The Presiding Officer. On the motion of the Senator from Louisiana.
Mr. Walker. I wish to know, before voting, what will be the effect of a vote given in the affirmative on this motion? Will it carry the bill and the whole subject on the table?
Mr. Foot. An affirmative vote carries the whole measure on the table.
The Presiding Officer. Yes, Sir; if the motion to lay on the table be agreed to, it carries the bill with it.
Several Senators. No, no!
Mr. Benjamin. The question is, whether, on the motion for leave to introduce the bill, there shall be debate? The Chair has decided that there shall be no debate. Those who vote "yea" on my motion to lay the appeal of the Senator from Massachusetts on the table will vote that there is to be no debate upon the permission to offer the bill, and then the question will be taken upon granting leave.
Mr. Walker. The Chair decides differently. The Chair decides, if I understand, that it will carry the bill on the table. Then how can we ever reach the question of leave, when objection is made?
Mr. Weller. I object to this discussion. The Chair will decide that question when it arises. It does not arise now. I insist that the Secretary shall go on and call the roll.
Mr. Walker. Suppose some of us object to it?