1914/195 Rex vs. Lem How – 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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
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20
to nine Canton Street.
217 Q Just two went? A. Lem How and Lem Ho and then came back.
8 Q Came back where? Came back to the crowd.
9 Q They came back to the crowd? A. Yes.
20 Q You spoke of a bunch a little while ago that were with Lem How and Lem Ho. A. A bunch of men came down from 556½
1 Q Did Lem How come with the bunch from 556½. A. A bunch came from 556 ½ and some bunch came from nine Canton street.
COURT: And they joined together? A. Yes and at the time everybody was fighting everybody, a general mix-up.
COURT: Could you see in the general mix-up who was punching each other? A. No I couldn’t see.
2 Q Did you see Lem How’s brother struck? A. No I didn’t see; there was a general mix-up.
3 Q In fact you could not see who was striking whom, could you?
COURT: You don’t know how many were fighting? A. Pretty quite lots.
4 Q How many? A. About a hundred.
5 Q Were fighting? A. Yes.
6 Q. And you didn’t see Lem How carry his brother up to 556½A. When I saw Wing get hurt I just waw Lem How him helping his brother in the doorway, and then I went to the Policeman.
MR. RUSSELL: That is the case for the prosecution.
(CASE adjourned to 8th and 11th)
I hereby certify the foregoing to be true and accurate copy of the said proceedings.
L.H. Heaney.
Stenographer.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 193 File 1914/195 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.