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X. Matter-Of-Course Question

To expedite business, that to which no one objects, when stated by the Chair, is considered ordered. Thus, the reception of a report, calling for division, reception of communication, withdrawal of a motion before the house, leave to continue speech in order after being pronounced out of order, etc., are permitted without a vote, if no objection be made. So in making a motion, which strictly (when not a question of order, an objection to the consideration of a question or a call for the order of the day) requires to be seconded, it is always taken for granted that it has been, unless some one should violate courtesy so far as to inquire. In that case, it must be seconded, or it falls to the ground.

It is considered unfair to insist upon the seconding of a motion, because it violates the natural right of a member to get a proposition in good faith before the house; but, if his motion be made for dilatory purposes, or to annoy and weary out the majority, or be in effect, though not in shape, offensive to the house, it is eminently proper that he should have at least one member to back him in his attempt; and it is no discourtesy to cut off his discourtesy by demanding the seconder.