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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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

Recognized accused. I was in the Mountain house restaurant. I do not kow how the trouble started. Ing Soo hit me over the head with a chair twice. I ran out as quick as I could behind the restaurant and he dhot [sic] at me two or three times and I fell down over the bank and got under the wagon roag [sic] bridge. I was badly frightened and got out of the way as fast as possible. I do not know why I entered the restaurant I had been drinking that day.

CROSS EXAMINED by A.B. McDonald.

I was drunk. I think I went in to get something to east. I do not know whether I had anything to eat or not. I do not remember Ing Soo asking me to pay for a meal, I do not know whether I paid him or not. I got sobered up considerably after being being hit on the head, I do not remember hitting Ing Soo and I will not swear that I didn’t and do not remember kicking Ing Soo but will not swear I didn’t. I remember being hit over the head and it brought me to. I do not know whether I had any money or not. I had money when I went into the restaurant. When he hit me with the chair I got out as quick as I could and ran down over the bank. I remember most of what occurred after leaving the restaurant. I remember to a certain extent what Ing Soo and myself did after leaving the restaurant. I could not remember how many times Ing Soo shot at me. When I heard the first shot I was running away and I looked around and I saw Ing Soo with a gun in his hand, but could not swear he was pointing it at me. I could not swear he was pointing it at me at any time. I do not know what time it happened on Thursday. I was in gaol on Thursday night. I was down at Dilse’s restaurant on Friday night, I do not know why I was in gaol on Thursday night. I do not think I was ever in this Chinaman’s place before. I have not been near the place since. I did not throw that stone through the

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

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