Chapter LVI: Section XIX: Petitions

A petition prays something. A remonstrance has no prayer. 1 _Grey_, 58.

Petitions must be subscribed by the petitioners (_Scob._, 87; _L. Parl._, _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 member presenting it affirmed to be all in the handwriting of the petitioner, and his name written in the beginning, was on the question (Mar. 14, 1800) received by the Senate. The averment of a member, or of somebody withoutdoors, that they know the handwriting of the petitioners, is necessary, if it be questioned (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.

[Before any petition or memorial addressed to the Senate shall be received and read at the table, whether the same shall be introduced by the President or a member, a brief statement of the contents of the petition or memorial shall verbally be made by the introducer. _Rule 24._]

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.