6 MARCH 1875, Page 2

A correspondent points out that we were in error in

supposing that a Select Committee of the House of Commons could not obtain evidence upon oath. This was the case till 1871, but in that year a law was passed (34 and 35 Vic., c. 83) enabling a Committee to administer oaths and visiting false witnesses with the penalties of perjury. Sir II. James can therefore obtain evidence on oath as to the proceedings in the issue of South- American loans.