In both Houses of Congress, all questions whereon the yeas and nays are desired by one-fifth of the members present, whether decided affirmatively or negatively, must be entered on the journals.—Const. I. 5, 3.
The first order for printing the votes of the House of Commons, was October 30, 1685.—1 Chandler, 387.
Some judges have been of opinion, that the journals of the House of Commons are no records, but remembrances. But this is no law.—Cob. 110, 111; Lex. Parl. 114, 115; Jour. H. C. Mar. 17, 1592; Hale Parl. 105. For the Lords, in their House, have power of judicature; the Commons, in their House, have power of judicature; and both Houses together have power of judicature; and the book of the clerk of the House of Commons is a record, as is affirmed by act of Parliament.—6 H. 8. c. 16; Inst. 23, 24; and every member of the House of Commons has a judicial place.—4 Inst. 15. As records, they are open to every person; and a printed vote of either House is sufficient ground for the other to notice it. Either may appoint a committee to inspect the journals of the other, and report what has been done by the other in any particular case.—2 Hats. 261; 3 Hats. 27, 30. Every member has a right to see the journals, and to take and publish votes from them. Being a record, every one may see and publish them.—6 Grey, 118, 119.
On information of a mis-entry or omission of an entry in the journal, a committee may be appointed to examine and rectify it, and report it to the House.—2 Hats. 194, 5.
SECTION L.
ADJOURNMENT.
The two Houses of Parliament have the sole, separate, and independent power of adjourning, each their respective Houses. The King has no authority to adjourn them; he can only signify his desire, and it is in the wisdom and prudence of either House to comply with his requisition, or not, as they see fitting.—2 Hats. 332; 1 Blackstone, 186; 5 Grey, 122.
By the Constitution of the United States, a smaller number than a majority may adjourn from day to day.—I. 5. But neither House, during the session of Congress, shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting.—I. 5. The President may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in case of disagreement between them, with respect to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper.—Const. II. 3.
A motion to adjourn simply, cannot be amended as by adding, "To a particular day." But must be put simply, "That this House do now adjourn?" and if carried in the affirmative, it is adjourned to the next sitting day, unless it has come to a previous resolution, "That at its rising, it will adjourn to a particular day;" and then the House is adjourned to that day.—2 Hats. 82.
Where it is convenient that the business of the House be suspended for a short time, as for a conference presently to be held, &c., it adjourns during pleasure.—2 Hats. 305. Or for a quarter of an hour.—5 Grey, 331.
If a question be put for adjournment, it is no adjournment till the Speaker pronounces it.—5 Grey, 137. And from courtesy and respect, no member leaves his place till the Speaker has passed on.