
 Senate, then the Speaker of the House op Representatives, for the 
 time being, shall act as President of the United States until the disa- 
 bility be removed or a President shall be elected. Act of Congress, 
 March 1st, 1792. See also Art. II. Const. U. S., Sec. 1. The Speaker 
 receives sixteen dollars per day, appoints all committees not elected by 
 ballot ; he has power to call any member to the chair, and many other 
 minor prerogatives which enable him to hold a commanding position 
 and gain the courtesy of his associates. The Speaker of the House of 
 Commons receives a salary and other perquisites equivalent to about 
 forty thousand dollars per year. 
 
 j- A meeting to agree on a party candidate. 
 
 % The XXXI. Congress convened on Monday the 3u day of Dec. 1849. 
 The members proceeded at once to vote for their Speaker. After sixty- 
 two ineffectual ballotings, the Rule requiring the Speaker to receive a 
 it» a ,iority of all the votes polled was suspended and a plurality only re- 
 quired. The Hon. Howell Cobb was elected Speaker on the sixty-third 
 trial, Dec. 23d, 1849. The whole number of votes polled was 222, and 
 distributed among ten members in the following order : for Howell Cobb, 
 102; R. C Winthrop, 100; David Wilmot, 8 ; C S. Morehead, 4;
 
 208 
 
 FORM OF ORGANIZATION IN A STATE LEGISLATURE. 
 
 § 5. When a member has received a majority 
 of all the votes given, or in case the rule is sus- 
 pended, a plurality, the clerk proclaims him 
 Speaker. Then he is customarily conducted to 
 his seat by two of the most venerable members, 
 takes the oath of office* and delivers a brief in- 
 augural address. The remaining members are 
 then qualified, and the clerk, sergeant-at-arms, 
 door-keeper, and other officers elected. 
 
 § 6. When the House is duly organized a message 
 is sent to the Senate announcing the same. The 
 first business of each house is usually to appoint a 
 joint committee to wait on the President of the 
 U. S. and inform him that Congress is ready to 
 receive any communication he may be pleased to 
 make. 
 
 FOEM OF ORGANIZATION IN" A STATE LEGISLATURE.f 
 
 By the House of Representatives, ) 
 Jan. — , 185-. J 
 Gentlemen of the Senate: 
 
 The House of Representatives is ready to pro- 
 ceed with the business of the session. We have 
 chosen Speaker, and Clerk. 
 
 By order, 
 
 Clerk. 
 
 t\"m. Strong, 3 ; A. H. Stephens, 1 ; Wm. F. Colcock, 1 ; Chas. Dur- 
 kee, 1 ; E. D. Potter, 1 ; Linn Boyd, 1. 
 
 * By an act of Congress, June 1, 1798, the oath of office may be ad- 
 ministered by any member of the House of Representatives to the 
 Speaker who, after taking the oath, is required to administer the pre- 
 scribed oaths to all the other members who have not taken them, and 
 the rest of the officers of the House. 
 
 f A state legislature should be organized on the plan of Congress 
 given in the preceding pages. 
 
 - ''
 
 A FORM OF ORGANIZATION FOR A STATE LEOISLATURE. 
 
 209 
 
 By the House of Representatives, 1 
 Jan. — 185- j 
 
 Gentlemen of the Senate : 
 
 We propose, with your concurrence, to appoint 
 a joint committee of the two Houses to wait upon 
 his Excellency the Governor, and inform him that 
 the legislature is organized for the dispatch of 
 public business, and ready to receive any commu- 
 nication he may think proper to make. Messrs. 
 
 are appointed on the part of this House. 
 
 By order, 
 
 J. N., Clerk. 
 
 By the Senate, 1 
 Jan. — , 18 5-. J 
 
 Gentlemen of the House of Representatives : 
 The Senate has organized and elected the Hon. 
 
 , President, and , Secretary. 
 
 We are prepared to proceed with the business of 
 the session, and propose to sit from 10 o'clock, 
 A. M. until — o'clock, P. M. 
 By order, 
 
 C. B., Secretary. 
 
 By the Senate, \ 
 Jan. — , 185- j 
 
 The Senate has appointed Messrs. — , a committee 
 to join the committee you have appointed* to 
 inform his Excellency the Governor, of the organi- 
 
 * Or the Senate may organize first, and use the preceding form of the 
 House of Representatives. 
 
 18 *
 
 210 
 
 A FORM OF ORGANIZATION FOR A STATE LEGISLATURE. 
 
 He. 22 Ho. 
 Reps. p. 72, 
 
 zation of the legislature, and that we are ready to 
 receive any communication he may desire to make. 
 By order, 
 
 C. B., Secretary. 
 
 The Clerk* of the House of Representatives 
 should, within the first week of a session, place in 
 the hands of the Speaker, a correct list of the 
 bills, resolutions, reports, and other unfinished 
 business of the House, referred from the preceding 
 to the succeeding session. 
 
 FORM OF MESSAGES. 
 
 Gentlemen of the Senate : 
 
 We respectfully request your Hon. Body to re- 
 turn to this House the bill entitled an act to . 
 
 Gentlemen of the House of Representatives : 
 
 We hereby return to your Hon. Body, a bill 
 entitled an act 
 
 FORM PRECEDING A BILL. 
 
 First Form. 
 
 The people of the State of , represented in 
 
 House of Representatives and Senate, do enact as 
 follows : — 
 
 &c. 
 
 Second Form. 
 Be it enacted by the Legislature of , that, 
 
 * This rule also applies to the Senate and should be observed by the 
 Secretary thereof.
 
 MANNER OF ELECTING UNITED STATES SENATORS. 
 
 211 
 
 By the House of Representatives, 1 
 Jan. — , 18 5-. J 
 Gentlemen of the Senate : 
 
 We propose, with the concurrence of your Hon- 
 orable Body, to proceed, on inst., at 12, M., 
 
 to the election of a United States Senator to sup- 
 ply the place of the Hon. , whose time 
 
 will expire on the 4 th of March, 18 5-. We have 
 nominated, on the part of this House, the Hon. 
 , and the Hon. , and ap- 
 pointed Hon. , Teller, to join such 
 
 gentleman as may be named by your Honora- 
 ble Body, to count the ballots and report the 
 result. By order, J. G., Clerk. 
 
 By the Senate, 1 
 Jan. — , 185—. j 
 Gentlemen of the House of Representatives : 
 
 We have received }^our message, proposing to go 
 into an election of United States Senator, on — inst., 
 and concur therein. We nominate the folio wins: 
 persons : the Hon. and the Hon. . 
 
 We have appointed the Hon. as 
 
 Teller, to join the gentleman named by your 
 Honorable Body, to count the ballots and report 
 the result. By order, Wm. B., Sec'y. 
 
 § 1. Whenever any legislature is apprised of a 
 vacancy in the representation of its State in the 
 Senate of the United States, notice may be given for 
 the members of each House to meet in the Hall 
 of Representatives at a certain hour, usually 12 
 M., for the purpose of electing, on joint ballot, a
 
 212 
 
 MANNER OF ELECTING: UNITED STATES SENATORS. 
 
 Senator, or Senators, as the case may be, to re- 
 present the State in the Senate of the United 
 States. 
 
 § 2. Previous to the day of meeting, each House 
 should appoint a teller, and nominate the candi- 
 dates it prefers, and communicate to the other the 
 names of the persons nominated .* At the hour 
 of meeting, the President of the State Senate, and 
 in his absence, the Speaker of the House, should 
 preside. 
 
 § 3. A candidate must have a majority of all 
 the votes cast to be elected, hence it sometimes 
 occurs that days elapse before any election is 
 effected .f Whenever any person receives a ma- 
 jority of all the votes cast, the presiding officer 
 declares him elected to represent the State in the 
 Senate of the United States, and announces the 
 time for which he should serve. 
 
 § 4. After the election it is usual for the presi- 
 ding officer, in the presence of both Houses, to 
 sign three certificates of election, attested by the 
 tellers, one of which should be forwarded to the 
 person elected, one to the President of the Senate 
 of the U. S., and the other should be preserved 
 among the archives of the court of the county in 
 which the legislature sits, in addition to which 
 the proceedings should be entered in full on the 
 journals of both Houses.
 
 MANNER OF ENACTING LAWS. 
 
 21! 
 
 MANNER OF ENACTING LAWS.* 
 
 § 1. Bills for raising money should originate in 
 the House of Representatives ; but those of every 
 other kind may originate in either House. Bills, 
 after being passed by one branch, may be re- 
 jected in the other by a majority of the votes 
 present. 
 
 § 2. When a bill may be vetoed by a Governor, 
 it should become a law r , if by being reconsidered, 
 it is passed by two-thirds of the votes in both 
 Houses. 
 
 § 3. Every bill, before it becomes a law, should 
 be examined by a joint committee,-)- w r ho should 
 carefully compare the enrolled with the engrossed 
 bill, and see that the name of the House in which 
 it originated is written on its back. 
 
 § 4. It should also be examined and signed by 
 both the Speaker of the House and the President 
 of the Senate. J After which the committee should 
 present it to the Executive for his signature. 
 
 * See Bills 99, 100, and 101st page, and 161st to the 108th page. 
 Also the 178th and 179th page. A Bill is a form or draft of a law pre- 
 sented to a legislature, but not enacted. Laws are frequently originated 
 by petitions, the usual form of which is as follows : 
 
 To the Legislature of 
 
 To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
 
 State of in General Assembly convened : The petition of the 
 
 subscribers, citizens of county, respectfully showeth. [Here state 
 
 the subject.] And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever 
 pray, &c. 
 
 | Usually two members from each House. 
 
 J And attested by the Secretary and Clerk.
 
 214 
 
 NECESSITY OF METHOD. 
 
 NECESSITY OF METHOD. 
 
 § 1. In associations of every kind, as well as in 
 all legislative bodies, order, regularity, and form, 
 are indispensable to the attainment of the greatest 
 benefit, with the least expenditure. 
 
 § 2. Every society and assembly should have 
 prescribed land-marks, founded on reason and 
 sanctioned by experience, in order to secure uni- 
 versal confidence, and effectually guard the rights 
 of all. . 
 
 § 3. The object of meetings of every grade, 
 should be to obtain a clear, full, and proper ex- 
 pression of opinion from all present. Hence, per- 
 manent and proper rules of order and constitu- 
 tions should always form the bond of union and 
 protection.* 
 
 § 4. In this way can the wishes and the in- 
 terest of the majority be best carried out, and at 
 the same time the rights of the minority shielded 
 from the abuses and excesses so apt to be exer- 
 cised by the party in power. 
 
 § 5. No printed form of a constitution for an 
 association can be given, which, under every 
 circumstance, will precisely suit its wants, without 
 addition or restriction. 
 
 § 6. But it is believed that the following out- 
 line, with slight additions, or alterations, will meet 
 the general wants of all literary and debating so- 
 cieties. 
 
 * In societies, and temporary or called meetings of every kind, the 
 rights and privileges of all may be inviolably guarded by the uniform 
 system of rules laid down in this book.
 
 CONSTITUTION. 
 
 215 
 
 A FORM FOR ESTABLISHING LITERARY SOCIETIES. 
 
 CONSTITUTION. 
 
 PREAMBLE. 
 
 We, the undersigned, do hereby adopt and agree 
 to obey the following Constitution and the several 
 By-Laws that may be enacted in accordance with 
 its provisions. 
 
 article i. 
 Name and Object. 
 [Here insert the name of the society ; the object 
 it is intended to accomplish ; the means to 
 be used ; and the way in which its benefits will be 
 realized.] 
 
 ARTICLE II. 
 
 § 1. The members of the 
 
 — society shall be 
 active, corresponding, and honorary. 
 
 § 2. Any person of good moral character may 
 become an active member by signing the consti- 
 tution and paying an admission fee of cents. 
 
 § 3. Persons of other towns may be elected cor- 
 responding members, by a vote of two-thirds of 
 the members present. 
 
 § 4. Honorary members shall be admitted by a 
 like vote of two-thirds. 
 
 § 5. All members may participate in the discus- 
 sions, but the privilege of voting and of eligibility 
 to office, shall be confined to active members.
 
 216 
 
 CONSTITUTION. 
 
 § 6 A monthly contribution of 
 paid by each active member. 
 
 § 7. Members who may pay — 
 
 • cts. shall be 
 
 dollars, shall 
 be entitled to life-member si dp, and exempted from 
 all future contributions and assessments. Hono- 
 rary members shall be free from assessments of 
 every kind whatever. 
 
 § 8. For immoral and disreputable conduct, a 
 member may be impeached and expelled from the 
 society by a vote of two-thirds of the members 
 present, after affording every reasonable facility for 
 a fair and impartial trial. If he be an officer, 
 the society shall proceed to fill his place by ballot. 
 
 ARTICLE III. 
 
 Officers. 
 
 The officers of the society shall be a President, 
 Vice President, a Ptecording Secretary, a Corres- 
 ponding Secretary, a Treasurer, a Librarian, a 
 Committee on questions for debate, a Committee 
 on lectures, a Committee on the library, and an 
 Executive Committee. The officers of the society 
 shall be elected on in , by a ma- 
 jority of the ballots of all the members present. 
 
 ARTICLE IV. 
 
 Stated meetings of the society shall be held at 
 the on throughout the year, except the 
 
 months of 
 be held at 
 
 and an anniversary meeting shall 
 on the of
 
 CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS. 
 
 217 
 
 ARTICLE V. 
 
 By-Laws. 
 By-Laws to the Constitution shall be proposed 
 at one stated meeting of the society, and acted on 
 at another. Any motion to amend or repeal a by- 
 law must lie over, at least one stated 
 before it is acted on. 
 
 meeting, 
 
 ARTICLE VI. 
 
 Amendments of the Constitution. 
 Any motion to amend or repeal this Constitution 
 shall not be acted on before the second stated 
 meeting after such motion has been proposed, and 
 then shall not take effect unless by consent of 
 two-thirds of the members present ; but any rule 
 may be suspended, for the time being, by vote of 
 two-thirds of the members in attendance. 
 
 BY-LAWS. 
 
 § 1. Quorum. — A majority of the society shall 
 constitute a quorum for the transaction of business ; 
 but a smaller number may organize and adjourn 
 to the next stated meeting. 
 
 § 2. Vacancies. — Vacancies in any office shall be 
 filled in the way prescribed by the Constitution, at 
 the next stated meeting after the official announce- 
 ment of the same. 
 
 10
 
 BY-LAWS 
 
 § 3. Lectures and Debates. — The Committee on 
 Lectures shall appoint some member to read at 
 stated meeting an original lecture or essay 
 
 the Committee on Debates shall select some subject 
 for discussion, and provide a person to open the 
 debate, after which the subject shall be open for 
 general discussion by the members. They shall 
 also extend invitations to persons engaged in 
 literary or scientific pursuits, to present any paper 
 or essay which they may deem of interest or im- 
 portance to the society. 
 
 § 4. Library. — Active members shall be entitled 
 to take books from the Library ; but no book shall 
 
 be kept by any one longer than weeks 
 
 without renewal, nor shall it be renewed when 
 another person desires it. Members who retain 
 books beyond the time above limited, shall pay a 
 
 fine of cents, for every week a volume is 
 
 retained. Those who lose or injure books, shall 
 pay for the same. 
 
 § 5. Donations, dec. — It shall be the duty of the 
 Executive Committee to make exertions to obtain 
 donations of books, minerals, botanical and geolo- 
 gical specimens, &c, for the society; to examine 
 from time to time the books of the officers, and to 
 submit to the members annually on the first 
 regular meeting in January, a detailed written 
 statement of the affairs and condition of the 
 society. 
 
 § 6. Arrears. — Any member whose pav- 
 ement shall be in arrear for months, shall forfeit 
 
 i'- - -
 
 BY-LAWS AND RULES OF ORDER. 
 
 219 
 
 his membership, and his name shall be stricken 
 from the roll. 
 
 § 7. Anniversary Meeting. — It shall be the duty 
 of the Executive Committee to take measures 
 likely to secure a general attendance at the anni- 
 versary meeting, to make arrangements for suit- 
 able lectures, to provide for public debates, and 
 to furnish such other literary entertainments as 
 will arouse the minds of the community to the im- 
 portance of the general diffusion of knowledge and 
 sound morality. 
 
 § 8. Special Meetings. — Special meetings may at 
 any time be called by the President, or by any 
 two members. 
 
 § 9. At each stated meeting there shall be a 
 subject for discussion selected for the next meet- 
 ing, and reported by the Committee on Debates. 
 
 § 10. The exercises of the stated meetings of this 
 society shall be public. 
 
 RULES OF ORDER. 
 
 § 1. Order of Business. — The order of business 
 at the meetings of the society, shall be as follows, 
 viz : 
 
 1. The roll called. 
 
 2. Minutes of previous meeting read and, in case 
 of mistakes, corrected.
 
 220 
 
 RILES OF ORDER. — CALLED MEETINGS. 
 
 3. Reports of Committees read and acted on. 
 
 4. Motions, resolutions and other unfinished 
 business of preceding meetings acted on. 
 
 5. New resolutions offered. 
 
 6. Miscellaneous business. 
 
 7. Reading of lecture, essay, or other paper. 
 
 8. Debate. 
 
 § 2. Sectarianism or Politics. — No subject of a 
 direct sectarian or political nature shall be intro- 
 duced before the society. 
 
 § 3. On Speaking. — No member shall speak 
 
 more than , nor longer than minutes 
 
 upon the same subject, unless by permission of the 
 Society; nor shall any member be interrupted 
 while speaking unless for explanation, or when his 
 remarks are foreign to the subject under debate. 
 
 CALLED MEETINGS. 
 
 § 1. In the formation of societies, as well as the 
 calling of the various kinds of conventions, and 
 in Town, District and all other public meetings, no- 
 tice* should be given in the way which will best ac- 
 quaint all interested of the intended convocation. 
 Every call should set forth the object of the pro- 
 posed meeting with precision and clearness, and 
 should be signed by its originators. 
 
 * The most usual -way of doing this is either by publication in the 
 j most extensively circulated newspapers, or by posting up in the most 
 frequented places written or printed notices.
 
 ELECTION OF OFFICERS. 
 
 221 
 
 § 2. At the time named for the meeting to assem- 
 ble, if a sufficient number, to transact business, be 
 present, the one whose name appears first on the 
 call should proceed to organize* in the following 
 way : he should go to the secretary's desk,f and 
 with a few raps secure the attention of those pre- 
 sent, and then say, " Gentlemen the hour appointed 
 for opening the meeting has arrived, I nominate 
 A. B. for chairman. J Those in favor of this nomi- 
 nation will say yea." After a momentary pause 
 the contrary nay. 
 
 § 3. If the yeas appear to be in the majority, he 
 
 declares A B-~ — chairman of the meeting. 
 
 If the nays preponderate, he ought to ask the 
 members present to nominate, and continue to put 
 the question till some one is duly elected. He 
 then declares A. B. or C. D., as the case may be, 
 chairman of the meeting. 
 
 § 4. The chairman should, at once, advance to 
 his position,! and say, " Gentlemen who shall act as 
 secretary, please to nominate ;" perhaps there will 
 be several nominations. 
 
 § 5. He then says the name of E. F. was first 
 heard. Gentlemen in favor of E. F. acting as 
 secretary will say yea — contrary nay. Or in case 
 only one name is proposed. He says, " Gentlemen, 
 
 * In case he is absent, the one whose name is next in order, and 
 so on. 
 
 f Should it be in a private room it will be sufficient simply to rise 
 and make the announcement. 
 
 % Or Speaker, Moderator, or President, as the case may be. 
 
 § In called meetings it is not necessary for the presiding officer to 
 occupy any time in rpturning thanks, &c, for the honor conferred. 
 
 19 *~
 
 222 
 
 ELECTION OF OFFICERS. 
 
 you have heard the nomination just made, shall j 
 G. H. act as secretary," &c. In the same way may 
 be chosen any other officers it is deemed best to 
 appoint. 
 
 § 6. When a convention is assembled from various 
 counties or states, it may be best for its originator 
 to say, " I propose that we organize temporarily, 
 for the purpose of electing officers and effecting a 
 permanent organization. In which case the chair- 
 man and secretary should be appointed pro tem- 
 pore, in the way above indicated. 
 
 § 7. Then the selection of persons the best quali- 
 fied to fill the various offices may be referred to a 
 committee who should, at once, retire to a private 
 room, canvass the merits of the different candi- 
 dates, and report with all possible dispatch, their 
 nominations for the action of the assembly. 
 
 § 8. Or several nominations may be made by the 
 members from the various districts, and the assem- 
 bly may proceed, at once, to elect the permanent 
 officers by ballot. 
 
 § 9. The first business, in every representative 
 assembly, after its organization, should be the ap- 
 pointment of a committee to ascertain the names 
 of all who have been elected and returned as mem- 
 bers. To this committee should be referred all 
 cases of contested elections. 
 
 § 10. When the proper officers are elected it will 
 be the duty of the presiding officer to briefly set 
 forth the object of the meeting. After this is done 
 it will be in order for some one who is friendly to its
 
 FIXING DAY OF ADJOURNMENT. 
 
 223 
 
 object to move that a committee be appointed to 
 prepare resolutions, or to arrange any business for 
 its action.* 
 
 § 11. The chairman then puts the question, if de- 
 cided in the affirmative he says, " Of how many 
 shall this committee consist ?" If more than one 
 number be named the question should first be put 
 on the highest. If that be not agreed to, the next 
 highest, and so on, till the committee shall be 
 elected. 
 
 § 12. If only one particular number be suggested, 
 say three, the chairman should say, three have 
 been mentioned, the committee will consist of 
 three. He then proceeds to appoint them. 
 
 § 13. The first person named on any committee 
 is its chairman. It is right to name the mover in 
 the appointment first.f After the names of the 
 committee are announced, the chairman should 
 provide at once a private place for the meeting of 
 his colleagues, in case a room has not been pre- 
 viously set apart for the use of the committee. 
 
 § 14. If it be known that the business cannot 
 be finished at one session, some member should 
 offer the following resolution, " Eesolved, that 
 when this meeting adjourns it will adjourn to meet 
 
 again in this place, at o'clock, P. M. Or at 
 
 Hall, on inst., at o'clock, A. M., 
 
 or P. M. as may be judged best. When a resolu- 
 
 * Or in case the design is to form a permanent society to prepare the 
 Constitution and By-Laws. 
 •j- i. e. Chairman.
 
 221 
 
 REPORT OF A COMMITTEE. 
 
 tion of this kind is agreed to, the meeting on clos- 
 ing its session merely adjourns, and the presiding 
 officer declares that the meeting stands adjourned 
 till o'clock, P. M., or any other time pre- 
 viously agreed on. 
 
 § 15. The object of fixing the time of adjourn- 
 ment, at an early stage of the proceedings, is to 
 prevent confusion, and also to give notice to the 
 largest possible number. While the committee is 
 absent, the chairman or any other prominent per- 
 son present, should address the meeting* on some 
 appropriate and interesting subject. 
 
 § 16. It is often the case that the mover for the 
 appointment of a committee has already a report, 
 or Constitution and By-Laws, written out in full, 
 which he submits to his colleagues for alteration 
 and improvement. Whether this be done or not, 
 the committee should prepare the report, &c, 
 with the utmost care and dispatch, and, so soon as 
 it is finished, go into the meeting. 
 
 § 17. The chairman of the committee should 
 then either privately inform the presiding officer 
 of his readiness to report, or take a prominent 
 position so as to be easily seen by him. If any 
 person occupies the floor he ought at once to close 
 his remarks, or if any other business be before the 
 assembly it should give way at the earliest oppor 
 tunity for the report. 
 
 * The object of the address is to occupy profitably the attention of 
 those assembled. Whenever it is possible to proceed to advantage 
 with any other business, the address may be omitted.
 
 ACTION ON A REPORT OP A COMMITTEE. 
 
 225 
 
 § 18. The moment business is suspended the 
 chairman of the committee should address the pre- 
 siding officer as follows : " Mr. President,* the com- 
 mittee appointed to draw up resolutions-)* expressing 
 the sense of this meeting have directed me to make 
 this report," and then hand it to the presiding offi- 
 cer, who should say, ' : The committe appointed to 
 prepare resolutions^ report (in part or in full, as 
 the case may be,) the following ; will the secretary, 
 or the chairman of the committee, (selecting the 
 one he thinks will be best understood,) read the 
 report ?" 
 
 § 19. After all the resolutions are read, the presi- 
 ding officer says, " The report is before the assembly, 
 shall it be considered separately or altogether ?"§ 
 
 § 20. If a majority appear to be in favor of con- 
 sidering it separately he will say, " The first reso- 
 lution is before the assembly." Some member 
 should then move its adoption, and another second 
 the motion. The presiding officer then says, " It is 
 moved and seconded that the first resolution be 
 adopted." 
 
 slight 
 
 pause. 
 
 if no one rises to 
 
 § 21. After 
 
 speak, he says, " As many as are in favor of the first 
 resolution say yea." Making a momentary pause, 
 he continues, " As many as are of a contrary opinion, 
 say nay" Then the yeas or the nays, as the case 
 
 * Or Moderator, Speaker, or by whatever title he may be known. 
 
 ■}• Or to prepare the Constitution, By-Laws, &c, as the case may be. 
 J Or Constitution, By-Laws, &c. 
 
 § The best way is to consider it by clauses, if it be of much import- 
 ance, or if any part thereof is likely to be objectionable. 
 
 Custom of 
 Congress, 
 
 R*. 4, Ho. 
 
 Heps. p. 67.
 
 226 
 
 ACTION ON A REPORT OF A COMMITTEE. 
 
 may be, appear to have it. Again, after a mo- 
 mentary pause, he declares the yeas have it. Or 
 if the nays appear to preponderate, the nays have 
 it. The first resolution is agreed to, or rejected. 
 
 § 22. Sometimes it is difficult to determine 
 which side of a question has a majority. When 
 this happens to be the case, he says it is impossi- 
 ble for the Chair to decide. 
 
 § 23. Those in tire affirmative will rise.* Sup- 
 pose fifteen members stand up, he says fifteen vote 
 in favor of the resolution. He should then direct 
 all up to be seated and again say, " Those in the 
 negative will rise." Suppose this number be six- 
 teen, he says, " Sixteen vote in the negative ; the 
 resolution is rejected." 
 
 § 24. Suppose any member doubts the correct- 
 ness of the decision of the Chair, he should say 
 immediately after the presiding officer announces 
 that the yeas or the nays, as the case may be, ap- 
 pear to have it, " I call for a division." 
 
 § 25. The president should then say, " There is a 
 call for a division. Will E. W. and Z. B. act as 
 tellers."-]- Those in the affirmative will rise, twenty 
 vote in the affirmative ; those of a contrary opi- 
 nion will rise, -twenty vote in the negative; the 
 Chair decides in the affirmative. In case the pre- 
 
 * In case the meeting is small he should count the votes himself. If 
 it be large he may appoint tellers, or direct the Secretary and the Vice- 
 President to count the voters on each side. 
 
 f Particular care should always be taken to select one teller from the 
 affirmative and the other from the negative.
 
 MANNER OF PROCEEDING IN A CALLED MEETING. 
 
 227 
 
 siding officer should decline to vote, the resolution 
 would be lost.. 
 
 § 26. It often happens in called meetings that 
 business is of a local character, and the proceed- 
 ings are not intended to be published ; in a case 
 of this kind the business may be dispatched with- 
 out the form of passing through the hands of a 
 committee. On such occasions, the presiding offi- 
 cer, after making any remark he deems necessary, 
 should say, " The meeting is organized and ready 
 to proceed with business. 
 
 § 27. It is then proper for any member to offer 
 a resolution, and when it is seconded, the presiding 
 officer should say, " The question is on the resolu- 
 tion, is the meeting ready for the question ?" He 
 then puts it provided no one rises to speak. 
 
 § 28. If any resolution be in any way objection- 
 able, or if it be incorrectly worded, it will be pro- 
 per for any one to amend the same, or move that 
 it be referred to a committee with instructions to 
 make such alterations, or additions, as may be 
 deemed necessary. 
 
 § 29. When it appears that there is no business 
 before the meeting, the presiding officer may sug- 
 gest the propriety of providing for the publication 
 of a part or of all the proceedings ; or when this 
 is not necessary that the meeting adjourn sine die.* 
 
 § 30. When the business has not been finished 
 the meeting should adjourn to such time and place 
 
 ! Jeff. Man. 
 p. 179, this 
 'book. 
 
 * Without naming any day to meet again. A motion to adjourn sine 
 die is equivalent to a total dissolution of the meeting. 
 
 Jeff. Man. 
 p. 163, this 
 
 book. 
 
 Re.49,How 
 Reps. p. 8L
 
 228 
 
 INFORMAL MEETINGS. 
 
 as will probably best accommodate the majority 
 and secure the largest attendance. 
 
 § 31. The object of an adjourned meeting should 
 always be definitely stated, and public notice be 
 given the same as in the original call. 
 
 INFORMAL MEETINGS. 
 
 § 1. It frequently happens that several persons 
 may be collected, especially ladies, where there is 
 no definite subject to occupy the attention. 
 
 § 2. In such cases time may often be best 
 turned to account by reading extracts from some 
 instructive book, and then making the topic the 
 subject of general conversation. 
 
 § 3. Again, committees may be appointed to 
 examine the various publications, periodicals, news- 
 papers, &c, and report those which are the most 
 valuable, and the points in which they excel, and 
 also to designate those which have an immoral 
 and deleterious influence. 
 
 § 4. Much has recently been done towards fill- 
 ing a chasm in the literature of the age by the 
 writing of biographies of eminent and pious fe- 
 males. These books should be in every library, 
 and often form the basis of social discussion. 
 
 § 5. Original compositions and essays on sub- 
 jects which tend to improve and elevate the stand- 
 ard of female education and female usefulness, 
 afford alike the most pleasing and ennobling exer- 
 cises.
 
 DUTIES OF THE PRESIDING OFFICER. 
 
 229 
 
 DUTIES OF THE PRESIDING OFFICER. 
 
 § 1. The presiding officer occupies a more influ- 
 ential and exalted position than any other member. 
 Much of the success, prosperity, and often the very 
 existence, of a society depends on his ability and 
 energy. Hence it is incumbent on every one who 
 expects ever to be called on to preside over any 
 deliberative body, to understand a correct uniform 
 system of rules for conducting public business. 
 
 § 2. It is the duty of every presiding officer to 
 take the chair precisely at the time at which the 
 meeting may be called, or to which it may have 
 adjourned, and immediately call the members to 
 order.* 
 
 § 3. He should then call on some onef of known 
 probity and piety to open the deliberations with 
 prayer. J After which he says, " A quorum being 
 present, the secretary§ will read the minutes of 
 the last meeting," 1 1 and then proceed with the regu- 
 lar business. 
 
 * If a quorum be not present, those assembled may take such 
 measures as will be most likely to secure that number by sending for 
 absent members, &c. Re. 65, Ho. Rep., page 85, Rule 8 Senatej 
 page 126. 
 
 •j- In case no one has been previously designated for that purpose, he 
 should designate the person who would probably exert the most salu- 
 tary influence. 
 
 t See order for conducting business, page 204. 
 
 \ In case the Secretary is absent with the records, a Secretary pro 
 tempore may be elected, and any new business transacted. 
 
 II This is done in order to correct mistakes if any should occur, and 
 also for the information of those who might have been absent. The best 
 way to correct mistakes is for the Secretary to read the minutes imme- 
 diately before the adjournment of each meeting. 
 
 20
 
 DUTIES OF THE PRESIDING OFFICER. 
 
 Re. 147 Ho. 
 Reps, p.106. 
 Re. 43, Sen. 
 136. 
 
 § 4. He should preserve order and decorum, 
 and announce each item of business afc the right 
 time. 
 
 § 5. He should state, or cause to be read aloud, 
 by the secretary, all motions and propositions, 
 properly made, and put the same to vote in a dis- 
 tinct form, and announce the result. 
 
 § 6. He should sign all acts, orders, and other 
 proceedings of the assembly which require to be 
 authenticated, and cause the same to be attested 
 by the secretary. 
 
 § 7. He should receive all legitimate messages 
 and other communications, and, at the proper time, 
 announce the same to the assembly. 
 
 § 8. He should represent and act for the body 
 over which he presides whenever its prosperity and 
 convenience require it. 
 
 § 9. He should uniformly show himself the 
 faithful guardian of its interests and its honor, by 
 promptly, yet in the most conciliatory way, check- 
 ing any personal reflections that may chance to 
 occur in debate, and, whenever necessary, explain 
 the rules of order. 
 
 § 10. He should see that the secretary informs 
 the members of committees of their appointment, 
 and whenever necessary explain the nature of 
 their duties. 
 
 § 11. He should call on each committee at every 
 stated meeting for its report. 
 
 § 12. He should have the general supervision of 
 the place of 'meeting, and see that the requirements 
 
 It
 
 DUTIES OF THE PRESIDING OFFICER. 
 
 231 
 
 of the charter, if any, are enforced, and that 
 the Constitution and By-Laws are properly re- 
 garded. 
 
 § 13. He should carefully protect all the pro- 
 perty of the association ; use all reasonable means 
 to augment its resources, and especially cause its 
 debts to be collected, and see that its funds are 
 invested in the safest and best way. 
 
 § 14. When two or more members happen to 
 rise at the same time, he should name the one who 
 is to speak first. 
 
 § 15. He should be constantly on the alert to 
 notice the first approach to personality in debate, 
 and restrain any breaches of order with mildness, 
 but with the utmost promptness and impartiality. 
 
 § 16. He should make himself acquainted with 
 the ability and character of all the members, so 
 as to make the most judicious selections in ap- 
 pointing committees, and in promoting the highest 
 prosperity and usefulness of the body over which 
 he presides. 
 
 § 17. He should vote on ballot, and when the 
 assembly happen to be equally divided, his vote on 
 ballot ought to be taken first, but in every other 
 case it should be given last.* 
 
 § 18. He may call any member to the Chair, if 
 he wish to take part in the debate, or to be absent 
 for a part of the session. If the assembly pro- 
 vides for his absence by electing several Vice- 
 
 * To avoid exerting an undue influence, and to cause each member 
 to rely on his own judgment.
 
 DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY. 
 
 Presidents ** they take his place and the place of 
 each other in the order of their rank. 
 
 § 19. When the presiding officer is absent, and 
 there is no Vice-President to take his place, the 
 assembly may elect a President pro tempore, "\ 
 whose powers and duties, for the time being, will 
 be precisely the same as those of the President. 
 
 § 20. The presiding officer may state questions 
 sitting, but he should always rise to put them. 
 
 § 21. Although the president may be considered 
 the leading member of an association, yet he may 
 be removed at the will of a majority of the body, 
 over which he presides, and another appointed in 
 his place. 
 
 DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.^ 
 
 § 1. It is the duty of the secretary to make a 
 faithful record of all that is done and passed by the 
 Assembly. 
 
 § 2. He should read all letters and papers; 
 call the names of the members and note the ab- 
 sentees ; also, when a question is taken by yeas 
 and nays, call the roll, and note the answers. 
 
 § 3. He should notify each member of every com- 
 mittee of his appointment, and give him a list of 
 
 * Ordinarily the Vice-Presidents have no duty to perform, but should 
 sit on each side of the President. The First Vice-President should oc- 
 cupy a position at his right side, and supply his place in case of ab- 
 sence, and so on. 
 
 f For the time or occasion. 
 
 J When there are several secretaries appointed the one first named 
 should be called on to read the minutes, papers, &c, of the assembly. 
 In case of his absence this duty devolves on the second named, and so on.
 
 DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY. 
 
 233 
 
 his associates, and the order of their appointment, 
 so that each may know who is chairman, and who, 
 in case the chairman is absent, must serve in his 
 place. 
 
 § 4. He should state clearly, to each committee, 
 the nature of the business to it referred, and he 
 ought to sign all acts and proceedings required to 
 be authenticated. 
 
