Transcription Page

1914-215 Rex vs. Gin Yuen alias John Young – procuring, Vancouver

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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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. 

BC Archives G-0419

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5

 at 426 Pender street east.?

MR READ: I object. The charge is procuring and my friend must confine himself to that. He is not accused of anything else.

MR GRANT: It is the reputation of the man.

46 Q Now what were your relations with the accused a year ago

Mr READ: Pardon me, that has nothing to do with procuring; because a man lives an immoral life - I don't say the accused has - if he likes to live an immoral life, he is not charged with it and you cannot ask questions on that. I say that My Friend must confine himself on the questions with reference to that offence, and the question whether they committed adultery had nothing to do with it.

7 Q Did you have any conversation with the accused about a year ago.?

  A Yes, I did.

8 Q What was that conversation.?

 A  When he was living with us for about three months and one night my parents happened to go out to the Chinese Theatre and the accused came back, and the accused entered into my room and forced me in my bed.

MR READ: That is not evidence.

MR GRANT: That is not the answer I called for.

COURT: She was asked for any conversation she had with him. What was the conversation?

9 Q Now after that what conversation had you with the accused regarding living an immoral life.? A When he was in the house several times the accused told me to prostitute myself and I refused to do so, and I saw him take away girls...

MR READ: That is not evidence.

COURT: I don't think that has any right to go in.

50 Q Well leave out the girls, what followed about yourself.?

A I refused to do so.

1 Q Now that two or three months after you told us what happen-

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