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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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Bible has no more meaning to him than swearing him on a statute, and in that case there is no obligation placed upon him in taking this oath, so the witness therefore is in such a state of mind that cannot be sworn at all.. It has to be , that before a witness comes in to testify there must be some form of solemn obligation imposed on his conscience that is binding on him. According to this witness the oath of " Kiss a book" Break saucer" Cut chicken head off" is all the same to him. He does not believe in any of those,and he is not in such a state that it is necessary for a witness to be in to justify his being sworn.
MR POWELL: Which way is your Honor going to decide to swear him? COURT: ( To interpreter): Ask him in what way the burning paper is binding upon him. MR MORESBY: Your Honor, the thought has just struck me and I might as well mention it, that it is customary in the other Courts and Civil courts especially to put the question to a witness in this way " If you don't tell the truth what will happen to you? " so I should suggest that this question be put to him now. "If by burning this paper and you don't tell the truth what will happen to you? " I would quote here Philips pp 416 . Now this man has simply stated that the burning of the paper is binding on him and Philips does not go as far enough to say the ' most binding". MR TAYLOR : All those oaths look alike to him. MR MORESBY : He has also said he is prepared to tell the truth no matter what oath he takes.