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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]
-5A/
WILLIAM S. MURPHY, Sworn:
Recognizes accused, remembers 14th March. The first thing I knew W. Taenhauser said there was a Chinaman trying to shoot a whiteman so Iwent out and this Chinaman trying to shoot a whiteman so I went out and this Chinaman Ing Soo ran by me with a revolver in his hand. J. White said we had batter go and get that fellow or he will kill somebody so J. White and myself went after him. I caught up to the Chinaman and asked him what he was going to do and he said he was going to kill this fellow. I did not know at the time who he meant. I told him he did not want t shoot anyone he would probably get 5 or 6 years for running around with a gun like that he said he did not give a shit he would kill him anyway as he broke his window. He started back with us and took two shots at something on the gravel bar I did not know what it was. We brought the Chinaman back from down o nthe track by the station. To deliver him to Constable Walsh on the railroad track back of the Imperial Hotel.
CROSS-EXAMINED :
Ing Soo was running back of the Imperial Hotel when I first saw him about 5 o’clock in the afternoon. I did not see Spencer. Ing Soo was close to the edge of the bank, he was running, he was running around his restaurant. I saw two shots fired when I was with him. He fired straight and I did not see what he was firing at. I have been here two years. I am a steam shovel man by trade.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 175 File 1913/130 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.