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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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COURT: Let him repeat the question again. INTERPRETER: Repeating question to witness) He says he believes in either one of those. MR. TAYLOR: What ? INTERPRETER: He says he believes either one of those oaths; he tell the truth either one- MR MORESBY: Put the question again; put the question so he can understand it. COURT: You tell him what the oaths are Wing. INTERPRETER: I ask him which oath— Break the Saucer, Kiss the Bible, Cut the Chickens Head off, and bum the papers, which is the most binding on him of those four. COURT: What did he say ? INTERPRETER: He said either one of those would be binding, but he did not say which the most. COURT: Ask him which is the most binding form of oath. INTERPRETER: The most is the Bible. COURT: I will have to swear him on the Bible. MR. TAYLOR. I fancy your Honor would feel bound by that, but any man who will get up and say either one of those forms is equally binding, it does not sound reasonable, as one is a Heathen and the other a Christian, and he cannot believe in both. MR. MORESBY: He means that the man has come here to tell the truth. COURT: I think Mr. Taylor your objection has been pretty well noted, as it has been pretty well defined.
BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.