The Debater's Handbook; Including a Debate Upon the Character of Julius Caesar (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1887. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... rules of debate. At the first general meeting of members for the formation of the class, the title of the society should be resolved upon, the laws of debate agreed to, and a secretary elected, whose duty it will be to keep minutes of the proceedings. General meetings should be held half-yearly, to confirm, amend, or extend the laws, and to elect or re-elect the secretary. At the ordinary meetings, after the election of the chairman from amongst the members, the secretary should read the minutes of the previous meeting. When they have been confirmed, the chairman should call upon the gentleman who has undertaken to open the debate, to address the meeting. It is then usual for the seconder to speak; and afterwards the other members, at their pleasure. When all who wish to speak have spoken, the chairman calls on the opener for his reply; after which the question is put from the chair, and decided by a show of hands. This done, the question to be discussed at the next meeting is proposed, seconded, and agreed upon. The class then adjourns. No member is allowed to speak twice, except the opener in reply, or any one in explanation. The opener has no right to introduce fresh arguments into his reply; he can only refer to what has gone before. The chairman cannot speak unless he quits the chair; nor can he vote unless the numbers be equal: in which case he gives the casting vote. It will be found advisable to limit each speaker to a particular time, say ten minutes; the opener may be allowed fifteen minutes. If all who wish to speak cannot do so on one occasion, the debate may be adjourned until the next meeting; the mover of the adjournment, or the seconder, in the mover's absence, re-opening the discussion. directions and suggestions. The debate comprised in the fol...