Section 6. Swearing witnesses

Whenever the common council of a city shall
  have appointed a committee of members of their body upon any subject  or
  matter within the jurisdiction of such common council, or to examine any
  officer  of  the  city,  in  relation  to  the discharge of his official
  duties, or to the receipt or disbursement by him of any  moneys  in  the
  discharge of such duties, or concerning the possession or disposition by
  him, in his official capacity, of any property belonging to the city; or
  to  use,  inspect  or examine any book, account, voucher or document, in
  his possession or under his control as such  officer,  relating  to  the
  affairs  or  interests  of  such city, the chairman of such committee is
  authorized to administer oaths to all such witnesses as may appear or be
  brought before such committee.