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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 24: SECTION XIX. PETITIONS.
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 XIX.
PETITIONS.

A petition prays something. A remonstrance has no prayer.—1 Grey, 58.

Petitions must be subscribed by the petitioners, Scob. 87; L. Parl. c. 22; 9 Grey, 362, unless they are attending, 1 Grey, 401, or unable to sign, and averred by a member.—3 Grey, 418. But a petition not subscribed, but which the member presenting it affirmed to be all in the handwriting of the petitioner, and his name written in the beginning, was, on the question, (March 14, 1800,) received by the Senate. The averment of a member, or somebody without doors, that they know the handwriting of the petitioners, is necessary, if it be questioned.—6 Grey, 36. It must be presented by a member, not by the petitioners, and must be opened by him, holding it in his hand.—10 Grey, 57.

Before any petition or memorial, addressed to the Senate, shall be received and read at the table, whether the same shall be introduced by the President or a member, a brief statement of the contents of the petition or memorial shall verbally be made by the introducer.—Rule 21.

Regularly a motion for receiving it must be made and seconded, and a question put, Whether it shall be received? But a cry from the House of "Received," or even its silence, dispenses with the formality of this question: it is then to be read at the table, and disposed of.