Note Return to text — Chapter IV · OF THE INTRODUCTION OF BUSINESS.

46. When a member has occasion to make any communication whatever to the assembly,—whether to present a petition or other paper, or to make or second a motion of any kind, or merely to make a verbal statement,—as well as when one desires to address the assembly in debate, he must in the first place, as the expression is, “obtain the floor” for the purpose he has in view. In order to do this, he must rise in his place,[Footnote 6] and, standing uncovered, address himself to the presiding officer, by his title; the latter, on hearing himself thus addressed, calls to the member by his name; and the member may then, but not before, proceed with his business.