Power of department to question officers, agents and receivers, and to examine books and papers

The department, or any person appointed by it for that purpose, may put any question, in writing, it may deem proper to any officer, agent or receiver of any railroad company having any portion of its track in this State, and it may summon any officer, receiver or agent of such company to appear before it and testify, under oath, touching such railroad company's property and the management and disposition thereof. It may also, by any member of some person appointed by it, examine the books and papers of such company in the hands of the company or any of its officers, agents or receivers. All such officers, agents and receivers shall answer, under oath, all such questions as shall be put to them by the department or any person appointed by it for that purpose, relative to the condition, amount and value of the company's property and the management or disposition thereof.