A Manual of Parliamentary Practice SEC. XXXVII: Co-Existing Questions
by Thomas Jefferson
It may be asked, whether the House
can be in possession of two motions or propositions at the same time? So that,
one of them being decided, the other goes to question without being moved anew?
The answer must be special. When a question is interrupted by a vote of
adjournment, it is thereby removed from before the House, and does not stand
ipso facto before them at their next meeting: but must come forward in the usual
way. So, when it is interrupted by the order of the day. Such other privileged
questions also as dispose of the main question (e.g. the previous question,
postponement or commitment,) remove it from before the House. But it is only
suspended by a motion to amend, to withdraw, to read papers, or, by a question
of order or privilege, and stands again before the House when these are decided.
None but the class of privileged questions can be brought forward, while there
is another question before the House, the rule being that when a motion has been
made and seconded, no other can be received, except it be a privileged one.