In appointing a committee, the first thing is to fix on a number: if several are named, the largest should be put first. The committees may be chosen by ballot; appointed by the chair; or elected by nomination and vote. The latter is the regular mode when there is no special rule, but the second is most frequently practised. Sometimes a committee is appointed to nominate all other committees, but this is not usually the case. The mover and seconder of a resolution should have place on a committee appointed to consider it, and, as a general rule, none but those who are friendly to the object to be accomplished should be appointed. Those opposed can make their opposition when it is returned to the assembly.
It is the duty of the secretary of the assembly to make out a list of the members of a committee, and hand to the person first named on it, who is its chairman, unless the committee shall choose to elect another.
The assembly can fix the times and places of the meeting of a committee; if this is not done, it can choose for itself, but cannot sit while the assembly is in session without a special order.
In all forms of procedure the committee is governed by the same rules as the assembly, but a little less strictness is observed in their enforcement.
Disorderly conduct in a committee can only be noted down and reported to the assembly.
When any paper has been referred to a committee, it must be returned as it was, with proposed amendments written separately. They cannot reject any matter, but can return it to the assembly without change, stating their reasons for taking no action.
When a committee is prepared to report, its chairman announces the fact, and he, or an other member, may make a motion that the report be received at that, or some other specified time. If nothing is said, it is assumed that the assembly is ready to receive it immediately.
At the time fixed, the chairman reads the report, and passes it, with all the papers belonging to it, to the secretary’s table, where it awaits the action of the assembly.
Any report from a committee may be treated by amendment, etc., just as if it originated in the assembly.
The final question is on the adoption of the report; if this is agreed to, it stands as the action of the whole assembly.