But if the Speaker rises to speak, the member standing up ought to sit down, that he may be first heard. Town. col. 205; Hale. Parl. 133; Mem. in Hakew. 30, 31. Nevertheless, though the Speaker may of right speak to matters of order, and be first heard, he is restrained from speaking on any other subject, except where the House have occasion for facts within his knowledge: then he may, with their leave, state the matter of fact.—3 Grey, 38.
No one is to speak impertinently or beside the question, superfluously or tediously.—Scob. 31, 33; 2 Hats. 166, 168; Hale, Parl. 133.
No person is to use indecent language against the proceedings of the House, no prior determination of which is to be reflected on by any member unless he means to conclude with a motion to rescind it.—2 Hats. 169, 170; Rushw. p. 3. v. 1. fol. 42. But while a proposition is under consideration, is still in fieri, though it has even been reported by a committee, reflections on it are no reflections on the House.—9 Grey, 308.
No person in speaking, is to mention a member then present by his name; but to describe him by his seat in the House, or who spoke last or on the other side of the question, &c. Mem. in Hawk.—3 Smyth's Comw., L. 2. c. 3; nor to digress from the matter to fall upon the person.—Scob. 31; Hale, Parl. 133; 2 Hats. 166, by speaking, reviling, nipping, or unmannerly words against a particular member. Smyth's Comw.L. 2. c. 3. The consequence of a measure may be reprobated in strong terms; but to arraign the motives of those who propose or advocate it, is a personality, and against order. Qui digreditur a materia ad personam, Mr. Speaker ought to suppress.—Ord. Com. 1604, Apr. 19.
When a member shall be called to order he shall sit down, until the President shall have determined whether he is in order or not.—Rule 16.
No member shall speak to another, or otherwise interrupt the business of the Senate, or read any printed paper while the Journals or public papers are reading, or when any member is speaking in any debate.—Rule 2.
No one is to disturb another in his speech, by hissing, coughing, spitting,—6 Grey, 332; Scob. 8; D'Ewes, 332, col. 1; nor stand up to interrupt him,—Town. col. 205; Mem. in Hakew. 31; nor to pass between the Speaker and the speaking member; nor to go across the House,—Scob. 6; or to walk up and down it; or to take books or papers from the table, or write there.—2 Hats. 171.
Nevertheless, if a member finds it is not the inclination of the House to hear him, and that, by conversation or any other noise, they endeavor to drown his voice, it is the most prudent way to submit to the pleasure of the House, and sit down; for it scarcely ever happens that they are guilty of this piece of ill manners without sufficient reason, or inattentive to a member who says any thing worth their hearing.—2 Hats. 77, 78.
If repeated calls do not produce order, the Speaker may call by his name any member obstinately persisting in irregularity; whereupon the House may require the member to withdraw. He is then to be heard in exculpation and to withdraw. Then the Speaker states the offence committed, and the House considers the degree of punishment they will inflict.—2 Hats. 169, 7, 8, 172.
For instances of assaults and affrays in the House of Commons, and the proceedings thereon, see 1 Pet. Misc. 82; 3 Grey, 128; 4 Grey, 328; 5 Grey, 38; 26 Grey, 204; 10 Grey, 8. Whenever warm words or an assault have passed between the members, the House, for the protection of their members, requires them to declare in their place not to prosecute any quarrel,—3 Grey, 128, 293; 5 Grey, 289; or orders them to attend the Speaker, who is to accommodate their differences, and to report to the House,—3 Grey, 419; and they are put under restraint, if they refuse, or until they do.—9 Grey, 234, 312.