[69]. When the members individually want more information than they possess, at the time a question is moved, or desire further time for reflection and examination, the proper motion is, to postpone the subject to such future day as will answer the views of the assembly.
[70]. This motion is sometimes used improperly, to get rid of a proposition altogether, as would be done by an indefinite postponement. This is effected by fixing upon a day, which, according to the common course of things, will not arrive until after the assembly has been brought to a close. But a motion, worded in this manner, is precisely equivalent to a motion for indefinite postponement, and should be so considered and treated.
[p52]
][71]. If the assembly has something else before it, which claims its present attention, and is therefore desirous to postpone a particular proposition, until that subject is disposed of, such postponement may be effected by means of a motion that the matter in question lie on the table. If this motion prevails, the subject so disposed of may be taken up, at any time afterwards, and considered, when it may suit the convenience of the assembly.
[72]. This motion is also sometimes made use of for the final disposition of a subject; and it always has that effect, when no motion is afterwards made to take it up.[Footnote 12] ]
[Footnote 12:] “This motion (i.e., to lie on the table) is not debatable, and is not subject to amendment.”—Ed.] [Return to text]
CHAPTER VIII.
OF MOTIONS TO COMMIT.
[73]. The third case for the use of a subsidiary motion, as already stated, occurs, when the subject-matter of a proposition is regarded with favor, but the form in which it is introduced is so defective, that a more careful and deliberate consideration is [p53] ]necessary, than can conveniently be given to it in the assembly itself, in order to put it into a satisfactory form. The course of proceeding then is, to refer the subject to a committee; which is called a commitment, or, if the subject has already been in the hands of a committee, a recommitment.
[74]. If there is a standing committee of the assembly, whose functions embrace the subject in question, the motion should be to refer it to that committee; if there is no such committee, then the motion should be to refer to a select committee. If it is a matter of doubt, whether a particular standing committee is appropriate or not, and propositions are made for a reference to that committee, and also for a reference to a select committee, the former proposition should be first put to the question.
[75]. When a subject is referred or recommitted, the committee may be instructed or ordered by the assembly, as to any part or the whole of the duties assigned them; or the subject may be left with them without instructions. In the former case, the instructions must be obeyed, of course; in the latter, the committee have full power over [p54] ]the matter, and may report upon it, in any manner they please, provided they keep within the recognized forms of parliamentary proceedings.