The House of Representatives shall choose their Speaker and other officers.—Const. U. S. Art. I. Sec. 3.
When but one person is proposed, and no objection made, it has not been usual in Parliament to put any question to the House; but without a question, the members proposing him, conduct him to the chair. But if there be objection, or another proposed, a question is put by the clerk.—2 Hats. 168. As are also questions of adjournment.—6 Grey, 406. Where the House debated and exchanged messages and answers with the King for a week, without a Speaker, till they were prorogued. They have done it de die in diem for 14 days.—1 Chand. 331, 335.
In the Senate, a President pro tempore, in the absence of the Vice-President, is proposed and chosen by ballot. His office is understood to be determined on the Vice-President's appearing and taking the chair, or at the meeting of the Senate after the first recess.—Vide Rule 23.
Where the Speaker has been ill, other Speakers pro tempore have been appointed. Instances of this are, 1 H. 4, Sir John Cheney, and for Sir William Sturton, and in 15 H. 6, Sir John Tyrrell, in 1656, Jan.27; 1658, Mar. 9; 1659, Jan. 13.
| Sir Job Charlton ill, Seymour chosen, 1673, Feb. 18. | Not merely pro tempore.—1 Chand. 169, 276, 7. |
| Seymour being ill, Sir Robert Sawyer chosen,1678, April 15. | |
| Sawyer being ill, Seymour chosen, |
Thorpe in execution, a new Speaker chosen—31 H. VI.—3 Grey, 11; and March 14, 1694, Sir John Trevor chosen. There have been no later instances.—2 Hats. 161.—4 Inst.—8 Lex. Parl. 263.
A Speaker may be removed at the will of the House, and a Speaker pro tempore appointed.—2 Grey, 186; 5 Grey, 134.
SECTION X.
ADDRESS.
The President shall, from time to time, give to the Congress information of the state of the Union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.—Const. U. S. Art. II. Sec. 3.
A joint address from both Houses of Parliament is read by the Speaker of the House of Lords. It may be attended by both Houses in a body, or by a committee from each House, or by the two Speakers only. An address of the House of Commons only may be presented by the whole House, or by the Speaker,—9 Grey, 473; 1 Chandler, 298, 301; or by such particular members as are of the Privy Council.—2 Hats. 278.