were adopted. Thus, a motion to "commit with instructions," is
indivisible, because if divided, and the motion to commit should fail,
then the other motion to instruct the committee would be improper, as
there would be no committee to instruct.* [The 46th Rule of the House of
Representatives requires the division of a question on the demand of one
member, provided "it comprehends propositions in substance so distinct
that one being taken away, a substantive proposition shall remain for
the decision of the House." But this does not allow a division so as to
have a vote on separate items or names. The 121st Rule expressly
provides that on the demand of one-fifth of the members a separate vote
shall be taken on such items separately, and others collectively, as
shall be specified in the call, in the case of a bill making
appropriations for internal improvements. But this right to divide a
question into items extends to no case but the one specified. The
common parliamentary law allows of no division except when the assembly
orders it, and in ordinary assemblies this rule will be found to give
less trouble than the Congressional one.]

The motion to "strike out certain words and insert others," is
indivisible, as it is strictly one proposition.

5. After a question has been stated by the presiding officer, it is in
the possession of the

=== Page 22 ============================================================

assembly for debate; the mover cannot withdraw or modify it, if any one
objects, except by obtaining leave from the assembly [§ 17], or by
moving an amendment.