The Bill constituting the Special Commission appears to be drafted
on the principles adopted in the Sheffield case of Trade-Union terrorism, when Broadhead's doings were brought to light. It proposes to appoint three Commissioners (whose names are not yet known), probably all of them Judges, to inquire and report upon the charges and allegations "made against certain Members of Parliament and other persons" (these last three words are vehemently attacked as entirely beyond the proper scope of the inquiry) " in the course of the proceedings in an action entitled O'Donnell v. Walter and another." The Commissioners are given very large powers indeed,—to enforce the attendance of witnesses, and examine on oath, affirmation, or otherwise ; to compel the production of documents ; to punish persons guilty of contempt; to issue a commission to examine persons abroad ; to hear the parties to the case either directly or by their legal advisers,—these last to have the right to cross-examine witnesses who give evidence which implicates their clients,—and to give certificates which would secure any witness who has made a full and true dis- closure involving his own criminality, against prosecution on account of his crime.
