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

Chapter 29: SECTION XXIV. BILLS, FIRST READING.

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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 XXIV.
BILLS, FIRST READING.

When a bill is first presented, the clerk reads it at the table, and hands it to the Speaker, who, rising, states to the House the title of the bill; that this is the first time of reading it; and the question will be, Whether it shall be read a second time? Then, sitting down, to give an opening for objections; if none be made, he rises again, and puts the question, Whether it shall be read a second time?—Hakew. 137, 141. A bill cannot be amended at the first reading,—6 Grey, 286; nor is it usual for it to be opposed then, but it may be done and rejected.—D'Ewes, 335, col. 1; 3 Hats. 198.