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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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 Hear anything that was said?
A I did not hear everything: There was very much said.
Q What part did you take in the arrest of the/ two accused.
A I took part in going after this Lee Sign and in recapturing him twice.
Q That is when Lee Sign got away you went after him, and brought him in?
A Yes.
Q Any person assist you in bringing him in?
A I brought him in by myself?
Q And while you were after Lee Sing, Who was in charge of the other accused?
A A man by the name of Carson, and a man who was running a lunch counter.
Q Friends of yours?
A Yes, one of them.
Q Which one?
A John Carson.
What is his occupation?
A Laborer and Carpenter.
Q And the other man?
A He runs a lunch counter at the Imperial Hotel.
Q How long were you with this third man, that is the man who runs the lunch counter?
A He had just come down when the official blew his whistle.
Q Had you met him previously?
A Yes, I had met him that evening. I was in his company that evening, and was on my way home.
Q Did you see this revolver?
A Yes.
Q Did you see the one that was thrown in the bushes?
A Yes I saw the one that was thrown in the bushes. What do you mean by the bushes he threw it down on the sidewalk. I grabbed these two and he grabbed the other man.