The assembly may alter, increase, or diminish any proposition at its pleasure. Its nature is often changed entirely.
1. Every complicated question may be divided by a regular vote. This is usually done, if no objection is offered, without a vote, but it cannot be required by a single member as is sometimes stated. A motion to divide should specify the manner of division.
2. If blanks are left in resolutions, these must be filled by motion. If these embrace figures, and several numbers are proposed, that which includes the others may be put to vote first. But it is usually as well to put first that which is moved first.
3. All motions to amend, except by division, must be to amend by inserting or adding, or by striking out, or both.
4. An amendment may be accepted by the mover of a resolution, if no objection is made, for then general consent is presumed; but not otherwise.
5. It is strict parliamentary law to begin with the beginning of a proposition, and after the latter part is amended, not to return to a former part; but this is seldom insisted on in common societies.
6. Every amendment is susceptible of amendment, but this can go no further. But the second amendment may be defeated, and then a new one made to the principal amendment.
7. Whatever is agreed to, or disagreed to by the acceptance or rejection of an amendment cannot again be changed.
8. What is struck out cannot be inserted by another amendment, unless with such additions as to make it a new question. Neither can what is retained be changed.
9. Before putting the question on an amendment, the passage should be read as it was; then the amendment; lastly the passage as amended.