Chapter XXVI: 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 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.