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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]
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Q And the other Chinaman had which revolver?
A This one here; blue steel [???] revolver.
MR KENNEDY: Ask to have this marked Exhibit "B".
(Introduced in evidence and marked Exhibit "B")
Q Which revolver was thrown in the bushes?
A The black one. Exhibit "B".
Q You say one of them made a movement?
A Lee Sing he made the first movement. He pulled the revolver right out of the bag and pointed it at me.
Q Just illustrate how he pulled it out and how he did it?
A I cannot remember whether it was from a hip pocket or from a pocket on the side that. He had his gun right in front, and I brought my baton down on his arm. As his arm came up I brought my baton down and the revolver fell out of his hands.
Q Where did the revolver go to?
A It dropped to the ground.
Q Did you find anything on the person of the accused, or either of them?
A I didn't search them then. I got the two of them handcuffed and brought them to the police station, and brought the bags upthere.
Q Were they carrying anything at the time you approached them?
A These two were carrying a bag each.
Q Have you got the bags?
A Right here.
Q These are the two bags?
A Yes sir.
Q Who was carrying which?
A I could say that; there were three person all together; the fellow that ran away he wasn't carrying anything; these two were carrying the bags.
Q Do you know what was found in those bags after they were opened?
A They were brought to the Police Station and opened there was two tin boxes in one and one tin box in the other.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 143 File 1910/58 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Attorney General documents.