1910/58 Rex .vs Lee Sing and Lee Lewis – carrying dangerous weapons
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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Q Did you get any answer that you understood? A No. Q Then you proceeded to arrest them? A I did not have a chance to arrest them. This man started to make a move to put his hands in his pockets I was not going to take chances with him. He had a gun In his hands. It was because he nhad the gun in his hands that I took my baton and struck him. Q Was the other man standing alongside drawing his revolver at the same time? A Yes. Q And he promptly threw it In the bushes? A Yes. Q But had he pointed the revolver at you? A Yes. Q His idea was to get clear of the revolver: that was evidently his idea? A Yes. Q And when you consider the fact that he got clear of the revolver which they attempted to point at you isn't it possible that the other man had the same idea as you had? A It is quite possible. Q Did they make any struggly with you at all when you attempted to handcuff them? A Certainly . Q Both of them struggled? 4 Yes. Kicked and pushed with their heads, and tried to get away. Q Before you put the handcuffs on them? A Yes.
Had you any assistance in putting the handcuffs on them? A I had.
Q Is it not a fact that one of them got away a little from the other? A Yes sir. Q Which one was it? A Lee Sing. BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 143 File 1910/58 Attorney General documents.