Who’s Who of the Chinese in New York by Warner M. Van Norden, 1918

Husbandry and letters are the chief two professions—Chinese Proverb.

The Chinese farmer is a judicious mixture of brawn, muscle and practical knowledge of efficient, agricultural methods.

I entirely agree with you that the farming industry in America sorely needs recuperation, and that the Chinese farmer would be a distinct addition to our country—furthermore I believe that the advent of the Chinese farmer to America would stimulate and accentuate the good feeling which already exists between China and the United States. Not only would these Chinese farmers be a help to us, but they would be a reflex beneficial influence on the Chinese Republic. - Dr. Amos P. Wilder, former U.S. Consul-General to Shanghai.

Evening Post, New York, Saturday, November 24, 1917

VAN NORDEN AGAINST COOLIES

Sees Benefit to Nation, However, in Importing Chinese Farmers

N.Y. Evening Mail, May 24, 1917

URGES CHINESE FARMERS, NOT COOLIES, FOR U.S.

Tea Merchant Argues That These Workers Rank Next to Highest in China

If we are to assume our rightful place as a world power, if we are to stand before other nations as an example of real democracy, why not be truly democratic?

Who’s Who of the Chinese in New York by Warner M. Van Norden, 1918

FOREWORD

According to the census of 1910, there are, at present, 17,200 Chinese farmers in America, distributed in the various states as below. The Chinese farmers represent twenty per cent, of all the Chinese within our borders.

Of these 17,200 Chinese farmers in the U.S. 760 own their own farms.

The New York Times, July 14, 1889

LARGE QUANTITIES OF THE ROOT NOW BEING GATHERED.

KINGSTON, N.Y., July 13.—Large quantities of ginseng are now being gathered in the Catskill Mountains. The root commands a high price, being considered of great value as a medicine by the Chinese, who believe it to possess extraordinary powers in the preservation of health and the prolonging of life…

One of the roots was shown to a Chinaman here. He expressed delight and immediately began chewing it, exclaiming as he did so, “Mellican ginseng velly good.”