AUTHORITY.

That the novice may judge of the value of this work as a book of trustworthy reference and authority, space is here afforded for one of the many complimentary testimonials received from distinguished parliamentarians. Senator Ferry's is selected, not so much for the moderate though decided language in which it is expressed as for the reason that it comes from a gentleman who has occupied the highest post of honor requiring parliamentary skill in the gift of this government. On the death of Vice-President Henry Wilson, he was elected by the U. S. Senate to preside over its deliberations, which position he occupied until the inauguration of Vice-President Wheeler.

Dear Sir:

UNITED STATES SENATE CHAMBER,
Washington, June 3, 1879.

Having given such examination as the time would allow of the "American Manual of Parliamentary Law," by Geo. T. Fish, I take pleasure in recommending it as a systematic, concise and complete manual, covering in brief and clear statement, the present state of parliamentary law as modified by authoritative practice. As a book of ready and reliable reference it is entitled to great respect.

Yours truly,

T. W. FERRY.

INTRODUCTION.

Believing that Parliamentary Law is entitled to recognition as a science, and yet not a science worthy of a life-long study, it has been the author's endeavor to so systematize and condense this work that it may become useful not merely for the purpose of study, but for ready reference. This, it is hoped, will render superfluous the numerous miscellaneous rules usually adopted by deliberative societies, most of which rules re-affirm the law which would govern in their absence.

Writers on parliamentary subjects seem to be fond of quoting from Hatsell the saying, that "It is much more material that there should be a rule to go by than what that rule is." While this is doubtless true, the progress which deliberative bodies have made during the past century in their methods of proceeding, plainly shows that what the rules are is considered important. Therefore, in cases where good authorities differ, the author has followed that writer who gives the law according to analogy, rather than the one who makes unnecessary exceptions to general rules. As in the absence of statutory law, the common law is in force, so in the absence of a special rule, the Parliamentary Law governs. It took its origin in the long established usages of Parliament, especially the usages of the House of Commons. The English law has, so far as this

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country is concerned, been greatly modified by the usages of Congress, more especially by those of the House of Representatives. In determining the extent of these modifications, it must be remembered that each special rule, or decision, particularly if the result of party bias, does not necessarily modify the general usage.

While writers in their treatment of Parliamentary Law, are not at liberty to set aside the established customs to gratify their own fancies or prejudices, they have always freely availed themselves of the privilege of arranging the subject in the order they judged best suited to the objects in view. The author has made such changes in classification, as he believes will tend to simplicity. As an example :-the motion to Divide has usually been classed as a Subsidiary Question, and a Question of Order as an Incidental Question. This arrangement is here reversed, in order to make the classification conform to the universal custom in the use of these questions. In the ordinary sense of the words, all subsidiary questions are incidental, and vice versa, but the technical use of these terms is explained in the proper place. [59, a, b.] The chief cause of parliamentary complications is the existence of what are termed Preferred Questions. At best there are many details connected with them. The author has attempted their classification, to the end that as far as practicable general rules may be laid down concerning them. Το avoid unnecessary repetition, several new terms have been introduced, with a full explanation of the sense in which each is used.

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The student of Parliamentary Law is advised to examine with care Articles VI, VII, VIII, and IX, as the whole subject is practically mastered by an understanding of the general principles upon which the questions therein treated are based.

In using the work as a book of reference, the marginal guide to articles will enable a person at all conversant with it, to turn to almost any subject, without the aid of the index. If the index is used, the marginal guide will greatly assist in turning to the sections, all of which have appropriate headings. Concerning motions, the Table in the article on recapitulation should be first consulted. By the aid of cross references in the Table as well as other parts of the work, all the points connected with a given subject may be readily examined.

As the method of treatment of details is likely to be a vulnerable point in a work of this nature, no apology need be offered for the minuteness with which the various questions are treated. The great intellects of the world have recognized the importance of attending carefully to the little things of life. It is the neglect of these in many cases which causes annoyance and difficulty. The writer's general aim has been to combine system, brevity, and completeness. The measure of success which has been achieved, must be determined by the discriminating reader.

ROCHESTER, N. Y., 1879.