This situation was changed, however, when, about
1934, a grant of money was set aside for the translation
of Rotary literature into Chinese. This was not a
simple task since it is impossible to translate exactly
into the Chinese language many of the terms peculiar
to Rotary; but the spirit of Rotary and its principles
could be easily understood by the Chinese, so that
“Service above Self” becomes “The Joy of Working
for Others,” and Rotary clubs are “Turning Wheel
Clubs.”

With the advent of Rotary literature in Chinese,
it became easier to bring Rotary to non-English-speak-
ing Chinese, with the result that by the time the war
broke out in 1939 there were twenty-five clubs—
twenty-six if Hong Kong is included—many of them
located in the interior of China, the charter member-
ship of which were entirely native Chinese.

Today, of course, the number of clubs has once
more fallen. Some have literally been bombed out
of existence.

Chinese Clubs Active in War Service

The seven clubs* which still remain active meet
and work under most trying conditions. But they do
remain active, nevertheless. They contribute heavily
to war relief—of which there is great need; they take
care of “war-phans”; they (along with non-Rotarian
citizens) entertain American fliers and soldiers sta-
tioned there; maintain refugee camps; support a
school for the blind in Wuchang; sponsor a leprosy
clinic; maintain beggars’ camps; and whatever other
projects present a pressing need.

The importance of these activities looms even
greater when we stop to-realize that they have been
carried on despite the physical hardships of the war
and the economic hardships of an unprecedented
inflation which has sent the cost of living up 6000
to 7000%!

*NOTE—

Changsha, Chengtu, Chungking, Foochow, Kunming, Sian, and Lanchow. Lan-
chow was organized in 1936 but was not formally admitted until 1943, due to diffi-
culties arising from the war. It is the first new club admitted in China since 1939.

However, when the war is over, interest in extending
Rotary throughout China will be greater than ever
before. There are already many indications of a great
undercurrent of desire that Rotary be extended to
cities and towns which have come to have firsthand
knowledge of the fine, humanitarian work of Rotary
in war as well as in peacetime.

Madame Chiang Kai-Shek Addresses
Hankow Club

Speaking at the national convention of Rotary in
Atlantic City in 1936, Chenting T. Wang, then gov-
ernor, 81st District, R.I.,and later Chinese ambassador
to the United States, stated his hope for his country
in these words: “We have in China over two thousand
cities, each having a population of over 50,000
wherein a strong and prosperous Rotary club is
capable of being formed.”

Both Generalissimo and Madame Chiang Kai-shek
have at various times expressed an interest in Rotary
and the splendid work that is being performed by
clubs in China in helping in civilian relief and in
organizing campaigns for funds for various war
causes.

In speaking at a Rotary Ladies’ Night meeting in
Hankow, before the occupation of Hupeh province,
Madame Chiang Kai-shek spoke of the National
Society of Women which she had organized, pledged
to work for the welfare of Chinese soldiers; also of
the committee which had been organized to care for
refugee children familiarly known as “warphans”;
and she paid tribute to the Hankow Rotary Club for
its active interest in promoting this activity through-
out the city.

“If it is true in personal life,” she stated, “ ‘that
he profits most who serves best’, it must also be true
in national life.

“Let us then remember,” she concluded, “that the
motto ‘He profits most who serves best’ applies to
nations as well as to individuals.”

Rererences From “THe Rorartan”:

Jan., 1944—

China Looks Ahead, by Dr. Wei Tao-ming
Hub of the Orient, by Dr. Chang-Lok Chen
Understanding the Chinese, by Pearl Buck
Indomitable Chungking, by George A. Fitch
Speaking of Books, by John T. Frederick

Feb., 1943—

The Chinese Help Themselves, by Adm. Harry E. Yarnell