Chairman, he will say "a division is called for-gentlemen in the affirmative will please rise." He should then direct the Secretary to count the number standing, and when this is done, and the number reported to him, he will say "forty-four gentlemen are up," supposing that to be the number, and then request those up to be seated, afterwards pursuing a similar course with those in the negative. If the Chairman is in serious doubt himself, as to the preponderance of voices, he may announce to the meeting that "it is impossible for the Chair to decide," and then request the members to divide, as above.

9. But in most of our Town and Ward meetings it is now the usual custom to have the resolutions prepared before hand, and this is decidedly the better plan. In this case, and when the appointment of a committee is not desired, the gentleman who may be charged with the duty of offering them, will rise and submit them immediately after the Chairman announces that "the meeting is organized, and ready to proceed to business."

10. The resolutions, of course, constitute the real business of a meeting, although very many political meetings are called on the eve of every important election, not so much to do business, as to hear the remarks of distinguished speakers. And in many instances, the meeting is no sooner organized than great clamor and confusion ensue, by calling for this or that individual to address the meeting. In most cases, however, it is better to have the resolutions presented before the speaking commences, for if they be kept back until late, they are often passed in a very hurried manner, without being properly digested. In meetings not of a political character, the resolutions, which are usually introduced with some remarks by the gentleman who presents them, often elicit much interesting discussion, so as to be kept before the meeting during the whole session.

11. When a resolution before the meeting contains a blank, that should be filled before the question is taken on the resolution. To fill up a blank is precisely the same as to make an amendment, excepting that when several suggestions are made as

to number and time, it is usual to take the question first on the highest number, the largest sum, and the longest time.*

12. When resolutions are prefaced by a preamble, the question is not taken on the preamble, until the resolutions are disposed of. Should all the resolutions be negatived, the preamble falls to the ground, and is not acted upon at all.

13. In the progress of a meeting, when a speaker has concluded, and a resolution is pending, it is usual for the Chairman to say, "the question is upon the resolution-is the meeting ready for the question?" This will either bring up another speaker, or a call for the "question." In the latter case, the Chairman, unless interrupted by some one rising to speak, will proceed to take the sense of the meeting on the resolution. public meetings of citizens it is not usual to force a question until all have spoken who desire to speak. To call for the "question," while any oue is speaking, is usually con

In

*This is the Legislative as well as Congressional rule on this subject. In Parliament, the question is taken first on the smallest number, and longest time.

sidered an act of great rudeness, but this course is sometimes adopted, by a wearied audience, to get rid of an uninteresting speaker.

14. Sometimes the resolutions submitted by a gentleman, or a committee, are not satisfactory, and require modification and a careful revision. If the matter cannot be reached by amendment, it is entirely in order to refer them to a committee, or to recommit with instructions. A resolution, however, may be withdrawn by the mover previous to amendment. After amendment, it belongs to the meeting.

15. As soon as a resolution is adopted, and so announced, the Chairman should say, "There is no business before the meeting.' This opens an opportunity to those present, to introduce fresh propositions for the consideration of the meeting.

16. In other than political meetings it is not customary to allow a speaker to occupy the floor, unless he rises to speak on a resolution already offered, or prefaces his remarks by stating that he intends to offer one. Much greater latitude in this matter,

is usually allowed in a Town meeting, than would be tolerated in a well regulated Society. It not unfrequently happens that gentlemen are really desirous of reaching a certain point, but are much at a loss as to the proper mode. In such cases a desultory debate, if permitted, will often elicit an idea that will serve as a starting point, and relieve the meeting from its embarrassment.

17. When the announcement of "no business," by the Chairman, elicits no further resolutions or motions, it is usual to provide for the publication of the proceedings and then to adjourn.

18. A motion to adjourn, or a motion to adjourn sine die, must be decided without debate. A motion to adjourn to a certain time, is debatable, and may be amended as regards the time named.

RELIGIOUS PUBLIC MEETINGS.

In public meetings or anniversaries of a religious or a benevolent character, the custom in regard to resolutions is essentially