To name the members (when directed to do so in a particular case, or when it is made a part of his general duty by a rule,) who are to serve on committees; and, in general,
To represent and stand for the assembly, declaring its will, and, in all things, obeying implicitly its commands.
[28]. If the assembly is organized by the choice of a president, and vice-presidents, it is the duty of one of the latter to take the chair, in case of the absence of the president from the assembly, or of his withdrawing from the [p28] ]chair for the purpose of participating in the proceedings.
[29]. Where but one presiding officer is appointed, in the first instance, his place can only be supplied, in case of his absence, by the appointment of a president or chairman pro tempore; and, in the choice of this officer, who ought to be elected before any other business is done, it is the duty of the secretary to conduct the proceedings.
[30]. The presiding officer may read sitting, but should rise to state a motion, or put a question to the assembly.
Sect. II. The Recording Officer.
[31]. The principal duties of this officer consists in taking notes of all the proceedings and in making true entries in his journal of all “the things done and past” in the assembly; but he is not, in general, required to take minutes of “particular men’s speeches,” or to make entries of things merely proposed or moved, without coming to a vote. He is to enter what is done and past, but not what is said or moved. This is the rule in legislative assemblies. In others, though the spirit of [p29] ]the rule ought to be observed, it is generally expected of the secretary, that his record shall be both a journal and in some sort a report of the proceedings.
[32]. It is also the duty of the secretary to read all papers, etc., which may be ordered to be read; to call the roll of the assembly, and take note of those who are absent, when a call is ordered; to call the roll and note the answers of the members, when a question is taken by yeas and nays; to notify committees of their appointment and of the business referred to them; and to authenticate by his signature (sometimes alone and sometimes in conjunction with the president) all the acts, orders, and proceedings of the assembly.
[33]. The clerk is also charged with the custody of all the papers and documents of every description, belonging to the assembly, as well as the journal of its proceedings, and is to let none of them be taken from the table by any member or other person, without the leave or order of the assembly.
[34]. When but a single secretary or clerk is appointed, his place can only be supplied, during his absence, by the appointment of some one to act pro tempore. When several [p30] ]persons are appointed, this inconvenience is not likely to occur.