1910/58 Rex .vs Lee Sing and Lee Lewis – carrying dangerous weapons
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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 Was it Lee Sing that you grabbed? A Yes. i had the little follow in my right hand and Lee Sing in my left hand. Q Who first produced a revolver? A Lee Sing. Q And how many seconds after he produced his revolver was it that the other fellow produced his? A I could not say that, because he was right close beside me, and ssx soon as he fled I knew the other fellow dropped his gun. Q Both guns were produced about the same time? A I couldn't identify Lee Sing's gun any more than the other. Q They were produced about the same time? A Yes sir . Q And Lee Sing's gun was knocked out of his hand, and the other man dropped his about the same time? A I believe that is so. Q Did Lee Sing speak to the other man before he got hit with the baton? A As soon as Lee Sing got hit he disapeared; he got away after he was hit. Q Then did he speak to the other man? A Yes. COL. C. E WORSROP, called as a witness being first sworn testified as follows:-
..........__DIRECT EXAMINATION BY MR KENNEDY.
Q Your official position, Colonel? A Surveyor of Customs. Q Did you have occasion to examine the contents of exhibits C and D, A I did, sir. Q What did they contain, that Is, what did the large tin box contain A Contained a number of small cans of opium. Q For instance , looking at it this way, I think you will recognize the cut on it. A I DID. BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 143 File 1910/58 Attorney General documents.