 § 5. He should carefully preserve and file, 
 separately and distinctly, all letters-, written re- 
 ports, receipts and documents of every kind be- 
 longing to the assembly, and keep a correct journal 
 of all its proceedings. Every thing of general 
 interest, and every question on which a vote has 
 been taken ought to be carefully recorded. 
 
 § 6. It is not, however, the secretary's duty to 
 make any report of the speeches, or of motions 
 moved, debated and withdrawn, without being 
 acted on by the assembly. Every resolution, mo- 
 tion, and important subject ought to be written in 
 separate sections. There should be marginal notes 
 on each page of the journal, to answer the purpose 
 of an index to the matter therein contained. 
 
 § 7. He should never permit any paper to be 
 taken from his custody without the leave or order 
 of the assembly ; he ought always to rise when he 
 reads or calls the roll ; and keep all his papers 
 filed in perfect order, so as to produce any one 
 the moment it is wanted. 
 
 § 8. He should have adjusted under one head 
 the names in full of all the members of the several 
 
 ~ 20 * =
 
 DUTIES OP THE TREASURER. 
 
 Cust. of 
 Trean. U.S. 
 
 committees, and also a correct list of all the un- 
 finished business. 
 
 § 9. He should pay the closest attention to all 
 motions, amendments, and other business of the 
 assembly, and attest the proceedings of each 
 meeting. 
 
 § 10. He should register the names of the 
 members alphabetically, and keep an accurate 
 memorandum of the post-office address and resi- 
 dence of each, so as to give him due notice of the 
 time and place of every meeting. 
 
 § 11. It is the duty of every secretary, at the 
 expiration of his term of service, to deliver to his 
 successor, or to the president, all books, vouchers, 
 letters, papers, keys, and other articles which ap- 
 pertain to bis office. 
 
 DUTIES OF THE TEEASURER. 
 
 § 1. It is the duty of the treasurer to deposit 
 in the safest place all the money, notes, and papers 
 of every description belonging to the assembly. 
 
 § 2. He should charge himself with every item 
 of property received, with the elate, source, and 
 other minute particulars pertaining thereto. 
 
 § 3. He should not part with any money or 
 other property of the assembly without an order, 
 signed by the president and secretary, or a resolu- 
 tion authorizing him so to do. 
 
 § 4. These orders and resolutions together, with 
 the receipts of the party receiving the same, are a
 
 DUTIES OP THE LIBRARIAN — DUTIES OF A COMMITTEE. 
 
 235 
 
 bar to all further claims on him for the amount 
 therein specified. 
 
 § 5. He should, at all times, have his books 
 properly posted, so as to tell the financial condi- 
 tion of the association whenever called on, or so 
 that, in case of death, neither his own estate nor 
 the interest of the society would suffer. 
 
 § 6. It is proper, though not always required, 
 for the treasurer to give a bond for the faithful 
 performance of his duties. 
 
 § 7. The treasurer, like the secretary, at the 
 expiration of his term of service is bound to deliver 
 to his successor in office, or to the president, all 
 books, papers, and other property, properly ar- 
 ranged and in good order. 
 
 • 
 
 DUTIES OF THE LIBRARIAN. 
 
 The librarian should have charge of the 
 books, pamphlets, periodicals, maps, engravings, 
 &c, belonging to the library, and ought to keep a 
 record of all matters appertaining to the same ; 
 and at the expiration of his office deliver to his 
 successor, or to the society through its presiding 
 officer, all information, documents, &c, that will 
 tend to augment its usefulness. 
 
 THE DUTIES OF A COMMITTEE. 
 
 § 1. Evert assembly must, necessarily, entrust 
 much of its business to committees. It is impos- 
 sible for all the members to examine, thoroughly, 
 each for himself, every item of business that may 
 be presented.
 
 23G 
 
 DUTIES OF A COMMITTEE. 
 
 § 2. Hence a committee, as a body, and the 
 members of it personally, should give especial 
 attention to every subject referred to them by the 
 assembly. Each member should individually use 
 constant vigilance to seek information by exami- 
 nation and personal inquiry. 
 
 § 3. Every standing committee should have its 
 regular chairman and secretary, keep accurate 
 minutes of all its proceedings, and carefully deli- 
 berate on all matters to it referred. 
 
 § 4. The members of a committee act for and 
 in the place of the assembly; hence it is their 
 duty to examine witnesses, abridge, simplify, ar- 
 range, and put in proper form, all resolutions, 
 papers, bills, and every description of business 
 which may be assigned them. 
 
 § 5. The duties and powers of committees may 
 be modified or enlarged by definite instructions 
 given, at any time, by the assembly ; it is their 
 duty to meet and attend to the business assigned 
 them with systematic order, and, unless otherwise 
 directed, at times when the assembly is not in 
 session. 
 
 § 6. A majority of all their members is neces- 
 sary to constitute a quorum ; their business and 
 duties, like those of the assembly, require mutual 
 consultation and deliberation; hence, no business 
 can be properly transacted by separate consultation 
 with every member by the chairman. 
 
 § 7. If matters are referred to a committee 
 with particular instructions, it must report accord-
 
 SELECT COMMITTEES. 
 
 ,237 
 
 ing to the directions given. In all other Cases it 
 may make such a report as it judges best. 
 
 § 8. A committee may amend any bill or 
 document referred to it, but the amendment should 
 always be on a separate paper, and distinctly state 
 the words to be inserted or erased, and specify 
 clearly the word, or words, the line, or lines, where 
 such alterations are to be made. 
 
 § 9. A committee has no right to erase, inter- 
 line, disfigure, or alter, in the least, any paper or 
 document referred to it by the assembly. When 
 it is found necessary to make several alterations, 
 it may draft an entirely new paper, and report the 
 same as a substitute for the original. 
 
 § 10. If the members of a committee be of opi- 
 nion that the subject referred cannot in any way 
 be amended, so as to be productive of good, even 
 then they have no right to reject it, unless the 
 whole business, as well as the form, has been re- 
 ferred. They should report the matter back to 
 the assembly, state their objections, recommend 
 that it " do not pass," and oppose it the same as 
 other members. 
 
 SELECT COMMITTEES. 
 
 § 1. Select Committees may be appointed at 
 any time to examine and report upon any speci- 
 fied subject. After making their final report,* 
 
 | Re.l27,No. 
 Reps. p. 102. 
 
 * The adoption of the report of a Special Committee dissolves it 
 without any action of the Assembly, but a report may be received and 
 action thereon postponed.
 
 238^ 
 
 STANDING COMMITTEES. 
 
 they may be discharged either by a resolution or 
 by a motion. 
 
 § 2. Standing Committees should be appointed 
 at the beginning of each session, and continue to 
 examine and report upon all business coming 
 within the scope of their jurisdiction. Their 
 reports are justly entitled to the most weight with 
 an assembly, 
 
 § 3. For both the mover and seconder for 
 the appointment of a Select Committee are placed 
 on the same. The Parliamentary rule requires 
 that those opposed to a subject be not appointed ; 
 this rule in Congress is not strictly observed ; if 
 it were, the reports of Select Committees would 
 have less weight than what they do at present, 
 
 § 4. For it is presumed that gentlemen in 
 favor of a certain proposition would always report 
 in its favor. It may also be observed that the 
 mover is usually the Chairman, and draws the 
 report agreeable to his own views. 
 
 STANDING COMMITTEES. 
 
 § 1. Standing Committees being appointed at 
 the opening of each session, are less liable to be 
 prepossessed in favor of, or against any measure, 
 than those who are appointed, perhaps, at the time 
 of excitement, and after each member has been, 
 to some extent, committed to the measure. 
 
 § 2. The fact that Standing Committees keep 
 a record of their proceedings, tends to make 
 them more careful in their deliberations ; they
 
 STANDING COMMITTEES. 
 
 239 
 
 also have former committee-books of reports, per- 
 haps for a series of years, to refer to and consult 
 previous to making their report. 
 
 § 3. In case the chairman is absent, or declines 
 or neglects to appoint a meeting, it is the duty of 
 the committee to meet on the call of any two of 
 its members. 
 
 §4. In all cases where property is at stake, or 
 whenever there is a temptation for bribery and 
 corruption, the reports of committees should be 
 thoroughly examined by each member of the as- 
 sembly. 
 
 § 5. For in adopting the report it thereby be- 
 comes the report of the assembly, and all the 
 doings of a committee have precisely the same 
 force and power as though they had been origi- 
 nally drafted and acted on by the assembly, with- 
 out the aid of a committee. 
 
 § 6. To secure the utmost respect and confi- 
 dence, all standing committees should be elected 
 by ballot.* As drawing the report usually devolves 
 on the chairman, he should be first elected, by 
 himself, and receive, at least, a majority of all the 
 votes cast. 
 
 § 7. The other members may all be elected at 
 one ballot, and a plurality of votes only be re- 
 quired for a choice. 
 
 § 8. If, however, an assembly wish to avoid the 
 tediousness of electing a large number of commits 
 
 * In large assemblies convened from various sections of the Union, 
 the members should nominate the individuals to serve on a committee; 
 but no one should nominate more than one person. 
 
 Re. 10, Ho. 
 Reps. p. TO.
 
 240 
 
 CO nIITTEE OF THE WHOLE HOUSE. 
 
 tees, it may appropriately delegate this power 
 to the presiding officer, whose reputation and duty 
 alike require him to select the men best qualified 
 to discharge such duty. 
 
 THE CHAIRMAN OF A COMMITTEE. 
 
 The first named on a committee should acti 
 as chairman ; unless a majority choose some other 
 member of their body to fill that office. 
 
 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE HOUSE. 
 
 § 1. All business of great public interest should 
 be first discussed in a committee of the whole 
 House.* The benefits derived from this course 
 
 * Who debate and amend the subject till they get it into a shape that 
 meets the approbation of a majority, which being reported, and con- 
 firmed by the assembly, may then be referred to a select committee. 
 The following is, in substance, extracted from the journals of Congress, 
 June 8th, 1776. — "After being in session some time, the president re- 
 sumed the chair, and the chairman of the committee of the whole, 
 Benjamin Harrison, of Va., reported that the 'committee had taken into 
 consideration the matter to it referred, but not having come to any 
 resolution thereon, directed him to move to sit again on the 10th.' 
 'Resolved, that this Congress will, on the 10th inst., at ten o'clock, re- 
 solve itself into a committee of the whole, to take into their further 
 consideration the resolutions referred to them." June 10th, 1770. 
 " Agreeably to order, Congress resolved itself into a committee of the 
 whole, to take into further consideration the resolutions to it re- 
 ferred ; and after some time spent thereon, the president resumed the 
 chair, and Mr. Harrison reported that the committee have had under 
 consideration the matters referred to it, and have come to a resolution 
 thereon, which they directed him to report." "Resolved that these 
 United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent 
 states ; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown : 
 and that all political connection between them and the State of Great 
 Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved." June 11th, 1776. 
 " Resolved, that the select committee for preparing the Declaration of
 
 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE HOUSE. 
 
 241 
 
 are, that the assembly assumes the character of a 
 colloquial meeting, where each member offers and 
 receives advice. Several legislative rules are not 
 enforced; the speeches are generally shorter, and 
 the opinions of a majority may thus be better 
 elicited. 
 
 § 2. The parliamentary rule permits a person, 
 in committee of the whole House, to speak as often 
 as he can obtain the floor. But in Congress a 
 member is prohibited from speaking twice on the 
 same question, till each one has had an opportu- 
 nity to express his views. This is a wise regula- 
 tion, for those not in the habit of speaking are 
 generally brief, and confine their remarks strictly 
 to the merits of the question, and the leading points 
 of the subject, without entering into its details. 
 
 § 3. The form for any body to go into a com- 
 mittee of the whole house is for the presiding offi- 
 cer, on motion of some member, to put the question, 
 that the house or meeting now resolve itself into a 
 committee of the whole, to consider the proposed 
 business (which should be distinctly specified). 
 If determined in the affirmative, he appoints some 
 one as chairman, then leaves his place and takes 
 a seat the same as any other member, and the 
 person appointed chairman does not occupy the 
 speaker's chair, but sits at the table of the secre- 
 tary. A committee of the whole cannot adjourn 
 
 Independence consist of five. The committee were chosen as follows : 
 Benjamin Franklin of Pa., John Adams of Mass., Thomas Jefferson of 
 Va., Roger Sherman of Conn., R. R. Livingston of N. Y." 
 
 21 
 
 Q
 
 THE MOTION TO COMMIT. 
 
 as other committees may, but if business is un- 
 finished it rises on a question. 
 
 § 4. The house or meeting is then resumed; the 
 chairman reports that the committee have, accord- 
 ing to order, had the business under consideration, 
 and made progress therein ; but not having time 
 to finish it, have directed him to ask leave to sit 
 again. The question is then put, on having per- 
 mission, and on the time the house will again re- 
 solve itself into a committee of the whole. 
 
 § 5. The committee can consider only the sub- 
 ject to it referred. When this is done,* the chair- 
 man should say, " The propositions under consi- 
 deration are closed, the committee will rise." He 
 ought then to return to his place in the assembly, 
 and the regular presiding officer should, at once, 
 resume his official seat, and the chairman of the 
 committee ought immediately to say, " Mr. Presi- 
 dent, the committee of the whole housej- have had 
 under consideration the subject." [Here state it 
 and the result of the deliberations thereon.] The 
 secretary of the assembly records nothing but the 
 report of the chairman. 
 
 THE MOTION TO COMMIT. 
 
 § 1. Whenever a proposition, or business of any 
 kind, is brought before an assembly, which is de- 
 
 * Or when the committee cannot proceed further for the want of 
 time, or for any other cause, the chairman should report according to 
 the facts of the case. 
 
 •j- For Committee of the Whole on the state of the Union, see note on 
 the 76th page.
 
 THE MOTION TO COMMIT. 
 
 248 
 
 sirable to pass, but the form in which it is intro- 
 duced is crude and defective, a motion should be 
 made to refer the subject to a committee, which is 
 styled a commitment.* 
 
 § 2. This motion may be amended by substi- 
 tuting a different committee ; by increasing or les- 
 sening the number; or by definite instructions 
 which may be done to procure further information, 
 and postpone the subject for future consideration. 
 
 § 3. When different committees are proposed, 
 the question should be taken in the following order : 
 1st. Committee of the whole house. 2d. A stand- 
 ing committee, and 3d. A select committee. As a 
 general rule, the subject should be referred to a 
 standing committee, provided there be one suitable 
 to take cognizance of it. If not, a select commit- 
 tee ought to be appointed. 
 
 § 4. Any member of an assembly may be pre- 
 sent at a select committee, but cannot vote, and 
 must give place to all of its members. With the 
 exception that the title or subject cannot be 
 changed, a committee has full power over any bill 
 or paper committed to it. 
 
 § 5. The paper before committees, whether se- 
 lect or of the whole, may be a bill, resolutions, or 
 draft of an address, either referred to, or originat- 
 ing with them. In all cases the paper should be 
 first read by the secretary of a committee, and 
 then by the chairman, by paragraphs; a pause 
 
 * In case it has already been referred, it is styled a re-commitment. 
 See Sec. XXIII. page 165, and the note thereto. 
 
 Re. 47, Ho. 
 
 Reps. p. 80. 
 
 Jeff Man., 
 Clause 7 th, 
 p. 163. 
 
 Clause 8th, 
 p. 163.
 
 244 
 
 THE MOTION TO COMMIT. 
 
 Jeff. Man.,1 
 Clause 1st, 1 
 p. 164. 
 
 Re. 1M, 
 Ho. Reps. p. 
 
 Jeff. Man. 
 Sec.25,p.l66, 
 Ibis book 
 
 Jeff. Man 
 latter part, 
 Sec. 8, p.154. 
 And claust 
 4th p. 164 
 this book. 
 
 being made at the end of each, and questions for 
 amending put, if proposed. 
 
 § 6. With respect to resolutions on distinct sub- 
 jects emanating from themselves, questions should 
 be put on each separately as amended or un- 
 amended, but no final question on the whole; 
 though if they relate to the same thing, a question 
 should be put on the whole. 
 
 § 7. If the paper originating with them be a bill, 
 draft of an address, &c, they should proceed by 
 clauses to put questions for amending, either by 
 insertion or omission, if proposed ; but no question 
 on agreeing to the paragraphs separately : at the 
 close a question should be put on the whole for 
 agreeing to it as amended or unamended, 
 
 § 8. If a paper be referred to them, they should 
 put questions of amendment, when proposed, but 
 no final one on the whole ; for all parts of the 
 paper having been adopted by the assembly must 
 stand, unless altered or struck out by a vote. 
 
 § 9. The rules of order that govern assemblies, 
 in most cases, apply to committees, but not always ; 
 for example, disorderly words or conduct in a com- 
 mittee cannot be punished by the members thereof; 
 all they can do, is to take down the words, note 
 the conduct, and report the same to the assembly 
 for it to adjudicate and punish. 
 
 § 10. After a committee has agreed upon a report, 
 on the business entrusted to it, some member 
 should move that the committee now rise, and 
 that the chairman, or in his absence some other
 
 FORM OF THE REPORT OF A COMMITTEE. 
 
 245 
 
 one, report the result of the proceedings to the as- 
 sembly, which being agreed to, terminates their 
 deliberations. 
 
 FORM OF THE REPORT OF A COMMITTEE. 
 
 § 1. The chairman, or the member appointed to 
 make the report, at the proper time, should rise in 
 his place and inform the assembly, that the com- 
 mittee to whom was referred the [naming the title 
 of the paper or business to the committee referred] 
 have, according to order, had the same under con- 
 sideration, and directed him to report thereon, 
 with or without amendment, as the case may 
 be. 
 
 § 2. He then hands the report to the presiding 
 officer, or proceeds to read it, if desired. It is 
 usual in legislative assemblies to have all the im- 
 portant reports of committees printed, and to dis- 
 pense with the reading till the subject comes up 
 for final action. 
 
 § 3. Making the report and its adoption dis- 
 solves the committee. If, however, the assembly 
 de cline to receive it on the ground of new matter, 
 or any other cause, the committee is not dissolved, 
 but may be required to re-examine the subject and 
 make another report. 
 
 § 4. A committee may report, simply stating the 
 facts and the results of their deliberations, without 
 any resolution respecting the business to it referred. 
 Reports of this kind should terminate with, " Re- 
 
 21 *~
 
 246 
 
 REPORTS OF A COMMITTED —THE MINORITY REPORT. 
 
 solved that this committee be discharged from the J 
 further consideration of this subject."* 
 
 REPORTS OF A COMMITTEE. 
 
 § 1. Or a committee may state the facts, &c., 
 and conclude by condensing them and all the reas- 
 onings thereon, in the form of a resolution or a 
 series of resolutions, or it may report by resolu- 
 tion without any preliminary observations. 
 
 § 2. All resolutions should recommend definite 
 action, and form the basis of proceeding for an as- 
 sembly. 
 
 § 3. The first question after a report, is on its re- 
 ception or adoption. If it contains only a state- 
 ment of facts, reasonings, or opinions, the question 
 should be on its acceptance. -f 
 
 §4. If, however, it contains a resolution, or de- 
 finite propositions of any description, the question 
 should be on its adoption. 
 
 THE MINORITY REPORT. 
 
 § 1. Each member of every committee is pre- 
 sumed to have carefully examined the subject re- 
 
 * In Congress, when the business is unfinished, the form of pro- 
 ceeding varies. The chairman of a committee of the whole House on 
 the state of the Union, reports that " the committee have come to no 
 resolution thereon." The chairman of a committee of the whole 
 House "reports progress, and asks leave to sit again;" and the chair- 
 man of a standing or select committee when called on, simply announ- 
 ces the fact that " the committee are not prepared to report." See page 
 153. 
 
 f And the acceptance or adoption of the report, under these circum- 
 stances, dissolves a special committee.
 
 PRECEDENCE OF QUESTIONS. 
 
 247 
 
 ferred, in all its bearings ; hence, should any one 
 differ in opinion from his colleagues, and be desir- 
 ous of placing his views and conclusions before 
 the assembly, he may do so by making a separate 
 and distinct report, immediately after that of the 
 majority. 
 
 § 2. Whenever any one of a committee feels it 
 his duty to make a statement different from his 
 colleagues, he should signify his desire to some 
 member, who should move that action on the re- 
 port of the majority be postponed in order to hear 
 that of the minority,* and immediately after it is 
 made, a motion will be in order to take up, for 
 consideration, the report of the majority, but that 
 of the minority may be substituted for it, or the 
 subject may be recommitted with instructions, or 
 the whole matter may be referred to a new com- 
 mittee. 
 
 PRECEDENCE OF QUESTIONS. 
 
 § 1. The proposition first moved and seconded 
 
 * When the minority are not ready to report, the whole matter may 
 bo postponed till another meeting, or the assembly may proceed at 
 once to act on the report of the majority. Whenever a committee may 
 be divided, the following are the appropriate forms : The undersigned, 
 
 a majority of the committee on the , to whom was referred the 
 
 relating to -. , have bestowed upon them that deliberate con- 
 sideration which their importance is entitled to, and beg leave to sub- 
 mit the following report : 
 
 Report of the Minority of the Committee on the 
 
 The undersigned, a minority of the committee on the , to which 
 
 were referred the relating to , beg leave to submit the follow- 
 ing report : 
 
 I
 
 248 
 
 PRECEDENCE OF QUESTIONS. 
 
 . "1 
 
 should be put first, unless a privileged question 
 
 arises. 
 
 § 2. The following are privileged questions, and 
 have precedence in the order in which they are 
 arranged : 
 
 1. A motion to fix the day to which the as- 
 sembly shall adjourn. 
 
 2. To adjourn. 
 
 3. To lie on the table. 
 
 4. For the previous question. 
 
 5. To postpone to a day certain. 
 
 6. To commit. 
 
 7. To amend. 
 
 8. To postpone indefinitely. 
 
 § 3. The design of the privileged questions is to 
 subserve the interests of the assembly. A propo- 
 sition, of great benefit, may be brought forward, 
 which the majority may not comprehend, and con- 
 sequently deem useless, or inexpedient, and which, 
 if put to a direct vote, would be rejected ; hence, 
 the motion to lay a proposition on the table, which 
 admits of no amendment, will often prevail, and 
 upon further examination it may be called up and 
 passed by the votes of those who, if urged to vote 
 in the first instance, would have rejected it. 
 
 § 4. The previous question is designed to rid the 
 assembly of an unnecessary discussion. It is not in 
 order, and should not be put unless demanded by 
 a majority present. The postponement to a day 
 certain, gives the members more time for deliber-
 
 PRECEDENCE OP QUESTIONS. 
 
 249 
 
 ating thereon, or affords them an opportunity to at- 
 tend to other business requiring immediate action. 
 
 § 5. When a proposition ought to be condensed, 
 simplified, or materially altered in any way, it 
 should be referred to a committee. If it need only 
 a slight alteration, a motion to amend it may be 
 all that is necessary. 
 
 § 6. When it is desirable to reject any question 
 in a delicate manner, indefinite postponement 
 should be moved. 
 
 § 7. The main question may also be delayed by 
 the introduction of questions which affect the per- 
 sonal rights and privileges of the members, or of 
 the assembly itself; for example, a quarrel may 
 arise between some of those assembled, or the 
 business of the meeting may be interrupted by 
 some other kind of disorder. 
 
 § 8. Questions growing out of cases of this de- 
 scription, take the precedence of all others, except 
 those pertaining to adjournment, and should al- 
 ways be first decided. When order has been re- 
 stored, business should be immediately resumed 
 at the point at which it was suspended. 
 
 § 9. A question that arises out of another, 
 should be decided before the original one, from 
 which it arose ; hence an amendment to an amend- 
 ment should be first put; then the amendment, 
 and lastly the original question, either with or 
 without amendment, as the case may be. 
 
 § 10. When a question of order arises, it arrests 
 all consideration of the subject out of which it
 
 250 
 
 ADJOURNMENT. — ORDERS OF THE DAY. 
 
 arose, and should be first decided, after which the 
 business that gave rise to it should, unless disposed 
 of by the question, be resumed at the point at 
 which it was suspended. All questions of order 
 should be promptly decided, without debate, by the 
 presiding officer. 
 
 ADJOURNMENT. 
 
 § 1. A motion to adjourn is always in order, un- 
 less it be made immediately after the question to 
 adjourn has been negatived ;* then it would not 
 be in order, for the question already decided would 
 be the same as the one following it. 
 
 § 2. An assembly may adjourn for conference, 
 or for a certain number of minutes. 
 
 § 3. Should a regular adjournment take place 
 during the consideration of any business, or before 
 any question is decided, the subject before the as- 
 sembly at the time is thereby removed, and will 
 not come up as the first business of the next meet- 
 ing, but will take its place as the first item in 
 order on the roll of unfinished business. 
 
 ORDERS OF THE DAY. 
 
 § 1. When any subject before an assembly is 
 postponed to a certain day, it is called the order 
 for that day. If two or more subjects be post- 
 poned to the same day, they form the orders for 
 that day. 
 
 * Or unless a motion be made to fix the time to which the assembly 
 will adjourn. [See note to Rule 48, Ho. Reps. p. 80.]
 
 READING PAPERS. 
 
 251 
 
 § 2. If a subject be postponed to a certain hour 
 of the day named, it is not a privileged question 
 before that time. If no hour be stated, it takes 
 precedence of all other business for every part of 
 that day, or so much of it as is necessary for the 
 final decision. 
 
 § 3. A motion for the order of the day takes 
 precedence of all other questions, and should be 
 first put to vote ; unless a motion be made to ad- 
 journ, or a question arise respecting the rights and 
 privileges of the assembly, or some of its mem- 
 bers. 
 
 § 4. The business before an assembly, at the 
 time it is decided to take up the special orders of 
 the day, is affected precisely the same as if it had 
 then adjourned, and comes up, as a matter of 
 course, first on the roll of unfinished business at 
 the next meeting. 
 
 READING PAPERS. 
 
 When documents, or papers of any kind, bearing 
 directly on the question, are in possession of the 
 assembly, any member may demand that they be 
 once read, and it is the duty of the presiding offi- 
 cer to take the vote thereon; or when it appears 
 evident that the reading of a paper will give im- 
 portant information, and tend to dispatch business, 
 he may direct the secretary to read it, but if any 
 member object, a vote should at once be taken as 
 aforesaid. 
 
 Re. 30. Sea 
 p. 1.10. 
 
 Jeff. Man. p. 
 
 100 and 168, 
 this book. 
 
 Re. 58, Ho. 
 Reps. p. 84 
 
 Re. 67, Ho. 
 Reps. p. 84. 
 RuleH.Sen. 
 p. 127.
 
 252 
 
 ORDER OF BUSINESS. — THE PREVIOUS QUESTION. 
 
 ORDER OF BUSINESS. 
 
 § 1. If an important motion, or business of any 
 kind, be obstructed by some rule or regulation, it 
 may be suspended, for the purpose of disposing of 
 the same by a vote of two-thirds of the members 
 present. 
 
 § 2. A motion to suspend should always be put 
 before the consideration of the question which 
 would be in order by the rules of the assembly. 
 
 § 3. No motion or proposition on a subject differ- 
 ent from that under consideration, should ever be 
 allowed, by way of amendment. 
 
 THE PREVIOUS QUESTION. 
 
 § 1. When the previous question is moved, and 
 seconded by a majority, the presiding officer should 
 rise and say, " The previous question has been 
 moved and seconded. Shall the main question* 
 be now put?" 
 
 § 2. The object of a call for the previous ques- 
 tion is, generally, to wind up a tedious and unpro- 
 fitable debate. This question, if decided in the 
 affirmative, suspends all further consideration of 
 the main subject, and stops all debate or amend- 
 ment pertaining thereto/}" and the vote is at once 
 taken without further deliberation. 
 
 * The main question is the principal and original subject. See the 
 note to Rule 50 at the bottom of the 81st page. 
 
 f In Congress, the mover of the previous question aims to get an 
 affirmative decision, and bring the subject to a direct vote. In Parlia- 
 ment, on the contrary, the design is to get a negative decision, and sup- 
 press a vote en the question altogether. A negative decision, accord-
 
 THE PREVIOUS QUESTION. 
 
 253 
 
 § 3. A direct vote may be taken on any subject, 
 without the previous question, by a rule that after 
 a specified time, appropriated to its consideration, 
 all debate thereon shall cease, and that the assem- 
 bly shall vote directly on all questions pertaining 
 thereto. 
 
 § 4. Or a society may make a rule that no mem- 
 ber shall speak more than once, nor longer than a 
 certain number of minutes. 
 
 § 5. No debate should ever be allowed on the 
 previous question after it is properly demanded, 
 but the vote should always be first taken on the 
 auxiliary, or as they are sometimes called, subsi- 
 diary questions, provided the main subject is so 
 encumbered. 
 
 § 6. For example, suppose it has been moved 
 and seconded to refer the main question to a com- 
 mittee previous to the call for it ; then the vote 
 aould first be taken on that proposition, and 
 ,hould it prevail, the main question would be dis- 
 posed of. But if not, the next vote should be on 
 amendments, if any, reported by a committee ; then 
 on amendments, if any, proposed in the assembly ; 
 and lastly on the main question itself.* 
 
 § 7. If, when the previous question is called, 
 
 ing to Parliamentary usages, puts off all further consideration of the 
 main question ; but by a negative decision, according to the custom of 
 Congress, the debate goes on the same as if the motion for the previous 
 question had not been made. 
 
 * The Parliamentary practice is contrary to the Congressional rule 
 in regard to this question. See previous question, Jefferson's Manual, 
 page 172 this book. 
 
 22
 
 THE MOTION TO COMMIT — AMENDMENTS. 
 
 there be no secondary questions pending, then the 
 vote should be taken directly on the main ques- 
 tion. 
 
 § 8. A motion to postpone to a certain day may 
 be amended by the substitution of a different time, 
 provided it be within the session of the assembly, 
 so as not to make the subject different from the 
 one first under consideration. 
 
 THE MOTION TO COMMIT. 
 
 § 1. The motion to commit* is next in order, 
 and may be amended by substituting a different 
 committee, by increasing or diminishing the num- 
 ber, or by instructing the committee to introduce 
 some particular amendment. 
 
 § 2. When a motion to commit, or recommit, 
 as the case may be, is decided in the affirmative, 
 the principal question, and every thing pertaining 
 thereto, is removed, for the time being, from the 
 assembly ; but if it be negatived, it will still re- 
 main, and must be disposed of in some other way. 
 
 AMENDMENTS. 
 
 § 1. There are three different ways of making 
 amendments : 
 
 1st. By inserting or adding some specified word, 
 phrase, sentence or section. 
 
 2d. By striking out some specified word, phrase, 
 sentence or section. 
 
 * Or if the subject has been once before a committee to ?-e-commit.
 
 AMENDMENTS. 
 
 265 
 
 3d. By striking out some particular part, and 
 inserting, or adding in its stead, or otherwise, some 
 word, phrase, sentence or section. 
 
 § 2. Every proposition of several sections ought 
 to be first read throughout by the secretary. Then 
 the presiding officer should read it, by clauses, 
 beginning immediately after the preamble, and 
 pausing, at the end of each clause, to give room 
 for inquiries, amendment, &c. 
 
 § 3. After any portion of a bill, or paper, has 
 been amended, it is not in order to go back and 
 make any additional alteration or amendment. 
 The only means to reach this point is by reconsi- 
 deration. 
 
 § 4. The right way to consider and amend every 
 paper, is to commence at the beginning and go 
 through it by clauses. But on the second reading 
 by the presiding officer, the preamble, if any, 
 should be omitted till all the other parts have 
 been acted on, for the reason, that on the exami- 
 nation of the balance of the paper, such changes 
 may be made therein as to require the alteration 
 of the preamble. 
 
 § 5. It is in order to move an amendment to an 
 amendment, but no further.* When, in the opin- 
 ion of any member, an amendment to the amend- 
 ment may be improved, he may give notice that 
 if rejected in the form A. B., in which it is pre- 
 sented, he will move it again in the form C. D., in 
 which he desires it. 
 
 * It is never in order to amend an amendment to an amendment. 
 UST-See page 288.
 
 256 
 
 AMENDMENTS. 
 
 § 6. A resolution may be amended by striking 
 out all after " resolved," and inserting a new pro- 
 position, provided it relates to the subject under 
 consideration. 
 
 § 7. If it be moved to amend, by striking out a 
 paragraph, the friends of that paragraph may make 
 it as perfect as they can by amendments, before the 
 question is put for striking it out. In such cases 
 the amendments become a part of the original 
 proposition, if the first motion to strike out should 
 be rejected. 
 
 § 8. Again if it be moved to amend by striking 
 out certain words, it may be moved as an amend- 
 ment to that motion, to strike out only a part of 
 the words proposed to be stricken out by the first 
 amendment ; which latter motion, if it prevail, is 
 equivalent to leaving the words, stricken out of the 
 first amendment, in the bill. [See page 288.] 
 
 § 9. A motion for an amendment, once nega- 
 tived, cannot be renewed in the same form. 
 
 § 10. If an amendment be proposed and agreed 
 to, by striking out or inserting some specified word 
 or words, the question cannot again be put to 
 strike out or insert the same words. The propo- 
 sition, in its original form, can only be had by re- 
 consideration. 
 
 § 11. But the same words, or a part of them, may 
 again be used in connection with other words, pro- 
 vided they are so arranged as to make a proper 
 coherence and a different proposition. 
 
 § 12. When it is moved to amend by striking
 
 MODE OF DEBATE. 
 
 257 
 
 out, or by adding or inserting, or by striking out- 
 some specified words and adding or inserting 
 others, the question should be stated by reading 
 the whole proposition to be amended as it stands. 
 Then the words proposed to be stricken out. Next, 
 those to be inserted, and finally the whole propo- 
 sition as it will be if amended. 
 
 § 13. After all the amendments have been dis- 
 posed of, the presiding officer should put the final 
 question, on agreeing to, or adopting the whole 
 bill, or paper, amended, or unamended, as the 
 case may be. 
 
 MODE OF DEBATE. 
 
 § 1. No person, in speaking, should mention 
 any one present by name, but ought to describe 
 him by the place or State he represents, or as the 
 member on my right or left, or the member who 
 spoke last, or the last but one, or the gentleman on 
 the other side of the question, or my colleague, or 
 the gentleman who offered the resolution or the 
 amendment, &c. 
 
 § 2. The object of this mode of procedure is to 
 do away with all manner of excitement, and to 
 exclude all personal feeling, both of friends hip and 
 of enmity. The members should each act in an 
 official, not personal, capacity. 
 
 § 3. No one should ever use language offensive 
 or insulting to the assembly, or any member 
 thereof. The consequences of a measure may be 
 denounced in strong terms, but everything per- 
 
 22 * R
 
 258 
 
 MODE OP DEBATE 
 
 taining to the motives of those who advocate it, 
 should be scrupulously avoided. 
 
 § 4. When a member is called to order, the ex- 
 ceptionable words should, at once, be written 
 down. 
 
 § 5. When a member has spoken once, and de- 
 sires to occupy the floor again, before others wish- 
 ing to speak have done so, he ought to ask leave 
 of the presiding officer, who says, " Shall the 
 member have leave ?" If no objection be made, 
 or if objected to and decided in the affirmative, he 
 says, " The gentleman will proceed." 
 
 § 6. Leave should always be obtained to make 
 any statement to the assembly which does not in- 
 volve a motion. No subject ought to be consid- 
 ered open for debate till after it has been stated by 
 the presiding officer. 
 
 § 7. All incidental questions of order, motions 
 to reconsider, to take up particular items of busi- 
 ness, and to read documents pending a question, 
 should be promptly decided without debate. 
 
 § 8. No member should be permitted to occupy 
 more than one hour in debate. In societies that 
 hold only one meeting, it will be advantageous 
 to limit each individual to a certain number of 
 minutes. 
 
 § 9. Whenever a member is declared out of 
 order, he should not be permitted to proceed, if 
 any one object, without the consent of the as- 
 sembly. 
 
