1904-10 Rex vs. Wong On and Wong Gow – murder (at the Chinese theatre)
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
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Q He recognized his voice? A Yes Q What did he say? A He said that while he was rapping at the door he cursed, and said a lot of different bad things, and asked Man Quann must come out and fight, and he said You would be Mah Sun If he did not come out, that means a coward if he did not come out. Q Who would be a coward? A Man Quann. Q Man Quann would be a coward if he did not come out? A Yes. Q Was Wong On alone, or anybody with him? A By the noise of walking, he say there must be four or five, but he only recognized the voice of Wong on. Q Well, what took place then? A He was afraid that they would come in disturbing or fight, and Lee Sum and he took the box and put it up against the door so they would not force the door in. Q Was anything said after that? A He say he keep on cursing outside at Man Quann. Mam Quann dare not answer; that is, he dare not say anything, and the witness he say he could not stand it any longer, and he also returned a voice to him, and he kept on cursing at him after that. Q What did he say to him? A He say "I Just tell him he should not be so savage; it is late now, you have been here cursing over an hour, or something like that, and then he turned around and keep on cursing at him, that is the witness. Q What did Wong On say to him then? A He say that he accused him of taking Mam Quann's part. He says he would bring him out and cut him to pieces.
BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.