[Se]c.[Section] 1. Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, Represented in the General Assembly, That the chairman or any Member of any committee appointed by Either Branch of the General Assembly of the State of Illinois, or any member of any joint Committee appointed by the two Houses of the General Assembly [as?] afforesaid, Shall be authorized under the direction of Such Committee to administer oaths and affirmations to witnesses called before Such Committee for the purpose of giving Evidence touching any matter or thing which may be under the Consideration or investigation of the Committee, and oaths and affirmations, administered as afforesaid, Shall be deemed and Considered as having been administered lawfully.