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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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

I remember March 14th and recognise Ing Soo. I was sitting in the office at the Imperial Hotel. There was an excitement there during which I heard one shot on going outside at the back of the hotel. I ran over the hill to see what it was. Just before I got to the bank Ing Soo passed in front of me about 10 feet holding something under his sweater as he went behind the butchers shop he took the revolver out from under his sweater at that time I saw Mr Spencer watching out from under the bridge by the river. The people all halloed for him to go back under the bridge. The next I saw was Ing Soo coming up the railroad track with J. White and W. Murphy following him up. I heard two more shots fired.

It would be about five minutes from the time I heard the first shot until I saw Spencer under the bridge.

CROSS-EXAMINATION:

The two shots were fired down the track about 300 feet below the bridge. The shots were fired across the river at and away from where Spencer was.

The above evidence taken in the presence and hearing of the accused.

(Sgd) Arthur B. Fenwick, J.P.

(Sgd) R.L.T. Galbraith, J.P.

(Sgd) W. G. Tannhauser.

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

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