1914/195 Rex vs. Lem How – 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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
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303 Q Was Cum Wing present? A. Yes
4 Q Lem how was present? A. Lem How, yes.
5 Q What took place between Mr. Grant and Cum Wing? A. Man Yick’s store.
6 Q What conversation. What took place? A. I hear Mr. Grant ask Wing how Wing get hurt on the nose and Wing answer Mr. Grant he say “I don’t know how I get hurt but I suppose the stick may be hit me or a finger nail” Mr. Grant ask him “Did Lem How hit your nose” and he said “no, not Lem How and not the deceased hit him either”.
7 Q You know Cum Wing? A No, I don’t know him before
QUESTIONS BY MR. RUSSELL:
8 Q Did you ever tell this little story before, the story you are telling in the box now? A. No I have never been in the box before.
9 Q Did you ever tell anyone about this conversation you say you overheard on Shanghis Alley on the 14th July? A. I tell what I hear in the house.
10 Q Who did you tell it before you came to the Court house? A. I hear Mr. Grant say that.
1 Q Who did you tell it to before you come into the witness box? A. Nobody. 2 Q You never mention it before? A. No I live in the house.
3 Q The same house as Lem How? A Yes
4 Q Lem How is your friend? A. He work for the lumber company
5 Q He works for the same Lumber Company as you? A. Yes.
6 Q Lem How is your friend? A. Yes.
7 Q Did Lem How have anything to do with the arresting of the three men for murder? A. No, yes.
COURT: Let the interpreter put that question.
8 Q Did you have anything to do with bringing about the arrest of the three men for murder? A. No.
9 Q. Did you give any information to the Police which led to the arrest of the three men for murder? A. I didn’t give any information, no; I was passing my lodging place and I didn’t have anything to do. Lum Chong gave the information to Police.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 193 File 1914/195 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.