English VI.

Debate of April 26, 1894.Question: "Resolved, That the princible applied by Mr. Reed for ascertaining a quorum is unsound.

Brief for the Affirmative.A. D. Greenfield and H. C. Lakin.

Best general references: Nation, Vol. 50, pp. 101, 104, 124-125.

I. The principle is contrary to (a) recognized parliamentary practice, Nation 5, p. 105, Smith's Manual, p. 364; (b) all congressional precedent, e. g. Blaine's ruling in 1880.

II. It promotes fraud by giving unlimited power to a partisan and possibly dishonest speaker. Nation 50, p. 124.

III. It encourages hasty and ill-considered measures by making legislation easy for the dominant party and removing the check of a minority.

IV. It weakens the principle of majority rule by enabling a minority belonging to the dominant party to determine legislation.

Brief for the Negative.W. R. Buckminster and C. F. Clarkson.

Best general references: No. Am. Rev., Vols. 150 and 151; Reed's Parliamentary Rules (1894).

I. The Reed principle is constitutional. Field v. Clark, 143 U. S. 649. T. B. Reed in No. Am. Rev., Mar., 1890.

II. It is in accordance with general parliamentary procedure. France (Reed's Manual, p. 24), England (Bryce in No. Am. Rev., Oct., 1890), State Legislatures and Corporations (Reed in No. Am. Rev. Mar., 1890).

III. It is necessary. (a) In a close House illness and absence make it im-

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