 § 10. A faithful observance of the rules for con-
 
 QUESTIONS NOT DEBATABLE. 
 
 259 
 
 ducting public business best promotes the har- 
 mony, prosperity, and usefulness of every deliber- 
 ative body. It is not enough for a few to un- 
 derstand legislative proceedings, for then business 
 is transacted and power exercised by a minority, 
 the real criterion of a monarchy. 
 
 §11. The genius of free institutions presupposes 
 that each member, however humble, as an indi- 
 vidual, has an equal right with every other one, to 
 submit his propositions, bring forward official busi- 
 ness, explain, recommend, and discuss all matters 
 pertaining thereto. 
 
 § 12. No assembly should ever know a member 
 either with undue favor or prejudice, but should 
 always look to the merits of the case, and pa- 
 tiently examine and deliberately decide thereon. 
 
 QUESTIONS NOT DEBATABLE. 
 
 § 1. In order to economize time, and secure dis- 
 patch of business, the following questions should 
 never be debated : 
 
 1. Amotion to fix the day of adjournment. 
 
 2. A motion to adjourn. 
 
 3. A motion to lie on the table. 
 
 4. The previous question, and all incidental 
 questions pertaining thereto. 
 
 5. All appeals in calls to order. 
 
 6. All questions relating to priority of business. 
 
 7. A motion to read any paper. 
 
 8. A motion to take the yeas and nays. 
 
 Ee. 48, Ho. 
 Reps. p. SO. 
 
 Re. 50 auu 
 [61, Ho. Rep. 
 pp. 81 and 
 182. 
 
 Re. 35, no. 
 jRep. p. 77. 
 Re. 113, Ho. 
 iReps. p. 98. 
 |Re. 14, Sen, 
 p. 127. 
 Re. 16, Sen. 
 p. 127.
 
 260 
 
 THE DIVISION OF A QUESTION. 
 
 Custom of 
 Congress. 
 
 Re. 6, Sen. 
 p. 123. 
 
 Re. 53, Ho 
 
 Reps. p. 82. 
 
 And Re 
 
 12, Sen. p 
 
 128. 
 
 Re. 151, 
 Ho. Reps. p. 
 106. 
 
 Re. 53, Ho 
 Reps. p. 82. 
 
 9. A motion relating to priority of business or 
 to any particular part thereof. 
 
 10. A motion to reconsider. 
 
 11. And all motions relating to order should be 
 promptly put or decided by the presiding officer, 
 subject, however, to an appeal. 
 
 THE DIVISION OF A QUESTION. 
 
 § 1. When a question in debate contains two or 
 more separate and distinct points, any member 
 may have the same divided. When there is a call 
 for the division of a question, the presiding officer 
 should determine whether it is susceptible of sepa- 
 ration ; if so, into how many parts it may be divi- 
 ded. 
 
 § 2. The member who calls for the division of a 
 question, should also state the form in which he pro- 
 poses to have it taken, for a motion to divide as- 
 sumes the nature of an amendment, and as such 
 may be amended. 
 
 § 3. It may happen that a proposition will con- 
 tain several separate and distinct parts, some of 
 which may be very pernicious, while the others 
 will be exceedingly beneficial. Hence the wisdom 
 of the rule in permitting any member to demand 
 a division. It offers the shortest way of amend- 
 ment, and throws every question upon its own in- 
 trinsic merit.* 
 
 * This rule, though sanctioned by both Houses of Congress, is con- 
 trary to the Parliamentary rule. See division of the question, Jeffer- 
 son's Manual, page 175, this book.
 
 TO LIE ON THE TABLE. 
 
 261 
 
 INDEFINITE POSTPONEMENT. 
 
 Indefinite postponement admits of neither de- 
 bate nor amendment; it suppresses a question al- 
 together, without coming to a direct vote thereon 
 in a way which cannot be renewed during the ses- 
 sion. This motion decided in the affirmative in 
 Congress, is equivalent to the previous question 
 decided in the negative according to the ancient 
 rule in parliament. 
 
 postponement to a certain time. 
 
 When an assembly has more subjects before it 
 than can be disposed of in one day ; or when its 
 members wish for more information, or want time 
 for examination and reflection, a motion should 
 be made to postpone the business to a certain 
 time, when different days are named, the question 
 should be first put on the longest period. 
 
 TO LIE ON THE TABLE. 
 
 § 1. The motion to lie on the table takes pre- 
 cedence of every other, except that of adjournment. 
 When an assembly wishes to lay aside the consi- 
 deration of any proposition for a short, but indefi- 
 nite time, the motion to lie on the table should be 
 made. 
 
 § 2. If this motion be decided in the affirmative, 
 the main question, with every thing pertaining 
 thereto, is removed. All subjects lying on the 
 
 Re. 52, Ho. 
 Reps., p. 82. 
 
 Custom of 
 Congress. 
 
 Re. 130, Ho. 
 Rep. p. 102. 
 
 Re. 46, Ho. 
 Reps. p. 79.
 
 262 
 
 THE MOTION TO RECONSIDER. 
 
 Re. 56, Ho. 
 Eeps. p. 83 
 
 Be. 20, Sen. 
 p. 128. 
 
 Re. 44, Sen., 
 p. 135. 
 
 table may be renewed whenever it suits the con- 
 venience of the assembly. 
 
 § 3. The motion to lie on the table is often re- 
 sorted to by those unfavorable to a proposition, the 
 operation of the rule being similar to the ancient 
 application of the previous question, for, unless a 
 majority afterwards consent to take up the subject, 
 it is quashed. 
 
 § 4. When it is proposed to lay any proposition, 
 report, resolution, or paper on the table, the friends 
 of the measure should have it limited to a specified 
 time, or until certain questions have been decided; 
 after which, a motion should be made that the 
 assembly proceed to consider the subject on the 
 table. 
 
 THE MOTION TO RECONSIDER. 
 
 § 1. When a motion has been carried, either in 
 the affirmative or negative, it is in order for any 
 member who voted on the side which prevailed to 
 move for a reconsideration, on the same or the 
 succeeding day, or at the next meeting after the 
 one at which the question proposed to be recon- 
 sidered was passed or rejected. 
 
 § 2. But no motion to reconsider is in order 
 after the subject upon which the vote was taken 
 shall have been announced, by authority, and gone 
 out of the possession of the assembly. 
 
 § 3. In all cases a motion to reconsider should 
 be decided by a majority of the votes present, and 
 it takes precedence of all other questions, except
 
 APPEAL. 
 
 2G3 
 
 those to adjourn, and brings the whole subject up 
 for debate the same as if it had not been acted on. 
 § 4. Adroit politicians sometimes vote on the 
 side of their opponents when a question is likely to 
 be lost for the purpose of moving a reconsidera- 
 tion ; but if it appears that a few members wish 
 to retard the public business by this manoeuvre, it 
 is proper to lay the motion to reconsider on the 
 table, which effectually disposes of it, unless a ma- 
 jority desire to call it up again. 
 
 APPEAL. 
 
 § 1. A decision of a presiding officer may be 
 made the subject of appeal by any two members, 
 and the motion to appeal may then be debated and 
 decided the same as any other question. The pre- 
 siding officer may give the reasons for his decision, 
 but neither he nor any member should speak more 
 than once, without leave of the assembly. 
 
 § 2. When an appeal is made from the decison 
 of the chair, the question ought to be put in the 
 following manner : " Shall the decision of the 
 
 CHAIR STAND AS THE DECISION OF THE ASSEMBLY?" 
 
 § 3. The appeal and the vote thereon should be 
 recorded by the secretary.* The question of ap- 
 peal supersedes, for the time being, the further 
 consideration of the subject before the assembly ; 
 but so soon as it is settled business should be re- 
 sumed at the point at which it was interrupted. 
 
 Re. 56, Ho. 
 Reps., and 
 Note, p. 83. 
 
 * It is always in order to move that the appeal lie on the table. 
 
 Re. 2. Ho. 
 Reps. p. 67.
 
 264 
 
 MOTIONS. 
 
 Rls. 9 and 
 10, Sen. p 
 126. 
 
 Re. 43,Ho. 
 Reps. p. 79, 
 
 Re. 45,Ho. 
 Reps. p. 79. 
 
 MOTIONS. 
 
 § 1. No motion should be put till it be seconded 
 by some member * Every motion should, if de- 
 sired by the presiding officer, or any member, be 
 reduced to writing, and read, before any action or 
 debate thereon. 
 
 § 2. Every motion properly made should either 
 be stated by the presiding officer, or, being in writ- 
 ing, read aloud by the secretary. 
 
 § 3. After a motion is stated, or read, it is in 
 possession of the assembly, but may be withdrawn 
 by the mover at any time before an amend- 
 mentf or decision. 
 
 § 4. When a question is stated, the presiding 
 officer should first give the floor to the mover, if 
 he rises to speak. When a motion to consider any 
 particular item of business is negatived, it cannot 
 be renewed till some other subject has been dis- 
 posed of. 
 
 § 5. When business is brought before an assem- 
 bly which is not desirable to consider, a motion for 
 indefinite postponement may be made. 
 
 § 6. When a subject is presented in a suitable 
 form, a motion to proceed with its consideration, or 
 to adopt, or reject it, may be made. 
 
 § 7. When the general outline of a proposition 
 is acceptable, and desirable to be passed, with some 
 
 * The presiding officer, if a member of the assembly, may second the 
 question. 
 
 ■)■ After an amendment it can only be withdrawn by general consent, 
 or by a unanimous vote.
 
 QUORUM. 
 
 265 
 
 erasures, additions, or other changes, a motion to 
 amend may be made. 
 
 * 
 
 QUORUM. 
 
 § 1. Every assembly, to attain the highest de- 
 gree of usefulness, should have the respect r.nd 
 confidence of the community. Important ques- 
 tions may be decided by one vote. 
 
 § 2. It is to be presumed that the larger the 
 number present, the more wisdom will be brought 
 to bear on the subject under consideration ; the 
 less hasty and ill advised will be the proceedings , 
 the more in accordance with the will of the majority 
 and the welfare of the whole community, will be 
 the action of the assembly. Hence, a majority of 
 all the members should be necessary to form a 
 quorum .f 
 
 § 3. Business cannot be lawfully commenced 
 without a quorum, nor can the proceedings go on, 
 if at any time there be not a majority of mem- 
 bers present. 
 
 § 4. A less number, of a permanent assembly, 
 than a quorum may send for the absent members, 
 or adjourn from time to time, till a quorum be ob- 
 tained.J 
 
 * Any assembly may make a rule that a smaller number than a ma- 
 jority shall constitute a quorum. 
 
 -j- No one should accept a public trust, unless there is a strong proba- 
 bility that he will be able to serve his constituents, by giving the busi- 
 ness committed to his charge his personal attention and support. 
 
 % See Quorum, Sec. 3, Jeff. Man., page 150, this book. 
 
 ===== - ~23
 
 260 
 
 THE QUESTION. 
 
 § 5. No member should be permanently absent, 
 from the services of the assembly, unless he have 
 
 leave, or be sick, 
 
 or unable to attend. 
 
 THE QUESTION. 
 
 Custom of 
 Spkrs Ho 
 Reps. 
 
 Custom of 
 Congress. 
 
 § 1. When a member offers any subject for the 
 consideration of an assembly, his proposal is 
 called a motion ; when the motion is stated by the 
 presiding officer for acceptance or rejection, it is 
 called a question ; when the question is adopted, 
 it becomes the judgment and act of the assembly, 
 and is called its resolution or law. 
 
 § 2. Whenever deliberation on any subject 
 appears to be closed, the presiding officer should 
 rise and say, " Is the assembly* ready for the ques- 
 tion ?" And, after a momentary pause, unless in- 
 terrupted, he proceeds to state the question, or 
 calls on the secretary to read it,f and then takes 
 the vote thereon. 
 
 § 3. Whenever it is reasonable to suppose that 
 no objection will be made, the presiding officer 
 may economize the time of the assembly, by dis- 
 pensing with the formality of taking a vote, by 
 saying, " If no objection be offered the report will 
 be received." " The petition will be received." 
 
 * Society, meeting, or convention, as the case may be. 
 
 f It will often occur that the question can only be stated by the presid- 
 ing officer. The presentation of petitions; the reports of committees; the 
 call for the yeas and nays, &c, are examples of this kind. In these 
 cases the question should be, " shall the petition, or the report be re- 
 ceived?" "It is moved and seconded that the yras and nays be 
 | taken," &c.
 
 THE YEAS AND NAYS. 
 
 267 
 
 " The secretary will read the paper." " The gen- 
 tleman from , has leave to withdraw the mo- 
 tion," &c. 
 
 § 4. In every instance of this kind, the consent 
 of the assembly is taken for granted. If any one, 
 immediately after a vote has been declared in 
 this summary, but informal way, offers any objec- 
 tion, the presiding officer should say, " The ques- 
 tion has been objected to." It cannot be put 
 unless regularly moved and seconded. 
 
 § 5. An intelligent and skilful officer will cause 
 an assembly to dispatch, in a proper manner, more 
 business in one day, than an indolent or unin- 
 formed one would accomplish in thrice the time. 
 
 § 6. In stating a question, the affirmative should 
 always be put first. No member should vote who 
 was not in the room at the time the question was 
 put, but every one present then should vote, unless 
 he has a direct personal or pecuniary interest in 
 the question, or unless he is excused. 
 
 THE YEAS AND NAYS. 
 
 § 1. When questions of great importance are 
 before an assembly, the members should vote 
 with the utmost care and deliberation. To secure 
 wise legislation, and impress representatives with 
 a due sense of responsibility to their constituents 
 and to the Union, the framers of the Constitution of 
 the United States, inserted a clause requiring both 
 Houses of Congress to keep a record of the votes
 
 THE YEAS AND NAYS. 
 
 of the members thereof, whenever desired by one- 
 fifth of those present.* 
 
 § 2. This precaution was necessary, for in all 
 the Parliamentary rules of England, which were 
 generally adopted in the United States, no pro- 
 vision of the kind exists. This is a feature too 
 republican in character to suit monarchial legisla- 
 tion, and it is a reason why Congressional rules 
 should be followed instead of Parliamentary. 
 
 § 3. Whenever any member calls for the yeas 
 and nays, the presiding officer says, " There is a 
 call for the yeas and nays ; those in favor of the 
 call will rise." If one-fifth of the membersf rise, 
 he says, "The yeas and nays are required. As 
 many as are of the opinion that, [stating the 
 question,] will [when their names are called,] 
 answer yea ; and as many as are of a contrary 
 opinion, will answer nay." " The secretary will 
 call the roll." 
 
 § 4. After the names of all the members have 
 been called, the secretary reads first the names of 
 those in the affirmative, and then those in the ne- 
 gative, so that mistakes, if any, may be corrected. 
 He then adds up the number on each side, and 
 hands the result to the presiding officer. 
 
 * The calling of the yeas and nays in the House of Representatives 
 of the United States, occupies usually, when done in the most expedi- 
 tious way, about one hour, and costs, at a moderate estimate, the 
 Government five hundred dollars, on an average, every time the yeas 
 and nays are called. Hence, it was judged best to fix the number as 
 high as one-fifth of the members present. 
 
 -j- Or whatever number may be prescribed by the by-laws. If less 
 i, than the required number should rise, he says the motion is lost. 
 !' . - -J
 
 A SYNOPSIS OF ENGLISH LEGISLATION. 
 
 269 
 
 A SYNOPSIS OF ENGLISH LEGISLATION. 
 
 § 1. Parliament is the Legislature of the United 
 Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. It is com- 
 posed of three branches, namely, the King or 
 Queen, the House of Peers, and the House of Com- 
 mons. 
 
 § 2. The kingly office is hereditary, and forms 
 the executive* branch of the legislature. As head 
 of the church, the king (or queen as the case may 
 be) appoints all archbishops and bishops. All 
 other titles of honor must also emanate from the 
 crown. 
 
 § 3. The house of peersf is also hereditary, and 
 is composed of the lords spiritual, consisting of two 
 archbishops, twenty-four English bishops, and four 
 Irish representative bishops, with the lords tempo- 
 ral, consisting of twenty-four dukes, twenty mar- 
 quises, one hundred and fourteen earls, twenty 
 viscounts, two hundred and eleven barons, sixteen 
 representative peers of Scotland, and twenty-eight 
 representative peers of Ireland, making a total of 
 four hundred and thirty- three. 
 
 § 4. The House of Commons J consists of two 
 hundred and fifty-three representatives of counties, 
 who are known as knights of shires, and are re- 
 quired to have an annual income of two thousand six 
 hundred and sixty-six dollars. There are also four 
 
 * The corresponding office in the United States is the Presidential. 
 + The corresponding house in the United States is the Senate. 
 J The corresponding branch in the United States is the House of 
 Representatives. 
 
 23 *
 
 270 
 
 A SYNOPSIS OF ENGLISH LEGISLATION. 
 
 hundred and five representatives from cities and 
 boroughs, who are each required to have an annual 
 income of at least thirteen hundred and thirty- 
 three dollars. Those representing cities are known 
 as citizens, and those from boroughs as burgesses. 
 Total in the house of commons, six hundred and 
 fifty-eight. 
 
 § 5. The privilege of voting is subject to various 
 and intricate laws, owing to the position of the 
 citizen, but in every case a voter must have his 
 name registered in the place in which he resides. 
 No one is permitted to vote who has less than two 
 hundred dollars worth of real estate, or who does 
 not pay rent for property worth at least eleven 
 hundred dollars. 
 
 § 6. The king convokes parliament, and at the 
 beginning of each session delivers to both houses 
 an address,* stating the matters he wishes them to 
 consider and act on, and until this is done neither 
 house can proceed with any public business. 
 
 § 7. On the assembling of a new parliament the 
 Lord Chancellor^ states that his majesty will, so 
 soon as the members are sworn, declare the causes 
 for calling this parliament. The House of Com- 
 mons then proceed to elect their speaker, and all 
 the members take the oath of office. 
 
 § 8. Before any business is undertaken prayers 
 
 * Corresponding to the message of the President of the United States. 
 
 | Who presides over the Hou^e of Peers. A Parliament continues 
 for seven years, unless sooner dissolved by the crown, i. e. the members 
 of the House of Commons are elected for the term of seven years. The 
 peers, of course, hold their office for life.
 
 A SYNOPSIS OF ENGLISH LEGISLATION. 
 
 271 
 
 are read ; in the house of lords by a bishop, and 
 in the commons by their chaplain. The former 
 usually meet at five o'clock in the afternoon, the 
 latter at four. 
 
 § 9. Three members in the house of peers, and 
 forty in the house of commons, make a quorum for 
 the transaction of public business. When any 
 question arises on which a difference of opinion is 
 expressed, those in affirmative in the house of 
 lords answer content, and those in the negative 
 non content. In the house of commons the answer 
 is aye and no. 
 
 §10. When the presiding officer cannot decide 
 by the voices, which party has the majority, or 
 when his decision is questioned, a division takes 
 place. In the house of lords the contents or the 
 non-contents, as the case may be, pass to the out- 
 side of the bar, leaving the other party in the house. 
 
 § 11. A similar practice prevailed in the house 
 of commons up to 1836. Since that time a new 
 plan has been adopted which gives better satisfac- 
 tion, because the party remaining in the house 
 had an advantage in securing the votes of the 
 " inattentive, the indifferent, and the indolent." 
 
 § 12. There are two small halls at each end of 
 the house ; on a division the main room is entirely 
 cleared, one party being sent to each hall. Two 
 clerks are stationed at each of the entrances to the 
 main hall, holding lists of the members in alpha- 
 betical order, printed on large sheets of paste-board, 
 to avoid the delay of turning over pages.
 
 £72 
 
 A SYNOPSIS OF ENGLTSn LEGISLATION. 
 
 § 13. While the members are passing into the 
 house again, the clerks place a mark against the 
 names of each, and the tellers count the number. 
 These sheets are sent to the printer, who sets up 
 the marked names in their order ; and the division 
 lists are then printed the following morning, to- 
 gether with the votes and proceedings of the house. 
 
 § 14. When matters of great interest are to be 
 debated in the house of peers, the lords are sum- 
 moned. In the house of commons an order is 
 made that the roll be called, and the absent mem- 
 bers are ordered to attend on a certain day. 
 
 § 15. A peer has the right to make another lord 
 of parliament his proxy, to vote for him in his ab- 
 sence, in all cases except in committee, or in the 
 trial of another peer. He is also entitled, when a 
 question is decided contrary to his sentiments, to 
 record his opinion, and the reasons of it, by a pro- 
 test in the journals, together with the names of all 
 the peers who concur therein. 
 
 § 16. All proposed laws must be introduced to 
 the notice of parliament in the shape of bills which 
 may originate in either house, unless they are for 
 granting supplies, or unless they directly or indi- 
 rectly involve the levying or appropriation of some 
 tax, in which cases they must originate in the 
 house of commons.* 
 
 * See corresponding rule of the government of the United States, Sec. 
 7, page 14.
 
 NATURALIZATION. 
 
 273 
 
 NATURALIZATION. 
 
 § 1. The laws of Congress on the subject of natu- 
 ralization have been frequently changed. The act of 
 1790 required only two years' previous residence. 
 In 1795, the period was enlarged to five; and in 
 1798, to fourteen; but in 1802, it was reduced 
 back to five years, and this act is still unaltered. 
 
 § 2. Foreigners, who move to this country, with 
 the intention of making it their permanent resi- 
 dence, have many inducements to become citizens, 
 since they are unable as aliens, to possess a per- 
 manent freehold interest in land, and are precluded 
 from voting at the elections, or holding any civil 
 office, or taking any active part in the administra- 
 tion of the government. 
 
 § 3. Any white foreigner may obtain the privi- 
 leges of a natural born citizen, by declaring, on oath, 
 before any State court of record, having common 
 law jurisdiction* and a. clerk ; or before any cir- 
 cuit, or district court of the United States, or be- 
 fore a clerk of either, two years, at least, before 
 his admission, his intention to become a citizen, 
 and to renounce his native allegiance. 
 
 § 4. At the time of his admission, his country 
 must be at peace with the United States, and he 
 must, before one of the aforenamed courts, take an 
 
 * The following is the form of the declaration : I, A B , do 
 
 declare on oath, that it is bond, fide, [i. e. in good faith, or in reality] 
 my intention to become a citizen of the United States, and to renounce 
 forever, all allegiance and fidelity to all and every foreign prince, po- 
 tentate, state, and sovereignty whatever, and particularly to the king 
 of , of whom I was a subject. 
 
 S 
 
 Foreigners 
 naturalized. 
 
 See Acts of 
 Cong. Hth 
 April, 1802, 
 ch. 28. 
 
 The 3d of 
 March,lSl3, 
 ch. 184. 
 
 And 22d of 
 March,1816, 
 ch. 32. 
 
 Sec Acts of 
 Con. 'JO May, 
 1824,ch.l86, 
 iiud 24 May, 
 182S,ch.ll6.
 
 274 
 
 NATURALIZATION. 
 
 oath* to support the constitution of the United 
 States, and likewise an oathf to renounce and ab- 
 jure his native allegiance. He must, at the time 
 of his admission, satisfy the court, that he has re- 
 sided five years at least, within the United States, 
 and one year at least in the State where the 
 court is held, and he must satisfy the judges 
 that during that time, he has behaved as a man 
 of good moral character, attached to the principles 
 of the constitution of the United States, and well 
 disposed to the good order and happiness thereof. J 
 
 * The following is the form : I, A B , do solemnly swear 
 
 that I will support the constitution of the United States of America. 
 
 + I, A B , do absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure 
 
 all allegiance and fidelity to every foreign prince, potentate, State, or 
 
 sovereignty whatever, and particularly to King of , of 
 
 whom I was subject. A B . 
 
 Sworn in open court, the day of , 1852, before me. 
 
 L W , Judge. 
 
 J The children of Persons duly naturalized, being minors at that 
 time, shall, if dwelling in the United States, be deemed citizens. The 
 following is the form of a certificate of citizenship : 
 United States of America, "> 
 
 State of , County of . j 
 
 Be it remembered, that on the day of , in the year of our 
 
 Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty , A B ap- 
 peared in the court, [which is a court of record having common law ju- 
 risdiction and a clerk and seal] and applied to the court aforesaid, to be 
 admitted to citizenship of the United States of America, pursuant to the 
 several acts of Congress for that purpose made and provided ; and the 
 said applicant having thereupon produced to the court such evidence, 
 made such declaration and renunciation, and taken such oaths as are 
 by the said acts required ; thereupon it was ordered by the said 
 court, that the said applicant be admitted, and he was accordingly ad- 
 mitted by the said court, to be a citizen of the United States of America. 
 In testimony whereof, the seal of the said court is hereunto affixed this 
 
 . day of , A. D. 185-, and in the year of our Independence. 
 
 By order of the court, S T , Clerk. 
 
 [Seal of the court.]
 
 SYNOPSIS OF PROCEEDINGS IN ELECTIONS. 
 
 275 
 
 A SYNOPSIS OF PROCEEDINGS IN ELECTIONS. 
 
 § 1. As a general rule, all elections by the peo- 
 ple should be held between the hours of nine A. 
 M., and six P. M. There are usually three per- 
 sons appointed to receive the tickets and see that 
 none are illegally cast, or that none but those 
 qualified, vote. These persons are known in dif- 
 ferent States by different titles. They are usually 
 called inspectors or judges of the election. It is 
 their duty to have a position that will enable 
 them best to receive the tickets of the voters, and 
 over or near the window, door, or place, at which 
 the tickets are received, should be printed or 
 written in legible characters, the name of the 
 town, township, or ward. 
 
 § 2. Every person claiming the right to vote at 
 any election should, if required by the inspectors 
 or judges, prove that he is a natural born citizen 
 of the United States ; or that having been an 
 alien, he has been naturalized conformably to the 
 laws of the United States. The only evidence 
 required is the certificate of naturalization, under 
 the sea] of the court where his admission to citi- 
 zenship took place. The names of all voters should 
 [whenever circumstances will allow it] be regis- 
 tered in alphabetical order by the collector of 
 taxes or some other officer, and be used as refer- 
 ence, when necessary, by the inspectors or judges. 
 
 § 3. Every voter may deliver cither written or 
 printed tickets, but each ticket should be on a sepa-
 
 276 
 
 SYNOPSIS OP PROCEEDINGS IN ELECTIONS. 
 
 rate piece of paper. Each inspector or judge, on 
 receiving the ticket of a voter, should call out 
 aloud his name, which should be entered by the 
 clerk on a separate list, and the judge may insert 
 the letter V opposite the name, in the regular al- 
 phabetical list. Tickets should be delivered per- 
 sonally by the voter, and ought never to be re- 
 ceived by any other person, and should be imme- 
 diately deposited in the ballot box, and there re- 
 main till the polls are closed. When the polls 
 shall be closed, the box, or boxes, as the case may 
 be should be opened and the inspectors should 
 take out the tickets and read aloud the name or 
 names of the candidates written or printed thereon, 
 and the clerk, or clerks, should carefully enter, as 
 read, each ticket as it is taken from the box, and 
 keep an account of the same on papers prepared 
 for the purpose, so that the number of votes for 
 each candidate tallied thereon, may be readily 
 known. 
 
 § 4. It is customary when more names are 
 printed on a ticket than the law allows, or when 
 two or more tickets have been improperly folded 
 together to reject them entirely. But no ticket 
 ouo-ht to be rejected which contains less than the 
 required number of names. After the votes shall 
 be counted, they should be returned to the ballot 
 box, which ought to to be bound round tight with 
 tape and sealed by the judges of the election. The 
 box with all the lists, tally papers, &c, should 
 then be delivered to the nearest justice of the
 
 SYNOPSIS OP PROCEEDINGS IN ELECTIONS. 
 
 277 
 
 peace, who should safely keep the same, for the 
 proper tribunal in case of a contested election. 
 
 § 5. It is then the duty of the judges to trans- 
 mit within three days, the results of the election 
 under seal to the clerk of the county court. 
 
 § 6. After the votes given for any office shall 
 have been read off and counted, the presiding 
 judge, i. e., the one first named in the order of the 
 appointment, should publicly declare the number 
 of votes given for each candidate, and then the 
 judges should make out a certificate under their 
 hands and seal, and set forth the number of votes 
 given for each of the several candidates.* 
 
 * A FORM OF ELECTION RETURNS. 
 
 At an election held on Wednesday, the day of , Anno 
 
 Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty , at the Hall, 
 
 in the town of , in the county of , being the election dis- 
 trict in the county aforesaid, on closing the polls it appeared that the 
 votes were cast for the following persons : 
 
 FOR GOVERNOR. 
 
 James , had five hundred and eighty-six votes, . . . 586 
 
 Joseph , had two hundred and ninety-one votes, . . 291 
 
 FOR REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS. 
 
 Wm. C , had five hundred and sixty votes, .... 660 
 
 John , had three hundred and seventeen votes, . . . 317 
 
 FOR STATE SENATOR. 
 
 Aaron , had five hundred and ninety-seven votes, . . . 697 
 
 Amos B , had two hundred and eighty-four votes, . . 284 
 
 FOR HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 Stephen , had five hundred and eighty-five votes, . . . 585 
 
 Joshua L , had two hundred and eighty-nine votes, . . 289 
 
 Scattering, three votes, ........ 3 
 
 And so on for town clerk, select men, or whatever may be the title of 
 the officer. 
 
 In testimony whereof, we, the judges of the election for the said dis- 
 trict, have hereunto set our hands and seals this day of , A. 
 
 D. 185—. THOMAS W. W . [seal.] 
 
 HIRAM . [seal.] 
 
 BENJ. B . [seal.]
 
 SYNOPSIS OP PROCEEDINGS IN ELECTIONS 
 
 f 
 
 § 7. It is usually the duty of the presiding judge 
 of each election district, to take charge of the cer- 
 tificates aforenamed, and to produce the same at 
 a general meeting of all the presiding judges of 
 each election district of the county, at the court 
 house the third day after the election [or in case 
 the third occur on Sunday, the fourth day.] These 
 judges, when assembled, should elect some one of 
 their number as chairman, and also two suitable 
 persons as clerks, who with the judges, are usually 
 sworn to perform the duties of their office with 
 honesty and fidelity. 
 
 § 8. After the meeting is thus organized, the 
 representative judges from each election district, 
 should deliver the certificates of election of their 
 respective districts to the president of the meeting, 
 who should cause the clerks to add the number of 
 votes which shall appear, by said certificates, to 
 have been given for any candidate or candidates, 
 in respect to each office. It is then the duty of 
 the clerks to make out duplicate returns, which 
 should be signed by all the judges present. The 
 returns for governor and State senator, are gene- 
 rally directed to the State Senate ;* — a represen- 
 
 * The following is the usual form : 
 To the Hon. the Senate of the State of 
 
 The undersigned, judges of the election held in the several districts 
 
 of the county of , on the inst., A. B., one of the judges of the 
 
 first district ; C. D., one of the judges of the second district, and so 
 on [one judge from each district according to the number of districts in 
 the county] being assembled at the court house of the county afore- 
 said, and having carefully examined the returns of the several dis- 
 tricts, and enumerated and added the votes therein contained, do cer-
 
 SYNOPSIS OF PROCEEDINGS IN ELECTIONS. 
 
 279 
 
 tative in Congress, to the Governor ;* and a State 
 representative, to the House of Representatives. 
 It may be remarked that each State has its par- 
 ticular laws in reference to the qualifications of 
 voters, and its peculiar manner of conducting elec- 
 tions, but the above forms, so far as they go, are 
 adopted by most of the States in the Union. 
 
 tify that at the said election, the votes for governor appeared as fol- 
 lows, viz : 
 
 For Wm. H , five thousand votes, ..... 6,000 
 
 For C , four thousand six hundred votes, . . 4,600 
 
 In testimony whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seal, &c. 
 
 * Whose duty it is to give the representative his credentials to the 
 House of Representatives of the United States.
 
 Table I. exhibiting the Seats of Government, the Times of the Election of 
 State Officers, and the Meeting of the Legislatures of Each State. 
 
 States. 
 
 Maine, 
 
 N. H., 
 
 Vt., 
 
 Mass., 
 
 R.I.. 
 
 Conn., 
 
 N. Y., 
 
 N. J., 
 
 Pa., 
 
 Del., 
 
 Md., 
 
 Va., 
 
 N. C, 
 
 S. C, 
 
 Ga., 
 
 Fla., 
 
 Ala., 
 
 Miss., 
 
 La., 
 
 Texas, 
 
 Ark., 
 
 Mo., 
 
 Iowa, 
 
 Tenn., 
 
 Ky., 
 
 Ohio, 
 
 Ind., 
 
 111., 
 
 Wis., 
 
 Mich., 
 
 Cal., 
 
 Seats of 
 Government. 
 
 Augusta, 
 
 Concord, 
 
 Montpelier, 
 
 Boston, 
 
 Prv. & Newp't 
 
 Hart. & N. H. 
 
 Albany, 
 
 Trenton, 
 
 Harrisburg, 
 
 Dover, 
 
 Annapolis, 
 
 Richmond, 
 
 Raleigh, 
 
 Columbia, 
 
 Milledgeville, 
 
 Tallahassee, 
 
 Montgomery, 
 
 Jackson, 
 
 Baton Rouge, 
 
 Austin, 
 
 Little Rock, 
 
 Jefferson City, 
 
 Iowa City, 
 
 Nashville, 
 
 Frankfort, 
 
 Columbus, 
 
 Indianapolis, 
 
 Springfield, 
 
 Madison, 
 
 Lansing, 
 
 San Jose", 
 
 Times of Holding 
 Elections. 
 
 2d Monday in September, 
 2d Tuesday in March, 
 1st Tuesday in Sept., 
 2d Monday in November, 
 1st "Wednesday in April, 
 1st Monday in April, 
 Tu. after 1st Mon. in Nov. 
 Tu. after 1st Mon. in Nov. 
 2d Tuesday in October, 
 2d Tuesday in Nov., 
 1st Wednesday in Nov., 
 4th Thursday in April, 
 1st Thursday in August, 
 2d Monday in October, 
 1st Monday in October, 
 1st Monday in October, 
 1st Monday in August, 
 1st Mon. and Tu. in Nov., 
 1st Monday in November, 
 1st Monday in August, 
 1st Monday in August, 
 1st Monday in August, 
 1st Monday in August, 
 1st Thursday in August, 
 1st Monday in August, 
 2d Tuesday in October, 
 1st Monday in August, 
 Tu. after 1st Mon. in Nov. 
 Tu. after 1st Mon. in Nov. 
 1st Tuesday in November, 
 Tu. after 1st Mon. in Nov. 
 
 Times of the Meeting 
 of the Legislatures. 
 
 2d Wednesday in Jan. 
 1st Wednesday in June. 
 2d Thursday in Oct. 
 1st Wednesday in Jan. 
 IstTu.inMay.lastM.Oc 
 1st Wednesday in May. 
 1st Tuesday inJanuary. 
 2d Tuesday in January. 
 IstTuesday in January. 
 1st Tues.in Ja.n.,bic7in.* 
 1st Wed. in Jan., bienn. 
 1st Mon. in Dec, bienn. 
 3d Mon. in Nov., bienn. 
 4th Monday in Nov. 
 1st Mon. in Nov., bienn. 
 1st Mon. in Nov., bienn. 
 2d Mon. in Nov., bienn. 
 1st Mon. in Jan., bienn. 
 3d Mon. in Jan., bienn. 
 December, bienn. 
 1st Mon. in Nov., bienn. 
 Last Mon.in Dec.,bienn. 
 1st Mon. in Dec, bienn. 
 1st Mon. in Oct., bienn. 
 1st Monday in Dec. 
 1st Mon, in Jan., bienn. 
 Th. af. IstMon. in Jan. ,bi. 
 2d Mon. in Jan., bienn. 
 1st Monday in January. 
 1st Monday in January. 
 1st Monday in January. 
 
