different from that laid down in the foregoing. In these meetings it is usual, immediately after the organization is effected, to present a report of the past year's proceedings, which is read by the Secretary, or the chairman of the Executive Board. After this the resolutions are brought forward singly, by different gentlemen present.

A gentleman will rise, address the Chair, offer his resolution, and proceed with his remarks. When he has concluded, another speaker will rise and say "Mr. President, I second the resolution just offered," and then go on with his address. On the conclusion of his remarks, the President will say, "The following resolution has been moved and seconded,-it will be read by the Secretary,"-and being so read, the Chairman, finding the meeting prepared for a vote, proceeds to put the question. This course is pursued with all the principal resolutions offered.

This is a beautiful mode of doing business, and prevails, very generally, at all large anniversary meetings in England, as well as in this country. The plan affords

an excellent opportunity for bringing systematically forward, a large number of speakers, and greatly adds to the interest of a meeting.

To carry out this design in the most ef fective manner, it is necessary that all the business proposed to be acted upon, should be arranged some time before the meeting. Those expected to address the meeting, should be furnished, some time in advance, with a copy of the resolution upon which they are desired to speak. It is exceedingly improper to defer this matter until the speaker is upon the platform, as without some previous knowledge of the particular point assigned him, he may find himself almost wholly at a loss, the current of his thoughts having taken another direction. This caution is also necessary in order to prevent two speakers from falling into the same train of argument. Sometimes the committee of arrangement request speakers to prepare resolutions for themselves.

When these matters are previously arranged, it is customary to have the order of exercises, resolutions, names of speakers,

&c., printed on a slip, and distributed among

the meeting.

COUNTY CONVENTIONS.

The organization of these bodies is managed, preliminarily, very much the same as that of a Town Meeting, excepting that the first organization is generally temporary. After this is effected, it is usual to appoint a committee to nominate permanent officers, and another to examine and report on the credentials of the members. In the appointment of these committees, the Chairman will, of course, be particular to name no delegate whose seat is, or is likely to be, contested. Such an appointment might lead to serious difficulty.

The Convention being permanently organized, it may be expedient to appoint a "committee to report what business is proper to be brought before the delegates," or to prepare resolutions for the action of

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the convention. Where, however, the object of the Convention is especially defined, as in the case of political delegations to nominate a ticket, this course is altogether unnecessary, and the members at once proceed to enter upon their duties, in the usual man

ner.

In all large bodies of this character, it is very rare that any important business is offered unless it comes through the hands of a committee. The general rules of order laid down in this work, will, it is believed, be found amply sufficient, in the way of direction, to meet any contingency that may arise.

When the seat of a delegate is disputed, it is usual, when the matter has been fairly brought before the convention by committee or otherwise, to allow him to be heard, in support of his right. After he has spoken he should immediately withdraw, until his claim is decided, or, if permitted, by a vole of the convention to remain, he should take no part whatever in the deliberations or vote, until he is regularly declared a member.

In State Conventions it is usual to adopt

as rules of order, those which govern our State Legislature. These are well laid down and explained in the excellent work known as Sutherland's Legislative Manual.

MODE OF CONDUCTING BUSINESS IN A SOCIETY, BOARD OF MANAGERS, &c.

Promptly at the time named in the notice issued for the meeting, the President* should take the chair. The custom of permitting a delay, or allowing "grace" as it is called, is rapidly falling into disuse. No efficient Presiding officer will ever suffer it, unless, indeed, it is rendered unavoidable by the want of a sufficient number to form a quorum, but even in this case it is better to proceed with the preliminary steps necessary for an organization. In Town and Ward meetings, a delay of a few minutes, after the arrival of the time appointed, is sometimes

*Most Societies have a Vice President, to act in the absence of the President, and who, for the time being, is clothed with the President's authority. In all other cases he has no other privilege than those of any other member.