84. It often happens, that a proposition is introduced with blanks purposely left by the mover to be filled by the assembly, either with times and numbers, or with provisions analogous to those of the proposition itself. In the latter case, blanks are filled in the same way, that other amendments by the insertion of words are made. In the former, propositions to fill blanks are not considered as amendments to the question, but as original motions, to be made and decided before the principal question.
85. When a blank is left to be filled with a time or number, motions may be made for that purpose, and the question taken on each by itself, and before another is made; or several motions may be made and pending before any of them are put to the question. This last mode of proceeding, which is the most usual as well as convenient, requires that the several propositions should be arranged, and the question taken on them, in such order as will the soonest and with the most certainty enable the assembly to come to an agreement.
86. In determining upon the order to be adopted, the object is not to begin at that extreme, which and more being within every man’s wish, no one can vote against it, and, yet, if it should be carried in the affirmative, every question for more would be precluded; but, at that extreme, which will be likely to unite the fewest, and then to advance or recede, until a number or time is reached, which will unite a majority.
87. Hence, when several different propositions are made for filling blanks with a time or number, the rule is, that if the _larger_ comprehends the _lesser_, as in a question to what day a postponement shall take place,—the number of which a committee shall consist,—the amount of a fine to be imposed,—the term of an imprisonment,—the term of irredeemability of a loan,—or the _terminus in quem_ in any other case, the question must begin _a maximo_, and be first taken upon the greatest or farthest, and so on to the least or nearest, until the assembly comes to a vote: But, if the _lesser_ includes the _greater_, as in questions on the limitation of the rate of interest,—on the amount of a tax,—on what day the session of a legislative assembly shall be closed, by adjournment,—on what day the next session shall commence,—or the _terminus a quo_ in any other case, the question must begin _a minimo_, and be first taken on the least or nearest, and so on to the greatest or most remote, until the assembly comes to a vote.[13]