Chapter LVII: Section XX: Motions

When a motion has been made it is not to be put to the question, or debated until it is seconded. _Scob._, 21.

[The Senate say: No motion shall be debated until the same shall be seconded. _Rule 9._]

It is then, and not till then, in possession of the House, and cannot be withdrawn but by leave of the House.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.

[The rule of the Senate is: 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. * * * _Rule 10._]

It might be asked, whether a motion for adjournment or for the orders of the day, can be made by any 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 adjournment, or for the order of the day, or for the question, by gentlemen from their seats, is not a motion. No motion can be made without arising and addressing the chair. Such calls are themselves breaches of order, which, though the member who has risen may respect as an expression of impatience of the House against further debate, yet, if he chooses, he has a right to go on.