The Speaker _pro tem._ announces the result, and names a committee to conduct the Speaker elect to the chair. The other elections proceed in the same manner, except that when the result is announced by the Speaker, the officer elect advances to the Clerk’s desk and is sworn in by the Speaker.
A committee is then appointed to wait on the Senate, and inform them that the House is organized; or the Clerk is directed, by resolution, to inform the Senate of the fact.
One of the first duties after organization is the adoption of rules for the government of the House.
It is customary for the Speaker to appoint a committee of three to meet with a committee of three from the Senate for the purpose of forming joint rules for the government of both houses; and when completed, the committees report to their respective houses.
By concurrent resolution both houses meet in joint convention to canvass the vote for executive officers.
When it has been determined who are the executive officers, a joint committee of both houses is then appointed to wait on the Governor and inform him that both Houses of the General Assembly are organized, and that the houses are in readiness to receive any communication from him.
The Senate and House usually assemble in joint convention in the chamber of the House upon some day and hour suggested by the Governor, during the first week of the session to hear his message.
The message is usually read by the Executive, but may be read by his private secretary, or by any one the Governor may appoint.
At the first opportunity after hearing the message read, the various recommendations therein contained are referred, by resolution, to appropriate standing committees, or select committees.
Standing committees are appointed by the Speaker at as early a day in the session as is possible. Each committee usually consists of five members, but the House determines the number which is sometimes three, or nine, or eleven, or any other number.
In other States the seats are drawn by lot. The method pursued is as follows:
The members leave their seats, and take places in the open area behind their seats. The clerk having placed in a box slips of paper containing the names of the members respectively, a page or messenger draws them therefrom. The clerk announces each name as it is drawn, and the member named selects his seat, and occupies it until the drawing is completed.