Adjournment Quotes
At that time the king not only called Parliament into session but terminated the session and set the agenda. In this case, Charles I didn't want royal activities regarding taxation to be debated much less legislated upon. As the speaker rose to leave the chair, he was forcibly held in place by two members as the house voted by acclamation to condemn the taxes and even the merchants who paid them. This was perhaps the first legislative tax revolt in history.
The state legislature was in afternoon session when the skies almost completely darkened during a storm. Some religious legislators thought the end of the world was approaching and asked for adjournment. Frequently quoted by JFK in the 1960 presidential campaign.
On this day there was a combination of weather and forest fires in New England and the day darkened markedly. Many legislators thought that the Day of Judgment was upon them and wanted to adjourn. Davenport persuaded them to continue.
The founding fathers, were well aware of one very ugly aspect of England’s parliamentary system. The King or Queen who does not care for legislation that was being debated, would, if they thought the offensive legislation would pass, would simply dissolve Parliament. The Constitution was written so that this can never happen.
In the summer of 1989 the House was anxious to adjourn for the summer recess but the savings and loan bailout legislation was stalled. The leaders of both parties forged a compromise which was not enthusiastically received by their members. A Democratic leader advised:
