PREFACE IN 1883, thirty-one years ago, I wrote a little book entitled Parliamentary Practice. The work had a large circulation in this land and beyond, and, with one revision, it has continued to circulate through the years and has been recognized with favor by competent authorities down to the present time. Doubtless it still would have a place among books on this subject, but, after the lapse of so many years, the publishers have asked me to prepare a larger work, making the statements more complete, introducing new matter, and bringing the presentation of the subject down to the present date. The task has been finished, and a really new book has been made, which will supplant the little treatise of thirty years ago. The intention has been to adapt the work for use in all bodies which should proceed in a parliamentary way, whether they are simple or elaborate, high or humble, such as legislative bodies, ecclesiastical gatherings, or literary, scientific, or debating societies. As the first book was indorsed by skilled parliamentarians, and adopted as a guide by various bodies, it is hoped that this larger work will even more fully meet the practical needs of individuals and of parliamentary organizations. THOMAS B. NEELY. Philadelphia, Pa., July 18, 1914. |