 * Biennially, that is, every other year, or once in two years. 
 
 0280)
 
 TABLE II. 
 
 Populat'n of cities over 8000 
 in the D. S., with their 
 decennial increase per ct. 
 from 1830 to 1850. 
 
 Bangor (Me.) 
 
 Portland 
 
 Augusta 
 
 Bath 
 
 Manchester (N. H.)... 
 
 Boston (Mass.) 
 
 Lowell 
 
 Salem 
 
 Roxbury 
 
 Charlestown 
 
 Worcester 
 
 New Bedford 
 
 Cambridge 
 
 Lynn 
 
 Springfield 
 
 Taunton 
 
 Providence (R. I.) 
 
 New Haven (Conn.) .. 
 
 Norwich 
 
 Hartford 
 
 New York city (N.Y.) 
 
 Brooklyn 
 
 Albany 
 
 Buffalo 
 
 Rochester 
 
 Williamsburg 
 
 Troy 
 
 Syracuse 
 
 Utica 
 
 Poughkeepsie 
 
 Lockport 
 
 Oswego 
 
 Newburgh 
 
 Kingston 
 
 Newark (N. J.) 
 
 Paterson 
 
 New Brunswick 
 
 Phila. city and co. (Pa.) 
 
 Pittsburg 
 
 Alleghany 
 
 Reading 
 
 Lancaster 
 
 Wilmington (Del.)... 
 
 Baltimore (Md.) 
 
 Washington (D. C.).. 
 Richmond (Va.) ..... 
 
 Norfolk 
 
 Petersburg 
 
 Wheeling 
 
 Charleston (S.C.) 
 
 Savannah (G-a.) 
 
 Mobile (Ala.) 
 
 New Orleans (La.).... 
 
 Lafayette 
 
 Memphis (Tenn.) 
 
 Nashville 
 
 Louisville (Ky.) 
 
 Cincinnati (Ohio) 
 
 Columbus 
 
 Cleveland 
 
 Dayton 
 
 Madison (Ind.) 
 
 Chicago (111.) 
 
 Detroit (Mich.l 
 
 St. Louis (Mo.) 
 
 Milwaukee (Wis.) 
 
 Pop. of 
 
 1830. 
 
 2,867 
 
 12,598 
 
 3,980 
 
 3,773 
 
 877 
 
 61,392 
 
 6,474 
 
 13,895 
 
 5,247 
 
 8,783 
 
 4,173 
 
 7,592 
 
 6,072 
 
 6,138 
 
 6,784 
 
 6,042 
 
 16,833 
 
 10,678 
 
 5,161 
 
 7,074 
 
 197,112 
 
 15,394 
 
 24,209 
 
 8,668 
 
 9,207 
 
 1,117 
 
 11,556 
 
 2,565 
 
 8,323 
 
 7,222 
 
 3,823 
 
 2,703 
 
 6,424 
 
 4,170 
 
 10,953 
 
 7.831 
 188.797 
 
 12,568 
 2,801 
 5,856 
 7,704 
 6,628 
 
 80,620 
 
 18,826 
 6,055 
 9,814 
 8,322 
 5,276 
 
 30,289 
 7.302 
 3,194 
 
 49,826 
 
 5,566 
 
 10,341 
 
 24,831 
 
 2,435 
 
 1,076 
 
 2,950 
 
 2,500 
 
 None 
 
 2,222 
 
 4.977 
 
 P >p. of 
 
 1840. 
 
 8,627 
 
 15,218 
 
 5,314 
 
 5,141 
 
 3,235 
 
 93,383 
 
 20,796 
 
 15,082 
 
 9,089 
 
 11,484 
 
 7,497 
 
 12.0S7 
 
 8,409 
 
 9,367 
 
 10,9S5 
 
 7,045 
 
 23,171 
 
 12,960 
 
 7,239 
 
 9,468 
 
 312,710 
 
 36,233 
 
 33,721 
 
 18,213 
 
 20,191 
 
 5,094 
 
 19,334 
 
 6,500 
 
 12,782 
 
 10,006 
 
 9,125 
 
 4.065 
 
 8,933 
 
 5,824 
 
 17,290 
 
 7,596 
 
 8,663 
 
 258,037 
 
 21,115 
 
 10,089 
 
 8,410 
 
 8,417 
 
 8,367 
 
 102.313 
 
 23,364 
 
 20,153 
 
 10,920 
 
 11,136 
 
 7,885 
 
 29,261 
 
 11.214 
 
 12,672 
 
 102.193 
 
 3,207 
 
 2,026 
 
 0.929 
 
 21,210 
 
 46,338 
 
 6.048 
 
 6,071 
 
 6,067 
 
 3,798 
 
 4,470 
 
 9,102 
 
 16,469 
 
 1,712 
 
 Ratio of 
 
 200.9 
 20.79 
 33.51 
 36.25 
 
 268.87 
 52.1 
 
 221.22 
 8.54 
 73.22 
 30.75 
 79.65 
 59.2 
 38.48 
 52.6 
 61.92 
 26.53 
 37.65 
 21.37 
 40.26 
 33.84 
 5S.04 
 35.37 
 39.29 
 
 110.11 
 
 119.3 
 
 356.04 
 67.3 
 
 153.4 
 53.57 
 38.54 
 
 138.68 
 72.58 
 39.05 
 39.66 
 57.85 
 
 10.62 
 36.67 
 68. 
 
 260.19 
 43.61 
 9.25 
 26. 
 26.9 
 24.1 
 
 232.83 
 11.26 
 33.81 
 49.45 
 dec. 3.39 
 53.57 
 
 296.74 
 
 105.09 
 
 24.48 
 105.1 
 
 86.61 
 14S.37 
 464.21 
 105.66 
 
 51. 
 
 S0!M13 
 230.9 
 
 Top. of 
 1840. 
 
 8,627 
 
 15,21S 
 
 5,314 
 
 5,141 
 
 3,235 
 
 93,383 
 
 20,796 
 
 15,082 
 
 9,0S9 
 
 11,484 
 
 7.497 
 
 12,087 
 
 8,409 
 
 9,367 
 
 10.9S5 
 
 7,645 
 
 23,171 
 
 12,960 
 
 7,239 
 
 9,468 
 
 312,710 
 
 36.233 
 
 33i721 
 
 18,213 
 
 20,191 
 
 5,094 
 
 19,334 
 
 6,500 
 
 12,782 
 
 10,006 
 
 9,125 
 
 4,665 
 
 8,933 
 
 5,824 
 
 17.290 
 
 7,596 
 
 8,663 
 
 258,037 
 
 21,115 
 
 10,089 
 
 8,410 
 
 8,417 
 
 8,367 
 
 102,313 
 
 23,364 
 
 20,153 
 
 10.920 
 
 11,136 
 
 7,885 
 
 29,261 
 
 11,214 
 
 12.672 
 
 102,193 
 
 3,207 
 
 2,026 
 
 6,929 
 
 21,210 
 
 46,338 
 
 6,048 
 
 6,071 
 
 6,067 
 
 3,798 
 
 4,470 
 
 9,102 
 
 10.469 
 
 1.712 
 
 Pop. of 
 lfcoO. 
 
 14,432 
 
 20,815 
 
 8.225 
 
 8,020 
 
 13,932 
 
 136,871 
 33,383 
 20,264 
 1S.364 
 17,216 
 17,049 
 16,443 
 15,215 
 14,257 
 11,766 
 10,441 
 41,512 
 20.345 
 10,265 
 13,555 
 
 515,507 
 96,838 
 50,763 
 42,261 
 36,403 
 30,780 
 28,785 
 22.271 
 17,565 
 13.144 
 12,323 
 12,205 
 11,415 
 10,233 
 38,894 
 11,338 
 13,387 
 
 408,762 
 46,601 
 21.261 
 15,748 
 12,365 
 13,979 
 
 169,054 
 40,001 
 27,482 
 14,326 
 14,010 
 11,391 
 42.985 
 
 IO.IH',11 
 
 20,513 
 
 119.461 
 
 14,190 
 
 8,839 
 
 10,478 
 
 43,196 
 
 115,436 
 
 17>s3 
 
 17.034 
 
 10,977 
 
 8,005 
 
 29.963 
 
 21.019 
 
 77,860 
 
 20,061 
 
 Ratio of 
 increase. 
 
 24 
 
 6" .28 
 
 30.77 
 
 54.77 
 
 56. 
 
 330.67 
 
 46.56 
 
 60.52 
 
 34.35 
 
 102.04 
 
 49.91 
 
 127.41 
 
 36.03 
 
 80.93 
 
 52.2 
 
 7.1 
 
 36.57 
 
 79.15 
 
 56.98 
 
 41.8 
 
 43.16 
 
 64.8') 
 
 167.23 
 
 50.53 
 
 132.03 
 
 80.29 
 
 504.24 
 
 48.88 
 
 242.6 
 
 37.41 
 
 39.35 
 
 35.04 
 
 161.62 
 
 27.78 
 
 75.7 
 
 124.95 
 
 49.26 
 
 54.53 
 
 58.41 
 
 120.7 
 
 110.73 
 
 87.25 
 
 46.9 
 
 67.7 
 
 65.23 
 
 71.2 
 
 36.36 
 
 31.19 
 
 25.8 
 
 44.46 
 
 46.9 
 
 43.21 
 
 61.87 
 
 16.89 
 
 342.46 
 
 336.27 
 
 51.21 
 
 103.65 
 
 149.11 
 
 195.68 
 
 180.57 
 
 80.92 
 
 110.76 
 
 570.31 
 
 130.92 
 
 372.76 
 
 1071.78 
 
 281
 
 282 
 
 
 STATISTICAL TABLES. 
 
 TABLE III. Exhibiting the number of Dw 
 
 'llings, Families, White Males, 
 
 Slaves, Deaths, Farms, Manufacturing 
 
 Establishments, Federal He- 
 
 
 
 i 
 
 
 White 
 
 Onlored 
 
 Colored 
 
 STATES. 
 
 Dwellings. 
 
 95,797 
 
 Families. 
 
 While males. 
 
 Females. 
 
 MaUs. 
 
 Females. 
 
 Maine, 
 
 103,787 
 
 296,635 
 
 285,128 
 
 705 
 
 620 
 
 N. H. 
 
 57,389 
 
 62,287 
 
 155,902 
 
 161,487 
 
 243 
 
 232 
 
 Vt. 
 
 56,327 
 
 58,475 
 
 159,374 
 
 153,528 
 
 366 
 
 343 
 
 Mass. 
 
 152,835 
 
 192,679 
 
 484,284 
 
 501,420 
 
 4,314 
 
 4,481 
 
 R I. 
 
 22,379 
 
 28,216 
 
 70,417 
 
 73,583 
 
 1,660 
 
 1,884 
 
 Conn. 
 
 64,013 
 
 73,448 
 
 180,001 
 
 183,304 
 
 3,749 
 
 3,737 
 
 N. Y. 
 
 473,956 
 
 566,861: 
 
 1,545,052 
 
 1,504,405 
 
 22,998 
 
 24,939 
 
 N. J. 
 
 81,064 
 
 89,080 
 
 233,746 
 
 232,494 
 
 11,542 
 
 11,551 
 
 Pa. 
 
 386,292 
 
 408,421 
 
 1,142,863 
 
 1,115,600 
 
 25,057 
 
 28,266 
 
 Del. 
 
 15,209 
 
 15,439 
 
 35,771 
 
 35,518 
 
 8,989 
 
 8,968 
 
 Md. 
 
 81,708 
 
 87,384 
 
 211,495 
 
 207,095 
 
 34,914 
 
 39,163 
 
 D. of C. 
 
 7,917 
 
 8,292 
 
 18,54S 
 
 19,479 
 
 4,210 
 
 5,763 
 
 Va. 
 
 165,797 
 
 167,512 
 
 451,510 
 
 443,726 
 
 25,843 
 
 27,986 
 
 N. C. 
 
 105,542 
 
 106,023 272,789 
 
 280,506 
 
 13,226 
 
 13,970 
 
 s. c. 
 
 52,642 
 
 52,937 
 
 137,773 
 
 136,850 
 
 4,110 
 
 4,790 
 
 Ga. 
 
 91,011 
 
 91,471 
 
 266,096 
 
 255,342 
 
 1,368 
 
 1,512 
 
 Florida, 
 
 9,022 
 
 9,107 
 
 25,674 
 
 21,493 
 
 420 
 
 505 
 
 Ala. 
 
 73,070 
 
 73,786 
 
 219,728 
 
 206,779 
 
 1,047 
 
 1,225 
 
 Miss.* 
 
 77,699 
 
 78,103 
 
 145,775 
 
 145,761 
 
 491 
 
 407 
 
 La. 
 
 49,101 
 
 54,112 
 
 141,059 
 
 114,357 
 
 7,598 
 
 9,939 
 
 Texas, 
 
 27,998 
 
 28,377 
 
 84,863 
 
 69,237 
 
 171 
 
 160 
 
 Ark. 
 
 28,252 
 
 28,416 
 
 85,699 
 
 76,369 
 
 318 
 
 271 
 
 Tenn. 
 
 129,420 
 
 130,005 
 
 382,270 
 
 37,427 
 
 3,072 
 
 3,191 
 
 Ky. 
 
 130,769 
 
 132,920 
 
 392,840 
 
 368,848 
 
 4,771 
 
 4,965 
 
 Ohio, 
 
 336,098 
 
 348,523 
 
 1,004,111 
 
 951,997 
 
 12,239 
 
 12,061 
 
 Indiana, 
 
 170,185 
 
 171,564 
 
 506,400 
 
 471,205 
 
 5,472 
 
 5,316 
 
 Illinois, 
 
 146,544 
 
 149,153 
 
 445,644 
 
 400,460 
 
 2,756 
 
 2,610 
 
 Mo. 
 
 96,849 
 
 100,890 
 
 312,986 
 
 279,091 
 
 1,338 
 
 1,206 
 
 Iowa, 
 
 32,962 
 
 33,517 
 
 100,885 
 
 90,994 
 
 168 
 
 167 
 
 Wis. 
 
 56,117 
 
 57,319 
 
 163,806 
 
 139,794 
 
 365 
 
 261 
 
 Mich. 
 
 71,616 
 
 72,611 
 
 208,471 
 
 186,626 
 
 1,412 
 
 1,145 
 
 Cal* 
 
 25,000 
 
 47,987 
 
 158,000 
 
 41,000 
 
 800 
 
 200 
 
 Min. T. 
 
 1,102 
 
 1,016 
 
 3,695 
 
 2,343 
 
 21 
 
 18 
 
 N. Mex. 
 
 13,453 
 
 13,502 
 
 31,706 
 
 29,782 
 
 14 
 
 3 
 
 U. T.* 
 
 2,000 
 
 3,000 
 
 16,000 
 
 8,500 
 
 300 
 
 200 
 
 Or. 
 
 2,374 
 
 2,374 
 
 8,142 
 
 4,945 
 
 119 
 
 87 
 
 * Estimated. The returns at the Ceiisus Office 
 
 being incomplete. — The above tables 
 
 script at the Census Bureau, and are probably p\ 
 
 iblished six or eight months in ad-
 
 STATISTICAL TABLES. 283 
 
 White Females, Colored Males, Colored Females, Total Free Popidation, 
 
 Oresentative Population, Total Popidation. 
 
 Total Free 
 Population. 
 
 583,088 
 
 Slaves. 
 
 Deaths. 
 
 Farms. 
 
 Manvf. Federal JRep. 
 Estab. Population. 
 
 Total Pap. 
 
 J00,000 
 
 7,545 
 
 46,760 
 
 1,682 
 
 583,088 
 
 583,088 
 
 317,864 
 
 > 00,000 
 
 4,268 
 
 29,229 
 
 3,301 
 
 317,864 
 
 317,864 
 
 313,611 
 
 000,000 
 
 3,130 
 
 29,687 
 
 1,835 
 
 313,611 
 
 313,611 
 
 994,499 
 
 000,000 
 
 19,414 
 
 34,235 
 
 9,637 
 
 994,499 
 
 994,499 
 
 147,544 
 
 000,000 
 
 2,241 
 
 5,385 
 
 1,144 
 
 147,544 
 
 147,544 
 
 370,791 
 
 000,000 
 
 5,781 
 
 22,445 
 
 3,913 
 
 370,791 
 
 370,791 
 
 3,097,394 
 
 000,000 
 
 44,339 
 
 170,621 
 
 23,823 
 
 3,097,394 
 
 3,097,394 
 
 489,333 
 
 222 
 
 6,467 
 
 23,905 
 
 4,374 
 
 489,466 
 
 489,555 
 
 2,311,786 
 
 000,000 
 
 28,318 
 
 127,577 
 
 22,036 
 
 2,311,786 
 
 2,311,786 
 
 89,246 
 
 2,289 
 
 1,209 
 
 6,063 
 
 513 
 
 90,619 
 
 89,246 
 
 492,667 
 
 90,368 
 
 9,594 
 
 21,860 
 
 3,863 
 
 546,887 
 
 583,035 
 
 48,000 
 
 3,687 
 
 846 
 
 264 
 
 427 
 
 No Delegate. 
 
 51,687 
 
 949,065 
 
 472,461 
 
 19,053 
 
 77,013 
 
 4,433 
 
 1,234,541 
 
 1,421,526 
 
 580,491 
 
 288,412 
 
 10,207 
 
 56,916 
 
 2,523 
 
 753,538 
 
 868,903 
 
 293,523 
 
 384,984 
 
 7,997 
 
 29,969 
 
 1,473 
 
 514,513 
 
 668,507 
 
 524,318 
 
 381,681 
 
 9,920 
 
 51,759 
 
 1,407 
 
 753,326 
 
 905,999 
 
 48,092 
 
 39,309 
 
 933 
 
 4,304 
 
 121 
 
 76,947 
 
 87,401 
 
 428,779 
 
 342,892 
 
 9,804 
 
 41,964 
 
 1,022 
 
 634,514 
 
 771,671 
 
 282,434 
 
 300,419 
 
 10,016 
 
 27,897 
 
 1,389 
 
 472,685 
 
 592,853 
 
 272,953 
 
 239,021 
 
 11,948 
 
 13,424 
 
 1,021 
 
 416,365 
 
 511,974 
 
 154,431 
 
 58,161 
 
 3,046 
 
 12,198 
 
 307 
 
 189,327 
 
 212,592 
 
 162,657 
 
 46,982 
 
 2,987 
 
 17,758 
 
 271 
 
 190,846 
 
 209,639 
 
 763,164 
 
 239,461 
 
 11,759 
 
 72,710 
 
 2,789 
 
 906,840 
 
 992,625 
 
 771,424 
 
 210,981 
 
 15,206 
 
 74,777 
 
 3,471 
 
 898,012 
 
 982,405 
 
 1,980,408 
 
 000,000 
 
 28,949 
 
 143,887 
 
 10,550 
 
 1,980,408 
 
 1,980,408 
 
 988,416 
 
 000,000 
 
 12,728 
 
 93,865 
 
 4,326 
 
 988,416 
 
 988,416 
 
 851,470 
 
 000,000 
 
 11,619 
 
 76,208 
 
 3,099 
 
 851,470 
 
 851,470 
 
 594,621 
 
 87,422 
 
 12,211 
 
 54,458 
 
 3,030 
 
 647,074 
 
 672,043 
 
 192,214 
 
 000,000 
 
 2,044 
 
 14,085 
 
 482 
 
 192,214 
 
 192,214 
 
 304,226 
 
 000,000 
 
 2,884 
 
 20,177 
 
 1,273 
 
 304,226 
 
 304,226 
 
 397,654 
 
 000,000 
 
 4,520 
 
 34,089 
 
 1,979 
 
 397,654 
 
 397,654 
 
 200,000 
 
 000,000 
 
 15,000 
 
 3,000 
 
 50 
 
 200,000 
 
 200,000 
 
 6,077 
 
 000,000 
 
 30 
 
 157 
 
 5 
 
 6,077 
 
 6,077 
 
 61,505 
 
 000,000 
 
 1,157 
 
 3,750 
 
 20 
 
 61,505 
 
 61,505 
 
 25,000 
 
 500 
 
 1,000 
 
 4,000 
 
 30 
 
 25,300 
 
 25,500 
 
 13,293 
 
 000,000 
 
 47 
 
 1,164 51 
 
 13,293 
 
 13,293 
 
 have cost much labor and expense. They have been copied from the 
 
 iriginal manu- 
 
 vance of the Government.
 
 284 
 
 STATISTICAL TABLES. 
 
 
 TABLE IV 
 
 . Exhibiting 
 
 the Agricultural Productions, Value of 
 
 to the Census of 1850. 
 
 [Ratio of representation, 
 
 one for every 
 
 STATES. 
 
 Acres of land im- 
 prov.d. 
 
 Value of farming: 
 implements, ate. 
 
 Value of live stock. 
 
 Bushels of wheat. 
 
 
 2,019,593 
 
 $2,363,517 
 
 §9,831,488 
 
 367,980 
 
 N. H ... 
 
 2,251,388 
 
 2,314,125 
 
 8,871,901 
 
 185,658 
 
 Vermont.. 
 
 2,322,923 
 
 2,774,959 
 
 11,292,748 
 
 493,666 
 
 
 2,127,924 
 
 3,173,809 
 
 9,619,964 
 
 29,784 
 
 K. I 
 
 337,672 
 
 473,385 
 
 1,466,636 
 
 39 
 
 
 1,734,277 
 
 2,043,026 
 
 7,353,996 
 
 40,167 
 
 N.York... 
 
 12,285,077 
 
 22,217,563 
 
 74,672,356 
 
 13,073,357 
 
 N. Jersey 
 
 1,770,337 
 
 4,267,124 
 
 10,678,264 
 
 1,508,216 
 
 Peun'a 
 
 8,619,631 
 
 14,931,993 
 
 42,146,711 
 
 15,482,191 
 
 Delaware 
 
 524,364 
 
 471,385 
 
 1,718,386 
 
 466,784 
 
 Maryland 
 
 2,797,905 
 
 2,463,443 
 
 7,997,634 
 
 4,494,680 
 
 D.of a... 
 
 17,083 
 
 40,220 
 
 71,573 
 
 17,370 
 
 Virginia... 
 
 10,150,106 
 
 7,021,658 
 
 33,607,952 
 
 14,516,950 
 
 N. Ca 
 
 5,443,137 
 
 4,056,006 
 
 17,837,108 
 
 2,147,899 
 
 S. Cu 
 
 4,074,855 
 
 4,143,709 
 
 15,060,015 
 
 1,066,278 
 
 Georgia... 
 
 6,323,426 
 
 5,901,050 
 
 25,727,408 
 
 1,085,784 
 
 Florida ... 
 
 349,423 
 
 675,885 
 
 2,945,668 
 
 1,225 
 
 Alabama.. 
 
 4,387,088 
 
 5,066,814 
 
 31,558,686 
 
 292,429 
 
 
 3,489,640 
 
 5,759,738 
 
 19,303,593 
 
 215,181 
 
 Louisiana 
 
 1,567,998 
 
 11,326,310 
 
 10,983,508 
 
 84 
 
 Texas 
 
 635,913 
 
 2,095,308 
 
 10,263,086 
 
 42,448 
 
 Arkansas . 
 
 780,333 
 
 1,594,941 
 
 6,728,254 
 
 193,902 
 
 Tennessee 
 
 5,087,057 
 
 5,351,178 
 
 29, 134,193 
 
 1,638,470 
 
 Kentucky 
 
 6,068,633 
 
 5,388,092 
 
 29,898,386 
 
 2,184,763 
 
 Ohio 
 
 9,730,650 
 
 12,716,153 
 
 43,276,187 
 
 14,967,056 
 
 Michigan . 
 
 1,923,582 
 
 2,764,171 
 
 8,005,429 
 
 4,918,706 
 
 Indiana... 
 
 5,019,822 
 
 6,748,722 
 
 22,398,965 
 
 6,625,474 
 
 Illinois 
 
 5,114,041 
 
 6,349,826 
 
 24,817,954 
 
 9,433,965 
 
 Missouri... 
 
 2,911,422 
 
 3,977,449 
 
 19,764,672 
 
 2,943,840 
 
 
 814,173 
 
 1,202,978 
 
 3,602,769 
 
 1,442,074 
 
 Wisconsin 
 
 1,011,308 
 
 1,701,047 
 
 4,594,717 
 
 4,292,208 
 
 California. 
 
 34,312 
 
 88,593 
 
 3,456,725 
 
 98,282 
 
 Minnesota 
 
 5,035 
 
 15,981 
 
 103,859 
 
 3,422 
 
 Oregon 
 
 135,357 
 
 183,403 
 
 1,875,989 
 
 228 882 
 
 Utah 
 
 15,219 
 
 78,495 
 
 533,951 
 
 103*441 
 
 N. Mex... 
 
 161,296 
 
 78,217 
 
 1,504,497 
 
 196,575 
 
 Total... 
 
 112,042,000 
 
 151,820,273 552,705,238 
 
 104,799,230
 
 
 STATISTICAL TABLES. 
 
 285 
 
 Stock, and the Representatives in Congress, of each > 
 
 State, according 
 
 93,716 inhabitants.] 
 
 
 
 
 Bushels of Indian 
 corn. 
 
 Wool, pounds of. 
 
 Flaxseed, 
 bushels of. 
 
 Maple sugar, pounds 
 of. 
 
 Hay, tons of. 
 
 35 
 
 1,741,715 
 
 1,366,866 
 
 362 
 
 87,541 
 
 794,780 
 
 ~6 
 
 1,573,670 
 
 1,108,476 
 
 94 
 
 1,292,429 
 
 598,854 
 
 3 
 
 1,625,776 
 
 3,492,087 
 
 307 
 
 5,159,641 
 
 763,579 
 
 3 
 
 2,326,167 
 
 576,736 
 
 72 
 
 768,596 
 
 645,749 
 
 11 
 
 516,133 
 
 111,937 
 
 None. 
 
 None. 
 
 73,353 
 
 2 
 
 1,996,462 
 
 512,529 
 
 9,775 
 
 37,781 
 
 499,706 
 
 4 
 
 17,844,808 
 
 10,021,507 
 
 53,824 
 
 10,310,764 
 
 3,714,734 
 
 33 
 
 8,605,396 
 
 375,932 
 
 12,353 
 
 5,886 
 
 429,119 
 
 5 
 
 19,707,702 
 
 4,784,367 
 
 43,627 
 
 2,218,644 
 
 1,826,265 
 
 25 
 
 2,888,896 
 
 52,887 
 
 838 
 
 None. 
 
 30,159 
 
 1 
 
 11,104,631 
 
 477,438 
 
 2,816 
 
 47,740 
 
 145,070 
 
 6 
 
 65,280 
 
 None. 
 
 None. 
 
 None. 
 
 1,974 
 
 
 
 35,538,582 
 
 2,850,909 
 
 53,333 
 
 1,223,905 
 
 370,177 
 
 13 
 
 28,286,999 
 
 915,289 
 
 38,183 
 
 27,448 
 
 145,180 
 
 8 
 
 16,272,308 
 
 487,243 
 
 11 
 
 200 
 
 25,427 
 
 5 
 
 30,428,540 
 
 988,802 
 
 585 
 
 50 
 
 23,427 
 
 8 
 
 1,993,462 
 
 23,235 
 
 None. 
 
 None. 
 
 2,620 
 
 1 
 
 28,485,966 
 
 637,829 
 
 54 
 
 473 
 
 31,801 
 
 7 
 
 21,836,154 
 
 556,057 
 
 21 
 
 110 
 
 12,517 
 
 5 
 
 10,915,051 
 
 105,393 
 
 None. 
 
 260 
 
 20,672 
 
 4 
 
 5,796,735 
 
 122,118 
 
 16 
 
 None. 
 
 8,327 
 
 2 
 
 8,857,296 
 
 181,427 
 
 695 
 
 8,825 
 
 3,924 
 
 2 
 
 52,137,863 
 
 1,340,833 
 
 19,405 
 
 159,647 
 
 72,942 
 
 10 
 
 58,922,788 
 
 2,246,168 
 
 80,458 
 
 388,525 
 
 115,296 
 
 10 
 
 59,788,750 
 
 10,089,607 
 
 185,598 
 
 4,521,643 
 
 1,360,636 
 
 21 
 
 5,620,215 
 
 2,047,364 
 
 1,186 
 
 2,423,897 
 
 394,717 
 
 2 
 
 52,887,564 
 
 2,502,763 
 
 35,803 
 
 2,921,638 
 
 402,791 
 
 11 
 
 57,179,283 
 
 2,129,139 
 
 11,873 
 
 246,078 
 
 586,011 
 
 9 
 
 35,709,042 
 
 1,635,182 
 
 13,439 
 
 171,943 
 
 116,284 
 
 7 
 
 8,475,027 
 
 363,398 
 
 2,182 
 
 70,680 
 
 84,598, 2 
 
 1,983,378 
 
 243,065 
 
 834 
 
 661,969 
 
 295,9271 3 
 
 90,082 
 
 4,800 
 
 None. 
 
 None. 
 
 2,038 2 
 
 16,665 
 
 260 
 
 u 
 
 2,950 
 
 2,069 
 
 2,928 
 
 29,596 
 
 a 
 
 None. 
 
 373 
 
 9,144 
 
 8,897 
 
 5 
 
 u 
 
 4,2881 
 
 355,795 
 
 32,641 
 
 None. 
 
 a 
 
 None. 
 
 591,586,053 
 
 52,422,797 
 
 567,749 
 
 32,759,263 
 
 13,605,384 233 ,
 
 [286 
 
 STATISTICAL TABLES. 
 
 TABLE T 
 
 Exhibiting the Agricultural Productions, Number of 
 
 
 Deaths, &c, according to the Census of 1850. 
 
 STATES. 
 
 Butter, pounds of. 
 
 Cheese, pouDda of. 
 
 Gallons of wine 
 
 No. of 
 deaths. 
 
 Ratio to the 
 Irring. 
 
 
 8,488,234 
 
 2,201,105 
 
 306 
 
 7,545 
 
 77.29 
 
 N. H 
 
 6,977,056 
 
 3,196,563 
 
 35 
 
 4,268 
 
 74.49 
 
 Vermont.. 
 
 12,128,095 
 
 6,755,006 
 
 140 
 
 3,132 
 
 100.13 
 
 Mass 
 
 7,825,337 
 
 7,124,461 
 
 4,122 
 
 19,414 
 
 51.23 
 
 R. I 
 
 1,066,625 
 
 296,748 
 
 842 
 
 2,241 
 
 65.83 
 
 Conn 
 
 6,620,579 
 
 4,512,019 
 
 3,346 
 
 5,781 
 
 64.13 
 
 N. York... 
 
 82,043,823 
 
 40,785,905 
 
 6,483 
 
 44,339 
 
 69.85 
 
 N. Jersey 
 
 9,070,710 
 
 500,819 
 
 517 
 
 6,467 
 
 75.70 
 
 Penn'a.... 
 
 40,554,741 
 
 2,395,279 
 
 23,839 
 
 28,318 
 
 81.63 
 
 Delaware 
 
 1,034,867 
 
 3,187 
 
 85 
 
 1,209 
 
 75.71 
 
 Maryland 
 
 4,206,160 
 
 3,925 
 
 2,099 
 
 9,594 
 
 60.77 
 
 D.of C... 
 
 14,869 
 
 None. 
 
 863 
 
 846 
 
 61.09 
 
 Virginia... 
 
 11,126,795 
 
 434,850 
 
 4,280 
 
 19,053 
 
 74.61 
 
 N. Ca 
 
 4,144,258 
 
 95,043 
 
 10,801 
 
 10,207 
 
 85.12 
 
 S. Ca 
 
 2,979,975 
 
 4,810 
 
 3,680 
 
 7,997 
 
 83.59 
 
 Georgia . . . 
 
 4,640,074 
 
 46,391 
 
 664 
 
 9,920 
 
 91.33 
 
 Florida ... 
 
 375,853 
 
 18,324 
 
 10 
 
 933 
 
 93.67 
 
 Alabama.. 
 
 3,961,592 
 
 30,423 
 
 14 
 
 9,084 
 
 84.94 
 
 
 4,388,112 
 
 20,314 
 
 301 
 
 8,711 
 
 69.63 
 
 Louisiana 
 
 685,136 
 
 1,148 
 
 None. 
 
 11,948 
 
 42.85 
 
 Texas 
 
 2,319,574 
 
 92,018 
 
 94 
 
 3,046 
 
 69.79 
 
 Arkansas . 
 
 1,854,104 
 
 28,440 
 
 10 
 
 2,987 
 
 70.18 
 
 Tennessee 
 
 8,130,686 
 
 179,577 
 
 204 
 
 11,759 
 
 85.34 
 
 Kentucky 
 
 10,115,267 
 
 228,744 
 
 4,202 
 
 15,206 
 
 64.60 
 
 Ohio 
 
 34,180,458 
 
 21,350,478 
 
 44,834 
 
 28,949 
 
 68.41 
 
 Michigan . 
 
 7,043,794 
 
 1,012,551 
 
 1,443 
 
 4,520 
 
 88.19 
 
 Indiana... 
 
 12,748,186 
 
 666,986 
 
 13,004 
 
 12,728 
 
 77.65 
 
 
 12,605,554 
 
 1,283,758 
 
 2,343 
 
 11,619 
 
 73.28 
 
 Missouri... 
 
 7,762,124 
 
 201,597 
 
 10,193 
 
 12,211 
 
 55.81 
 
 
 1,933,128 
 
 198,444 
 
 420 
 
 2,044 
 
 94.03 
 
 Wisconsin 
 
 888,816 
 
 440,961 
 
 68 
 
 2,884 
 
 105.82 
 
 California. 
 
 705 
 
 150 
 
 None. 
 
 Unkn. 
 
 Unkn. 
 
 Minnesota 
 
 1,100 
 
 None. 
 
 « 
 
 30 
 
 202.56 
 
 Oregon 
 
 211,734 
 
 36,030 
 
 a 
 
 47 
 
 282.82 
 
 Utah 
 
 74,064 
 
 32,646 
 
 it 
 
 239 
 
 47.61 
 
 N. Mex... 
 
 101 
 
 5,887 
 
 2,053 
 
 1,157 
 
 53.15 
 
 Total... 
 
 312,202,286 
 
 103,184,585 
 
 141,295 
 
 
 '1
 
 STATISTICAL TABLES. 
 
 287 
 
 TABLE VI. Official Synopsis of the Census of Great Britain. [Taken 
 March 31st, 1851.] 
 
 England and Wales 
 
 Scotland 
 
 Isles in British seas 
 
 Total , 
 
 Ireland (1851) 
 
 " (1841) 
 
 Decrease in 10 y'rs 
 
 3,280,961 
 
 366,650 
 
 21,826 
 
 3,669,437 
 
 1,047,739 
 
 1,328,839 
 
 281,900 
 
 Uninhabited. 
 
 152,898 
 
 11,956 
 
 1,077 
 
 165,931 
 
 65,159 
 52,208 
 12,951t 
 
 26.554 
 
 2,378 
 
 202 
 
 2,113 
 3,313 
 1,200 
 
 POPULATION. 
 
 8,762,588 
 
 1,363,622 
 
 6,651 
 
 10,192,721 
 
 3,176,727 
 
 4,019,576 
 
 842,849 
 
 9,160,180 
 
 1,507.162 
 
 76,405 
 
 10,743,747 
 
 3,339,067 
 
 4,155,548 
 
 816,481 
 
 17,922,768 
 
 2,870,784 
 
 142,916 
 
 20,936,468* 
 
 6,515,794 
 8,176,727 
 1,660,933 
 
 POPULATION AT VARIOUS PERIODS. 
 
