Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1888-07-20
PARNELl AND THE "TIMES -

LONDON, July, GLOWING is he text
of the government bill for the appointment
OF special commission to inquire into the
Times charges against Irish members of
parliament:
Nv hereas, Charges and allegations hav-
ing been made against certain memb ers of
the house OF commons and others by the
defendants IN the action of O'Donnell
against Walter and another, it is expedient
That special commission be appointed to
inquire into the truth of the charges and
allegations, and that it should have such
powers as may be necessary for the effect
uai conducting Of the inquiry, be it, there
fore, enacted
FIRST. That the three persons herein
alter mentioned (names not given) are
hereby appointed commissioners for the
purpose OF tins act The commissioners
shall inquire into and report upon the
charges and allegations against certain
members OF the House of Commons, and
others Ill the action Of O'Donneu against
Walter and another
Second. That the commission shall, for
the purpose OF the inquiry, have all such
powers, rights and privileges as are vested
IN her Majestys high courts Of justice, or
any Judge thereof, on the occasion of any
action, including all the powers, rights
and privileges in respect TO the following
nesses; examining them under oath, affir-
nation or otherwise; compelling the pro-
ductlon OF documents; Furnishing persons
guilty OF contempt; the issue of a commits
sion or request to examine witnesses
abroad and summons, signed by one or
more of the commissioners, may be sub
stltuted for and be equivalent to aoy
formal process capable Of being issued in
any action for enforcing the attendance of
witnesses or compelling the production OF
documents. a warrant of committal, is
sued tor the purpose of enforcing the pow
ers conferred by this section, shall be
signed by one or more of the commission
ers, and shall specify the prison to which
the offender shall be committed
Third. That the persons implicated in
SAID charges and allegations, the parties to
said action, and any person authorized by
the COMMISSIONERS, may appear at the in
curry, and any person so appearing may be
represented by council or solicitor
Fourth. That every person who on ex-
animation, on oath or affirmation willfulIy
gives false evidence, shall be liable to the
penalties for perjury
Filth. That any witness may be cross
examined on behalf OF any other person
appearing before the commissioners. A
wltnesS shall not be excused from answer
ing any question put to him on
the ground Of any privilege or
on the ground IEat any answer
may criminate himself. Noevidence taken
under this act shall be admissible against
any person in any civil or criminal pro-
ceedlrgs, except in case the witness shall
be accused of having given false evidence
in the inquiry under this act
Sixth That every person examined as
a witness, who, III the opinion of the COM
mlssioners, shall make full and true dis
closure touching all matters in respect
whereof he is examined, shall be entitled
to a certificate signed by the commission
ers, stating that he has made full AID
true disclosure, and if civil or criminal
proceedings shall at any time thereafter be
instituted against any such witness in re
spect OF any matter wherein he shall be
examined. the court having cognizance of
the case SHALL on proof of the certificate.
stay proceedings, and may, in its discre-
ton, award the witness such costs as he
may be put TO by reason of the proceed
ings."