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The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 9 (of 9) / Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and Private cover

The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 9 (of 9) / Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and Private

Chapter 16: SECTION XI. COMMITTEES.
By Thomas Jefferson
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About This Book

This collected volume assembles the author’s autobiography, extensive private and official correspondence, legislative reports, public messages and addresses, and a variety of shorter writings and miscellaneous papers. It features a thorough manual of parliamentary practice that synthesizes constitutional provisions, senatorial rules, and parliamentary precedents for legislative procedure, alongside sections of anas and ephemera. Editorial organization and explanatory notes guide readers through practical guidance on governance, procedural form, and the political and personal concerns reflected across the documents.

SECTION XI.
COMMITTEES.

Standing committees, as of privileges and elections, &c., are usually appointed at the first meeting, to continue through the session. The person first named is generally permitted to act as chairman. But this is a matter of courtesy; every committee having a right to elect their own chairman, who presides over them, puts questions, and reports their proceedings to the House.—4 Inst. 11, 12; Scob. 7; 1 Grey, 112.

At these committees the members are to speak standing, and not sitting, though there is reason to conjecture it was formerly otherwise.—D'Ewes, 630, col. 1; 4 Parl. Hist. 440; 2 Hats. 77.

Their proceedings are not to be published, as they are of no force till confirmed by the House.—Rushw. part 3, vol. 2, 74; 3 Grey, 401; Scob. 39. Nor can they receive a petition but through the House.—9 Grey, 412.

When a committee is charged with an inquiry, if a member prove to be involved, they cannot proceed against him, but must make a special report to the House; whereupon the member is heard in his place, or at the bar, or a special authority is given to the committee to inquire concerning him.—9 Grey, 523.

So soon as the House sits, and a committee is notified of it, the chairman is in duty bound to rise instantly, and the members to attend the service of the House.—2 Nals. 19.

It appears, that on joint committee of the Lords and Commons, each committee acted integrally in the following instances;—7 Grey, 261, 278, 286, 338; 1 Chandler, 357, 462. In the following instances it does not appear whether they did or not:—6 Grey, 129; 7 Grey, 213, 229, 321.