 England, Scotl'd \ 
 and Wales j 
 
 Inc. for 10 years ... 
 Per ct. for 10 years 
 
 1801 
 
 10,567,893 
 
 1811 
 
 12,047,455 
 
 1,479,562 
 
 14 
 
 1821 
 
 14,180,351 
 
 2,132,896 
 
 18 
 
 1831 
 
 16,364,893 
 
 2,184,542 
 
 15 
 
 1841 
 
 18,658,372 
 
 2.260,749 
 
 14 
 
 1851 
 
 20,936,468 
 
 2,227,438 
 
 12 
 
 POPULATION OF THE UNITED STATES AT SIMILAR PERIODS. 
 
 1790 
 
 1840 
 
 3,929,827 
 
 Inc. per ct. \ 
 in 10 years j" 
 
 5,305,940 
 35 
 
 r,239,814 
 
 3eu 
 
 ',638,191 
 33 
 
 12,866,020 
 33^ 
 
 17,068,666 
 
 THE PROMINENT POWERS OF EUROPE CONTRASTED. 
 
 Or. Brit. & Irel'd 
 
 France 
 
 Russia , 
 
 Austria 
 
 Turkey 
 
 Spain 
 
 Population. 
 
 27,452,262 
 36,000,000 
 70,000,000 
 37,000,000 
 12,500,000 
 13.000,000 
 
 army. 
 
 129,000 
 265,000 
 700,000 
 500,000 
 220,000 
 160,000 
 
 $3,333,33::;.:;;:"! 
 886,666,666 
 488,666,666 
 733,333,333 
 
 26(1,666,066 
 866,666,666 
 
 Taxes paid 
 to support 
 army, &c. 
 
 250,000,000 
 335,000,000 
 550,000,000 
 500.000.000 
 75,000,000 
 400,000,000 
 
 Yearly income 
 
 of all 
 
 the people. 
 
 2,750,000,000 
 
 1,600,000,000 
 
 Unknown 
 
 Av. tax 
 for each 
 person. 
 
 * Persons in the army, the navy, and the merchant vessels, and out of the country 
 when the census was taken, 167,604. f Increase of uninhabited houses. 
 
 % The whole debt of all the powers of Europe is about ten billions of dollars, (which 
 has been incurred to sustain the wars of kings and emperors.) This gives an ave- 
 rage, for each family of five persons, of nearly $200. [See page 312.] 
 
 § The amounts in this column go to the annual support of the army and government, and not to pay 
 the national debt. The Englishman pavsan annual tax to support the army, &c, to the amount of one- 
 eleventh of all bis income j while the Frenchman, for the same purposes, pays one-fifth. The yearly 
 income from the productive industry of the 36.000,000 of people in France is but little more than half 
 that of the 27,000,000 in Great Britain. In England there are 630,721 voters; in Wales, 37,924; in 
 Scotland, 72,720: and in Ireland, 9S.006. In France there are only 2i0,000 voters. In England, one 
 person out of every 26 is a voter ; in Wales, 1 to 23 ; in Scotland, 1 to 38 ; and in Ireland, 1 to 81. In 
 trance, there is only 1 voter to 137 persons. In the United States, there is 1 voter to 7 persons.
 
 288 
 
 AMENDMENTS. 
 
 § 9. When an amendment to an amendment 
 is adopted by an assembly, it is in order further 
 to move to amend the proposed amendment as it 
 stands in its new form. In this way any pro- 
 posed amendment may be amended so long as an 
 assembly deem it capable of being improved, or, 
 in other words, for an indefinite number of times ; 
 
 § 10. But no motion to amend is in order during 
 the pending of the question to amend an amend- 
 ment to an amendment, and the adoption of the 
 first amendment either with or without amend- 
 ment, precludes, at once, all further consideration 
 of it, at that stage of the bill.
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 APPENDIX* 
 
 Brief directions to youth, and those inexperienced, who wish to establish 
 
 and conduct properly Literary and Debating Societies. 
 
 When you intend to write or speak on any subject, endeavor to 
 
 obtain all possible information pertaining to the same, both by reading 
 
 and inquiry, and strive to keep in mind the five following rules for 
 
 THINKING THEREON: 
 
 1. Endeavor to reason clearly and concisely on each part of the sub- 
 ject, and all matters pertaining thereto. 
 
 2. Think connectedly of each part with reference to the whole 
 subject. 
 
 3. View all the parts of the subject in their most extensive and varied 
 applications. 
 
 4. Examine the subject in all its relations and bearings with other 
 subjects of a similar nature. 
 
 5. Arrange all your thoughts on the subject in a proper method, and 
 a just order, so that others may easily understand and remember your 
 observations. 
 
 The following Rules of Method, in arranging a composition, will be 
 found useful to the young or inexperienced. 
 
 1. " Use great care and caution in laying the foundations of a dis- 
 course, and carefully digest your thoughts upon the subject. 
 
 2. Let your primary and fundamental propositions be not only evi- 
 dent and true, but make them familiar to your mind. 
 
 3. Draw up all your propositions and arguments with much caution, 
 and express your ideas with exact limitation, so as to preclude objec- 
 tions. 
 
 4. Begin with those things which are best known, and most obvious, 
 and proceed by regular and easy steps to things that are more difficult, 
 so that your auditors or readers may attend without fatigue. 
 
 5. Do not crowd too many thoughts and reasonings into one sentence 
 or paragraph, so as to exceed the capacity of those you address. 
 
 6. Avoid too many subdivisions; yet divide every complicated theme 
 into its distinct parts, as far as the nature of the subject and your de- 
 sign require. 
 
 7. Arrange every idea, proposition, and argument in its proper class, 
 and keep each part of the subject in its own place. 
 
 * This Appendix contains an outline for assisting youth, and those inexperienced, in 
 conducting discussions and preparing lectures. 
 
 25 T
 
 METHOD, ARGUMENTS, AND RHETORICAL ARRANGEMENT. 
 
 8. Never prove those things which need no proof, and do not suffer 
 every occasional and incidental thought to induce you to digress or 
 wander from the subject." 
 
 Method is Analytical or Synthetical : 
 
 1. " The Analytical method resolves the compound into its principles, 
 and the whole into its parts. 
 
 2. The Synthetical method begins with the parts and leads to a 
 whole, or it puts together the principles and forms a compound. 
 
 All Arguments are termed either metaphysical, physical, political, 
 moral, mechanical, or theological, according to the science or subject 
 from which they are drawn. 
 
 The Argumentum ad judicium is an appeal to the common sense of 
 mankind. 
 
 The Argumentum ad fidem is an appeal to our faith. 
 
 The Argumentum ad hominem is an appeal to the practices or pro- 
 fessed principles of our opponent. 
 
 The Argumentum ad populum is an appeal to the people. 
 
 The Argumentum ex concesso is when something is proved by means 
 of another proposition previously conceded. 
 
 The Argumentum ad passiones is an appeal to the passions." 
 
 RHETORICAL ARRANGEMENT. 
 
 The arguments of every discourse, or oration, or composition, should 
 be properly classified and arranged. 
 
 The parts of a discourse are sometimes five, and sometimes six, viz. 
 the Exordium, the Narration, the Proposition, the Confirmation, the 
 Refutation,* and the Peroration. 
 
 1. The Exordium. In the Exordium, or beginning of a discourse, 
 the writer or speaker gives some intimation of his subject, and solicits 
 favor and attention. In this part he ought to be clear and modest; 
 and whatever is trifling, tedious, and prolix, should be avoided. 
 
 2. The Narration. The Narration is a brief recital of the facts con- 
 nected with the case from the beginning to the end. This part of a 
 discourse ought to be plain and perspicuous, that it may be understood ; 
 and probable and consistent, that it may be believed. 
 
 3. The Proposition. Iu this part is given the true state of the ques- 
 tion, specifying the points maintained, and those in which the writer or 
 speaker differs from the adversary. Here also the several heads should 
 be enumerated, 
 
 4. The Confirmation. The Confirmation assembles all the proofs and 
 arguments which can be adduced. The strongest are to begin and to 
 end this part, and the weakest are to come in the middle. 
 
 * This division properly applies to forensic discussions.
 
 AN ORATION DIVIDED INTO PARTS. 
 
 li 
 
 5. The Refutation* In the Refutation, the writer or speaker answers 
 the arguments and objections of his opponent, showing them to be ab- 
 surd, false, trifling, irrelevant, or inconsistent, as the case may be. 
 
 6. The Peroration, or Conclusion. In the Peroration, he sums up the 
 strongest and principal arguments, and endeavors also to excite the 
 passions in his favor. 
 
 EXAMPLE OF AN ORATION DIVIDED INTO PARTS. 
 Address of St Paul to Agrippa, Acts xxvi. 2. 
 
 EXORDIUM. 
 
 I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because I shall answer for my- 
 self this day before thee, touching all the things whereof I am accused 
 by the Jews: especially because I know thee to be expert in all cus- 
 toms and questions which are among the Jews : wherefore I beseech 
 thee to hear me patiently. 
 
 NARRATION. 
 
 My manner of life from my youth, which was at first among mine 
 own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews, which knew me from the 
 beginning (if they would testify) that, after the strictest sect of our re- 
 ligion, I lived a Pharisee. And now I stand and am judged, for the 
 hope of the promise made by God unto our fathers : unto which pro- 
 mise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to 
 come : for which hope's sake, King Arippa, I am accused by the Jews. 
 
 PROPOSITIOX. 
 
 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you that God should 
 raise the dead ? 
 
 CONFIRMATION. 
 
 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary 
 to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which thing I also did in Jerusa- 
 lem : and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received 
 authority from the chief priests ; and when they were put to death, I 
 gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every syna- 
 gogue, and compelled them to blaspheme ; and being exceedingly mad 
 against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities. Whereupon, 
 as I went to Damascus, with authority and commission from the chief 
 priests ; at mid day, king ! I saw in the way a light from heaven, 
 above the brightness of the sun, shining around me, and them which 
 journeyed with me. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard 
 a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, "Saul, 
 Saul, why persecuteth thou me ? It is hard for thee to kick against 
 the goads." And I said, "Who art thou Lord ?" And he said, " I am 
 
 * This division properly applies to forensic discussions.
 
 OUTLINE FOR YOUNG DEBATERS. 
 
 Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise and stand upon thy feet : for 
 I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister 
 and a witness both of those things which thou hast seen, and of those 
 things in which I will appear unto thee ; delivering thee from the people 
 and from the Gentiles, unto whom I now send thee, to open their eyes, 
 and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan 
 unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of 6ins, and inheritance 
 among them, which are sanctified through that, faith which is in me." 
 Whereupon, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly 
 vision ; but shewed, first unto them of Damascus, and afterwards to 
 those of Jerusalem, and through all the country of Judea, and then to 
 the Gentiles, that they should repent of their sins and turn to God, 
 performing deeds worthy of tnat repentance which they profess. 
 
 REFUTATION. 
 
 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about 
 to kill me with their own hands. Having therefore obtained help of 
 God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, 
 saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses have 
 declared should come ; that Christ should suffer, and that he should be 
 the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto 
 the people, and to the Gentiles. 
 
 PERORATION.* 
 
 I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak forth the words of truth 
 and soberness. For the king knoweth of these things, before whom 
 also I speak freely : For I am persuaded that none of these things are 
 hidden from him ; for this thing was not done in a corner. King 
 Agrippa, believest thou the prophets ? I know that thou believest. 
 I would to God that not only thee, but also all that hear me this day, 
 were both almost and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. 
 
 OUTLINE OF A DEBATE. 
 Are fictitious writings beneficial ? 
 
 AFFIRMATIVE. 
 
 Fictions are productions of the most brilliant imaginations, the 
 magnificent pictures of fancy, enchanting descriptions of vast fortunes 
 acquired by building castles in the air, wonderful adventures of lovers, 
 hair breadth escapes of knight-errants, and glorious exploits of con- 
 querors. Stories to fascinate the young and amuse the aged. 
 
 * There should be an intimation of the conclusion of an address, for the attention of 
 the audience generally revives towards its close, and it is at this point that the orator 
 should make his boldest flights, and most powerful efforts to leave an indelible im- 
 I pression on every mind.
 
 OUTLINES FOR YOUNG DEBATERS 
 
 \ 2. By fictitious writings we mean novels ami romances, unreal 
 painting which tickle the fancy, and as proof of their transcendent 
 utility in enchaining the mind of youth and creating habits of reading, 
 it is only necessary to examine the captivating and alluring style in 
 which they are, as a whole, always written. Many, especially young 
 ladies, peruse them merely for curiosity, or amusement, and thus form 
 a taste for reading which in all probability they never would have done 
 were it not for productions of fiction. Novels and romances are illustrated 
 with engravings, and are so cheap as to be within the reach of all, and 
 tend to create a taste for the fine arts. 
 
 \ 3. But their vast benefits are not confined to the young alone, they 
 enter the home of all who have been unfortunate in business, and em- 
 ploy the time of disconsolate wives and heart-broken husbands. Many 
 families spend happy hours in reading and discussing the merits of the 
 last novels of European writers, for it is to be regretted that we have, 
 as yet, few if any in that department who equal those of England and 
 France. 
 
 \ 4. As a proof of the great benefits of novels we need only allude to 
 the fact that many thousands derive their support from their sales. 
 Not a railroad car comes in or goes out of any city or village, of any 
 note, in this country, but has in it some poor youth, perhaps the child 
 of a dissipated father, or which, we believe, is more generally the case 
 of a widowed mother, who is loaded with romances, or what amounts 
 to the same thing, newspapers and periodicals which contain mostly 
 extracts from those works of delightful amusement and recreation. 
 
 \ 5. There is not a steam boat that plies on the waters of this free 
 republic from Maine to California but has on board its venders of novels 
 and romances. We have already said enough to convince every reason- 
 able and intelligent mind of the vast benefits of works of fiction, yet we 
 deem it necessary, before closing, to clinch the nail and settle forever 
 this heretofore mooted question. It has been found by statistics* of 
 England and France that the publication of works of fiction employs 
 more persons, gives support to more venders than all the works on re- 
 ligion, law, and medicine ; than all the religious, scientific and literary 
 magazines, all the religious newspapers and all the other dry literature 
 of those countries combined. 
 
 § 6. It is to be regretted that in the United States we have no sta- 
 tistics of the kind, but I am sure the observations of all present will 
 bear us out in the assertion that America is not behind the old world 
 in appreciating the great benefits of the works of fiction. In all our 
 railroad cars, and on all our steamboats to which we have alluded, 
 comparatively speaking no other writings are read. The people almost 
 
 * See Edinburgh Magazine for 18d0. 
 
 25'
 
 OUTLINES FOR YOUNG DEBATERS. 
 
 unanimously see and acknowledge the benefits of fictitious writings, fcr 
 they patronize no other books in all our public thoroughfares, and vox 
 
 populi VOX DEI.* 
 
 a 7 In works of fiction virtue is decked in all its beauty and loveli- 
 ness, and vice is held up in such horrible deformity that it need only be 
 depicted to be shunned. The reader is taught to enter the bowers of 
 paradise created by the former, and enticed from the miseries of tb« 
 
 \ 8. Many novels, and particularly Sir Walter Scott's, are founded 
 on facts, and in them are interwoven all the important historical infor- 
 mation that is necessary for any one to know. Again, are not fable* 
 fictitious ? and what is more, are not the parables of our Saviour ficti- 
 tious ? With these overwhelming arguments we rest our cause. 
 
 \ 1. Before endeavoring to reply to the arguments of our opponents, 
 we give them full credit for doing all that skill and ability can accom- 
 plish, they have labored with an enthusiasm worthy of a better cause, 
 and their reasonings if permitted to go unrefuted, would doubtless be 
 productive of much evil. 
 
 3 2. The parables of our Saviour are not fictitious, all his parables 
 are facts introduced to represent truths, that is, He makes use of 
 earthly things to illustrate heavenly realities, and this is done in order 
 to make his instructions understood. Fables are modes of illustrating 
 truth, and are symbolical facts, and therefore are not fictitious. 
 
 I 3. As far as the novels of Scott are facts or histories, they are not 
 fictitious, and hence, have no bearing on the subject, and all those parts 
 of his novels which are fictitious, have a tendency to mislead and de- 
 ceive the reader, and are positively injurious. How melancholy it is 
 to reflect that the brilliant intellect of Scott was squandered in amus- 
 ing instead of instructing mankind ; that he labored to please men 
 instead of aiding them to do substantial good and glorify their Creator. 
 
 \ 4. Works of fiction do not, as a general rule, clothe virtue in all 
 its loveliness, and vice in all its deformity. They familiarize the mind 
 with all that is corrupting and depraved, by administering to the sen- 
 sual appetites, enervating and stultifying the intellectual powers. The 
 very reverse of the assertion of our opponents, is generally true. For 
 vice depicted by the tinsel of the novelist, is "first dreaded, then 
 pitied, then embraced." 
 
 \ 5. In real history alone is the true line of demarkation drawn ; there 
 you see the difference between virtue and vice practically illustrated 
 I in the lives of Arnold and Washington, Nero and Marcus Aurelius, Jo- 
 
 : The voice of the people is the voice of God.
 
 OUTLINES FOR YOUNG DEBATERS. 
 
 seph and his brethren, Judas and our Savior. Our opponents regret 
 that we have no statistics to prove, as they have done with England 
 and France, that the sales of novels exceed that of all the other 
 books of the country combined. Startling as is this information in re- 
 gard to Europe, we will show the sophistry of their conclusions in ref- 
 erence to America. It is true that all our public thoroughfares and 
 cities are flooded with novels ; because this happens to be the fact, does 
 it follow that they are beneficial ? These same places abound with all 
 manner of intoxicating drinks, but does this prove that they are pro- 
 ductive of good ? Where are the most crimes committed ? Where 
 prowls the libertine? the gambler? the thief? the incendiary? the 
 robber ? the murderer ? the enemies of rational liberty and of human 
 progress ? In the very places where novels are the most abundant ; 
 and it is a well established fact that the most heinous criminals read, 
 exclusively, works of fiction, and decry everything of a moral and reli- 
 gious tendency. Truly, " by their fruits shall ye know them." As for 
 the benefits of novels in comforting and sustaining those who have been 
 unfortunate in business, the very reverse is true. Novels engaged the 
 attention of the young wife ; she neglected her domestic duties, read 
 late at night, became fretful and peevish because her husband had not 
 millions at his command, because he was not a senator, governor, presi- 
 dent, duke, king, or emperor ; she unconsciously neglected her children, 
 made her home intolerable, and drove her husband to the intoxicating 
 bowl, or chased him, by her petulance, to a premature grave, and the 
 poor tatterdemalion orphans so pathetically described by our opponents, 
 were made such, through the pernicious influence of novels. We admit 
 that many may derive their entire livelihood by selling works of fiction ; 
 but is that beneficial which supports or enriches one or a dozen, and 
 ruins thousands ? Is it beneficial for a person to sell apparel which 
 scatters contagious diseases, sickness, and death, and fills the land with 
 gloom and misery ? Is that benficial which makes us see things through 
 a false medium ? Is that right which has the mass of the people on its 
 side ? Then is heathenism and idolatry more beneficial than Chris- 
 tianity. Then was the banishment of the pure and noble Aristides, by 
 the vox populi, just. The arguments of vox populi, so strongly relied 
 on by our opponents, reminds us of the discussion of an Irishman and 
 an itinerant minister about theatres: "And sure," said the former, 
 " theatres must be beneficial for we have in their favor the king of 
 England, the king of France, the king of Spain, and all the kings, and 
 all the nobility besides, and you, poor devils, have nobody on your side 
 except God Almighty." But to return to the subject. The great and 
 the wise of our own country totally disregard the sickening tales of 
 newspapers and periodicals, that editors insert for silly and weak minds . 
 Are the most eminent lawyers, judges, doctors, teachers, and ministers,
 
 OUTLINES FOR YOUNG DEBATERS. 
 
 advocates of fictitious writings ? Was there ever a novel found in the 
 library of a single one who ranks as one of the founders of our govern- 
 ment ? The vox sapientiae* is unanimous in favor of the negative of 
 the question under debate, and as for the vox populi, it may sustain the 
 affirmative side, and crucify the liberties of America, the same as it did 
 the Savior of the world. 
 
 \ 6. As for style it is bombastic and vulgar; for clearness, simpli- 
 city, strength, or beauty, the advantages are always in favor of 
 the sound literature, and the young will find, by reading books of bi- 
 ography and history, as much to captivate and allure towards the 
 piunacle of usefulness and fame, as there is on the side of works of fic- 
 tion to contaminate and sink into hopeless wretchedness. As for 
 cheapness, the American Bible Society furnish books at a lower rate, 
 which lead to eternal bliss instead of eternal misery. As for a taste of 
 the fine arts, the reverse is true. The dowdy obscene wood-cuts of 
 novels create a taste for all that is madening and tantalizing. The 
 gloomy cloud hiding the setting sun of many who were born with the 
 brightest earthly prospects before them, has carried when too late, the 
 saddest intelligence to many agonizing hearts, that bad books, novels, 
 and romances, are public fountains of vice. 
 
 2 7. Works of fiction tend to give unnatural views of life, and render a 
 distaste for all that is holy. Whoever heard of a novelist that was fond 
 of studying and practising the precepts of our Savior. Whoever knew 
 a real novel but tended to render the head silly ; the heart treacherous 
 and corrupt. 
 
 \ 8. The only reason why works of fiction are tolerated, is, that they 
 are diluted with a few facts, sugared over with a little virtue, but the 
 poison is sure to produce its fatal results. The haunts of dissipation 
 and wretchedness teem with novels. The worst members of society, if 
 they read at all, are certain to read them to the exclusion of all books 
 which tend to make the head wiser and the heart better. 
 
 \ 9. Works of fiction, as their name imports, are silent companions 
 of guile and falsehood. An eminently wise man once said, " Let me see 
 the favorite books of an individual, and I will tell you his character," 
 and another once remarked, "Let me write the book for a nation, and 
 I care not who makes the laws." 
 
 \ 10. Works of fiction are pernicious in the extreme, because they 
 create a relish, as their name imports, for falsehood ; they tend to make 
 weak minded and treacherous men silly, and dissolute women. They 
 scatter the seeds of dissipation and depravity, and stifle all holy aspira- 
 tions for the lofty and ennobling principles of the Bible. It should 
 never be forgotten that this book is the basis of civilization, and of hu- 
 
 * The voice of the wise.
 
 OUTLINES FOR YOUNG DEBATERS. 
 
 man improvement. No real liberty or happiness has ever existed, nor 
 can it ever exist without it. Truly it " transforms the tiger fury and 
 blindness of man into the gentleness of the lamb and the harmlessness 
 of the dove. Wherever its principles are not studied and revered, re- 
 publicanism and human bliss are alike unknown. 
 
 § 11. Many instances are known of ladies whose youth was as un- 
 sullied as the untrodden snow, the pride of their families, bidding fair 
 to shine among the brightest literary stars, who began by reading the 
 best illustrated novels, and ended with the worst, abandoned their dear- 
 est friends, carried the grey hairs of their parents in sorrow to the 
 grave, terminated their own lives as outcasts in the vilest dens of 
 iniquity. 
 
 \ 12. AY ere we compelled to lose our life or take a partner addicted 
 to reading works of fiction, we would choose the former, but were this 
 poor boon denied and the alternative of the latter presented, with that 
 of a lady addicted to habitual drunkenness then praying for death, we 
 should take the latter, for her habits brutalize directly the body, and 
 render her an object to be shunned, whereas those of the former de- 
 prave the soul and beguile only to ruin forever. 
 
 \ 13. Works of fiction are greater scourges than war, pestilence, the 
 inebriating bowl, and famine combined for these have intervals of ces- 
 sation, or are mostly confined to the worst part of the race, but the 
 former are ever present, and are perpetually ensnaring multitudes of 
 youth of both sexes, and particularly the fairer and better part of cre- 
 ation. Novels and romances, these keenest missiles of Satan, are no 
 longer confined to the places of their origin, the despotisms of the old 
 world, where they beguile the attention of subjects and aid kings, the 
 better to forge their fetters, they are stealing the names of cheap liter- 
 ature, and flooding our land. 
 
 \ 14. Our country youths as they for the first time visit some of the 
 great marts of the Union are beset on boats, cars or dock, and first en- 
 ticed by stool-pigeons of crime to buy the last historical novel ; then 
 follows in quick succession the depraving romances of France, in which 
 are wilily concealed cards pointing out the most horrible dens of ini- 
 quity into which no one has ever or can ever enter with safety. 
 
 § 15. The reader of works of fiction like the drinker of ardent spirits 
 knows not where he will stop, or the evils that will result therefrom. 
 No one can with truth say they will not injure me, for millions have 
 said the same and been irretrievably ruined. 
 
 \ 16. If man dies not as the brutes of the field and the trees of the 
 forest, if the mind lives forever, if human existence be given to fit and 
 strengthen the mental faculties for the life to come, then is every work 
 which tends to divert attention from the goal to which we are all rapidly
 
 10 
 
 OUTLINES FOit iGUNG DEBATERS. 
 
 hastening, and unfitting us for the end of our creation, pernicious in the 
 extreme. 
 
 \ 17. Novels and romances insidiously allure us from the duties to our- 
 selves, our friends and our Creator, and engender a distaste for reading 
 the holy scriptures, taking away the purest happiness on earth, and 
 the strongest hopes of bliss in heaven. The leaves of the novel, like 
 those of the flower that conceals the deadly asp of the Nile, if handled at 
 all, are liable to impart an unseen sting of unutterable anguish and 
 woe. 
 
 Is it Wrong for a Government to Deprive a wilful Murderer of Life ?* 
 
 AFFIRMATIVE. 
 
 \ 1. In supporting the affirmative of this question, we shall not at- 
 tempt to justify the murderer ; we wish him to receive even hand justice, 
 but we desire that he may be punished otherwise than by death, and in a 
 way that the community will be benefitted by his living. For death, 
 we propose to substitute imprisonment for life. This plan will be greater 
 punishment, and will also produce a revenue to the State, and often 
 save the lives of innocent persons. 
 
 \ 2. Many have been executed for supposed crimes, who afterwards 
 were proved innocent. By imprisoning alleged criminals, they may, 
 when proved guiltless, be set at liberty. The murderer, imprisoned, is 
 a living beacon to guard the young against the dangers and penalties of 
 crime, and affords the strongest protection to the community. Again, 
 taking the life of the murderer, is contrary to Scripture. After Abel 
 was killed by Cain, the Lord pronounced a seven-fold vengeance on any- 
 one who should put him to death. The Bible reads, "Thou shalt not 
 kill." Putting the murderer to death is killing him, and therefore a 
 direct violation of the law of God. The Savior prayed for his mur- 
 derers. 
 
 \ 3. If persons are condemned to death for crimes by the laws, it 
 lessens the value of human life in the eyes of the community. " Draco's 
 bloody code doomed to death every person who committed the least 
 fault ; but this instead of lessening crime increased it. The Romans 
 punished with death many small offences — and behold the result, the 
 community valued human life so little, and the frequent executions had 
 so hardened the hearts of the people, that the deadly combat of the 
 gladiators was a source of great amusement even to the ladies, who 
 looked on with joy to see man butcher his fellow-man, and hear his 
 death-struggle with delight. In England, a few years since, the steal- 
 ing of a watch was a capital offence ; yet, while one man was being 
 
 * See Civil Magistrate, Burleigh's American Manual, pps. 268 to 285, inclusive
 
 OUTLINES FOR YOUNG DEBATERS. 
 
 11 
 
 executed for that crime, it was reported that five hundred watches were 
 stolen from the crowd who came to witness his execution, and crimes 
 increased with a fearful ratio, so that the government was convinced 
 of the necessity of abolishing capital punishment for minor offences. 
 In our country, when executions were public, every species of crime 
 was committed under the gallows, and frequently other murders were 
 perpetrated in the vicinity of the execution, at the very time or soon 
 after. Again, capital punishment is a species of revenge, a relic of bar- 
 barism ; the principle is the same as if one man who being knocked 
 down, must in turn knock down his antagonist." 
 
 § 4. The object of law should be the reformation of the criminal, as 
 well as the prevention of crime. This is the end of the Divine law 
 and government. The Creator does not cut off immediately even the 
 greatest rebel against his just laws, but uses means to reform him, 
 ever holding out the sceptre of peace and salvation, and entreats him 
 to turn and live. Here then is a perfect example for the magistrates 
 of earth in the making and executing of laws. For these and the other 
 reasons adduced and proved by facts and the Bible, capital punishment 
 is wrong, a monstrous, cruel and barbarian custom, a disgrace even to 
 savages. As light is dawning on the moral darkness of our globe, we 
 trust that this and every other custom that is wrong, will soon be 
 banished from the civilized world. 
 
 3 1. On this subject so much depends on the peculiar feelings of in- 
 dividuals, and the judgments which they form, that unanimity cannot 
 be expected unless we set out from acknowledged principles, and 
 steadily pursue them to their legitimate consequences. 
 
 3 2. The great object of punisnment is the prevention of crime. The 
 wilful murderer commits the greatest outrage ; hence a government has 
 a right in his case to inflict that punishment which will best prevent 
 its recurrence. 
 
 § 3. The death penalty is universally viewed with more horror than 
 any other. Hence it is the most efficacious by way of prevention. No 
 murders would ever be committed if the life of the offender were certain 
 to be forfeited. There never was and never can be a sentence to prison 
 for life without a hope on the part of the culprit for escape. 
 
 2 4. The death penalty of our country offers a reasonable time to the 
 convict for repentance. A person who has committed one wilful mur- 
 der, will be certain to commit another, if permitted to live in society, 
 and many, if not a majority of them imprisoned for life are pardoned ; 
 they contaminate and ruin thousands ; their very breath is a moral pes- 
 tilence ; who can doubt but that their death would tend to prevent 
 crime, and be productive of more good than evil.
 
 12 
 
 OUTLINES FOR YOUNG DEBATERS. 
 
 § 5. The affirmative do not attempt to justify the murderer, but their 
 arguments from beginning to end tend indirectly to encourage base 
 assassins, robbers, murderers and pirates. Imprisonment for life a 
 greater punishment than death, was there ever a criminal that preferred 
 the latter to the former, "by their actions shall ye judge." 
 
 \ 6. The most heinous convicts always have confederates or asso- 
 ciates, who offer vast wealth to the attorney for obtaining a release. 
 Whoever Knew a lawyer who could not procure a pardon with a bag of 
 gold for the most revolting butcheries. 
 
 § 7. The governor of one of the largest States not many years ago 
 went into office worth about four thousand dollars, and went out worth 
 half a million, he pardoned only 236 criminals. Think of the number 
 of uncalled for pardons that nave been granted in our own state. Im- 
 prisonment for life to prevent murder is no more sensible than it would 
 be to pile up walls of tow to stop the progress of the raging flames. 
 
 \ 8. The fallacious efforts of the affirmative to prove the correctness 
 of their position by the Bible, are similar to those of the Atheist, to prove 
 there is no God. When he reads the latter part of the verse, "there 
 is no God," and omits the first part, which says, "the fool hath said 
 in his heart," there is no God.* The quotations to sustain the other 
 side of the question when properly explained in fact sustains ours. But 
 we will give a quotation which answers them, " whoso sheddeth man's 
 blood by man shall his blood be shed."f 
 
 \ 9. The safety of the community is endangered by permitting the 
 murderer to live. Among the numerous facts on this head, we will 
 cite only two. A few years ago, a murderer in Mexico, was sen- 
 tenced to die on the wheel ; both of his legs and one arm were cut off 
 and he was supposed to be dead. His mangled body was given to the 
 physicians, they took it to the dissecting room and there they discov- 
 ered signs of life, and, moved with pity, they used the means to re- 
 suscitate him with success. 
 
 \ 10. They placed him by the side of the public highway that he 
 might be supported by the charity of travellers. After being there for 
 some time, a wealthy gentleman was passing, of whom the beggar so- 
 licited alms — (his remaining hand being concealed under his coat ;) he 
 held to him a gold coin — the solicitor requested him to put it in his 
 pocket, stating that he had lost both of his hands : while stooping to 
 fulfil his request, the donor started back at the sudden appearance of a 
 hand with a dirk in it; he took the villain into his carriage and carried 
 him to the nearest public house, examined him, and found in his 
 pocket besides the dirk a whistle, which at once suggested the idea 
 that he was associated with a band of robbers. 
 
 * See Psalms, chap. liii. 1st. verse. 
 
 f Gen. is. 6.
 
 OUTLINES FOR YOUNQ DEBATERS. 
 
 13 
 
 \ 11 A number of armed men were collected, and going near the place 
 where the beggar had lain, concealed themselves, while one blowed the 
 whistle, when immediately several men emerged from a cave with cut- 
 lasses, pistols, &c. ; they were fired on and killed. The party then pro- 
 ceeded to the cavern, and there found a large quantity of gold and silver, 
 and a variety of articles, and in another part a trap-door, and in the 
 cellar the remains of from twenty-five to thirty bodies, most of whom 
 are supposed to have been killed by the one-hand beggar. 
 
 § 12. Robert Kid, the notorious pirate, stated that after he had com- 
 mitted the first murder, he was horror struck — his remorse of con- 
 science was almost insufferable, but it wore away by degrees, and at 
 length he killed another, then, he says, " My remorse of conscience was 
 great, but not so much as after killing the first man ; at length I 
 killed a third ; I now had much remorse of conscience, but still less, 
 and so on until I felt, after killing over four hundred, no more remorse 
 of conscience in killing a man than in slaying an ox."* The cruelty 
 of Roman amusements, gladiators, &c, has no more to do with the 
 question under debate, than the bull fights of Spain. The bloody laws 
 of Draco made the stealing of a pin as much a crime as the most de- 
 liberate murder, and are totally inapplicable to the present question. 
 In neither of those instances did the people look to the Bible as the 
 light to the path of duty. Capital punishment has been sanctioned by 
 the great and wise of every nation and of every age. Washington sanc- 
 tioned it, and caused Andre to be executed, who had not even com- 
 mitted murder, but was only looking about to see the condition of the 
 American army. Substitute imprisonment for the death penalty, and 
 society reverts to its savage state. 
 
 J) 13. The affirmative propose a half way measure ; grant imprison- 
 ment for life, and then its cruelty will be decried, and the moral 
 suasion of fanatics substituted therefor. The death penalty cuts off 
 Satan's hook from his line, imprisonment only puts on a bait ; the 
 lock will be broken, the wall scaled, or a pardon obtained, and then 
 perhaps a score of murders follow without detection, for practice in crime 
 as in every thing else, makes perfect. The murderer may not be pre- 
 pared to die, but he always has more time to repent and prepare for 
 the dread change than he allows his victim. 
 
 \ 14. The proposition to do away with the death penalty is theoreti- 
 cal, but the history of the world and common sense alike convince all 
 that it never can be carried out in practice. When the farmer detects 
 a wolf destroying his flock does he try to reform the animal in an en- 
 
 * Here we see the awful danger of beginning to do wrong. Oh I let us refrain from 
 commencing any bad course with more caution than we would aroid a mad dog or pes- 
 tilence ; for it will prove the path of death to the body, and a source of endless misery to 
 the undying soul. 
 
 H
 
 OUTLINES FOR YOUNG DEBATERS. 
 
 sure. The wilful murderer is a ravenous beast in society ; he de- 
 stroys the flock of his Savior, prison walls afford no permanent security 
 against his escape, and when at large the life of no one is entirely safe. 
 As he grows in years he advances in wickedness, undermines the morals 
 of thousands, inflicts vast misery but gives no happiness. His good and 
 the good of others alike demand that he be not plotting to kill 
 bis keepers, and escape from prison, but that he prepare in a given 
 time to answer at the bar of God in the best possible way for his atro- 
 cious crimes. The laws of no country are so rigidly executed as in Scot- 
 land, and in no place, in proportion to population, are there so few 
 murders. In the State of Delaware the criminal laws are the most se- 
 vere, they have now [1852] no state prison, all criminals are either 
 severely whipped with cat of nine tails or hanged. Yet in no State are 
 there so few crimes committed. Judge Willard Hall remarked not long 
 since that there had been but one horse stolen in Delaware for the past 
 fourteen years. The best way to prevent murder is to have laws ren- 
 dering detection if possible inevitable, and the greatest punishment, 
 which is death, because it is the passage to eternal happiness or end- 
 less misery to heaven or hell. It is an acknowledged principle that 
 whatever produces more good than evil is right. The death of the 
 wilful murderer does this. Hence it is not only right but the duty of 
 every government to take the only effective way to regenerate the 
 world, to elevate the race, to promote the safety, the happiness of all, 
 by quenching the ranting and raging fury of spurious philanthro- 
 j pists, the apologists, and hence the encouragers of the vilest criminals, 
 and by killing instead of nourishing, all deadly reptiles, and extermi- 
 nating instead of encouraging all the depraved monsters of crime.* 
 
 Is Party Spirit Beneficial? 
 
