It is no possession of a bill, unless it be delivered to the clerk to be read, or the Speaker reads the title.--_Lex. Parl._ 274; _Elsynge_, _Mem._ 85; _Ord. House Commons_, 64.
It is a general rule, that the question first moved and seconded shall be first put.--_Scob._ 28, 22; 2 _Hats._ 81. But this rule gives way to what may be called privileged questions; and the privileged questions are of different grades among themselves.
A motion to adjourn, simply takes place of all others; for otherwise the House might be kept sitting against its will, and indefinitely. Yet this motion cannot be received after another question is actually put, and while the House is engaged in voting.
Orders of the day take place of all other questions, except for adjournment. That is to say, the question which is the subject of an order, is made a privileged one, _pro hac vice_. The order is a repeal of the general rule as to this special case. When any member moves, therefore, for the orders of the day to be read, no further debate is permitted on the question which was before the House; for if the debate might proceed, it might continue through the day, and defeat the order. This motion, to entitle it to precedence, must be for the orders generally, and not for any particular one; and if it be carried on the question, "Whether the House will now proceed to the orders of the day?" they must be read and proceeded on in the course in which they stand.--2 _Hats._ 83. For priority of order gives priority of right, which cannot be taken away but by another special order.
After these there are other privileged questions, which will require considerable explanation.
It is proper that every Parliamentary assembly should have certain forms of questions, so adapted as to enable them fitly to dispose of every proposition which can be made to them. Such are, 1. The previous question: 2. To postpone indefinitely: 3. To adjourn to a definite day: 4. To lie on the table: 5. To commit: 6. To amend. The proper occasion for each of these questions should be understood.
1. When a proposition is moved, which it is useless or inexpedient now to express or discuss, the previous question has been introduced for suppressing, for that time, the motion and its discussion.--3 _Hats._ 188, 189.