PART III.

rise;

THE DUTIES OF OFFICERS.

I. The Presiding Officer.

THE chairman should have made himself fully acquainted with the rules of order and the usages 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 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 own

abilities 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, when requested to do so by the chair. He must turn over his records and papers in good order to his successor on leaving his office. He must countersign all orders on the treasurer, which have been signed by the presi dent, as this counter-signature is the evidence that the society has approved the order.

III. The Treasurer.

The treasurer must enter, in a book to be provided for the purpose, all money received, and all payments made, on account of the body. He must pay out no money except on an order, signed by the president, and countersigned by the secretary. He must retain these orders, as his vouchers. He must turn over his books, in good order, to his successor on leaving his office. He must give bonds in such needful sum as it deems best, if the body require.

IV. The Librarian.

The librarian will take upon him the charge of the books and manuscripts not pertaining to the duties of other officers. Of these he must keep a catalogue. He

must keep a record of all books borrowed, by whom and when returned; and must only loan them under such regulations as the body see fit to adopt. He must turn over his catalogue and records to his successor on leaving his office.

V. The Curators.

The curators will take charge of all specimens of nature or art, or otherwise, and all property of the body, not in charge of other officers. This they will have catalogued, and will keep it under such restrictions as may be imposed on them by the main body. They must turn over their catalogue papers and property to their successors on leaving their office.

VI. The Committee on Correspondence.

The committee will take charge of all correspondence ordered by the body, and if there be no corresponding secretary, will conduct it with all parties, at direction of the body, through its chairman. It will report, from time to time, as directed, and will keep copies of letters sent, and a file of those received, which it will turn over to its successors, on its discharge. If there be a corresponding secretary, he will perform the duties assigned above to the committee of correspondence.

VII. The Committee on Finance.

The committee on finance will devise the ways and means to obtain the necessary funds for the body, and report thereon from time to time; and will attend to such other duties as may be assigned to them.

VIII. Other Committees.

Other committees will attend to such business as may be assigned to them by the main body, reporting there on as may be required.

OFFICIAL FORMS.

PART IV.

OFFICIAL FORMS.

I. The President,

On taking his seat, says:

"The meeting [or society, or club, or association, as the case may be] will come to order."

If there have been a meeting previous:

"The secretary will please to read the minutes." After the minutes have been read:

"You have heard the minutes of the previous meeting read. What order do you take on them?"

When a motion has been made and seconded:

"It has been moved and seconded that [here state the motion]. Are you ready for the question?"

If a member arises to speak, recognize him by naming him by his place, or in any way which will identify him without using his name, if possible.

In putting the question :

"It has been moved and seconded that [here state the motion]. So many as are in favor of the motion will signify their assent by saying 'Aye!'"

When the ayes have voted, say:

"Those of the contrary opinion, 'No!"" Or, have the resolution read, and say:

"It has been moved and seconded that the resolution just read be passed. So many as are in favor," etc.