 AFFIRMATIVE. 
 
 \ 1. This is one of the most interesting questions that can claim hu- 
 man attention. All legislation is defective, and a spirit for differing in 
 opinion is a law of our nature. It is not in the power of man to decide 
 what is always expedient. Questions must frequently arise on subjects 
 both of a religious and political character, about which men will hon- 
 estly differ in opinion, and whether it be " the establishment of a church 
 without a bishop, or a government without a king ;" the education of 
 all the children by the church, or by the public schools of a state, you 
 will find that the wisest and the best honestly differ in opinion ; that 
 they will become leaders of parties, and that these parties are benefi- 
 cial in arousing a universal spirit of enquiry. 
 
 * For the illustrative facts in this outline, the author is indebted to Alfred E. Wright, 
 who has labored indefatigably in collecting a mass of statistics, and elevating by his 
 publications the common schools of our country.
 
 OUTLINES FOR YOUNG DEBATERS. 
 
 15 
 
 \ 2. Suppose there be a party in favor of war, there roust, as a na- 
 tural consequence, be one opposed to it. Suppose all were U raise a 
 revenue of one hundred millions to conquer an enemv, then there will 
 spring up a difference as to the way in which this revenue should be 
 raised, collected, and distributed. Party spirit is necessary for the 
 healthy administration of a government. It checks those in power from 
 becoming oppressive and corrupt. It was through the raging and per- 
 fecting power of party spirit, that the Declaration of Independence was 
 carried in the Congress of 1776. Had it not been for the beneficial influ- 
 ence of opposing parties, our glorious constitution would not have ap- 
 proximated so near to perfection as it does. It would, years ago, have 
 crumbled, and its ruins caused gloom and desolation throughout the 
 country. We see by the blessings of this spirit, that those parts of the 
 earth which were formerly inhabited by savages and barbarians, now 
 bloom and blossom like the rose, under the noblest form of government 
 on which the sun has ever risen. The press is nearly equally divided. 
 The partisans in religion and politics, arouse the dormant energies of 
 the whole land, and excite among all classes an unquenchable thirst for 
 investigation, for research, and mental elevation. All ancient govern- 
 ments that were the seats of science, of civilization, and of liberty, 
 received the beneficial influence of party spirit. "Wherever the sun of 
 liberty now shines the brightest ; wherever our holy religion is most 
 prized and revered, there do you find this spirit in the fullest plentitude 
 of its power. Hence, the demonstration that party spirit is benefi- 
 cial. 
 
 negative. 
 § 1. There is more of speciousness than of reality in the arguments 
 of the affirmative. It is boldly asserted that " a spirit for differing in 
 opinion, is a law of our natui'e." Hence, according to the tenor of this 
 fallacious reasoning, God has endowed us with faculties which, if we 
 use aright, will lead us to dispute the truth. Our opponents have 
 marshalled before you the founders of our government ; and what do 
 all their declarations prove : simply, that there was a party in favor of 
 a foreign king, and a party in favor of American liberty. The former, 
 the advocates of error ; the latter, of truth. We have been eloquently 
 reminded of the ancient cradles of science and liberty ; and what does 
 it all amount to ; why, simply this : that Republics, rent by the insane 
 fury of parties, have been, " like man born of woman, few of days and 
 full of trouble." We should deem the history of ancient republics, a 
 fable, were it not that their crumbling monuments still attest alike their 
 magnificence and the ruinous results of party spirit ; and wherever it is 
 now racing ; whether the mass of the people are marshalled under the 
 banners of sectarian or political aspirants, there is the progress of lib-
 
 OUTLINES FOR YOUNG DEBATERS. 
 
 erty jeopardized, and the cause of truth and justice set at defiance. 
 No two opposite parties either in religion or politics, were ever or can 
 ever, both be equally right ; and the arguments of the affirmative, in 
 demonstrating this question, prove that good is evil and that error is 
 truth, and that both are right. The fact is, there can be no parties 
 about truth ; no opposition can rightfully be brought against it. Party 
 spirit is the prolific source of falsehood. If truth be known, there can 
 be no difference of opinion among honest men. We should assist each 
 other in seeking it, and found all our actions on its enduring principles. 
 All our investigations should be conducted with fairness and sincerity. 
 In even the best regulated christian communities at the present 
 day, there are parties. The reason is, that christians are only men. 
 Questions arise in which they feel a personal interest, and their feelings 
 lead them astray. But this is pernicious instead of being beneficial. 
 We are all Americans, and we should feel as did the patriarch of old, 
 that there ought to " be no difference between us, forwe are brethren." 
 There can be but one true and safe course, which is of mutual assistance, 
 peace and harmony. In all questions where a difference of opinion 
 arises, let us coolly argue the point and calmly weigh the evidence 
 thereon, and with the decision of the majority be content. Party spirit 
 is at war with these principles ; it is prejudicial to the cause of truth 
 and justice. It cares more about a triumph than about right. If par- 
 ties exist, error and falsehood must at least be the foundation of one of 
 them. The cry becomes what can we do to promote the success of 
 our party, whereas it should be, what can we do to benefit our country. 
 All become maddened by partisan huzzas, and are zealous for town, 
 or country, or state, or northern, or southern lines, and lose sight of the 
 permanent good, the prosperity and glory of the whole country. This 
 pandora box that feeds party spirit, has already threatened the very 
 existence of our republic. The Northerner despises the Southerner and 
 the Southerner detests the Northerner. Malicious feelings are produced ; 
 whole neighborhoods are in a state of fiendish commotion ; friends are 
 separated ; the domestic ties of families are sundered ; fraud, violence, 
 and murder are nourished by party spirit. No matter how sincere 
 persons of opposing parties may be in supposing that their side is right, 
 the question in debate has nothing to do with what people think or 
 pretend to think, but what is beneficial, not to the leader, but to the 
 whole community. All the arguments in favor of parties are visionary 
 and fallacious. Party spirit promotes many wicked and incompetent 
 men to office, merely because they are boisterous partisans. The 
 : watchword becomes, who has served his party with the most zeal, in- 
 stead of who is the most competent, faithful, and meritorious. 
 I I 2. Party spirit is opposed to merit ; the great and wise of every age 
 | and nation have suffered by it. Seneca was condemned to death, Plato
 
 OUTLINES FOR YOUNG DEBATERS. 
 
 17 
 
 was doomed to slavery, Pythagoras was burned alive, and Socrates was 
 fated to drink the poison cup; all like vile criminals, were sacrificed at the 
 shrine of Moloch. But we need not go out of our own country for the 
 baneful influence of party spirit, Washington was slandered as a traitor, 
 a party was raised to displace him from the command of the American 
 Army, and public meetings called to burn him in effigy,* No one since 
 his day has been a candidate for the highest office in the world without 
 being traduced ; as a general rule, the greater the ability and merit, the 
 more clamorous and virulent has been the cry of partisan slanderers. 
 Unless some rational course be taken to mitigate the animosity of par- 
 ties, this boasted republic will follow the fate of all its predecessors, for 
 a " House divided against itself cannot stand," but we have already 
 said enough to prove that party spirit is subversive of the peace and 
 comfort of families, at war with the principles of truth and justice, and 
 destructive of the enduring prosperity and renown of a nation. 
 
 Does Christianity diminish human happiness in this life ? 
 
 AFFIRMATIVE. 
 
 Any thing restricts human happiness when the resulting evil over- 
 balances the good. Many Christians are willing, if not anxious to die, 
 but whoever has known a person not pious willing to meet death. Do 
 not all dread it, from the beggar in his lonely hovel to the king in his 
 palace. Men seek their own happiness, hence the proof that the 
 Christian being unhappy is willing to die, and all who are unconverted 
 being comparatively speaking happy, are unwilling to leave the bliss 
 they enjoy here below. Where especially among ladies, do you find the 
 most mirth and joy, where rings loudest the laugh, where pass away 
 the hours under pleasures flying feet, among those who have not the 
 restraints of religion to mar their happiness. But we need not be con- 
 fined to the narrow sphere of families and neighborhoods Christianity 
 has occasioned wars. It caused numerous and direful persecutions in 
 the palmiest days of the Roman Empire, and during the reformation. 
 It produced the crusades, and the incalculable amount of crime, and 
 human wretchedness resulting therefrom, has caused the most bitter 
 and heart-rending persecutions throughout the civilized world. We 
 know our opponents may bring forward the plea that the eternal hap- 
 piness of the bliss of the soul which lives beyond the grave outbalances 
 all this, but we wish them confined rigidly to the question, and that 
 has reference exclusively to this world, and here we have every one 
 who is fond of amusement and the social circle, and the practice and 
 actions of the great bulk of the people of this free republic, and the 
 
 * Remembrance of the Jate Col. James Stimson, of Maryland. 
 
 26* u
 
 OUTLINES FOR YOUNG DEBATER8. 
 
 common sense of mankind, all in favor of the affirmative of the ques- 
 I tion. 
 
 NEGATIVE. 
 
 In proving the negative of this question, we propose to consider first 
 the happiness Christianity confers on its possessors, and then its mi- 
 raculous power in alleviating human suffering and blessing the whole 
 human race. Outward appearances are generally deceptive, the smiling 
 countenance often conceals the saddest anguish of the heart, and the 
 lady who is all mirth and glee is too often like the dove that folds its 
 wings to conceal the barb of death. The minds of those who are 
 Christians, like the unruffled waters, run deep, and enjoy pleasures 
 concealed from mortal view. "Which is the happiest the votary of 
 pleasure or the christian. Death may overtake us at any moment. 
 The vast sum of human happiness is made up of peace of conscience, 
 and that even tranquillity which renders one always contented with his 
 present condition, and enables him to confer great and perpetual bliss 
 on all around. The argument of the hour of death so strongly relied 
 on by the affirmative is in reality the very strongest one in our favor, 
 all must die, the Christian feels ever ready ; he looks forward to the 
 brightest and most glorious prospect, but the sinner " is without hope 
 and without God in the world." He is constantly terrified, conscience 
 which is ever whispering to him, speaks of the dark and gloomy future, 
 he fears perdition, and is ever unhappy. The Possessor, not the 
 mere Professor of Christianity, sets a noble example, and carries 
 with him every where peace and love, and strews around content- 
 ment and happiness.* Christianity confers felicity, for it is the law of 
 God. Is there any one so credulous as to believe that Jehovah would 
 annex misery for practising what he has commanded and approved 1 It 
 has been boldly asserted that Christianity has caused devastating wars, 
 that it was the source of the most cruel and unheard of persecutions ; 
 at the zenith of the power of Imperial Rome ; that it originated the 
 crusades and the untold misery resulting therefrom ; that it was the 
 source of the heart-rendiDg persecutions during the reformation, and 
 that it has continued to embroil and embitter society ever since. The 
 fact is, all these atrocities and scourges have originated from an entirely 
 different cause, viz : The evil disposition of man. Who acts in direct 
 opposition to the whole weight and power of Christianity ; where have 
 wars been the most frequent, ferocious, bloody and desolating, in coun- 
 tries not Christianized, "whence come wars and fighting among you, 
 come they not hence even of your lusts." Persecutions have existed in 
 every age and country. Who persecuted Shadrach, Meshack, and 
 
 See " Do as you would be done by," page 76, Burleigh's School Thinker.
 
 OUTLINES FOR YOUNG DEBATERS. 
 
 1U 
 
 Ahednego ? Who does not see the absurdity of the affirmative ia at- 
 tributing to a cause, effects which are found anterior to it, and 
 where it never has existed. All nations have practiced persecu- 
 tions where the christian religion was unknown. Persecution is 
 found in all communities, and has nothing to do with Christianity, 
 which, instead of encouraging, has always presented the strongest pos- 
 sible barriers against intolerance. Christ says, " Do good to them that 
 hate you and pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute 
 you." Christianity has, irrefutably, improved and elevated the condi- 
 tion of human society. It has abolished gladiatorial shows, and the 
 contests between men and wild beasts. For the offering of human sac- 
 rifices it has taught us to acknowledge and forsake our sins. It hum- 
 bles kings and nobles, for it teaches them that their poor christian 
 menials are better than themselves. It has elevated the condition of the 
 poor, and provided for the proper education of children. Christianity 
 enhances the happiness of the race inconceivably even in this life. It 
 has supplied innocent entertainments for those that were pernicious ; 
 it has enacted wise laws ; it has rendered travelling safe ; promoted 
 literature, advanced science ; established the law of nations, protecting 
 the persons of foreigners in distant countries ; mitigated the horrors of 
 war by causing prisoners to be treated with humanity ; created a regard 
 for piety ; founded hospitals ; raised woman from her abject condition 
 as a chattel and degraded slave to her proper rank in society. Like 
 the sun in heaven, its beneficient rays fall on all, though not alike on 
 each. Yet every one, however low or degraded, is rendered happier by 
 its beneficent influence. 
 
 \ 3. The preceding outlines have been given to encourage persons who 
 have had little or no experience in conducting public discussions. It 
 may be remarked that the same arguments do not appear alike to every 
 mind ; that circumstances may be ingeniously adduced, which if rightly 
 construed, would sustain the opposite side of a question, and that mere 
 reports are very different from facts, and should always be closely 
 scanned. For example, the assertion in the first line of page 11, that 
 600 watches were stolen, is incredible, and may be refuted by showing 
 that it was a conspiracy among thieves to destroy the law, i. e., one 
 thief stole from the other, and that he in turn stole it again, and so on, 
 till the same watch had been stolen and re-stole 500 times ; or that 
 thei-e were not more than fifty watches at that period in the whole 
 country where the execution occurred, &c. Young debaters, like 
 children commencing to walk, should receive every possible encourage- 
 ment, and should not always be rigid!/ confined to the subject. 
 
 \ 4. The questions and hints on the following page" are designed for 
 societies which have had more experience in conducting discussions.
 
 20 
 
 HINTS FOR LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETIES. 
 
 Is Unanimity in Juries conducive to the Equity of their Verdicts ?* 
 
 negative. [Heads.] 
 It causes investigation and dis- 
 
 affirmative. [Heads.] 
 
 Folly to require unanimity, to 
 convict the meanest criminal when 
 a bare majority, the preponderance 
 of a single vote, 'will decide the 
 most important deliberations of a 
 State or Nation. A majority of 
 one is sufficient to declare a war 
 which will destroy the lives of 
 thousands. One perverse and ob- 
 stinate individual, or one who is 
 corrupted by a bribe, may entirely 
 thwart the ends of justice, and 
 keep from merited punishment the 
 vilest criminal. Improvement is 
 the order of the day. In a free 
 country the majority should rule. 
 Unanimity is a relic of English 
 Monarchy. 
 
 cussion in all questions of differ- 
 ence, and leans to the side of 
 mercy. A large minority would 
 always create dissatisfaction to the 
 sentence. It is better for the 
 guilty to escape than for the inno- 
 cent to be punished. Being con- 
 demned by a unanimous voice does 
 away entirely with the unjust usur- 
 pation of executives ; pardoning 
 power. Rulers are liable to be 
 bribed as well as jurors. The 
 affirmative supports the side of 
 theory. The negative is sanctioned 
 by all past experience, and the 
 approbation of the civilized world. 
 
 Ought Foreign Immigration to be Encouraged ? 
 
 affirmative. [Heads.] 
 
 Needed to increase our popula- 
 tion ; to occupy waste land ; to 
 add to the power of our army ; to 
 our manufacturing establishments ; 
 to increase our institutions of 
 learning ; and to promote the lite- 
 rature of the country. Should be 
 encouraged by grants of land and 
 naturalization. The exile the 
 strongest supporter of Liberty. 
 And lastly, the superior intellect 
 of foreigners is necessary to im- 
 prove American literature. See 
 Buffons Natural History, &c. 
 
 negative. [Heads.] 
 
 Paupers ; criminals ; Botany 
 Bay ; Land monopoly ; Armies a 
 curse ; Tools of tyrants ; encou- 
 rage all the vice of Europe; em- 
 brace the policy that makes a 
 million poor ; a few nabobs. With 
 those who engraft monarchial 
 principles; small farms; merit; 
 To corrupt ballot boxes; Licen- 
 tiousness ; Exploded theory. We 
 should respect ourselves and our 
 country. See lives of Eminent 
 American Statesmen and Divines, 
 History U. S. &c. 
 
 :ee Duties and Responsibilities of Jurors, Burleigh's American Manual.
 
 HINTS FOR LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETIES. 
 
 21 
 
 Do Males exert a Greater Beneficial Influence than Females? 
 
 AFFIRMATIVE. [Heads.] 
 
 Males are stronger in body and 
 mind. Occupy all the learned 
 professions ; all offices of trust, 
 honor or profit. Direct the com- 
 merce, manufactories, education, 
 banks, the press and armies. 
 Command the wealth ; wealth is 
 power ; males found colleges ; the 
 strongest levers of Christianity ; 
 women dislike colleges ; spend all 
 their time and influence in favor of 
 pernicious novels and romances. 
 This question applies to the whole 
 race, in all uncivilized countries 
 women are slaves and have no 
 influence. 
 
 Ought the Liberty of the 
 affirmative. [Heads.] 
 Restrictions necessary to promote 
 truth and repress falsehood. Rome 
 and Greece were free, yet they had 
 no free press. Foulest calumnies 
 circulated through the press. Sanc- 
 tions robbers of character who are 
 more detestable than those of 
 money. Thousands live and die 
 by being slandered. Like a pesti- 
 lence no one is safe from its perni- 
 cious attacks. Christianity ridi- 
 culed and belied by it. Infidelity 
 disseminated. The French revolu- 
 tion, 1793, and the reign of terror 
 countenanced. Power may be 
 abused ; the press is power and 
 ought to be restrained. Enter semi- 
 naries ; contaminate the young ; 
 ruin a nation. 
 
 * See Apology for the freedom of the 
 press by Robert Hall. And R. Hunter on 
 formation and publication of opinions. 
 
 negative. [Heads.] 
 Strength no test of intellectual 
 power and moral influence. Sir 
 Isaac Newton feeble. Women 
 mould the character. Sir Wm. 
 Jones : Bonaparte; Doddridge ; 
 Washington left exclusively to the 
 mother. Semiramis, Helen of 
 Troy ; Maid of Orleans ; Isabella, 
 Catharine of Russia, Maria The- 
 resa, Elizabeth, Pocahontas, Victo- 
 ria, Jenny Lind. Free from drunk- 
 enness ; Kings control mankind, 
 Women control Kings. Hemans, 
 Hannah More, &c. &c. Direct the 
 affairs of the Christian World,- 1 
 three-quarters Christian Females. 
 
 Press to be Restricted ?* 
 
 negative. [Heads.] 
 Truth, like gold, the more it is 
 rubbed the brighter it shines ; al- 
 ways prevails over all libellous at- 
 tacks. If false restrictions tend to 
 perpetuate ; Greece and Rome, did 
 not maintain their liberty. More 
 crime and vice where it is re- 
 stricted. Refutation follows slan- 
 der. Destroys tyrants, the rob- 
 bers of nations. Millions die for 
 the want of having their rights 
 fearlessly advocated. A virtuous 
 man lives free, for the calumniator 
 is not believed. Christianity re- 
 futes its puny attacks ; encircles the 
 globe with light and bliss. French 
 revolution by stifling free discus, 
 sion. A free press exposes bad 
 books and stops their sale. Impos- 
 sible to restrict it in a beneficial 
 way. Bad rulers have bad men to 
 control it. Our own country, glory 
 and hope of the world.
 
 THE ORIGINAL 
 
 ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION. 
 
 TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME. 
 
 We, the undersigned Delegates of the States affixed to our Karnes, send greeting. 
 
 WHEREAS the Delegates of the United Slates of America in Congress assembled, did, on the 
 fifteenth Day of November, in the Year nf our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy- 
 seven, and in the second Yearofthe Independence of America, agree to certain Articles of Con- 
 federation and perpetual Union between the Mates of New Hampshire, MassachU! 
 Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, .New York, Hew Jersey, Pennsylvania. 
 Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, in the Words fol- 
 lowing, vr/.. : — 
 
 Articles of Confederation and perpetual Vmon between the States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts 
 Bay, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylva- 
 nia, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. 
 ARTICLE I. The Style of this Confederacy shall be "The Cmted States of America." 
 AR I'. II. Each Slate retains its Sovereignty, Freedom, and Independence, and every Power. 
 Jurisdiction, and Right, which is not by toil Confederation expressly delegated to the United 
 Slates in Congress assembled, 
 
 ART. 111. The said States hereby severally enter into a firm League of Friendship with each 
 other, for their common Defence, the Security of their Liberties, and their mutual and general 
 Welfare; binding themsi tch other, against all Force oflered to. or Attacks made 
 
 upon them, or any of them, on Account of Religion, Sovereignty, Trade, or any other Pretence 
 
 ART IV. The better to secure and perpetuate mutual Friendship and Intercourse among 
 the People of the different States, in this Union, the free Inhabitants of each of tni 
 Paupers, \ agabo id Justice excepted, shall be entitled to all Privi 
 
 Immunities of free Citizens in il ill have free 
 
 ind from any other State, and shall enjoy therein all the Privileges of 
 Trade and Commerce, subject to the same Duti and Resti ctiona as the Inhabit- 
 
 clively, provided thai - ins shall not extend so far as to prevent 
 
 imported into any Male, to any othei h the Owner is an 
 
 Inhabitant ; provided also, thai an Imposition, Duties, or Restriction shall be laid by any State, 
 on the Property of the United Slates, or either of them. 
 
 It any Prison guilty of, or charged wil r other high Misdemeanor in any 
 
 State, sha ice, and he found in any of ihe United States, he shall, upon Demand 
 
 of the Government or executive Power of the State from which he tied, be delivered up and 
 removed lurisdiction of Ins Offence. 
 
 edit shall be given in each of these States to the Records, Acts and judicial 
 Proceedings ot the Courts and Magistrates of every other State. 
 ART. V. For the more convenient Management of the general Interests of the United 
 
 States, Delegates shall be annually appointed, in such Mannei i are of each State 
 
 shall duvet, io meet in Congress on the first Monday in November, in every Year; win, a 
 Power reserved to eachState, r any of them, at any Time within the 
 
 Year, and to send others in th( „• Remainder of the Year 
 
 No Male shall he represented in Congress by less than two. nor by more than seven Mem- 
 bers; and no Person shall be capable of hem- a Delegate l.r more than three Years in any 
 term of six Years; nor shall any Person, being a Delegate, be capable of holding any Office 
 under Ihe United S'ates, tor which he, or another for Ins Benefit, receives any Salary, Fees, or 
 Lmnlument ot any Kind. 
 
 ate shall maintain its own Delegates in a Meeting of the States, and while they act 
 as Members ol the i ommittee of the SI 
 
 In determining Questions in the United States, in Congress assembled, each State shall have 
 one vote 
 
 ed in any 
 , ... their Per- 
 mits, during the Time of their going to, and from, and attend- 
 pngress, except tor Treason, Felony, or Breach of the Pe.ice. 
 
 AH 1. VI. TNo Sale, without in nsent ol Ihe United States in Congress assembled, shall 
 
 end any Embassy to, - 
 
 Freedom of Speech and Debate in Congress shall not be impeached or questioned 
 ourt, or Place out of O tigress, and the Members of Congress shall be protected in th 
 • and Imprisonments, daring the Time of their going to, and from, and 
 mce on Congress, except tor Treason, Felony, or Breach of the Pe.ice. 
 
 AH 1. VI. .o S ate, without the i onsent ol ihe United Stan - in i tengresa asse,nble„, _ 
 send any Embassy to, or receive any Embassy from, or enter into any Conference, Agreement. 
 Alliance, or 1 reaty with any King. Prince, or Male ; nor shall any Person holdiug am 
 proht or trust under the United States, or anj ,t of any Present, En 
 
 Office, or Title of aav Kind whatever fro 
 United S.ates in C 
 
 any King, Prince, or foreign Slate; nor shall the 
 ress assembled, or any ot them, grant any Title of Nobibiy. 
 
 (22)
 
 ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION. 
 
 *5ZR£. sass asw arcaja;sas» ° r i'/t* ^-r be . 
 
 Treaties, entered mto by ^heTnifed °Sta es in (wLTY i"^? 1 ? ^ a ">' Stl l'ula:,„us „, 
 
 sucli Slate, or its Trad,- • ,„,,- shall ,,, if i,r ' " '"T s a^eml'led, for the Defence o 
 Peace, except such Nuin'be "or i as' ',&'" '!'' , ^ ft W °J» * a "X State, in ff ,, 
 bled, shall be deemed requisite £ ga rr , n i P ,- ,',1 e - rv" '' "l^ '" Cc "- ress a " s <-''"- 
 »ut everv Slat,- shall ahvavs keei, „ , 'its necessary for the Defence of such Male • 
 
 a,:d acc,,-ut,ed and si, all prftfej'c,., t mU^fr^lT^""'* M ^:^—<^ arn ■ j 
 her of Fieldpieces and Tents, and a p rone, ■, i ' ' 1 *'"' '""'"' St !"' es - a d "« N«m- 
 
 No State shall engage ,„ a, y wSr^with,,?,? fhJ? ' Arm ^ Ammuiiition and Camp-equipage 
 assembled, unless such Sta e e "inlk ?*" "' ""« J*««*d States in I ,„, «, 
 
 Adviceof a Resolution being forn e Hy\ a Nation n?Sn^ St?a,) li,Ve T^ °* rt ^ 
 Danger is so nnnnnent as not" to admit of a Ellai , , he o ' 1 s,' '? vade s uc h State, and the 
 can be Consulted : nor shall any Sta e m,,t rl 1 I i , *i '" ( ,-" n;; "' Ss assembled 
 Letters of Marque or Reprisal exce i ,i • i . r, " I """ ss "" ! > , to ;ul > Sdnps or Vessels ol War, n,„ 
 
 all Vacancies shall he Idled le'S™! I «, , ''r^. 5 "'' 1 ' State shall direct; and 
 
 ART. Via. All Chai-es ,f v v , r -fn,i f , - hl "' alle , " le A PPomtment. 
 
 mon Defence or Rene -d \v f r. », ' ' U , er , E ^ e ^» ">•" shall be incurred for the com- 
 shall be defrayed out of ,Z1t allowed by the United Slates ,„ Congress assembled 
 Proportion MvSwof a 1 U d w Ihmc'ioh XI ^ !"", , , """ etl " y "f^veral Stales, m' 
 such Land and the IHuld,,,^ a 1,, r ,v",^ , . " !"'[ V ° rMil Teyed for a "V Person as 
 Mode as the United Slates In r , ss' Is , % T n'? sl "' • be es,l '! ,a,ed ' according to such 
 
 The Taxes for pay,,,.- f ,;, lCS„S J^W f ,°/" ' YT "J T,me direct : '<"1 appoint 
 of the Legislatures V the seven Sesvh? he Tone T^'' "7 "' e A ""i° n 5 y a " d D ' rect '°" 
 Congress assembled. ' "'"" lne Ilme agreed U P°» Dy the Dnited States m 
 
 and Power' of^te^^ F ^°^^^ m }> l f. s ^ *™ *. sole and exclusive Eight 
 tide— of sending and receivnL it L , ar ' t,xce P ( ln " le Cases mentioned in the sixth A 
 that no Treat; of C „ Jrc sllaf 1 1 ,t * a .; 1 ; ,re -p» , «'» ? int., Treaties and Alliances' provided 
 States shall he res. ran™ iron in po,ii ™ s fA? l,y , the 1 W lll ' e > ver " f tbe respective 
 People are subjected to, or from Bfi ' id IK^l, ? Dutle , s " n F "™<&ers, as their own 
 Goods or Commodities whatsoever- ei I ?,^ IT'T °, r lm P ort ? t ">'' »f any Species of 
 tares on Land or Water sh; life 1, Al a, i, v^ r \? '" r ,, ? ) c """"' »' a " Cases, what Cap- 
 Forces in the Service of the I „ ed s t ' t'es s!,., , ,,'""''' P " ZeS taken b >' la " d "r "aval 
 of Marque and Renrisal i , t„, • o ' a " be lllvll]ed or appropriated— of granting Letters 
 onies commitLd Z he teea^nT^S'l'" 5 ,V U:tS fc ? the Tnal of ^racieslnd ft£ 
 finally Appeals in lMfe™S' '7 t U " r S f °!: rec ? lvl "? a »J determining 
 pointed a Judge ot^any of Uie said Courts «o Member of Congress shall be apt 
 pute^nTDfc^ now's^Sfir or'th'tf 3 '' t" he tl,e last Resort on Appeal in all Dis- 
 concerning Boundary Jurisdiction S anv iV e f reafter n , ,a r anse be u tvveen tw " or more States, 
 be exercised in Ihe Jl " ! ; "'' ! 5r ther C ause whatever ; which Authority shall ahvavs 
 lawful Agent of ariyS?a£ ^n ^SSS^iJ^KT'th 1 ' 1 r'1 ative or executive Authoritv, oi 
 
 ^^ress^'u-feSB^™?^ 
 
 ^''Sfrln',^^""^^?^"- ^^ m'^h^,^:; !r' .^i^e^lli^d^^ 1 ! 
 i i s , | , 'e a p^ l,mbern , nt c eSS " ,a! I seven - '""• m ">'« 'han nine Names, as Congress all 
 
 determine the Cnnr,v-,„,., > ' ' be Commissioners or Judges, to hear and finally 
 
 lodged among the Acts of Congress, for the Security of the Parlies c nee rued p aded tha 
 every c cmmissioner, before he siLs in Judgment, shall take an Oath, to be adm,n,ste,-ed by one
 
 24: ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION. 
 
 nf the Judges of the Supreme or Superior Court of the State, where the Cause shall be tried, 
 " well and truly to hear ami determine the Mutter in Question, according to the best of his Judgment, 
 '• without Favour, Affection, or Hope oi Reward ;" provided also that no State shall be depnvec 1 
 of Territory for the benefit of the United Stales. 
 
 All Controversies concerning the private Right of Soil, claimed under different Grants of two 
 or more States, whose Jurisdictions, as they may respect such Lands, and the States which 
 passed such Grants, are adjusted, the said Grants or either of them being at the same Time 
 claimed to have originated antecedent to such Settlement of Jurisdiction, shall, on i he Petition 
 of either Party to the Congress of the United States, be finally determined as near as may be 
 in the same Manner as is before prescribed for deciding Disputes respecting territorial Jurisdic- 
 tion between different Stales 
 
 The United States in Congress assembled shall also have the sole and exclusive Right and 
 Power of regulating the Alloy and Value of Coin struck by their own Authority, or by that ol 
 the respective Suites— fixing the Standard of Weights and Measures throughout the United 
 States — regulating the Trade and managing all Affairs with the Indians, not Members of any of 
 the States, provided that the legislative Right of any State withm its own Limits be not in- 
 fringed or violated — estal lishing and regulating Post-Offices from one State to another, through- 
 out all the United Slates, and exacting such Postage on the Papers passing through the same as 
 may be requisite to defray the Expenses of the said Office — appointing all Officers of the laud 
 Forces, in the Service of the United States, excepting regimental Officers— appointing all the 
 Officers of the naval Forces, and commissioning all Officers whatever in the Service of the 
 United States— making Rules for the Government and Regulation of the said land and naval 
 Forces, and directing their Operations. 
 
 The United States in Congress assembled shall have Authority to appoint a Committee, to sit 
 in the Recess of Congress, to be denominated "a Committee of the States," and to consist of 
 one Delegate from each State ; and to appoint such other Committees and civil Officers as may 
 be necessary tor managing the general Affairs of the United States under their Direction — to 
 appoint one of their Number to preside, provided that no Person be allowed to serve in the 
 Office of President more than one Year in any term of three Years ; to ascertain the necessary 
 Sums of Money to be raised for the Service of the United States, and to appropriate and apply 
 the same for defraying the public Expenses — to borrow Money, or emit Bills on the Credit of 
 the United States, transmitting every half Vear to the respective States an Account of the Sums 
 of Money SO borrowed or emitted — to build and equip a Xavy — to agree upon the Number of 
 to make Requisitions from each State for its Quota, in Proportion to the Num- 
 ber of wh . which Requisitions shall be binding, and thereupon 
 nt the regimental Officers, raise the Men. and clothe, 
 arm, and equip them in a soldier-like Manner, at the Expense i ted States; and the 
 in i M :n so clothed, armed, and equipped, shall march to the Place appointed, ami 
 within the Tjme agreed on by the 1 ed : but if the United Stales 
 
 u iistances, judge proper thai any State 
 raise Men, or should raise a smaller Number than its Quota, and thai 
 
 • r Nnmber of Men than the Quota thereof, such extra Number shall 
 
 d, armed, and equipped in the same Manner as the Quota of such 
 
 State, uiilesi i e shall judge that such extra Number cannot be safely 
 
 spared Olll of the Same, in which Case they shall raise, officer, clothe, arm, and equip as many 
 
 of such extra Number as they jud| ed. And the Officers and Men so clothed, 
 
 rail march to the Place appointed, and within the Time agreed on BJ 
 
 ed S ates in I i i led. 
 
 assembled shall never engage in a War, nor grant Letters of 
 
 Marque and Reprisal m Time of Peace, nor enter into Treaties or Alliances, nor coin Money, 
 
 I ilue thereof, nor ascertain the Sums and Expenses necessary for the Defence 
 
 BS, or any of them, nor emit Bills, nor borrow Money oil the 
 
 Credit of the United States, nor appropriate Money, nor agree upon the Number of Vessels of 
 
 ir purchased, or the Number of land or sea Forces to be raised, nor appoint a 
 
 i in chief of the Army or \" ivy, unless nine States assent to the S.nue : nor shall a 
 
 nnt, except for adjourning from Day b Day be determined, unless by 
 
 the Votes of a Majority of the United States in ubl I 
 
 The Congress of the United Sates shad have Power to Adjourn to any Time withm the Year. 
 
 . the United Slates, so that no Period >f Adjournment be tor a longer 
 
 Dura of six Months; and shall publish the Journal of their Proceedings 
 
 s thereof relating to Treaies. Alliances, or Military Operations, ;h in 
 
 '.heir Jini. i s and Nays of the Delegates of each State on i 
 
 Question sliii Journal, when it is desired by any Delegaie; and the Dele 
 
 gates oi a State, or any of them, at his or their Request, shall 'be furnished with i I ranscripl 
 
 of the said Journal, except such Paris as are above excepted, to lay before the Legislatures ol 
 
 al States. 
 
 ART. X. The Committee of the S'a'es. or any nine of them, shall be authorized to execute 
 
 in the Recess of Congress, such of the Powers of Congress as the United States hi I ongres- 
 
 assembled, by the Consent of n ne States, sha 1 from li.n ■ to Time tiiui< expedient to vest 
 
 ihem with'; provided that no Power he delegated to the said Committee, for the Exercise ol 
 
 which, by the Articles of Confederation, the Voice of nine States in the Congress of the United 
 
 States a.- 
 
 ART. XI. Canada acceding to tins Confederation, and joining in the Measures of the Uni'ed 
 
 ill he admitted mio, and entitled to all the Advantages of this Un.ou; but no other 
 
 Colony shall be admitted into the Sa unless such Admission be agreed to by nine S ates. 
 
