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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]
Q You are a duly qualified medical practitioner? A Yes. Q Residing In this City ? A Yes. Q From information you received, were you called to attend a Chinaman by the name of Mann Quann, at the Chinese Theatre on the night of the 3lst January last? A I was called to see a Chinaman there. Q In what condition did you find him ? A Do you want this in extenso ? Q No, Just embrace it. A I saw a Chinaman lying on a couch in a collapsed condition. He was conscious and complained of great pain in the left lower part of his abdomen. I sent him off to the hospital. Q, When did you next see him doctor ? A After he was dead.
Q I believe you performed the postmortem ?
A Yes. Q Now, can you tell us what was the cause of his death 7 A The cause of his death was hemorrhage. internal from a ruptured left kidney. Q Was there anything to indicate what had caused the rupture of the kidney ? A Nothing beyond the fact that there was a bruise over the region of the kidney— the same kidney. Q That bruise that you refer to, was that of recent origin, or could you tell ? A It was a discolor evidently, the covering of the skin well defined, and apparently recent I should say. It
had not undergone changes of color as an ordinary bruise
does showing it was not of recent origin. That is, it had not turned green, yellow, and blue and so on; it was apparently recent bruise. BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.