1905/9 Rex vs. Soon Ching – keeping a gaming house (Vancouver)
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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but It is damaged. 338.Q. They come upstairs? A Yes. 339 Q. How long has it been damaged? A. It is in a filthy condition, and the one upstairs is very clean. 340.Q- Why don't they clean the one below? A. I don't understand 341 Q You are managing this company down below? A. The one below is Sang Lung and I am next door. 342.Q. Does not this go down into Sang Lung's store? A. No. 343.Q. You are manager of Sang Lung's store? A. No. 344.Q. Did you tell the policemen you were? A. I said for Kwong Tai Lung. 345.Q Where did you come from into the club that night? A. I went up through the main entrance. My store is on one side of the entrance and Sang Lung on the other, and the entrance is right in the centre. 346.Q. Why did these men run away and go downstairs? A. It is very funny, but whenever they see a policeman they always run. 347.Q. Did they see a policemen? A. I don't know. 348.Q How do you know? A. I did not see them run. 349.Q. I asked you why they ran down those stairs? A. I did not see them run, I was in the store. 350 Q. For what reason did they run down there? A. I did not see anything. 351.Q. If they run away what did they go there for? A. I don't know. 352.Q. If they run away, what did they run downstairs for? A. I don't know anything about that. 353.Q. If they run away and went down there, what did they do it for? A. They have no reason to go down that way. 354.Q. Which way does this trap door open? A. They pull it-up; it opens from above. 355.Q It opens from above:? A. They shut it up from below. 356.Q. How does it work?1' A. There are hooks that fasten below. 357.Q. Is it always open? A. Sometimes they close it from below. 858.Q. What were these men doing: smoking— in the next room ' BC Archives GR-0419 Box 106 File 1905/9 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Attorney General documents.