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The Young debater and chairman's assistant
The Young debater and chairman's assistant Author:Unknown Author Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: PAET III. THE DUTIES OF OFFICERS. I. The Presiding Officer. The chairman should have made himself fully acquainted with the rules of order and the usage... more »s of deliberative bodies. He should be prompt, dignified, and impartial. He should be quick of eye to note any member who rises, and quick of speech to declare him in possession of the floor. He should suffer no member to violate order, without instant rebuke. His voice should be steady, distinct, and clear, so that all may hear readily. When he puts the question, states a point of order, or otherwise addresses the body, he should rise; and when he has finished, resume his seat. His constant attention is necessary, and his eye should never wander from the speaker before him ; nor should he, in any way, show a neglect of the business. No matter what disturbance may arise, his coolness and temper must be preserved. If his decision be appealed from, he should show no resentment—an appeal being a matter of privilege—but should put the appeal in the same indifferent manner as though it were an ordinary question. He should always remember that he has been placed there to guide and control the machinery of the moment, and not to give his own views, or display his ownabilities in an organized association. He will sign all orders for the payment of money, ordered by the body. II. The Recording Officer. The secretary or clerk, at the commencement of proceedings, will seat himself at his table; and, at the order of the chairman, will read the minutes of the previous meeting. He must note down the proceedings, and write them out in full, previous to another meeting. He must file all resolutions and other papers before the body, and allow none to go from his custody without due authority. He must read all resolutions and papers, ...« less