Los Angeles daily herald., 1888-07-19
THE PARNELLuTRIBUNAL.
The Government Bill for a Conn
mittee of Investigation.


LONDON, July 1s.-Following is the
ext OF the Government bill for the ap-
pointment of a special commission to
inquire into the London Times charges
against Irish members of Parliament
WHEREAS, Charges and allegations
have been made against certain members
OF the House OF Commons and others by
the defendants in the action of O'Donnell
against Walter and others, 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 effectual conducting of the inquiry.
Be it therefore enacted, first, That
three persons hereinafter mentioned,
names not given, are hereby appointed
commissioners for the purpose of this
act. The commissioners shall inquire
into and report upon the charges and al
legations against certain members of the
House OF Commons and others in the ac-
ton OF O'Donnell against Walter and
others.
Secondly, That the Commission shall,
Tor the purposes OF the inquiry. have all
such powers, rights and privileges as are
vested in sHer Majesty's High Court of
Justice, or any judge thereof, on the oc-
casion OF any action, including all the
powers, rights and privileges in respect
OF the following matters: Enforcing the
attendance OF witnesses, examining them
under oath, affirmation or otherwise,
compelling the production of docu-
ments, furnishing persons guilty Of
contempt. The issue of a COM
mission or a request to examine
witnesses abroad, and summons signed
by one or more of the Commissioners
may be substituted for and be equivalent
to any formal process capable of being
issued in any action for enforcing the at
tendance OF witnesses or compelling the
production Of documents. A warrant of
commital, issued for the purpose of en-
forcing the powers conferred by this sec
ton shall be signed by one or more of
the Commission and shall specify the
prison to which the offender shall be
committed.
Thirdly, That the persons implicated
in said charges and allegations, the par
ties to said action and any person author
lzed by the Commissioners, may appear
at the inquiry, and any person so appear
Ing may be represented by counsel or
solicitor.
| IOui ohiy Audu cNoTy person. WHO on
Examination on oath or affirmation will
fully gives false evidence shall be liable
to the penalties for perjury.
Filthy, That any witness may be
cross-examined on behalf of any other
person appearing before the Commission
ers. A'witness shall not be excused from
answering any question put to him on
the ground of any privilege, or on the
ground that the answer may criminate
or tend to criminate himself. No evil
dence taken under this act shall be ad-
missible against any person in any
civil or criminal proceedings, except in
case the witness shall be accused of hay
ing given false evidence in the inquiry
under this act.
Sixthly, That every person examined
as witness, who, in the opinion of the
Commissioners, shall make full and
true disclosure and, if civil or Grim
inal proceedings shall at any time there
after be instituted against any such wit
ness in respect of any matter whereon
he shall be examined, the court having
cognizance of the case shall, on proof of
a certificate, stay proceedings, and may
in its discretion award the witness such
costs as he may be put to By reason of
the proceedings.