This is but an expression in parliamentary language of what I have announced as the rule of universal jurisprudence. But, Sir, this rule was borrowed from the rules of the British House of Commons, one of which is,—
“If anything shall come in question touching the return or election of any member, he is to withdraw during the time the matter is in debate.”[14]
I quote from May’s Parliamentary Law. From another work of authority, Dwarris on Statutes, I now read:—
“No member of the House may be present in the House when a bill or any other business concerning himself is debating; while the bill is but reading or opening, he may.”[15]
Then, after citing two different cases, the learned writer proceeds:—
“This rule was always attended to in questions relative to the seat of a member on the hearing of controverted elections, and has been strictly observed in cases of very great moment.”[16]
Again the same writer says:—
“Where a member appeared to be ‘somewhat’ concerned in interest,”—
That is the phrase, only “somewhat concerned,”—