Page:Pocket Manual of Rules of Order for Deliberative Assemblies (1876).djvu/172

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172
MISCELLANEOUS.
[§ 65

paid to mere routine motions, or when it is evident that many are in favor of the motion; in such cases the Chairman assumes that the motion is seconded.

Often in routine work the Chairman puts the question without waiting for even a motion,[1] as few persons like to make such formal motions, and much time would be wasted by waiting for them (but the Chairman can only do this as long as no one objects). The following motions, however, do not have to be seconded: (a) a call for the orders of the day; (b) a call to order, or the raising of any question of order; and (c) an objection to the consideration of a question.

One of the commonest forms of stating a question is to say that, “It is moved and seconded that,” and then give the motion; or, in case of resolutions, it might be stated in this way (after they have been read): “The ques-


  1. A presiding officer can frequently expedite business by not waiting for a motion or even taking a vote on a question of routine. In such a case he announces that if there is no objection such will be considered the action of the assembly. For example, when the treasurer’s report is read he can say, “If there is no objection the report will be referred to an auditing committee, consisting of Messrs. A and B,’’—adding, after a moment’s pause, “It is so referred.”