Prepare to mother, house, and feed,
And minister to all in need.
Buoy up their hopes, their fears allay,
For refuge they’ve found in the U.S.A.

but which really means only those from Europe need bother apply. This is juxtaposed with an ideal version of how the author believes we should treat Asians. A morality play of sorts.

My first thought about Chinese and Japanese inclusion in the promises was that it recognized their status as Allies in WWI, but Germany was also included, so never mind. (On another note, I am surprised Germany was included at a time when German-Americans faced significant discrimination and animus in other American cities.)

My second thought is that the list includes nations with a significant local presence–but that doesn’t account for the absence of Greeks and other Eastern Europeans (unless “Russians” covers those nationalies). Mexico (and other Latin American nations) was also excluded, but that might have been because the local Hispanic population was relatively small and/or included many native-born Americans.

My third thought is that the “cruel autocracy” and the move to democracy might acknowledge Japan’s recent efforts at Westernization and China’s overthrow of its emperor earlier in the decade.

So… those are my three ideas, none of which get me very far.

Besides the stereotyped Chinese accent Heidi mentions and which is illustrated here, how are we to understand this children’s play, with its non-reception of the Asians who nevertheless are included in the promise Uncle Sam makes at the end?