1914-215 Rex vs. Gin Yuen alias John Young – procuring, Vancouver
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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7. right to ask that question. 64 How did you prostitute yourself at this place; where would the man come from? MR. READ: That is not a proper question.
A Gin Fuen the accused brought the men in.
5 Q Who was the first man he brought.?
A Jung Chun about the fifteen or sixteen of August.
6 Q 19 and ?
A Last year, 1913.
7 Q Anything said when the accused brought in that man, did any conversation take place between him and the accused when he first came in.
A The accused told me to go to the bed with that man because he was his partner.
8 Q Did you do as the accused told you then.?
A Yes, I did what he told me.
9 Q Did you prostitute yourself with any other men that day? MR READ: That is a leading question 70 Q Did you prostitute yourself again that day.? MR READ: I object to that question. COURT: Did you prostitute yourself again and when? MR READ: That is not a proper question.
A Yes and then the next man I don’t know what his name was.
1 Q How did he get there.?
A He was brought by the accused.
2 Q Any conversation take place when he brought the next man in.?
A He said “the five dollars are in my pocket; you can go to bed with him.”
3 Q How long were you prostituting yourself at this room.
A 420 Hastings Street West in Vancouver.? About four months and ten days.
4 Q Where were you living during this time.?
A 612 Pender street East.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 194 File 1914/211 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.