The Senate and the House of Representatives shall be organized by the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the House of Representatives who shall be ex officio presiding officer until a presiding officer is elected. No question except one relating to the organization shall be entertained by such officer; and, in deciding such question, he shall be governed, as far as practicable, by the standing rules of the house over which he presides. In the absence of such officer, his assistant may officiate. In the absence of both, the body may appoint a chairman whose powers and duties shall be the same as those of the Secretary or Clerk.