1904-10 Rex vs. Wong On and Wong Gow – murder (at the Chinese theatre)
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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formally propose an objection to this witness being examined on the Bible.
MR. MORESBY: What would you suggest ?
MR. TAYLOR: I say he is not entitled to be sworn on the Bible.
MR MORESBY: He says he is prepared to take that oath , and it is binding on his conscience, and that is as far as we can go.
COURT: I consider we are bound by his answer in that respect. He swears he is a Christian and believes in the Christian religion , His parents were Christians, and what training he has had had been in the Christian religion, and he believes in the Bible, and the Bible— swearing by the Bible is binding upon him, and the most binding form he can take. I do not think I have any power to administer any other oath.
MR TAYLOR: I take it Your Honor that you must have, otherwise it would be an absurdity to permit Counsel to examine him upon that question, and all the time I have taken up in arguing this matter would be a mere nonsensical waste of time. Supposing I had asked him some question and he answered them, and you were satisfied by those questions and answers that he did not believe in that Bible, would you still allow him to depose on the oath of the Bible?
COURT: He has given no answer yet which could lead me to believe that he does not believe In the Bible.
MR. TAYLOR: I submit that he has, and before your Honor decides that I would like to mention a few
BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.