Chapter LXXXV: Section L: Adjournment

The two Houses of Parliament have the sole, separate and independent 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 fitting. 2 _Hats._, 332; 1 _Blackstone_, 186; _5 Grey_, 122.

[By the Constitution of the United States a smaller number than a majority may adjourn from day to day. I, 5. But “neither House, during the session of Congress, shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting.” I, 5. And in case of disagreement between them, with respect to the time of adjournment, the President may adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper. _Const._, II, 3.]

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 adjourn;” 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, etc., it adjourns 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 respect, no member leaves his place till the Speaker has passed on.