to this.* [In the U. S. Senate all bills, joint resolutions and
treaties, upon their second reading are considered "as if the Senate
were in committee of the whole," which is equivalent to considering them
informally. [U. S. Senate Rules 28 and 38.] In large assemblies it is
better to follow the practice of the House of Representatives, and go
into committee of the whole.] While acting informally upon any
resolutions, the assembly can only amend and adopt them, and without
further motion the Chairman announces that "the assembly acting
informally [or as in committee of the whole] has had such a subject
under consideration, and has made certain amendments, which he will
report." The subject comes before the assembly then as if reported by a
committee. While acting informally, the Chairman retains his seat, as
it is not necessary to move that the committee rise, but at any time the
adoption of such motions as to adjourn, the previous question, to
commit, or any motion except to amend or adopt, puts an end to the
informal consideration; as for example, the motion to commit is
equivalent to the following motions when in committee of the whole: (1)
That the committee rise; (2) that the committee of

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the whole be discharged from the further consideration of the subject,
and (3) that it be referred to a committee.

While acting informally, every member can speak as many times as he
pleases, and as long each time as permitted in the assembly [§ 34], and
the informal action may be rejected or altered by the assembly. While
the clerk should keep a memorandum of the informal proceedings, it
should not be entered on the minutes, being only for temporary use. The
Chairman's report to the assembly of the informal action, should be