[173]. If decided in the negative, the business proceeds in the same manner as if the motion had never been made.
Previous Question.
[174]. This motion has already been described ([63]), and the nature and effect of it fully stated. It stands in an equal degree with all the other subsidiary motions, except the motion to lie on the table; and, consequently, if first moved, is not subject to be superseded by a motion to postpone, commit or amend.
[175]. If the previous question is moved before the others above mentioned, and put to the question, it has the effect to prevent those motions from being made at all; for, if decided affirmatively, to wit, that the main question shall now be put, it would of course be contrary to the decision of the assembly, and therefore against order, to postpone, commit, or amend; and if decided negatively, to wit, that the main question shall not now be put, this takes the main question [p97] ]out of the possession of the assembly, for the day, so that there is then nothing before it to postpone, commit, or amend.[Footnote 23] ]
Postponement.
[176]. The motion to postpone is either indefinite, or to a day certain; and, in both these forms, maybe amended; in the former, by making it to a day certain,—in the latter, by substituting one day for another. But, in the latter case, propositions to substitute different days for that originally named, bear more resemblance to propositions for filling blanks, than they do to amendments, and should be considered and treated accordingly.
[177]. If, therefore, a motion is made for an indefinite postponement, it may be moved to amend the motion, by making it to a day certain. If any other day is desired, it may be moved as an amendment to the amendment; or it may be moved as an independent motion, when the amendment has been rejected.
[p98]
][178]. If a motion is made for a postponement to a day certain, it may be amended by the substitution of a different day; but in this case, a more simple and effectual mode of proceeding is to consider the day as a blank, to be filled in the usual manner, beginning with the longest time.
[179]. This motion stands in the same degree with motions for the previous question,—to commit,—and to amend; and, if first made, is not susceptible of being superseded by them.
[180]. If a motion for postponement is decided affirmatively, the proposition to which it is applied is removed from before the assembly, with all its appendages and incidents, and consequently there is no ground for either of the other subsidiary motions; if decided negatively, that the proposition shall not be postponed, that question may then be suppressed by the previous question, or committed, or amended.