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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]
-2-
Q Do you know the two accused?
A I do.
Q I want you to relate to the Court what occurred on the 27th June in which the two accused figured.
A Well about 1.45 on the morning of 28th June, there was a Chinaman came running along Powell Street East toward Dunlevy Avenue; I saw him coming around, and I stopped him and asked him what was wrong; he pointed for me to go down Dunlevy Avenue, North, and the witness here came up and said "there is something wrong."
MR RUSSELL: How does he know what the Chinaman said; did he speak English?
Q Did the Chinaman speak English?
A No sir; he pointed to come down. I went down there and I saw three Chinamen, about fifty yards south of the C.P.R. tracks coming up Dunlevy Street; them two was carrying a gun apiece they had a bag, and I questioned them what they had in the bags; they made no reply, then the two pulled revolvers: Lee Sing he pointed a revolver at me and he made a move to get something out of his pocket.
Q Pointed a revolver at whom?
A He put his hand in his pocket, and I took no chances with him; There was a revolver right in front of my stomach; I came down with my baton and his revolver dropped and he said something in Chinese to the other Chinaman and the other Chinaman threw his revolver in the bushes; we then got into a scrap.
Q Which revolver was it was pointed at you; whose was it:
A Lee Sing's.
Q Which is Lee Sing?
A The stout one.
Q He had a nickle plated revolver?
A Yes.
MR KENNEDY: I will ask to have this revolver marked as Exhibit "A" for identification. (Revolver introduced into evidence and marked Exhibit "A" for identification)
BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL.
Box 143 File 1910/58 Attorney General documents.