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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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him ?
COURT: I have to take this formal statement before they answer—-
MR TAYLOR: I would like to have Wing say what their answer is.
COURT: He is only interpreting the sentences I read to him. Reading "You are not bound to say anything, but whatever you do any will be taken down in writing and given in evidence against you at your trial. You must clearly understand you have nothing to hope from any promise of favor and nothing to fear from any threat which may have been held out to you to induce you to make any admission or confession of guilt, but whatever you do say may be given in evidence against you at your trial, notwithstanding such promise or threat. (Interpreter interpret same to Wong On).
MR TAYLOR: The answer is "I reserve my defence."
COURT: You can tell the accused to say that.
MR TAYLOR: (Addressing interpreter) Tell him he has nothing to say. Tell him his lawyer says he reserve his defence.
INTERPRETER: He say if my lawyer not say anything I not say anything? My lawyer say nothing I say nothing.
MR TAYLOR: He say if his lawyer ask him not to say anything he not say anything.
BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.