213. It often happens in the consideration of a subject, that, whilst the general question remains the same, the particular question before the assembly is constantly changing; thus, while, for example, the general question is on the adoption of a series of resolutions, the particular question may, at one moment, be on an amendment; at another on postpone ment; and, again, on the previous question. In all these cases, the particular question supersedes, for the time, the main question; and those who speak to it must confine their remarks accordingly. The enforcement of order, in this respect, requires the closest attention on the part of the presiding officer. [331.]

214. When a member is interrupted by the presiding officer, or called to order by a member, for irrelevancy or departing from the question, a question may be made as to whether he shall be allowed to proceed in his remarks, in the manner he was speaking when he was interrupted; but, if no question is made, or if one is made and decided in the negative, he is still to be allowed to proceed in order, that is, abandoning the objectionable course of remark.

SECT. III. AS TO TIMES OF SPEAKING.

215. The general rule, in all deliberative assemblies, unless it is otherwise specially provided, is, that no member shall speak more than once to the same question1; although the debate on that question may be adjourned and continued through several days; and, although a member, who desires to speak a second time, has, in the course of the debate, changed his opinion.

216. This rule refers to the same question, technically considered; for, if a resolution is moved and debated, and then referred to a committee, those who speak on the introduction of the motion may speak again on the question presented by the report of the committee, though it is substantially the same question with the former; and, so, members, who have spoken on the principal or main question, may speak again on all the subsidiary or incidental questions arising in the course of the debate. [¶ 332.]

I The mover and seconder, it they do not speak to the question, at the time when the motion is made and seconded, have the same right with other members to address the assembly.

217. The rule, as to speaking but once on a question, if strictly enforced, will prevent a member from speaking a second time, without the general consent of the assembly, so long as there is any other member who himself desires to speak; but, when all who desire to speak have spoken, a member may speak a second time by leave of the assembly.

218. A member may also be permitted to speak a second time, in the same debate, in order to clear a matter of fact; or merely to explain himself in some material part of his speech; or to the orders of the assembly, if they be transgressed (although no question may be made), but carefully keeping within that line, and not falling into the matter itself. [¶ 333.]

219. It is sometimes supposed, that, because a member has a right to explain himself, he therefore has a right to interrupt another member, whilst speaking, in order to make the explanation: but this is a mistake; he should wait until the member speaking has finished; and if a member, on being requested.. yields the floor for an explanation, he re linquishes it altogether..

SECT. IV. AS TO STOPPING DEBATE.

220. The only mode in use, in this country, until recently, for the purpose of putting an end to an unprofitable or tiresome debate, was by moving the previous question; the effect of which motion, as already explained, if decided in the affirmative, is to require the main or principal question to be immediately taken. When this question is moved, therefore, it necessarily suspends all further consideration of the main question, and precludes all further debate or amendment of it; though, as has been seen, it stands in the same degree with postponement, amendment, and commitment; and, unless in virtue of a special rule, cannot be moved while either of those motions is pending.

221. The other mode of putting an end to debate, which has recently been introduced into use, is for the assembly to adopt beforehand a special order in reference to a particular subject, that, at such a time specified, all debate upon it shall cease, and all motions or questions pending in relation to it shall be decided.

222. Another rule, which has lately been introduced for the purpose of shortening rather than stopping debate, is, that no member shall be permitted to speak more than a certain specified time on any question; so that, when the time allotted has expired, the presiding officer announces the fact, and the member speaking resumes his seat.

SECT. V. AS TO DECORUM IN DEBATE.

223. Every member having the right to be heard, every other member is bound to conduct himself in such a manner, that this right may be effectual. Hence, it is a rule of order, as well as of decency, that no member is to disturb another in his speech by hissing, coughing, spitting; by speaking, or whispering; by passing between the presiding officer and the member speaking; by going across the assembly-room, or walking up and down in it; or by any other disorderly deportment, which tends to disturb or disconcert a member who is speaking.

224. But, if a member speaking finds, that he is not regarded with that respectful attention, which his equal right demands, - that