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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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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. 

BC Archives G-0419

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facts as to what he has already stated. I regret exceedingly that it was not taken down. It was probably my fault -in not calling the Stenographer's attention to it. In the first place, he says he has never attended Sunday School, and what he knows has been taught him by a casual missionary. He never even heard of a Sunday School, and his parents although they were supposed to be Christians living in Canton they never taught him the meaning of the Scriptures— he has lived in Canton some 35 years, and he has been in Victoria for ten years, and he has not the faintest idea what Sunday means. COURT: What Sunday school means. MR. TAYLOR: I asked him what Sunday meant after and he could not tell, and you cannot say that any Christian does not know what the Sabbath means. MR. MORESBY: Of course my learned friend knows that that argument will not hold at all. COURT: We are supposed to administer the form of oath which is positively the most binding on him, and he swears here that the Bible oath is the most binding on him. MR TAYLOR: I do not think he said it was the most binding. COURT: (Addressing Yip wins, Interpreter): Just ask him again Wing which is the most binding. When I told you to ask him before I asked you to ask him which was the most binding, and I mentioned four different kinds of oath, and he stated that the oath on the bible was the most binding. INTERPRETER: Yes. BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.

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