 ART X 1 1. All Bills of Credit emitted. Moneys bin rowed, and Debts contracted by, or under 
 the Authority of Congress, bef ire the Assembling of the United Slates, in pursuance of the pre- 
 senfConl leration, shall be deemed and considered as a Cnarge against the United States, for 
 Payment and Satisfaction whereof, the said United States, and the Public Faith are hereby 
 solemnly pledged.
 
 ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION. 
 
 2r> 
 
 ART. XIII. Every State shall abide by the Determinations of the United States in Congress 
 assembled on all Questions which by this Confederation are submitted to them. And the Articles 
 of this Conlederation shall be inviolably observed by every State, and the Union shall be per- 
 petual ; nor shall any Alteration at any Time hereafter be made in any of them, unless such 
 Alteration be agreed to by a Congress of the United States, and be afterwards conlirmed by the 
 Legislatures of every State. 
 
 And whereas it hath pleased the great Governor of the World to incline the Hearts of the 
 Legislatures we respectively represent in Congress to approve of and to authorize us to ratify 
 the said Articles of Confederation and perpetual Union; Know ye, that we, the undersigned 
 Delegates, by virtue of the Power and Authority to us given for that Purpose, do by these Pre- 
 sents, in the Name and in Behalf of our respective Constituents, fully and entirely ratifv and 
 confirm each and every of the said Articles of Confederation and perpetual Union, and all and 
 singular the Matters and Things therein contained : and we do furtiur solemnly plight and 
 engage the Faith of our respective Constituents, that they shall abide by the Determinations of 
 the United States in Congress assembled, on all Questions, which by the smd Confederation are 
 submitted to them; and that the Articles thereof shall be inviolably observed by the States we 
 respectively represent, and that the Union shall be perpetual. 
 
 In witness wliereof, we have hereunto set our Hands in Congress. Done at Philadelphia in 
 the State of Pennsylvania the ninth Day of July in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven 
 hundred and seventy-eight, and m the third Year of the Independence of America. 
 
 On the Part and Behalf of the State of New Hampshire. 
 
 JOSIAH BARTLETT, 
 
 JOHN WENTWORTH, Jun. August 8, 1773. 
 
 On the Part aud Behalf of the State of Massachusetts Bay. 
 JOHN HANCOCK, ELBRIDGE GERRY, JAMES LOVELL, 
 
 SAMUEL ADAMS, FRANCIS DANA, SAMUEL HOLTEN. 
 
 On the Part and Behalf of the State vf Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. 
 WILLIAM ELLERY, HENRY MARCHANT, JOHN COLLINS. 
 
 On the Part and Behalf of Vie State of Connecticut. 
 ROGER SHERMAN, OLIVER WOLCOTT, ANDREW ADAMS. 
 
 SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, TITUS HOSMER, 
 
 On the Part and Behalf of the State of New York. 
 JAS. DUANE, FRA. LEWIS, WM. DUER, GOUV. MORRIS. 
 
 On the Part and Behalf of the Slate of New Jersey. 
 JNO. WITHERSPOON, Nov. 26, 1778. NATH. SCUDDER do. 
 
 On the Part and Behalf of the State of Pennsylvania. 
 ROBT. MORRIS, JON A. BAYARD SMITH, JOS. REED, Cd July, 1778. 
 
 DANIEL ROBERDEAU, WILLIAM CL1NGAN. 
 
 On the Part and Behalf of the Stale of Delaware. 
 THOS. M'KEAN, Feb. 13, 1779. NICHOLAS VAN DYKE. 
 
 JOHN DICKINSON, May 5th, 1779. 
 
 On the Part and Behalf of the Slate of Maryland. 
 JOHN HANSON, March 1, 1781. DANIEL CARROLL, do. 
 
 On the Part and Behalf of the Slate of Virginia. 
 RICHARD HENRY LEE, THOMAS ADAMS, FRANCIS LIGHTFOOT LEE. 
 
 JOHN BANISTER, JNO. HARVIE, 
 
 On the Part and Behalf of the State of North Carolina. 
 JOHN PENN, July 21st, 1778. CORNS. HARNETT, JNO. WILLIAMS. 
 
 On the Part and Behalf of the S/ate of South Carolina. 
 HENRY LAURENS, JNO. MATHEWS, THOMAS HEYWARD, Jun. 
 
 WILLIAM HENRY DRAYTON, RICHARD HUTSON. 
 
 On the Part arid B( ha If of the State of Georgia. 
 JNO. WALTON, 24th July, 1778. EDWD. TELFAIR, EDW. LANGWORTHY. 
 
 f JVote.— From the circumstance of delegates from the name stabs havin? siened the Articles of Confederation at different 
 time*, as appears by the lates, it is probable they affixed their names as they happened to be present in Congress, artel 
 they had been authorized by their constituents.! 
 
 27
 
 EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM EX-GOVERNOR W. G. D. WORTHINGTON. 
 
 I have examined " Burleigh's Legislative Guide," and find, as its 
 name implies, that it is indispensable for every legislator who desires 
 to establish a uniform system of rules for conducting public business 
 throughout the United States. In my humble judgment, every State 
 Legislature -will immediately adopt it as their standard as soon as the 
 merits of the work can be known. 
 
 W. G. D. WORTHINGTON. 
 
 I am convinced that the "Legislative Guide" will prove a valuable 
 text-book for collegiate students, and will use it as such at St. Timo- 
 thy's Hall, believing that every young American ought to be acquainted 
 with the routine of order appropriate to legislative assemblies. 
 
 L. VAN BOHKELEN, Rector. 
 
 St. Timothy's Hall, Catonsville, Md., Feb. 26, 1852. 
 
 Ex. of Letter from Hon. J. C. Legrand, Ch. Justice Court of Appeals, Md. 
 
 Baltimore, Feb. 9, 1852. 
 The plan of the Legislative Guide enables the student or legislator 
 to discover, with facility, the rule and reason for it, in each particular 
 instance, and must, therefore, be of great value to legislative and other 
 deliberative bodies. JNO. CARROLL LEGRAND. 
 
 At a meeting of the School Commissioners of Baltimore held Feb. 10, 
 1852, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted : Resolved, 
 That the American Manual ; — that the Thinker ; — that the Practical 
 Spelling Book by Joseph Bartlett Burleigh, LL. D., be introduced into 
 the Public Schools of Baltimore. 
 
 J. W. TILYARD, Clerk Com. Pub. Sch. Balto. 
 
 At a meeting of the Controllers of Public Schools, First District of 
 Pennsylvania, held at the Controllers' Chamber, on Tuesday, December 
 10th, 1850, the following resolution was adopted : — 
 
 Resolved, That the American Manual, by Joseph Bartlett Burleigh, 
 be introduced as a class-book into the Grammar Schools of this District. 
 
 ROBERT J. HEMPHILL, See. 
 
 Philadelphia, Nov. 13, 1851. 
 At a meeting of the Controllers of Public Schools, First District of 
 Pennsylvania, held on Tuesday, Nov. 11th, 1851, the following resolu- 
 tion was adopted : 
 
 Resolved, That the "Thinker," by Joseph Bartlett Burleigh, be intro- 
 duced as a class-book into the Public Schools of this District. 
 
 ROBERT J. HEMPHILL, Sec. 
 
 (26)
 
 INDEX TO THE CITIZENS' MANUAL. 
 
 27 
 
 INDEX TO THE CITIZENS' MANUAL. 
 
 Adjournment, Fixing the time of, . 
 
 " " " Place of, . . 
 
 Amendments, Respecting, 
 Appeals, from Decision of President, . 
 Business, Order of, ... 
 
 " When obstructed, by rule, . 
 Census, of United States, . . 
 
 Commit, Motion to, .... 
 
 " May be Amended, . . 
 
 Committee, Report of, ... 
 
 " Respecting Chairman, 
 
 " Majority and Minority Report, 
 
 '« Duties of, . . 
 
 " Select, .... 
 
 " Standing, 
 
 " Whole House, 
 
 Directions for Debating Societies, Appendix, 
 
 Debate, Mode of, 
 
 Elections, Time of Holding in each State, 
 
 " Synopsis of Proceedings, . 
 
 English Legislation, Synopsis of, 
 Form Preceding a Bill, . . 
 Introduction to the Manual, . 
 Laws, Manner of Enacting, 
 Legislatures, Meeting of in each State, 
 Librarian, Duties of, . . 
 Messages, Form of, &c, 
 Meetings, Called, &c. 
 Method, Necessity for, 
 Motions, When put, &c, 
 Naturalization Laws, Respecting, 
 Organization, Manner of, 
 Officer, Presiding Respecting, , 
 
 M Duties of, ... 
 
 Proceedings, Manner of Called Meetings, 
 Postponement, Indefinite and Certain, 
 Questions, Precedence of, 
 
 " Character of, 
 
 " Previous, . , 
 
 " Division of, 
 
 " Not Debatable, 
 Quorum, Respecting, 
 Report of a Committee, 
 Rhetorical Arrangement, Appendix, 
 Reconsider, Motion to, 
 Secretary, Duties of, 
 Societies, Directions for, . 
 
 Societies, Literary Form for, 
 Treasurer, Duties of, 
 Yeas and Nays, 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 223 
 228 
 254 
 263 
 252 
 252 
 282 
 242 
 254 
 224 
 245 
 246 
 235 
 237 
 238 
 240 
 
 1 
 257 
 280 
 275 
 269 
 210 
 199 
 213 
 380 
 235 
 209 
 220 
 214 
 264 
 273 
 204 
 206 
 229 
 227 
 261 
 247 
 266 
 252 
 260 
 259 
 265 
 245 
 
 2 
 262 
 232 
 202 
 215 
 234 
 226:
 
 I have examined the "American Manual 
 with much interest, and it gives me pleasure 
 to say that I highly approve cf it. A text-book 
 prepared by a man so distinguished tor sctioiar- 
 ship experience, and success in teaching, as 
 President Burleigh, cannot foil to secure uni- 
 versal favour. The general arrangement ot 
 the work is regular. The marginal exer- 
 cises and questions placed at the foot of each 
 page, greatly facilitate the labour both of the 
 teacher and scholar, and serve to interest the 
 mind of the latter, m the acquisition of know- 
 ledge. The statistical tables are also valuable, 
 and the appendix serves as a key to the whole 
 work, wluch renders it complete. It is a book 
 which, in my opinion, should be placed in the 
 hands of every American citizen. 
 
 ROBERT KERR, 
 
 Principal of West. Female High School., Bait. 
 
 I have examined with care the 
 "American Manual." The chasteness of 
 thought, and simplicity of style, in the articles 
 accompanying the Constitution, highly recom- 
 mend its use as a school-book. 
 
 The marginal exercises are a new and im- 
 portant feature, which, I am convinced, will 
 aid the teacher verv much in lus arduous la- 
 bours, by exciting the pupils to investigate and 
 reflect. This arrangement will also enable 
 them, by easy and gradual steps, to obtain a 
 great command of language. 
 
 1 hope, therefore, it may receive a circula- 
 tion commensurate to its merits. 
 
 D. A. HOLLINGSHEAD, 
 ^Instructor of History and Belles- Lettres in the 
 Western Female High School, Bait. 
 
 I fully concur in the foregoing recommenda- 
 tion. 
 
 JAMES HARSHAW, 
 Prin. Pub. Sch. No. 9. 
 
 Gentlemen: — I have examined President 
 Burleigh's "Commentary on the Constitution 
 of the United States." 1 consider it the best 
 work of the kind extant ; and it is, beyond a 
 doubt, admirably adapted to the use of schools. 
 The style is neat, perspicuous and elegant ; 
 and the marginal exercises will be found to 
 confer a benefit similar to that derived from 
 Uie study of the ancient languages. I shall 
 introduce the book into my school early in 
 September next. 
 
 D. JONES, 
 
 Prin. Classical Academy, Eutaw Street, Bait. 
 
 Gentlemen: — I have, with great pleasure, 
 examined the "American Manual." and am 
 prepared to say that it is every thing it purports 
 to be. The design and execution are both ad- 
 mirable. If it be desirable that our civil du- 
 ties and relations should form a subject of 
 study in elementary schools, (and that they 
 should, 1 presume, no one will pretend to 
 
 doubt,) President Burleigh has unquestionably 
 accomplished a most laudable work. His 
 questions are well adapted to the subject 
 matter, and will have the effect of drawing 
 the mind of the youngest learner to it ; while 
 his marginal exercises cannot fail to achieve 
 that which every teacher feels to be a desidera- 
 tum, to wit, the means of compelling pupils to 
 attend to the import of words. As the best 
 proof of my entire & probation of the work, 1 
 shall take the first opportunity to organize a 
 class with that as a text-book. 
 
 11 SPENCER, 
 Principal of the May land Institute. 
 
 I cordially concur in the above recommenda- 
 
 BENJAMIN G. FRY, 
 Principal of Union Female Seminary, No. 30 
 Hanover Street, Baltimore. 
 
 1 have critically examined the American 
 Manual. Having taken much pains in ascer- 
 taining the true tenor of the republican msti- 
 l my adopted country, I had previously 
 read the leading authors on government with 
 much satisfaction, but 1 have not met with any 
 work in any language, that so clearly, so con- 
 cisely, and so beautifully conveys to the mind, 
 the principles of political science. The mar- 
 ginal exercises afford much and valuable as- 
 sistance to the foreigner in acquiring a know- 
 ledge of the English language. The exercises 
 also afford to the mental powers a similar dis- 
 cipline that is obtained in studying the ancient 
 classics. The questions are so remarkably 
 ipted to the subject, that, while they 
 assist the teacher, they also lead the pupils to 
 reason and reflect for themselves. 
 
 1 hope the Manual will be nut only univers- 
 ally used in America, but also in Europe. 
 A. FREITAG. L.L. D. 
 Professor of Modern Languages %n the Cen- 
 tral High School, and of German in St. 
 Mary's College. 
 
 I have carefully examined the American 
 Manual. The general plan in putting questions 
 to make the pupils see the cause and result, is 
 the same that 1 mvself have pursued for many 
 years past, and 1 need hardly say that the 
 work meets my most unqualified approval. 
 
 The conciseness and beauty of the style, the 
 unequalled excellence of the marginal exer- 
 cis is in drawing out the mind, and thoroughly 
 disciplining the mental powers, and training 
 the pupils to reason with accuracy and preci- 
 sion, renders it, in my opinion, the beat school- 
 book extant. 
 
 1 shall introduce the work into the Seminary 
 over which I preside at the commencement of 
 the next session. 
 
 D. R. ASHTON\ 
 Filth below Arch St. 
 
 Philadelphia, July 5th, 1848. 
 I have examined the American Manual, and 
 heartily concur with Professor Ashton in re- 
 gard to its merits, and shall also introduce it
 
 RECOMMENDATIONS. 
 
 29 
 
 into the French Seminary for Young Ladies, 
 over which I preside. 
 
 C. P!COT, 
 No. 15 Washington Square. 
 
 After a very careful examination of the 
 American Manual, by J. B. Burleigh, I can 
 freely say that I consider it a performance of 
 superior excellence. It embodies a fund of in- 
 formation, surpassing: in importance and va- 
 riety that of any other work which has come 
 under my notice. It is happily adapted to the 
 wants of children in families, pupils in com- 
 mon schools, and students in higher semina- 
 ries ; it is also equally well calculated to afford 
 entertainment and instruction to adults in 
 every sphere of life. 
 
 JOHN ALLEN, 
 Principal of the Female Seminary, No. 274 
 'North. Seventh Street. 
 
 Extract of a Letter from Professor Brooks. 
 
 The comprehensive view of politics in gene- 
 ral, which the American Manual presents, its 
 excellent commentary on the Constitution of 
 our Republic, and the clear exposition of the 
 duties of magistrates and citizens, the sound 
 morals which it inculcates, with its questions, 
 marginal exercises, <fcc, entitle it to high con- 
 sideration. I take great pleasure in commend- 
 ing it to the public, and especially to those 
 engaged in the education of youth. 
 
 * N. C. BROOKS, 
 
 Principal of the Bait. Central High School. 
 
 We heartily concur with Professor Brooks in 
 the above recommendation. 
 
 JAMES M'INTIRE, 
 Professor of Mathematics. 
 
 EDWARD DUFFY. 
 Professor of Belles Lettres. 
 
 We have examined the American Manual 
 with a great deal of pleasure, and as a text- 
 book for school purposes it is unquestionably 
 one of great merit. We thmk that Mr. Bur- 
 leigh has placed the profession under deep 
 obligation. The arrangement of the book is 
 such as greatly to facilitate the labour of in- 
 struction, and no candid mind can look over 
 its pages without coming to the conclusion, 
 that the work is the best of any yet published 
 to promote among pupils generally an exact 
 and thorough knowledge oi the principles of 
 Republican government. „„„» 
 
 WM. R. CREERY, 
 Prin. Mnle Pub. School, No. 6. 
 TIMOTHY CR1MMIN, 
 Teacher of Mathematics. 
 M. CONNOLLY, 
 Prin. Male Public School, No. 1. 
 M. M'CONKY, 
 Prin. Female Public School, No. 1. 
 E. ADAMS. 
 Prin. Female Pub. School, No. 6. 
 R. CONNOLLY, 
 Prin. Male Pub. School, No. 3. 
 
 Baltimore, June Uth, 18-S8. 
 Having examined the American Manual by 
 
 J. B Burleigh, I think it a work superior 
 
 to any I have met with upon the same subject, 
 admirably adapted to the purpose for which it 
 
 is intended, and I shall introduce it as a text- 
 book into my school. 
 
 EDMUND SMITH, 
 Principal of Franklin HaU. 
 
 Extract from the Literary Pioneer of May, 1848. 
 Every child should be possessed of the in- 
 formation the American Manual imparts, to be 
 enabled to exercise understanding^, at f. proper 
 time, its privileges as a citizen of the United 
 States. 
 
 Extract from the Frankford Herald 
 
 We have no hesitation in asserting our 
 opinion that the Manual fills a vacancy which 
 has long been observed in the text-books of 
 our schools and the popular literature of our 
 country. Every teacher will, we think, find 
 this book just what he wanted to assist him in 
 preparing his pupils to assume the duties and 
 responsibilities of citizenship. As a book of 
 reference and authonty this work will be 
 found worthy of a place in every library. 
 While the questions, definitions, and other 
 marginal exercises, together with the statisti- 
 cal tables and appendix, will render the Ameri- 
 can Manual a book of incalculable value in 
 disciplining the young mind, and in developing 
 and strengthening the moral and intellectual 
 faculties A. lawyer by education, and a teacher 
 from choice, JL-. Burleigh possesses at the 
 same time a consciousness of what was needed, 
 and the ability to supply it. 
 
 Extract from the North American and United 
 
 States Gazette. 
 We have before us one of the latest produc- 
 tions of a mind devoted to the instruction of 
 youth; it is entitled the American Manual, 
 and contains a great amount of valuable every- 
 day political information. The author has, in 
 our opinion, prepared a work which will be 
 found of great value in the school, and on a 
 plan which must give importance and utility 
 to any reading book intended for scholars. 
 
 Extract of a Letter from Professor S. C. 
 Atkinson of Baltimore. 
 The marginal exercises are ingenious, and 
 useful to the pupil, promoting not only copious- 
 ness and varietv of expression, but also a mi- 
 nute examination of the critical meaning and 
 derivation of words. The questions are of 
 great value, bv promoting attent <« and re- 
 search. They also aid the teacher »- the right 
 mode, by connecting each reading exercise 
 with reflection and investigation. The work 
 is exceedingly valuable as a school book, and 
 scarcely less so as a convenient, well-arranged, 
 family reference book. So far as my observa- 
 tion extends no school book is so well calcu- 
 lated to enlarge and ennoble the mind of youth 
 as the American Manual. 
 
 Extract of a Letter from Professor Gilbert 
 Coombs, Philadelphia. 
 
 The examination of the American Manual 
 has been decidedly a work of pleasure. If for 
 no other cause, the youth of our day have 
 reason to hold the author's name in high 
 esteem, for the p-.eparation of this invaluable 
 work. 
 
 27
 
 30 
 
 RECOMMENDATIONS. 
 
 Extract of a Letter from Thos. W. Duffieli,Esq., 
 one of the School Directors, of Frankjurd, Pa. 
 The Manual is an invaluable work, admira- 
 bly adapted to the purposes designed, and one 
 that cannot fail to " incite au interest in the 
 philosophy of our language." 
 
 It needs but a perusal to a due appreciation 
 of its merits. The policy of the Government 
 can never descend to a medium standard if our 
 youth have placed in their hands for study the 
 American Manual. 
 
 Extract of a Letter from Professor J. L. Van 
 
 Doren of Philadelphia. 
 It would give me great pleasure to see the 
 Manual introduced into all the common schools 
 and academies m our laud. 
 
 Extract from the Gazette of the Union. 
 This Manual of Mr. Burleigh's is, in our 
 opinion, the most valuable school book that 
 has issued from the prolific American press in 
 many years The history of the origin of po- 
 litical power, which Mr. Burleigh has so briefly 
 and comprehensively presented, cannot fail m 
 exercising a most salutary influence upon the 
 minds of the young, in rendering more perfect 
 and thorough their conceptions of the philoso- 
 phy of Government. The valuable statistical 
 tables given in the appendix, which the author 
 must have been at very great care and trouble 
 to collect, will be not only useful to the young, 
 but must, we think, render the work of the 
 greatest value to business men, and to all who 
 would have information on nearly everything 
 which pertains to Government, Commerce, 
 Mechanics, Science, the Arts, Exports, His- 
 tory.and every species of statistical knowledge. 
 As a school book, the value of the Manual is 
 much increased by the fact that numerous 
 questions are given in an unique marginal ar- 
 rangement, by which the skill of the pupils is 
 much exercised in mentally tracing the analogy 
 of synonymy, thus rendering perfect their 
 knowledge of the language. 
 
 Extract from Vie Baltimore Sun. 
 The American Manual cannot fail to com- 
 mand general favour, and will be a very useful 
 acquisition to ''schools, academies, and the 
 pubhc." 
 
 Extract from the Church Times. 
 The American Manual must become very 
 popular, and furnish perhaps a model for 
 school books upon other subjects. 
 
 Extract from the Baltimore Patriot. 
 For the training of youth, the American 
 Manual is one of the best books we have ever 
 met with. The effect of its use is to send forth 
 the American citizen well instructed in the 
 doctrines and duties that appertain to his high 
 character, and prepared for the performance 
 of the obligations required of him by the go- 
 vernment of his country. For the accomplish- 
 ment of this important object, the Manual is 
 well adapted ; setting forth, as it does, the 
 science of government, and particularly the 
 features of the American government, in plain 
 and familiar terms. The effect of its extensive 
 use must be to elevate our liatiunal character, 
 
 by preparing the American boy to act the part 
 of a sovereign citizen, either in the place of 
 authority as an officer, or as a private indivi- 
 dual; and the American girl for enunciation at 
 the fireside of the principles of true patriotism 
 and virtue. 
 
 Extract of a Letter from Prof. Jos. H. Clark, 
 Baltimore. , 
 
 The Manual offers to the young tyro in its 
 marginal exercises every desirable facility to- 
 wards understanding the subject-matter well. 
 
 Extract from the Lutheran Observer. 
 
 We have met with nothing in the Manual 
 that should give offence either to the 'iberal 
 Christian or the enlightened politician; but 
 with much, very much, which both must 
 heartily commend. The principles inculcated 
 are sound, and tend to the improvement of 
 the heart as well as the enlightenment of the 
 mind. 
 
 It advocates the rights aud privileges of the 
 people, sets forth, in strong and vivid colours, 
 their duties, and throughout exhibits and illus- 
 trates the paramount necessity of popular 
 education, and of the universal diffusion of 
 light and knowledge. 
 
 Extract of a Letter from Barlow W. Heath, L. 
 L. D., for many years Secretary of the Board 
 of School Commissioners of Nelson County, 
 Virginia. 
 
 The author has, in my opinion, prepared a 
 work which should be introduced into all our 
 schools and seminaries of learning, and placed 
 in the hands of every citizen ; the comprehen- 
 sive view of politics which the American 
 Manual presents, its excellent commentary on 
 the Constitution, the clear exposition of the 
 duties of magistrates and voters, the high 
 tone of moral sentiment which it contains, 
 with the excellent arrangement and plan of 
 the work, admirably fits it to meet the wants 
 of all in appreciating and understanding the 
 real nature of the bond of our glorious lie- 
 public. 
 
 Extract of a Letter from Professor Sicker. 
 The author has evidently expended much 
 labour and research upon the work. The 
 youth of our country cannot fail to acquire 
 through it a complete knowledge of the form 
 of our government; the true cause of our 
 power, prosperity, and happiness as a nation, 
 and which, being based on the intelligence of 
 the people, they cannot too well understand. 
 The character, nature, and history of our go- 
 vernment are presented in a clear and suc- 
 cint manner, and with the marginal exercises 
 (a most excellent feature in the book), and 
 valuable statistical tables in the appendix, 
 which alone make the work highly useful to 
 every business man in the Union. The Ame- 
 rican Manual altogether is just such a work 
 as I should like to see in the hands of every 
 teacher and scholar in our male and female 
 seminaries. 
 
 EDWARD A. S1EKER, 
 Principal of the Eastern Female Public High 
 School, of Baltimore,
 
 FAREWELL ADDRESS* 
 
 Friends, and Fellow-Citizens : 
 
 The period for a new election of a Citizen, to admi- 
 nister the Executive Government of the United States, 
 being not far distant, and the time actually arrived, 
 when your thoughts must be employed in designating 
 the person, who is to be clothed with that important 
 trust [* ]* it appears to me proper, especially as it may 
 conduce to a more distinct expression of the public 
 voice, that I should now apprise you of the resolution 
 I have formed, to decline being considered among the 
 number of those, out of whom a choice is to be made. 
 
 I beg you, at the same time, to do me the justice to 
 be assured, that this resolution has not been taken, 
 without a strict regard to all the considerations apper- 
 taining to the relation, which binds a dutiful citizen to 
 his country — and that, in withdrawing the tender of 
 service which silence in my situation might imply, I 
 am influenced by no diminution of zeal for your future 
 interest, no deficiency of grateful respect for your past 
 kindness ; but [am supported by] 2 a full conviction that 
 the step is compatible with both. 
 
 * Figures and brackets do not appear in the original, but are here used to 
 show where emendations were made by AVashington ; which prove his great 
 care and prudence in preparing the address, as well as his exceeding anxiety 
 to transmit in unsullied purity the Constitution, and its Republican Form 
 of Government. Jg@^ See page 29. A figure, inside of the bracket, thus [1], 
 denotes erasure ; but a word or words inside of the bracket denote that some 
 other word or words were substituted by Washington instead of those which 
 he had previously written. 
 
 1* ~ i J^
 
 A LITERAL COPY OF THE ORIGINAL 
 
 The acceptance of, and continuance hitherto in, the 
 office to which your suffrages have twice called me, 
 have been a uniform sacrifice of inclination to the opi- 
 nion of duty, and to a deference for what appeared to 
 be your desire. — I constantly hoped, that it would have 
 been much earlier in my power, consistently with mo- 
 tives, which I was not at liberty to disregard, to return 
 to that retirement, from which I had been reluctantly 
 
 drawn. The strength of my inclination to do this, 
 
 previous to the last election, had even led to the pre- 
 paration of an address to declare it to you ; but mature 
 reflection on the then perplexed and critical posture 
 of our affairs with foreign Nations, and the unanimous 
 advice of persons entitled to my confidence, impelled 
 me to abandon the idea. 
 
 I rejoice that the state of your concerns, external as 
 well as internal, no longer renders the pursuit of incli- 
 nation incompatible with the sentiment of duty, or 
 propriety; and [am persuaded] 3 whatever partiality 
 [may be retained] 4 for my services, [that] 5 in the pre- 
 sent circumstances of our country [you] 6 will not dis- i| 
 approve my determination to retire. 
 
 The impressions, [with] 7 which, I first [undertook] 8 
 the arduous trust, were explained on the proper occa- 
 sion. — In the discharge of this trust, I will only say, 
 that I have, with good intentions, contributed [towards] 9 
 the organization and administration of the government, 
 the best exertions of which a very fallible judgment 
 was capable — Not unconscious, in the outset, of the 
 inferiority of my qualifications, experience in my own 
 eyes, [perhaps] - still more in the eyes of others, has 
 [strengthened] 10 the motives to difhdence of myself; 
 and every day the increasing weight of years admo-
 
 FAREWELL ADDRESS OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 nishes me more and more, that the shade of retirement 
 is as necessary to me as it will be welcome. — Satisfied 
 that if any circumstances have given peculiar value to 
 my services, they were temporary, I have the consola- 
 tion to believe, that while choice and prudence invite 
 me to quit the political scene, patriotism does not for- 
 bid it. ["] 
 
 In looking forward to the moment, which is [in- 
 tended] 11 ^ terminate the career of my public life, my 
 feelings do not permit me to suspend the deep acknow- 
 ledgment [of] 12 that debt of gratitude which I owe to 
 my beloved country, — for the many honors it has con- 
 ferred upon me ; still more for the stedfast confidence 
 with which it has supported me ; and for the opportu- 
 nities I have thence enjoyed of manifesting my invio- 
 lable attachment, by services faithful and persevering, 
 though [in usefulness unequal] 13 to my zeal. — If bene- 
 fits have resulted to our country from these services, 
 let it always be remembered to your praise, and as an 
 instructive example in our annals, that, [ H ] under 
 circumstances in which the Passions agitated in every 
 direction were liable to [mislead], 15 amidst appearances 
 sometimes dubious, — vicissitudes of fortune often dis- 
 couraging, — in situations in which not unfrequently 
 want of success has countenanced the spirit of criticism 
 [the constancy of your support] 15 ' was the essential prop 
 of the efforts and [a] 16 guarantee of the plans by which 
 they were effected. — Profoundly penetrated with this 
 idea, I shall carry it with me to the grave, as a strong 
 incitement to unceasing vows [ n ] that Heaven may 
 continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence 
 — that your union and brotherly affection may be per- 
 petual — that the free constitution, which is the work
 
 A LITERAL COPY OF THE ORIGINAL 
 
 of your hands, may be sacredly maintained — that its 
 administration in every department may be stamped 
 with wisdom and virtue — that, in fine, the happiness 
 of the people of these States, under the auspices of 
 liberty, may be made complete, by so careful a preser- 
 vation and so prudent a use of this blessing as will ac- 
 quire to them the glory [ 18 ] of recommending it to the 
 applause, the affection, and adoption of every nation 
 which is yet a stranger to it. 
 
 Here, perhaps, I ought to stop. But a solicitude 
 
 for your welfare, which cannot end but with my life, 
 and the apprehension of danger, natural to that solici- 
 tude, [urge me on an occasion like the present, to offer] 19 
 to your solemn contemplation, and to recommend to 
 3'our frequent review, some sentiments ; which are the 
 result of much reflection, of no inconsiderable observa- 
 tion, [ 20 ] and which appear to me all important to the 
 permanency of your felicity as a People. — These will 
 be offered to you with the more freedom as you can 
 only see in them, the disinterested warnings of a part- 
 ing friend, who can [possibly] 01 have no personal mo- 
 tive to bias his counsels. [Nor can I forget, as an 
 
 encouragement to it your indulgent reception of my 
 sentiments on a former and not dissimilar occasion.]" 
 
 Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every liga- 
 ment of your hearts, no recommendation of mine is 
 necessary to fortify or confirm the attachment. 
 
 The Unity of Government which constitutes you 
 
 one people, is also now dear to you. It is justly 
 
 so; — for it is a main Pillar in the Edifice of your real 
 independence ; [the support] of your tranquillity at 
 home; your peace abroad; of your safety; [ 23 ] of 
 your prosperity [ 24 ] ; of that very Liberty which you
 
 FAREWELL ADDRESS OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 so highly prize. — But as it is easy to foresee, that from 
 [different] 25 causes, and from different quarters, much 
 pains will be taken, many artifices employed, to weaken 
 in your minds the conviction of this truth ; — as this 
 is the point in your [political] 20 fortress against which 
 the batteries of internal and external enemies will be 
 most constantly and actively (though often covertly 
 and insidiously) directed, it is of infinite moment, that 
 you should properly estimate the immense value of 
 your national Union to your collective and individual 
 happiness; — that you should cherish [ 27 ] a cordial, 
 habitual, and immoveable attachment [to it, accustom- 
 ing yourselves to think and speak of it as of the Pal- 
 ladium of your political safety and prosperity ; watch- 
 ing for its preservation with jealous anxiety ; discoun- 
 tenancing whatever may suggest even a suspicion that 
 it can in any event be abandoned, and indignantly 
 frowning upon the first dawning of every attempt to 
 alienate any portion of our Country from the rest, or 
 to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link together the 
 various parts.] 23 
 
 For this you have every inducement of sympathy 
 and interest.— Citizens [by birth or choice of a com- 
 mon country], 29 that. country has a right to concen- 
 trate your affections.— The name of American, which 
 belongs to you, in your national capacity, must 
 always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than 
 any appellation [ 30 ] derived from local discrimina- 
 tions.— With slight shades of difference, you have 
 the same Religion, Manners, Habits, and political 
 Principles. — You have in a common cause fought 
 and triumphed together. — The Independence and 
 Liberty you possess are the work of joint councils,
 
 10 A LITERAL COPY OF THE ORIGINAL 
 
 and joint efforts — of common dangers, sufferings and 
 successes. — 
 
 But these considerations, however powerfully they 
 address themselves to your sensibility, are greatly out- 
 weighed by those which apply more immediately to 
 your Interest. — Here every portion of our country finds 
 the most commanding motives for carefully guarding 
 and preserving the Union of the whole. 
 
 The North in an [unrestrained] 31 intercourse with 
 the South, protected by the equal Laws of a common 
 government, finds in the productions of the latter f 32 ] 
 great additional resources of maritime and commercial 
 enterprise — and precious materials of manufacturing 
 industry. — The South in the same intercourse, benefit- 
 ing by the agency of the North, sees its agriculture 
 grow and its commerce expand. Turning partly into 
 its own channels the seamen of the North, it finds its 
 particular navigation envigorated ; — and while it con- 
 tributes, in different ways, to nourish and increase the 
 general mass of the national navigation, it looks for- 
 ward to the protection of a maritime strength to which 
 itself is unequally adapted. — The East, in a like inter- 
 course with the West, already finds, and in the pro- 
 gressive improvement of interior communications, by 
 land and water, will more and more find, a valuable 
 vent for the commodities which it brings from abroad, 
 or manufactures at home. — The TT^ derives from the 
 East supplies requisite to its growth and comfort, — 
 and what is perhaps of still greater consequence, it 
 must of necessity owe the secure enjoyment of indis- 
 pensable outlets for its own productions to the weight, 
 influence, and the future maritime strength of the At- 
 lantic side of the Union, directed by an indissoluble
 
 FAREWELL ADDRESS OF WASHINGTON. 11 
 
 community of interest, as one Nation. — [Any other] 33 
 tenure by which the West can hold this essential ad- 
 vantage, [whether derived] 34 from its own separate 
 strength, or from an apostate and unnatural connection 
 with any foreign Power, must be intrinsically preca- 
 rious. [ 35 ] 
 
 [ 36 ] While [then] every part of our Country thus 
 [feels] 37 an immediate and particular interest in Union, 
 all the parts 33 [combined cannot fail to find] in the 
 united mass of means and efforts [ 39 ] greater strength, 
 greater resource, proportionably greater security from 
 external danger, a less frequent interruption of their 
 Peace by foreign Nations ; and, [what is] 40 of inesti- 
 mable value ! they must derive from Union an exemp- 
 tion from those broils and wars between themselves, 
 which [so frequently] 41 afflict neighbouring countries, 
 not tied together by the same government; which their 
 own rivalships alone would be sufficient to produce; 
 but which opposite foreign alliances, attachments and 
 intrigues would stimulate and embitter. — Hence like- 
 wise they will avoid the necessity of those overgrown 
 Military establishments, which under any form of Go- 
 vernment are inauspicious to liberty, and which [are 
 to be regarded] 40 as particularly hostile to Republican 
 Liberty : In this sense it is, that your Union ought to 
 be considered as a main prop of your liberty, and that 
 the love of the one ought to endear to you the preser- 
 vation of the other. 
 
