[A resolution for an allowance of money to the clerks being moved, it was objected to as not in order, and so ruled by the Chair; but on appeal to the Senate, (i. e., a call for their sense by the President, on account of doubt in his mind, according to Rule 6,) the decision was overruled. Jour. Senate, June 1, 1796. I presume the doubt was, whether an allowance of money could be made otherwise than by bill.]
SEC. XXII.—BILLS.
[Every bill shall receive three readings previous to its being passed; and the President shall give notice at each whether it be first, second, or third; which readings shall be on three different days, unless the Senate unanimously direct otherwise. Rule 23.]
SEC. XXIII.—BILLS, LEAVE TO BRING IN.
[One day’s notice, at least, shall be given of an intended motion for leave to bring in a bill. Rule 22.]
When a member desires to bring in a bill on any subject, he states to the House in general terms the causes for doing it, and concludes by moving for leave to bring in a bill, entitled, &c. Leave being given, on the question, a committee is appointed to prepare and bring in the bill. The mover and seconder are always appointed of this committee, and one or more in addition. Hakew., 132; Scob., 40.
It is to be presented fairly written, without any erasure or interlineation, or the Speaker may refuse it. Scob., 41; 1 Grey, 82, 84.
SEC. XXIV.—BILLS, FIRST READING.
When a bill is first presented, the Clerk reads it at the table, and hands it to the Speaker, who, rising, states to the House the title of the bill; that this is the first time of reading it; and the question will be, whether it shall be read a second time? then sitting down to give an opening for objections. If none be made, he rises again, and puts the question, whether it shall be read a second time? Hakew, 137, 141. A bill cannot be amended on the first reading, 6 Grey, 286; nor is it usual for it to be opposed then, but it may be done, and rejected. D’Ewes, 335, col. 1; 3 Hats., 198.