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1903/44 Rex vs. Ki Chung – attempt to 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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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Indictable Offences (T) Sec. 591. Statement of the Accused. CANADA: PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA County of Kootenay Wang Depp Chong stands charged before the undersigned, W. E. McLauchlin one of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, this 10th day of February, in the year of Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and three, for that the said Ki Chung did on January 23d 1903 at Clan William commit and assault with intent to murder on Wang Depp Chong by cutting him the aforesaid Wang Depp Chong with an axe on the Head and other injuries to him did do And the said charge being read to the said Ki Chung and the witnesses for the prosecution, being severally examined in his presence, the said Ki Chung is now address by me as follows: "Having heard the evidence, do you wish to say anything in answer to the charge? You are not obliged to say anything, unless you desire to do so; but whatever you say will be taken down in writing, and may be given in evidence against you at your trial. You must clearly understand that you have nothing to hope from any promise of favour, and nothing to fear from any threat, which may have been held out to you to induce you to make any admission or confession of guilt, but whatever you now say may be given in evidence against you upon your trial, notwithstanding such promise or threat." Whereupon the said Ki Chung

Taken upon oath before the undersigned, at Revelstoke, this 10th day of February, 1903 W. E. McLauchlin Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Kootenay.

BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 97 File 1903/44 Attorney General documents.

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