ABSTRACT
The Asian political organizations, which served as collective organizations primarily for the expression of political opinion, were established in the main centers of settlement. Although the organizations of the separate religious communities attended to many of the economic, social, and physical needs of the members, there were many other Asian organizations concerned with philanthropy. Next in importance to these political and commercial organizations, which initiated and managed many of the Asians' charitable activities, were the Social Service Leagues, which were primarily philanthropic in purpose. Most were designed primarily for other purposes and assumed charitable functions to meet needs that were not addressed by the colonial society. Although perhaps the greater portion of the Asians' charitable endeavor was expressed through the many organizations, a significant contribution came from Asians in family and individual capacities. A full account of the total donations of the pertinent families and individuals is difficult to obtain, since very few kept systematic records of their disbursements.
