Note Return to text — Chapter IX · OF MOTIONS TO AMEND.
Reading edition
111. When a motion for striking out words is put to the question, the parliamentary form always is, whether the words shall stand as part of the principal motion, and not whether they shall be struck out. The reason for this form of stating the question probably is, that the question may be taken in the same manner on a part as on the whole of the principal motion; which would not be the case, if the question was stated on striking out; inasmuch as the question on the principal motion, when it comes to be stated, will be on agreeing to it, and not on striking out or rejecting it. Besides, as an equal division of the assembly would produce a different decision of the question, according to the manner of stating it, it might happen, if the question on the amendment was stated on striking out, that the same question would be decided both affirmatively and negatively by the same vote.[Footnote 14]