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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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]
COURT: The next is Wong Gow. I want you to interpret this to him Wing:—- (Reading "Now having heard the evidence, do you wish to say anything in answer to the charge ? You are not bound to say anything, but whatever you do say 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 interprets same to Wong Gow. MR TAYLOR: You tell him that his, lawyer speak for him. MR POWELL: That won't do. COURT: You can instruct him what to say. MR, TAYLOR: You tell him to answer "His lawyer speak for him" I reserve my defence your Honor. INTERPRETER: He say his lawyer speak for him he reserve his defence----- COURT: Now, Wing, you ask Wong On if he wishes to call any witnesses. MR. TAYLOR: You tell him say ?Not now that he leaves that in his lawyer's hands. INTERPRETER: He say that. COURT: Wong Gow, ask him if he wishes to call any witnesses. MR TAYLOR: Tell him to say same thing. INTERPRETER: (Addressing Mr Taylor) H» leave it to you. BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.