law; and in this country, where customs are so slightly established and
the published manuals of parliamentary practice so conflicting, no
society should attempt to conduct business without having adopted some
work upon the subject, as the authority in all cases not covered by
their own rules.

It has been well said by one of the greatest of English writers on
parliamentary law: "Whether these forms be in all cases the most
rational or not is really not of so great importance. It is much more
material that there should be a rule to go by, than what that rule is,
that there may be a uniformity of proceeding in business, not subject to
the caprice of the chairman, or captiousness of the members. It is very
material that order, decency and regularity be preserved in a dignified
public body."

H. M. R.
December, 1875.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Introduction. Page.
Parliamentary Law .................................................. 9
Plan of the Work .................................................. 12
'' Part I .................................................... 13
'' Part II ................................................... 14
Definitions ....................................................... 15

Part I.--Rules of Order.
Art. I.--Introduction of Business.