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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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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. 

BC Archives G-0419

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Q No, how does he get into the Joss room ? A You mean from upstairs or downstairs ? Q Any part of the building; how does he get into the Joss . room ? A He wants to show this himself on plan. MR.TAYLOR: I don't think it is right that he should be asked to have a plan. We cannot admit it as evidence. MR. MORESBY: What I want to get from the witness is, where this particular crowd was. I don't want to lead him. MT TAYLOR: He said on the stairs. MR MORESBY But there are two different stairs. Witness: "There is steps comes down here— Quann's room here (indicating on plan drawn by himself) Theatre here— COURT: A little louder. Q Where did you see the crowd, where did you see all the people. MR. TAYLOR: I would like your Honor to have him tried in English. The question I asked him the other day he answered in splendid English, and my interpreter tells me he speaks English very well. Q You try and speak English; where you see this crowd ? A In here (indicating on plan drawn by himself). Q What you call that; you try and speak in English first  ? A Steps. Q Where do these steps go ? A I cannot speak very well. MR. TAYLOR: He in doing very well your Honor. I examined him for half an hour the other day and he answered splendidly. BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.

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