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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
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Depositions of Witnesses.
________________0___________________
Canada:
Province of British Columbia.)
)
County of Kootenay. )
Wang Deep Chong, SWORM SAITH :-
Do you know Defendant? Yes, the baggage car was at Clan William Jan. 23rd 1903 Ki Chung was in the car Jan. 23rd, had no quarrel Ki Chung cut me on the head with a hatchet. Hatchet produced marked Exhibit A. is what he struck me with , stuck him only with the hatchet. The Defendant was lying in bunk when I came in car and was passing him he struck me three times, twice on the head and once on the shoulder when I became unconscious. Had no trouble with Defendant before
His
" Wang Depp Chong"
Mark
Taken upon oath before the undersigned, at Revelstoke, this 10th, day of February, 1903.
"W. E. McLaughlin"
Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Kootenay.
Dr. Cross, SWORN SAITH:-
Am a Medical Practitioner I attended this Chinaman Wang Depp Chong during his illness brought Plaintiff from Clan William to the Revelstoke Hospital he had two incised wounds on scalp passing through the scale and skull to the brain and a third scalp wound passing through the scalp to the skull and a fourth wound on left side of face in front of ear about two inches long a fifth wound passing through his left shoulder to the joint. Such wounds on the head often XXXXXXXX produce death. He is not better yet wounds may yet give trouble.
"Jas. W. Cross."
Taken upon oath before the undersigned, at Revelstoke, this 10th day of February 1903
BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL Box 97 File 1903/44 Attorney General documents.