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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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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SUE QUON A witness on behalf of the Prosecution was duly called.

COURT: (To Interpreter Yip Wing) You ask him if he swears on the bible, if that is binding on him, or ask him what form is most binding on him and name them all over to him. INTERPRETER: He say either way he tell the truth. MR. TAYLOR: "Any way suit him; my interpreter says that he said "Any way suit him". INTERPRETER: He say either way he tell the truth. MR TAYLOR: Ask him Wing if either way is equally binding on his conscience. MR MORESBY: That is not a fair question. MR TAYLOR : I ask that he be asked that. INTERPRETER: He says Yes, he can swear on either. COURT: Now, is it binding on his conscience to simply write on a paper and burn that name on the paper and swear he will tell the truth -will he tell the truth that way? INTERPRETER: Yes. COURT: Is this a Christian Chinaman ? INTERPRETER: Not that I know of. COURT: Well ask him ? INTERPRETER: No. COURT: Then there is no use swearing him on the bible. I presume we might as well have him write his name on the paper and burn it. MR TAYLOR: I take the objection that this witness cannot be sworn at all. MR POWELL: That is a good objection. MR. TAYLOR: He has already answered that all those forms are equally binding on him and therefore a BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.

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