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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]
12.
115 Q How many times.?
A About four or five times.
6 Q Under the same circumstances.?
A yes under the same circumstances.
7 Q Who got the money.? A Gin Yuen.
Questions by Mr. Read: (not through interpreter)
8 Q You speak English? A No.
9 Q You speak a little? A No.
20 Q How long have you know the accused, that man? A Two years.
1 Q Two years you know him? A I know him two years ago.
2 Q Who introduced you. What did you first say to him when you saw him? A He said" take you to see girl"
3 Q You have known him the whole two years? A Yes.
4 Q You have seen him every day? A No, not every day, sometimes I see him.
5 Q How often have you seen him, how many times a week? A About once a week. I have not seen him this week.
6 Q But during the two years you have known him how often have you seen him for the two years? A Lots of times.
7 Q Have you ever seen him in your life till this afternoon? A Yes.