In this way we do not waste our time in debating what shall be taken up: we do one thing at a time, follow up a subject while it is fresh, and till it is done with; clear the House of business, gradatim as it is brought on, and prevent, to a certain degree, its immense accumulation towards the close of the session.
Arrangement, however, can only take hold of matters in possession of the House. New matter may be moved at any time, when no question is before the House. Such are original motions, and reports on bills. Such are, bills from the other House, which are received at all times, and receive their first reading as soon as the question then before the House is disposed of; and bills brought in on leave, which are read first whenever presented. So, messages from the other House respecting amendments to bills, are taken up as soon as the House is clear of a question, unless they require to be printed for better consideration. Orders of the day may be called for, even when another question is before the House.
SECTION XV.
ORDER.
Each House may determine the rules of its proceedings; punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member.—Const. I. 5.
In Parliament, "instances make order," per Speaker Onslow, 2 Hats. 144; but what is done only by one Parliament, cannot be called custom of Parliament: by Prynne, 1 Grey, 52.
SECTION XVI.
ORDER RESPECTING PAPERS.
The Clerk is to let no journals, records, accounts, or papers, be taken from the table, or out of his custody.—2 Hats. 193, 194.
Mr. Prynne having, at a committee of the whole, amended a mistake in a bill, without order or knowledge of the committee, was reprimanded. 1 Chand. 77.
A bill being missing, the House resolved, that a protestation should be made and subscribed by the members, "before Almighty God and this honorable House, that neither myself nor any other, to my knowledge, have taken away, or do at this present conceal a bill entitled," &c.—5 Grey, 202.
After a bill is engrossed, it is put into the Speaker's hands, and he is not to let any one have it to look into.—Town. col. 209.