1913/130 Rex vs. Ing Soo – attempted murder
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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]
HENRY CARDINAL, sworn :
At 5 o’clock on Thursday the 14th I was in Joseph Taenhauser’s place, I heard two shots out of a gun and I walked outside to see where the shooting was from. Shortly after there were three more shots, I walked to the bank back of Mr Wolfe’s place and I looked around to see who was doing t the shooting. I saw the man Spencer under the bridge looking up the beach. I looked round the other way and I saw Ing Soo coming out of his back yard but I did not know he was after any one, he came towards where we were. He was half running and walking and he held both his hands on his stomach, just as he went by me he pulled out a revolver. I was about 20 feet from him then. I heard someone ask Ing Soo what he was going to do he replied The Son of a bitch broke my window, he was going towards the Steele house.
CROSS-EXAMINED :
I heard 5 shots in all the firs two were quick then then in a minute or two there were three in rapid succession. I walked back to the bank and Spencer was under the bridge. After that I saw the Chinaman come put of his back yard.. I heard two shots when I was in the house. I went out on the sidewalk I heard three more then I waskled to the Bank and Spencer was then under the bridge, and Ing Soo came out of his back yard. And passed me. (note: ‘I heard two shots when I was in the house’ has been struck out)
(Sgd) H. Cardinal.
(Sgd) Arthur B. Fenwick, J.P.
(Sgd) R.L.T. Galbraith, J.P.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 175 File 1913/130 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.