INTRODUCTION

IF he who makes two blades of grass grow where only one grew before, has done so good a work as to entitle him to be called a benefactor of his race, why should we not seek for similar results in the world of letters? that is, why should we not seek to devise means whereby two ideas may be gained in the same time formerly required to secure only one?KSDPR 3.1

To do this in reference to the subject of Parliamentary Practise is the object of this little work. It is confidently believed that by means of the Diagram, at least twice as much knowledge of Rules of Order may be gained as by any other method. To have before the eye at one view all the rules which apply to any motion, and at the same time all the motions that come under any given rule, is an advantage which will be appreciated by those who wish to gain a comprehensive view of parliamentary regulations in the shortest possible time.KSDPR 3.2

This is believed to be the most condensed form in which the subject has yet been presented, and an arrangement by which the student can the most easily and permanently fix in his mind the various rules in relation to motions and their government. Every thoroughly good thing is sure to find unscrupulous imitators, and before the first edition of this work was exhausted, some bungling efforts in this direction were on the market.KSDPR 3.3

In using the Diagram, the eye will follow the lines with the utmost rapidity and ease, and thus the person be directed instantly to the information he desires. It is this feature especially which makes it possible to condense so much instruction into so small a compass; and this feature will be found in this work alone, being thoroughly protected by copyright.KSDPR 4.1

Any person of ordinary intelligence, after a little study, will be able, with the Diagram before him, to conduct the ordinary business proceedings of a deliberative assembly in a thoroughly parliamentary manner. A celebrated English writer on parliamentary law has said: “Whether these forms be in all cases the most rational or not, is really not of so great importance. It is much more material that there should be a rule to go by than what that rule is, that there may be a uniformity of proceeding in business, not subject to the caprice of the chairman or the captiousness of the members. It is very material that order, decency, and regularity be preserved in a dignified public body.” Jefferson’s Manual, Cushing’s Manual, and Robert’s Rules of Order, are the authorities followed in this work.KSDPR 4.2