Chapter LX: Section XXIV: 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 on 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.