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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]
28
261 Q You are a Barrister as well as a Solicitor? A. Yes.
2 Q You have had the conduct of the private prosecution against three Chinamen who are charged with murder? A. Associated with Mr. Cowan.
3 Q And you have had the defence of the present accused associated with Mr. Cowan? A. Yes.
4 Q You have interviewed a great many witnesses? A. No, Mr. Russell.
5 Q Have you interviewed many witnesses? A. Yes, three or four or five; I have forgotten; the witnesses who gave evidence against the three men.
6 Q You have interviewed those witnesses. Has there been any further attempt on the part of the defence of Lem How to get other witnesses? A. Not to my knowledge.
7 Q What about the intent to get at the witness Harrison? A. I know nothing about that.
8 Q Was there any Detective employed by either yourself or Mr. Cowan or those who have retained you in this matter? A. I can only speak of myself; I retained no detective.
9 Q Do you know of a Detective or man purporting to act as a Detective having been engaged in this matter looking up evidence? A. I have heard there was a Detective going to be engaged; I have never heard whether he was engaged. I heard he was to be engaged. I have never had any report from him.
260 Q Did you hear what his instructions were? A. No.
1 Q Did you know he was instructed to see the witness Harrison? A. No.
2 Q Did you ever hear any mention of his going near the witness Harrison? A. I heard he was going to watch Mr. Harrison.
3 Q Was it part of his instructions that he was to buy Mr. Harrison off and pay him to leave the Country? A. Not that I know of; I don’t know what his instructions were; it was practically foreign to me.
4 Q Who instructed him? A. I don’t know.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 193 File 1914/195 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.