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1913/130 Rex vs. Ing Soo – attempted murder

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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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In the Supreme Court of British Columbia Oyer and Terminer and General Gaol Delivery.

CANADA Province of British Columbia, County of Kootenay, City of Fernie.

The Jurors for our Lord the King present that Ing Soo at Fort Steele in the County of Kootenay in the Province of British Columbia on the fourteenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and twelve, at and against one Harry Spenser a loaded firearm, to wit, a revolver loaded with divers leaden bullets, unlawfully did shoot with intent in so doing, him the said Harry Spencer to kill and murder, against the form of the Statute in such case made and provided and against the peace of our Lord the King his Crown and Dignity.

2. And the Jurors aforesaid do further present that the said Ing Soo afterwards to wit on the day and in the year and at the place last aforesaid at and against the said Harry Spencer a loaded firearm to wit a revolver loaded with divers leaden bullets unlawfully did shoot with intent, in so doing, to him the said Harry Spencer to do some grevious bodily harm, against the form of the Statute in such case made and provided and against the peace of our Lord the King his Crown and Dignity.

3. And the Jurors aforesaid do further present that the said Ing Soo afterwards to wit on the day and in the year and at the place last aforesaid unlawfully did carry an offensive weapon, to wit, a revolver loaded with divers leaden bullets for a purpose dangerous to the public peace, against the the form of the Statute in such case made and provided and against the peace of our Lord the King his Crown and Dignity.

I hereby direct that Counsel acting for the Crown at the Fernie Spring Assizes, 1912, prefer the above Bill of Indictment to the Grand Jury.

Attorney-General

BC Archives GR-0419 Box 175 File 1913/130 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.

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