 These considerations speak a persuasive language to 
 [every] 43 reflecting and virtuous mind, — [and] 44 exhi- 
 bit the continuance of the Union as a primary object 
 of Patriotic desire. — Is there a doubt, whether a com- 
 mon government can embrace so large a sphere ? — Let 
 
 28 ==
 
 12 A LITERAL COPY OF THE ORIGINAL 
 
 experience solve it. — To listen to mere speculation in 
 such a case were criminal. — [We are authorised] 45 to 
 hope that a proper organization of the whole, with the 
 auxiliary agency of governments for the respective sub- 
 divisions, will afford a happy issue to the experiment. 
 'Tis well worth a fair and full experiment. [ 46 ] With 
 such powerful and obvious motives to Union, [affect- 
 ing] 47 all parts of our country [ 48 ], while experience 
 shall not have demonstrated its impracticability, there 
 will always be [reason] 49 to distrust the patriotism of 
 those, w r ho in any quarter may endeavour to weaken 
 its bancU[ 50 ] 
 
 h\ contemplating the causes which may disturb our 
 Union, it occurs as matter of serious concern, that [any 
 ground should have been furnished for characterizing 
 parties by] 51 Geographical discriminations — Northern 
 and Southern — Atlantic and Western ; [whence design- 
 ing men may endeavour to excite a belief that there is 
 a real difference of local interests and views.] 32 One 
 of the expedients of Party to acquire influence, within 
 particular districts, is to misrepresent the opinions and 
 aims of other districts. — You cannot shield yourselves 
 too much against the jealousies and heart burnings 
 which spring from these misrepresentations ; — They 
 tend to render alien to each other those who ought to 
 be bound together by fraternal affection. — The inhabit- 
 ants of our Western country have lately had a useful 
 lesson on this [head]. 03 — They have seen, in the nego- 
 tiation by the Executive, and in the unanimous ratifi- 
 cation by the Senate, of the Treat}- with Spain, and in 
 the universal satisfaction of that event, throughout the 
 United States, a decisive proof how unfounded were 
 the suspicions propagated among them of a policy in
 
 FAREWELL ADDRESS OF WASHINGTON. 13 
 
 the General Government and in the Atlantic States 
 unfriendly to their interests in regard to the Missis- 
 sippi. — They have been witnesses to the formation of 
 two Treaties, that with G. Britain, and that with Spain, 
 which secure to them every thing they could desire, in 
 respect to our Foreign Relations, towards confirming 
 their prosperity. — Will it not be their wisdom to rely 
 for the preservation of these advantages on the Union 
 by which they were procured ? — Will they not hence- 
 forth be deaf to those advisers, if such there are, who 
 would sever them from their Brethren, and connect 
 them with Aliens ? — 
 
 To the efficacy and permanency of your Union, a 
 Government for the whole is indispensable. — No alli- 
 ances however strict between the parts can be an ade- 
 quate substitute. — They must inevitably experience 
 the infractions and interruptions which all alliances in 
 all times have experienced. — Sensible of this moment- 
 ous truth, you have improved upon your first essay, 
 by the adoption of a Constitution of Government, better 
 calculated than your former for an intimate Union, 
 and for the efficacious management of your common 
 concerns. — This government, the offspring of our own 
 choice uninfluenced and unawed, adopted upon full 
 investigation and mature deliberation, completely free 
 in its principles, in the distribution of its powers, unit- 
 ing security with energy, and containing within itself 
 a provision for its own amendment, has a just claim 
 to your confidence and 3'our support. — Respect for its 
 authority, compliance with its Laws, acquiescence in 
 its measures, are duties enjoined by the fundamental 
 maxims of true Liberty. — The basis of our political 
 systems is the right of the people to make and to alter
 
 14 A LITERAL COPY OF THE ORIGINAL 
 
 their Constitutions of Government. — But the Constitu- 
 tion which at any time exists, 'till changed by an ex- 
 plicit and authentic act of the whole People, is sacredly 
 obligatory upon all. — The very idea of the power and 
 the right of the People to establish Government, pre- 
 supposes the duty of every individual to obey the esta- 
 blished Government. 
 
 All obstructions to the execution of the Laws, all 
 combinations and associations, under whatever plausi- 
 ble character, with [the real] 54 design to direct, con- 
 troul, counteract, or awe the regular deliberation and 
 action of the constituted authorities, are destructive of 
 this fundamental principle and of fatal tendency. — 
 They serve to organize faction, to give it an artificial 
 and extraordinary force — to put, [ 5J ] in the place of 
 the delegated will of the Nation, the will of a party ; — 
 often a small but artful and enterprizing minority of 
 the community ; — and, according to the alternate tri- 
 umphs of different parties, to make the public admi- 
 nistration the mirror of the ill-concerted and incongru- 
 ous projects of faction, rather than the organ of con- 
 sistent and wholesome plans digested by common 
 councils and modified by mutual interests. — However 
 combinations or associations of the above description 
 may now and then answer popular ends, [ 5C ] they are 
 likely, in the course of time and things, to become 
 potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious and un- 
 principled men will be enabled to subvert the Power 
 of the People and to usurp for themselves the reins of 
 Government ; destroying afterwards the very engines 
 which have lifted them to unjust dominion. — 
 
 Towards the preservation of your Government and 
 the permanency of your present happy state, it is re-
 
 FAREWELL ADDRESS OP WASHINGTON. 15 
 
 quisite, not only that you steadily discountenance irre- 
 gular oppositions to its acknowledged authority, but 
 also that you resist with care [the] 57 spirit of innova- 
 tion upon its principles however specious the pretexts. 
 — One method of assault may be to effect,*in the forms 
 of the Constitution, alterations which will impair the 
 energy of the system, [and thus to] 58 undermine what 
 cannot be directly overthrown. — In all the changes to 
 which you may be invited, remember that time and 
 habit are at least as necessary to fix the true character 
 of Governments, as of other human institutions — that 
 experience is the surest standard, by which to test the 
 real tendency of the existing Constitution of a Country 
 — that facility in changes upon the credit of mere hy- 
 pothesis and opinion exposes to perpetual change, from 
 the endless variety of hypothesis and opinion : — and 
 remember, especially, that for the efficient management 
 of your common interests, in a country so extensive 
 as ours, a Government of as much vigour as is con- 
 sistent with the perfect security of Liberty is indis- 
 pensable — Liberty itself will find in such a Govern- 
 ment, with powers properly distributed and adjusted, 
 its surest Guardian. — [It is indeed little else than 
 a name, where the Government is too feeble to 
 withstand the enterprises of faction, to confine each 
 member of the Society within the limits prescribed 
 by the laws, and to maintain all in the secure 
 and tranquil enjoyment of the rights of person and 
 property.] 59 
 
 I have already intimated to you the danger of Parties 
 in the State, with particular reference to the founding 
 of them on Geographical discriminations. — Let me now 
 take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the
 
 16 A LITERAL COPY OP THE ORIGINAL 
 
 most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the 
 Spirit of Party, generally. 
 
 This Spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from [our] 60 
 nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the 
 [human] GOi mind.— It exists under different shapes in all 
 Governments, more or less stifled, controuled or re- 
 pressed ; but in those of the popular form it is seen in its 
 greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy. — [ 61 J 
 
 The alternate domination of one faction over an- 
 other, sharpened by the spirit of revenge natural to 
 party dissension, which in different ages and countries 
 has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a 
 frightful despotism. — But this leads at length to a more 
 formal and permanent despotism. — The disorders and 
 miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of 
 men to seek security and repose in the absolute power 
 of an Individual : and sooner or later the chief of some 
 prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than 
 his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes 
 of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty. 
 
 Without looking forward to an extremity of this 
 kind, (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely out 
 of sight), the common and continual mischiefs of the 
 spirit of Party are sufficient to make it the interest 
 and the duty of a wise People to discourage and re- 
 strain it. — 
 
 It serves always to distract the Public Councils and 
 enfeeble the Public administration. — It agitates the 
 community with ill founded jealousies and false alarms, 
 kindles the animosity of one part against another, fo- 
 ments occasionally riot and insurrection. — It opens the 
 door to foreign influence and corruption, which find a 
 facilitated access [to the Government itself through
 
 FAREWELL ADDRESS OP WASHINGTON. 17 
 
 the channels of party passions. Thus, the policy and 
 the will of one country, are subjected to the policy and 
 will of another.] 62 
 
 There is an opinion that parties in free countries 
 are useful checks upon the Administration of the Go- 
 vernment, and serve to keep alive the Spirit of Liberty. 
 — This within certain limits is probably true — and in 
 Governments of a Monarchical cast, Patriotism may 
 look with indulgence, if not with favour, upon the spirit 
 of party. — But in those of the popular character, in 
 Governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be 
 encouraged. — From their natural tendency, it is certain 
 there will always be enough of that spirit for every 
 salutary purpose, — and there being constant danger of 
 excess, the effort ought to be, by force of public opi- 
 nion, to mitigate and assuage it. — A fire not to be 
 quenched ; it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent 
 its bursting into a flame, lest, [instead of warming, it 
 should] 63 consume. — 
 
 It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking 
 in a free country should inspire caution in those en- 
 trusted with its administration, to confine themselves 
 within their respective constitutional spheres ; avoiding 
 in the exercise of the powers of one department to en- 
 croach upon another. — The spirit of encroachment 
 tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments 
 in one, and thus to create, [ 64 ] whatever [the form of 
 government, a real] 65 despotism. — A just estimate of 
 that love of power, and [ 6G ] proneness to abuse it, 
 which predominates in the human heart, is sufficient 
 to satisfy us of the truth of this position. — The neces- 
 sity of reciprocal checks in the exercise of political 
 power, by dividing and distributing it into different
 
 18 A LITERAL COPY OF THE ORIGINAL 
 
 depositories, and constituting each the Guardian of the 
 Public Weal [against] 137 invasions by the others, has 
 been evinced by experiments ancient and modern ; 
 some of them in our country and under our own eyes. 
 — To preserve them must be as necessary as to insti- 
 tute them. — If in the opinion of the People, the distri- 
 bution or modification of the Constitutional powers be 
 in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an 
 amendment in the way which the Constitution desig- 
 nates. — But let there be no change by usurpation ; for 
 though this, in one instance, may be the instrument 
 of good, it is the [customary] 08 weapon by which free 
 governments are destroyed. — The precedent [ C9 ] must 
 always greatly overbalance in permanent evil any par- 
 tial or [transient] 70 benefit which the use [ 71 ] can at 
 any time yield. — 
 
 Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to poli- 
 tical prosperity, Religion and morality are indispensa- 
 ble supports. — In vain would that man claim the tri- 
 bute of Patriotism, who should labour to subvert these 
 great Pillars of human happiness, these firmest props 
 of the duties of Men and Citizens. — The mere Politi- 
 cian, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and 
 to cherish them. — A volume could not trace all their 
 connections with private and public felicity. — Let it 
 simply be asked where is the security for property, for 
 reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation 
 desert the oaths, which are the instruments of investi- 
 gation in Courts of Justice ? And let us with caution 
 indulge the supposition, that morality can be main- 
 tained without religion. — Whatever may be conceded 
 to the influence of refined education on minds of pecu- 
 liar structure — reason and experience both forbid us
 
 FAREWELL ADDRESS OT WASHINGTON. 19 
 
 to expect that national morality can prevail in exclu- 
 sion of religious principle. — 
 
 'Tis substantially true, that virtue or morality is a 
 necessary spring of popular government. — The rule 
 indeed extends with more or less force to every species 
 of Free Government. — Who that is a sincere friend to 
 it, can look with indifference upon attempts to shake 
 the foundation of the fabric ? — 
 
 [Promote then as an object of primary importance, 
 institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. — 
 In proportion as the structure of a government gives 
 force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion 
 should be enlightened.] — 72 
 
 As a very important source of strength and security, 
 cherish public credit. — One method of preserving it is 
 to use it as [sparingly] 73 as possible : — avoiding occa- 
 sions of expense by cultivating peace, but remembering 
 also that timely disbursements to prepare for danger 
 frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel 
 it — avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not 
 only by [shunning] 74 occasions of expense, but by vi- 
 gorous exertions in time of Peace to discharge the debts 
 which unavoidable wars may have occasioned, not 
 ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burthen 
 which we ourselves ought to bear. The execution of 
 these maxims belongs to your Representatives, but it 
 is necessary that public opinion should [co-operate.] 75 — 
 To facilitate to them the performance of their duty, it 
 is essential that you should practically bear in mind, 
 that towards the payment of debts there must be Re- 
 venue — that to have Revenue there must be taxes — 
 that no taxes can be devised which are not more or 
 less inconvenient and unpleasant — that the intrinsic
 
 A LITERAL COPY OF THE ORIGINAL 
 
 embarrassment inseparable from the selection of the 
 proper objects (which is always a choice of difficulties) 
 ought to be a decisive motive for a candid construction 
 of the conduct of the Government in making it, and 
 for a spirit of acquiescence in the measures for obtain- 
 ing Revenue which the public exigencies may at any 
 time dictate. — 
 
 serve good faith and justice towards all Nations. [j 70 ] 
 Cultivate peace and harmony with all. — Religion and 
 morality enjoin this conduct ; and can it be that good 
 policy does not equally enjoin it? — It will be worthy 
 of a free, enlightened, and. at no distant period, a great 
 nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too 
 novel example of a People always guided by an exalted 
 justice and benevolence. — Who can doubt that in the 
 course of time and things, the fruits of rach a plan 
 would richly repay any temporary advantages which 
 might be lost by a steady adherence to it? Can it be, 
 that Providence has not connected the permanent feli- 
 city of a Nation with its virtue? The experiment, at 
 least, is recommended by every sentiment which enno- 
 bles human nature. — Alas! is it rendered impossible 
 by its vices? 
 
 In the execution of such a plan nothing is more es- 
 sential than that [permanent, inveterate] 77 antipathies 
 against particular nations and passionate attachments 
 for others should be excluded ; and that in place of 
 them just and amicable feelings towards all should be 
 cultivated. — The Nation, which indulges towards an- 
 other [an] 78 habitual hatred or [an] 70 habitual fond- 
 ness, is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its 
 animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient 
 to lead it astray from its duty and its interest. — Anti-
 
 FAREWELL ADDRESS OF "WASHINGTON. 21 
 
 pathy in one Nation against another [ so ] disposes each 
 more readily to offer insult and injury, to lay hold of 
 slight causes of umbrage, and to be haughty and in- 
 tractable, when accidental or trifling occasions of dis- 
 pute occur. — Hence frequent collisions, obstinate, en- 
 venomed and bloody contests. — The Nation prompted 
 by ill-will and resentment sometimes impels to War 
 the Government, contrary to [the best]" 1 calculations 
 of policy. The Government sometimes participates in 
 the [national]' propensity, and adopts through passion 
 what reason would reject ; — at other times, it makes 
 the animosity of the Nation subservient to projects of 
 hostility instigated by pride, ambition, and other sinis- 
 ter and pernicious motives. — The peace often, some- 
 times perhaps the Liberty, of Nations has been the 
 victim. — 
 
 So likewise a passionate attachment of one Nation 
 for another produces a variety of evils. — Sympathy for 
 the favourite nation, facilitating the illusion of an ima- 
 ginary common interest in cases where no real common 
 interest exists, and infusing into one [ 83 ] the enmities 
 of the other, betrays the former into a participation in 
 the quarrels and wars of the latter, without adequate 
 inducement or justification : It leads also to concessions 
 to the favourite Nation of privileges denied to others, 
 which is apt doubly to injure the Nation making the 
 concessions; [ 84 ] by unnecessarily parting with what 
 ought to have been retained, [ e5 ] and by exciting jea- 
 lousy, ill-will, and a disposition to retaliate, in the par- 
 ties from whom equal privileges are withheld ; and it 
 gives to ambitious, corrupted, or deluded citizens (who 
 devote themselves to the favourite Nation) facility to 
 betray, or sacrifice the interests c x .heir own country,
 
 A LITERAL COPY OF THE ORIGINAL 
 
 without odium, sometimes even with popularity: — 
 gilding with the appearances of a virtuous sense of ob- 
 ligation, a commendable deference for public opinion, 
 or a laudable zeal for public good, the base or foolish 
 compliances of ambition, corruption or infatuation. — 
 
 As avenues to foreign influence in innumerable ways, 
 such attachments are particularly alarming to the truly 
 enlightened and independent Patriot. — How many op- 
 portunities do they afford to tamper with domestic fac- 
 tions, to practise the arts of seduction, to mislead public 
 opinion, to influence or awe the public councils ! Such 
 an attachment of a small or weak, towards a great and 
 powerful nation, dooms the former to be the satellite 
 of the latter. 
 
 Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence, [I 
 conjure you to] ?fi believe me, [fellow citizens], 87 the 
 jealousy of a free people ought to be [constanthjY' 
 awake, since history and experience prove that foreign 
 influence is one of the most baneful foes of Republican 
 Government. — But that jealous}' to be useful must be 
 impartial ; else it becomes the instrument of the very 
 influence to be avoided, instead of a defence against it. 
 — Excessive partiality for one foreign nation and ex- 
 cessive dislike of another, cause those whom they ac- 
 tuate to see danger only on one side, and serve to veil 
 and even second the arts of influence on the other. — 
 Real Patriots, who may resist the intrigues of the fa- 
 vourite, are liable to become suspected and odious; 
 while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and con- 
 fidence of the people, to surrender their interests. — 
 
 The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign 
 Nations is, [in extending our commercial relations], 89 
 to have with them as little Political connection as pos-
 
 FAREWELL ADDRESS OP WASHINGTON. 23 
 
 sible. — So far as we have already formed engagements 
 let them be fulfilled with [ 90 ] perfect good faith. — 
 Here let us stop. — 
 
 Europe has a set of primary interests, which to us 
 have none, or a very remote relation. — Hence she must 
 be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of 
 which are essentially foreign to our concerns. — Hence 
 therefore it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves 
 by [ 91 ] artificial [ties] 92 in the ordinary vicissitudes of 
 her politics, [or] 93 the ordinary combinations and col- 
 lisions of her friendships, or enmities. 
 
 Our detached and distant situation invites and en- 
 ables us to pursue a different course. — If we remain 
 one People, under an efficient government, the period 
 is not far off, when we may defy material injury from 
 external annoyance ; when we may take such an atti- 
 tude as will cause the neutrality we may at any time 
 resolve [upon] 94 to be scrupulously respected. — When 
 [ 95 ] belligerent nations, under the impossibility of 
 making acquisitions upon us, will [not] 96 lightly hazard 
 the giving us provocation [ 97 ] ; when we may choose 
 peace or war, as our interest guided by [ 98 ] justice 
 shall counsel. — 
 
 Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situa- 
 tion ? — Why quit our own to stand upon foreign 
 ground ? — Why, by interweaving our destiny with that 
 of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and pros- 
 perity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, in- 
 terest, humour or caprice ? — 
 
 'T is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alli- 
 ances, [ " ] with any portion of the foreign world ; — so 
 far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it — for let 
 me not be understood as capable of patronizing infidel- 
 
 29
 
 24 A LITERAL COPY OF THE ORIGINAL 
 
 ity to [existing] 100 engagements, ([I hold the maxim 
 no less applicable to public than to private affairs], 101 
 that honesty is [always] 10 - the best policy.) — [I repeat 
 it therefore let those engagements] 103 be observed in 
 their genuine sense. — But in my opinion it is unneces- 
 sary and would be unwise to extend them. — 
 
 Taking care always to keep ourselves, by suitable 
 establishments, on a respectable defensive posture, we 
 may safely trust to [temporary] 104 alliances for extraor- 
 dinary emergencies. 
 
 Harmony, liberal intercourse with all Nations, are 
 recommended by policy, humanity and interest. — But 
 even our commercial policy should hold an equal and 
 impartial hand : — neither seeking nor granting exclu- 
 sive favours or preferences; — consulting the natural 
 course of things ; — diffusing and diversifying by gentle 
 means the streams of commerce, but forcing nothing ; — 
 establishing with Powers so disposed — in order to give 
 to trade a stable course, to define the rights of our 
 Merchants, and to enable the Government to support 
 them — conventional rules of intercourse, the best that 
 present circumstances and mutual opinion will permit; 
 but temporary, and liable to be from time to time 
 abandoned or varied, as experience and circumstances 
 shall dictate; constantly keeping in view, that 'tis folly 
 in one nation to look for disinterested favors [from] 100 
 another, — that it must pay with a portion of its inde- 
 pendence for whatever it may accept under that cha- 
 racter — that by such acceptance, it may place itself in 
 the condition of having given equivalents for nominal 
 favours and yet of being reproached with ingratitude 
 for not giving more. — There can be no greater error 
 than to expect, or calculate upon real favours from
 
 FAREWELL ADDRESS OF WASHINGTON. 25 
 
 Nation to Nation. — 'T is an illusion which experience 
 must cure, which a just pride ought to discard. 
 
 In offering to you, my Countrymen, these counsels 
 of an old and affectionate friend, I dare not hope they 
 will make the strong and lasting impression, I could 
 wish, — that they will controul the usual current of the 
 passions, or prevent our Nation from running the course 
 which has hitherto marked the destiny of Nations. — 
 But if I may even flatter myself, that they may be 
 productive of some partial benefit; some occasional 
 good ; that they may now and then recur to moderate 
 the fury of party spirit, to warn against the mischiefs 
 of foreign intrigue, to guard against the impostures of 
 pretended patriotism, this hope will be a full recom- 
 pense for the solicitude for your welfare, by which 
 they have been dictated. — 
 
 How far in the discharge of my official duties, I 
 have been guided by the principles which have been 
 delineated, the public Records and other evidences of 
 my conduct must witness to You, and to the World. — 
 To myself, the assurance of my own conscience is, that 
 I have at least believed myself to be guided by them. 
 
 In relation to the still subsisting War in Europe, my 
 Proclamation of the 22d of April 1793 is the index to 
 my plan. — Sanctioned by your approving voice and by 
 that of Your Representatives in both Houses of Con- 
 gress, the spirit of that measure has continually go- 
 verned me : — uninfluenced by any attempts to deter or 
 divert me from it. 
 
 After deliberate examination with the aid of the 
 best lights I could obtain, [ m ] I was well satisfied that 
 our country, under all the circumstances of the case, 
 had a right to take, and was bound in duty and inter-
 
 26 A LITERAL COPY OF TIIE ORIGINAL 
 
 est, to take a Neutral position. — Having taken it, I 
 determined, as far as should depend upon me, to main- 
 tain it, with moderation, perseverance and firmness. — 
 [The considerations which respect the right to hold 
 this conduct, [it is not necessary] 107 on this occasion 
 [to detail]. 103 I will only observe, that according to 
 my understanding of the matter, that right, so far from 
 being denied by any of the Belligerent Powers, has 
 been virtually admitted by all. — ] 109 
 
 The duty of holding a neutral conduct may be in- 
 ferred, without anything more, from the obligation 
 which justice and humanity impose on every Nation, 
 in cases in which it is free to act, to maintain inviolate 
 the relations of Peace and Amity towards other 
 Nations. — 
 
 The inducements of interest for observing that con- 
 duct, will best be referred to your own reflections and 
 experience. — "With me, a predominant motive has been 
 to endeavour to gain time to our country to settle and 
 mature its yet recent institutions, and to progress with- 
 out interruption to that degree of strength and consist- 
 ency, which is necessary to give it, humanly speaking, 
 the command of its own fortunes. 
 
 Though in reviewing the incidents of my Adminis- 
 tration, I am unconscious of intentional error — I am 
 nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it 
 probable that I [may] 110 have committed many errors. 
 — [Whatever they may be I] 111 fervently beseech the 
 Almighty to avert or mitigate [the evils to which they 
 may tend.]' 12 — I shall also carry with me the hope 
 that my country will never cease to view them with 
 indulgence ; and that after forty-five years of my life 
 dedicated to its service, with an upright zeal, the faults
 
 FAREWELL ADDRESS OP WASHINGTON. 27 
 
 of incompetent abilities will be consigned to oblivion, 
 as myself must soon be to the mansions of rest, [ 113 ] 
 
 Relying on its kindness in this as in other things, 
 and actuated by that fervent love towards it, which is 
 so natural to a man, who views in it the native soil of 
 himself and his progenitors for [several] 114 generations ; 
 — I anticipate with pleasing expectation that retreat, 
 in which I promise myself to realize, without alloy, 
 the sweet enjoyment of partaking, in the midst of my 
 fellow citizens, the benign influence of good Laws 
 under a free Government, — the ever favourite object 
 of my heart, and the happy reward, as I trust, of our 
 mutual cares, labours and dangers. [ 115 ] 
 
 GS. "Washington. 
 United States, | 
 19th September, j 1796 - 
 
 29*
 
 MATTER EMENDED BY WASHINGTON. 
 
 The following expressions are those which were first written by Wash- 
 ington, and afterwards erased or changed. What he finally sub- 
 stituted is, in the Address, included inside of the brackets, which 
 are marked by the corresponding figures. 
 
 1, For another term. — 2. -A- * 1 under. — 3. That. — 4. Any por- 
 tion of you may yet retain. — 5, Even they. — 6. 7. Un- 
 der. — 3, Accepted. — 9, To. — 9£,* 10, Not lessened. — 
 
 IX, May I a l s0 have that of knowing in my retreat, that the invo- 
 luntary errors, I have probably committed, have been the sources of 
 no serious or lasting mischief to our country. I may then expect to 
 realize, without alloy, the sweet enjoyment of partaking, in the midst 
 of my fellow citizens, the benign influence of good laws under a free 
 government; the ever favorite object of my heart, and the happy 
 reward, I trust, of our mutual cares dangers and labours. (In the 
 margin opposite this paragraph is the following note in Washington's 
 Autograph also erased, " obliterated to avoid the imputation of af- 
 fected modesty.") — 11£, 12. Demanded by. — 13, Un- 
 equal in usefulness. — 14, The constancy of your support. — l*J t 
 
 Wander and fluctuate.— 15*. ■ 16. The.— 17, The only 
 
 return I can henceforth make. — IS, Or satisfaction. — 19, Encou- 
 raged by the remembrance of your indulgent reception of my senti- 
 ments on an occasion not dissimilar to the present, urge me to offer. 
 
 — 20. And experience. — 2Sl 22. 23. I Q every 
 
 relation. — 24. In every shape. — 25. Various. — 26. 
 
 27. Towards it. — 28. That you should accustom yourselves to 
 reverence it as the Palladium of your political safety and prosperity, 
 adapting constantly your words and actions to that momentous idea; 
 that you should watch for its preservation with jealous anxiety, dis- 
 countenance whatever may suggest a suspicion that it can in any 
 event be abandoned ; and frown upon the first dawning of every at- 
 tempt to alienate any portion of our Country from the rest, or to en- 
 feeble the sacred ties which now link together the several parts. — 
 29. Of a common country by birth or choice. — 30. To be. — 31. 
 Unfettered.— 32. Many of the peculiar. — 33, The.— 34, Either. 
 — 35. Liable every moment to be disturbed by the fluctuating combi- 
 nations of the primary interests of Europe, which must be expected 
 to regulate the conduct of the Nations of which it is composed. — 36. 
 And.— 37, Finds.— 38. Of it.— 39. Cannot fail to find.— 40. 
 Which is an advantage. — 41. Inevitably. — 42. There is reason to 
 regard. — 43. Any. — 44. They.— 45. 'T is natural. — 46. It 
 
 * The dash denotes that what appears in the Address marked by the cor- 
 responding figure was added.
 
 30 MATTER EMENDED BY WASHINGTON. 
 
 may not impossibly be found, that the spirit of party, the machina- 
 tions of foreign powers, the corruption and ambition of individual 
 citizens are more formidable adversaries to the Unity of our Empire 
 than any inherent difficulties in the scheme. Against these the mounds 
 of national opinion, national sympathy and national jealousy ought to 
 be raised. — 47. As. — 48. Have. — 49. Cause in the fact itself. — 
 50. Besides the more serious causes already hinted as threatening 
 our Union, there is one less dangerous, but sufficiently dangerous to 
 make it prudent to be upon our guard against it. I allude to the pet- 
 ulance of party differences of opinion. It is not uncommon to hear 
 the irritations which these excite vent themselves in declarations that 
 the different parts of the United States are ill affected to each other, 
 in menaces that the Union will be dissolved by this or that measure. 
 Intimations like these are as indiscreet as they are intemperate. 
 Though frequently made with levity and without any really evil inten- 
 tion, they have a tendency to produce the consequence which they in- 
 dicate. They teach the minds of men to consider the Union as pre- 
 carious ; — as an object to which they ought not to attach their hopes 
 and fortunes; — and thus chill the sentiment in its favour. By alarm- 
 ing the pride of those to whom they are addressed, they set ingenuity 
 to work to depreciate the value of the thing, and to discover reasons 
 of indifference towards it. This is not wise. — It will be much wiser 
 to habituate ourselves to reverence the Union as the palladium of our 
 national happiness; to accommodate constantly our words and actions 
 to that idea, and to discountenance whatever may suggest a suspicion 
 that it can in any event be abandoned. (In the margin opposite this 
 paragraph are the words, "Not important enough.") — 51. Our 
 parties for some time past have been too much characterized by. — 
 
 52, These discriminations, the mere contrivance of the spirit of 
 
 Party, always dexterous to seize every handle by which the passions 
 can be wielded, and too skilful not to turn to account the sympathy 
 of neighborhood), have furnished an argument against the Union as 
 evidence of a real difference of local interests and views ; and serve to 
 hazard it by organizing larger districts of country, under the leaders 
 of contending factions; whose rivalships, prejudices and schemes of 
 ambition, rather than the true interests of the Country, will direct the 
 use of their influence. If it be possible to correct this poison in the 
 habit of our body politic, it is worthy the endeavours of the moderate 
 
 aud the good to effect it. — 53. Subject. — 54. 55. H. — 
 
 56. And purposes. — 57. A. — 58. To. — 59. Owing to you as I do 
 a frank and free disclosure of my heart, I shall not conceal from you 
 the belief I entertain, that your Government as at present constituted 
 is far more likely to prove too feeble than too powerful. — (JO. Hu- 
 man. — 6O2. 63L. I 11 Republics of narrow extent, it is not 
 
 difficult for those who at any time hold the reins of Power, and com- 
 mand the ordinary public favor, to overturn the established [consti- 
 tution] 1 in favor of their own aggrandizement. — The same thing may 
 
 " Order.
 
 MATTER EMENDED BY WASHINGTON. 31 
 
 likewise be too often accomplished in such Republics, by partial 
 combinations of men, who though not in office, from birth, riches or 
 other sources of distinction, have extraordinary influence and numer- 
 ous [adherents.]' — By debauching the Military force, by surprising 
 some commanding citadel, or by some other sudden and unforeseen 
 movement the fate of the Republic is decided. — But in Republics of 
 large extent, usurpation can scarcely make its way through these 
 avenues. — The powers and opportunities of resistance of a wide ex- 
 tended aud numerous nation, defy the successful efforts of the ordi- 
 nary Military force, or of any collections which wealth and patronage 
 may call to their aid. — In such Republics it is safe to assert, that the 
 conflicts of popular factions are the chief, if not the only inlets, of 
 usurpation and Tyranny. — 62. Through the channels of party pas- 
 sions. It frequently subjects the policy of our own country to the 
 policy of some foreign country, and even enslaves the will of our Go- 
 vernment to the will of some foreign Government. — 63. R should 
 not only warm, but. — 6^, Under. — 65. Forms, a. — 66. The. — 
 67. From.— 68. Usual and natural.— 69, Of its use.— 70, Tem- 
 porary. — 71. Rself. — 72. Cultivate industry and frugality, as*auxi- 
 liaries to good morals aud sources of private and public prosperity. — 
 Is there not room to regret that our propensity to expense exceeds our 
 means for it? Is there not more luxury among us and more diffu- 
 sively, than suits the actual stage of our national progress '( Whatever 
 may be the apology for luxury in a country, mature in the Arts which 
 are its ministers, and the cause of national opulence — can it promote 
 the advantage of a young country, almost wholly agricultural, in the 
 infancy of the arts, and certainly not in the maturity of wealth ? (Over 
 this paragraph in the original a piece of paper is wafered, on which 
 the passage is written as printed in the text.) — 73. Little. — 7&. 
 Avoiding. — 75. Coincide. — 76. And cultivate peace and harmony 
 with all, for in public as well as in private transactions, I am per- 
 suaded that honesty will always be found to be the best policy. — 
 77, Rooted. — 73, A. — 79. A- — S@. Begets of course a similar 
 
 sentiment in that other. — 81. Its own - — 82. S3. Another. 
 
 —84. lstly.— 85. 2dly.— 86. Bl. *h friends.— 88. 
 
 Incessantly. — 89. 9©. Circumspection iudeed, but with. 
 
 91, An.— 92. Connection. -93. In.— 94, To observe.— 95. Nei- 
 ther of two. — 96. 97. 'J-' throw our weight into the oppo- 
 site scale. — 98. Our. — 99. Intimate connections. — 10©. Pre-ex- 
 isting. — 101. F or I h°kl it t0 be as true i Q public, as in private 
 
 transactions.— 102. 1©3. Those must.— 104. Occasional. 
 
 195. -A-t- — 1©6. (And from men disagreeing in their impressions 
 of the origin, progress, and nature of that war.) — 1©7. Some of 
 them of a delicate nature would be improperly the subject of explana- 
 tion. — 108. 109. The considerations which respect the 
 
 right to hold this conduct, some of them of a delicate nature, would 
 be improperly the subject of explanation on this occasion. I will 
 
 * Retainers.
 
 MATTER EMENDED BY WASHINGTON. 
 
 THE END. 
 
 barely observe tbat according to my understanding of the matter, that 
 so far from being denied by any belligerent Power, has been 
 lly admitted by all. — (This paragraph is then erased from the 
 word "conduct," and the following sentence interlined, "would be 
 improperly the subject of particular discussion on this occasion. I 
 will barely observe that to me they appear to be warranted by well- 
 established principles of the Laws of Nations as applicable to the 
 nature of our alliance with France in connection with the circum- 
 stances of War, and the relative situation of the contending Parties." 
 A piece of paper is afterwards wafered over both, on which the para- 
 graph as it Btande in the text is written*, and on the margin is the 
 following note: "This is the first draft, and it is questionable which 
 
 of the two is to be preferred." I — HO. 121. I deprecate 
 
 the evils to which they may tend, and. — 112. Them. — 113. May 
 1 without the charge of ostentation add, that neither ambition nor 
 Si has been the impelling cause of my actions — that 1 have 
 never designedly misused any power confided to me nor hesitated to 
 use one, where I thought it could redound to your benefit ''. May 1 
 without the appearance of affectation Bay, that the fortune with which 
 I e into office is not betto red otherwise than by the improvement 
 in the value of property which the quick progress and uncommon 
 prosperity of our country have produced? May 1 still further add 
 without breach of delicacy, that 1 shall retire without cause for a 
 blush, with ii" sentiments alien to the force of those vows for the hap- 
 piness of his country bo Datura] to a citizen who see.- in it the native j 
 soil of his progenitors and himself for four generations!'' (On the 
 mar-in opposite this paragraph is the following note: "This para- 
 graph may have the appearance of self-distrust and mere vanity.") — 
 114. Four. — 115. The paragraph beginningwitb the words, "May 
 1 without the charge of OSti Dtatiou add," having been struck out, the 
 following note is written on the margin of that which is inserted in 
 its place in the text : — " Continuation of the paragraph preceding the 
 last ending with the word 'rest.' " 

 
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