In 'praise' of John Chinaman in 1869

Anti-Chinese feelings were already potent in 1869 and would increase leading to the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act.  It might seem surprising then that in 1869, an "ode to John Chinaman" was published in many newspapers that cited many virtues of the "honest, industrious Chinaman." Not only was he trustworthy, but he was an tireless worker, and best of all, he worked for less pay than whites.

So, the endorsement and defense of John Chinatown turns out to be based on the wealth he generates for the whites he works for!