1884/16 Ah Keong, attempted murder, big scrap in Victoria’s Chinatown
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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]
hands, I recognize some of them I recognized Ah Keung. I recognized the two men in the dock standing to the right. I saw them fetch on to Fong Wy and strike him, he lay just inside the house. I went on my way down the street Fong Wy was yelling Murder. I was afraid to go to his assistance as they might cut and kill me.
To Mr. Drake. I went about 8 o'clock from Government Street , there were a good many people there, between 20 and 30 I think they were near on both sides on the sidewalk I kept outside from the crowd, about 12 or 15 feet from the door. Fong Wy was lying in the house I saw Fong Wy struck and he fell right in the doorway. I saw the [illegible] strike him, Ah Shue Ah Kow Ak Keung. I hear them call themselves, I don't know which struck him first, I saw a knife and iron bar Ah Keung had a knife I think about 6 inches long , the other two had iron bars, they looked like iron bars bright and dark things, I am pretty sure they were iron not wood. I speak from my own opinion , All the people were near the door. I saw by the light from the window, I saw the prisoners on the street before the occurrence I don't know how many times before, I did not see very much only fighting there, the others were standing round doing nothing. I did not hear any
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 26 File 1884/16 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.