[p118]
][221]. The other mode of putting an end to debate, which has recently been introduced into use, is for the assembly to adopt beforehand a special order in reference to a particular subject, that, at such a time specified, all debate upon it shall cease, and all motions or questions pending in relation to it shall be decided.
[222]. Another rule, which has lately been introduced for the purpose of shortening rather than stopping debate, is, that no member shall be permitted to speak more than a certain specified time on any question; so that, when the time allotted has expired, the presiding officer announces the fact, and the member speaking resumes his seat.[Footnote 30] ]
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]Sect. V. As to Decorum in Debate.
[223]. Every member having the right to be heard, every other member is bound to conduct himself in such a manner, that this right may be effectual. Hence, it is a rule of order, as well as of decency, that no member is to disturb another in his speech by hissing, coughing, spitting; by speaking, or whispering; by passing between the presiding officer and the member speaking; by going across the assembly-room, or walking up and down in it; or by any other disorderly deportment, which tends to disturb or disconcert a member who is speaking.
[224]. But, if a member speaking finds, that he is not regarded with that respectful attention, which his equal right demands,—that it is not the inclination of the assembly to hear him,—and that by conversation or any other noise they endeavor to drown his voice,—it is his most prudent course to submit himself to the pleasure of the assembly, and to sit down; for it scarcely ever happens, that the members of the assembly are guilty of this piece of ill-manners, without some excuse or provocation, or that they are so [p120] ]wholly inattentive to one, who says anything worth their hearing.
[225]. It is the duty of the presiding officer, in such a case, to endeavor to reduce the assembly to order and decorum; but, if his repeated calls to order, and his appeals to the good sense and decency of the members, prove ineffectual, it then becomes his duty to call by name any member who obstinately persists in irregularity; whereupon the assembly may require such member to withdraw; who is then to be heard, if he desires it, in exculpation, and to withdraw; then the presiding officer states the offence committed, and the assembly considers of the kind and degree of punishment to be inflicted.
[226]. If, on repeated trials, the presiding officer finds that the assembly will not support him in the exercise of his authority, he will then be justified, but not till then, in permitting, without censure, every kind of disorder.
Sect. VI. As to Disorderly Words.
[227]. If a member, in speaking, makes use of language, which is personally offensive to another, or insulting to the assembly, and the [p121] ]member offended, or any other, thinks proper to complain of it to the assembly, the course of proceedings is as follows:
[228]. The member speaking is immediately interrupted in the course of his speech, by another or several members rising and calling to order; and, the member, who objects or complains of the words, is then called upon by the presiding officer to state the words which he complains of, repeating them exactly as he conceives them to have been spoken, in order that they may be reduced to writing by the clerk; or the member complaining, without being so called upon, may proceed at once to state the words either verbally or in writing, and desire that the clerk may take them down at the table. The presiding officer may then direct the clerk to take them down; but if he sees the objection to be a trivial one, and thinks there is no foundation for their being thought disorderly, he will prudently delay giving any such directions, in order not unnecessarily to interrupt the proceedings; though if the members generally seem to be in favor of having the words taken down, by calling out to that effect, or by a vote, which the assembly may doubtless pass, [p122] ]the presiding officer should certainly order the clerk to take them down, in the form and manner in which they are stated by the member who objects.