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kindness and skill in this country. I wish to say this much in explanation of my coming as I do in this extraordinary manner before this Committee. And I am glad to believe it is one of the strongest committees of this legislature. They are honest men. I would like to call Miss. M.L. Clough, Miss. Fox, Miss. Sawyer, Joseph Millet and Mr. Kimball. They will please come forward. I hope the oath will be administered. We shall be obliged to administer it to some before we get through, and I hope it will be administered to every one.

Mr. Dudley: I do not believe there are any witnesses here to day whom the Committee will not believe as such without the administration of the oath as write [sp: right], and I object to its being administered.

Mr. Morrill: I believe with my friend from Aroostook (Mr. Dudley) that every person who comes forward here to testify will testify to the truth, and I believe it is unusual to place witnesses before committees under oath. If the gentlemen on both sides will withdraw the request I think we will go along as well and elicit the truth as faithfully, and it will be quite as pleasant all round. I would be glad to have the gentlemen withdraw the request.