1900/40 Regina vs. Tom Lung - assault
As part of the Chinese Historical Wrongs Legacy Initiative, the BC Archives has digitized a selection of documents related to criminal prosecutions against the Chinese community from 1866 to 1914, found in GR-0419. These are mainly records created as part of the preliminary hearing held before a judge in order to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. There are often lengthy witness statements, and cross examinations by both prosecution and defense lawyers. The eventual verdict is sometimes recorded on the outside of the docket. They offer a fascinating glimpse into 19th and early 20th century criminal activity around the province, and ways in which the Chinese community was stereotyped. The records offered for transcription here are a small selection; for additional digitized material from GR-0419 click here.
*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum. Some materials may contain content that is racist, sexist or otherwise offensive. In addition, GR-0419 records deal with subjects such as assault, murder and abuse, which may upset some readers. The Royal BC Museum is only the custodian of archival materials; the content does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Royal BC Museum.
*All transcriptions are provided by volunteers, and the accuracy of the transcriptions is not guaranteed. Please be sure to verify the information by viewing the image record, or visiting the BC Archives in person.
Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]
said; I hurried down quick as I could; when I reached the reading room door, Holland was holding the accused down on the floor; he said:- take that fellow away from me, see what he has done to me. At the same time I saw the blood squirting from Holland's wounds; they both were covered with blood from Holland's wounds; I took the chinaman and passed him through the hall door and gave him in charge of two men who were there and I rang up a policeman; I saw the neck of a bottle alongside of the chinaman; I can't say exactly whether he had it innhis hand or whether it was on the floor when I came in; it was near where the chinaman was lying; I identify exhibit "A" as the neck of the bottle which I picked up; the Chinaman made a big racket and was in quite a rage, but I did not understand what he said
J Richardson
(5)
Statement of Accused.
I have nothing to say.