the appropriate one to consider each of them. Generally speaking, there is no objection to the off-hand assignment of these matters as made by the President or by the Speaker. Matters relating to street railways go naturally to the street railway committee, and those relating to taxation to the committee on taxation, and it is usually too clear for argument which committee should have jurisdiction.
But now and then matters arise which might appropriately be sent to either of two committees, and if they are of importance, and if the sponsors of the bill particularly desire reference to a certain committee, there may be a discussion and contest as to what committee should have it. In such event the assignment made by the presiding officer is contested from the floor and may possibly be overruled by a majority of the members present, or the subject-matter may by compromise be referred to the two committees sitting jointly. After the matters have been referred to committees they are duly placed upon the committee dockets and advertised for hearings.
How Legislative Committees are Selected
In Massachusetts committees are appointed by the presiding officers—in the Senate by the President of the Senate, and in the House by the Speaker of the House. The Senator or Representative first named on each committee acts as chairman. In the case of Joint Committees the Senator first named is the chairman. Clerks are elected by the committees from their own members, and these clerks, after consulting with the chairman, attend to arranging dates for the hearings and advertising in the newspapers matters to be heard. Committees are announced by the presiding officers just as soon as the bodies are organized by the election of officers. When I first went to the Legislature, however,
