Letters Exchanged Between José Rizal and Other Reformers - 1887 (January to June)

  Letters Exchanged Between José Rizal and Other Reformers Between January and June in 1887

028. Evaristo Aguirre, (Cauit), Madrid, 31 January 1887

Hoping Rizal’s chest ailment is not serious – Condemnation of the projected Philippine exposition – Traditional banquet on 31 December not worthily celebrated – Regrets lack of unity among the Filipinos at Madrid.

4 principal, Churruca, Madrid

31 January 1887

My Dear Friend Pepe Rizal,

       Do not be surprised that I have delayed answering your esteemed letter of 10 November.  It was because, not long after having received it, I was told that you had gone to Italy, information that came from Ceferino de León, on account of your chest ailment.  It was only that same night of the 31 when we gathered that I found out that your trip was not certain, but simply an idea or a project of yours.  At any rate, I remained in doubt, as you will understand, whether you have gone on that trip or not, and as a result of this, I postponed writing you until I could find out with certainty where to address my letter.  Even your greeting card for the New Year, which brought me your Berlin address, did not remove my doubt, for it occurred to me that your Jaegerstrasse address did not necessarily mean to that you have not changed your address, but that it was your address when you were in Berlin.  In a word, the kind of travel that you undertake, as recounted by León, the fact that you have not told any one of your projected trip, or your regrettable chest ailment, made me doubt on one hand whether your projected trip had been carried out and on the other if you wanted to keep to yourself these facts, inasmuch as only León knew it.  Now that I know through Lete that you are still in Berlin, I hasten to write you, trusting that informed of what I have already said, you will not be surprised at my prolonged silence.

       Before anything else, now that the news of your chest ailment is confirmed, as Lete has told me, I must let you know my earnest desire that you take care of yourself and that the ailment be not serious, and may I have the pleasure soon to receive news of your complete recovery.

       You don’t have to thank me for my sincere declaration that I would have been pleased to defray the cost of printing your novel [01] were it within my means to do so.  You ought to know why you believed it convenient not to accept your family’s offer to defray the cost of printing it, but I tell you that the reason you adduce for not accepting our offers (for my part they were only wishes for not having anything else to offer) that you did not wish to drag along or embarrass your friends.  There is no reason for this fear as you are not going to state in your work who had paid for its printing.  And it remains to know who is the friend on whom the future smiles who would have the immense pretension or who would demand that his name appear in the book with the title of Maecenas [patron - rly].  I applaud the studies of Sanskrit that you are making as well as of those other works which will furnish you with a wealth of data necessary for writing that other novel with a historical background that you have in mind.

There is no more need of talking, dear friend, of the notorious Philippine exposition.  Let us endure the catastrophe, let us accept fate, let the abyss open and the fields separate well.  Let the chains be broken and let nothing but concentrated gall remain in the hearts that from now on poison life or compel the aggrieved to seek full justice.  May he who still has a shred of shame, who cannot endure his ignominy, nor has courage for vengeance, be destroyed in his impotence.  May those who are always ready to defend their dignity sooner or later decide once and for all and now with greater reason that they have an opportunity to rush to the fulfillment of their mission.  As a casus belli [an event provoking war or used as a pretext for making war - rly], a worthy challenge was certainly preferable to degrading insult, but the country is not an enemy, it is dominated, it is a property, and her rebel children are not the hosts, they are offenders, so that there cannot be a challenge, unless it should come from the ruled.  If through their unity and strength they can resist . . . it is not for you to receive the insult but to endure it.  And after all, what is the exposition but another iniquity among those that formed the uninterrupted chain of domination?  Because you know very well that until now (and perhaps they will ever be so) the systems of colonization followed have been and are depressing, so that the hostility of the colonies is perfectly justified, with much more reason when the colonies, even if the Metropolis is the most benign imaginable, could and ought to declare themselves its enemies, so long as they are dominated, if not under pretext of avenging an offense, exercising the sacred right of peoples (more of a duty than a right) to an independent life; for peoples, like individuals, cannot be held responsible for their acts, they cannot get merit or demerit, they cannot fulfill their mission in life, while they do not act on their own account, according to their attitudes, without shackles that hinder them.  The exposition cannot be helped; it cannot even be modified.  Thus it has been conceived since the beginning by its lucky initiators.  It has been Balaguer’s [02] pet project who, it is said, accepted the portfolio of colonies on condition that it would be held, and his technical advisers (lovers of that country) made him see with all its details that it was the way of making it more complete and brilliant.  Govantes, Del Pan, La Serna, Pozas, are all agreed that the show will be ridiculous, that more than an advantage, the lucky exposition will be a moral and material misfortune for the Philippines, that the exposition will appear rachitic and what is more painful, the children of that country (this cannot be prevented) will come to be the object of the mocking, stupid, and rude curiosity of this truly savage people.  But what remedy?  This is foreseen, but so long as the exposition is not held, nothing more can be said except that the project is pretentious, that according to the programs, it is planned to hold it with all splendor and its true object is the welfare of the Philippines, to make her known to the Metropolis with her best products, her small industries, her simple ways, and other circumstances that may give a complete and true idea of her life and distinctive features.  Who can oppose this, if all this is promised?  What more can be asked?  The circulars are the authorities, to the private corporations, enjoining them to contribute towards the greater splendor of the exposition, without compulsion; the program or exposition of the Royal Commissariat, making protestations of love for the country, of desiring her welfare, prosperity, and progress, offering to hold a grand exposition, regardless of pecuniary sacrifices, and stating besides that it will bring the children of that country, paying for their expenses and treating them well, that they may demonstrate their aptitudes – all these suffice to justify the idea and work of the government and to remove misgiving, pessimism, and fears of those like us, who see them in advance, as unfounded.  “There we shall see”, they would say to us, and above all, “our idea and intention are good”.  The only thing that can be done is to wait and see the exposition and comment on it later.  How can one say that the native Filipinos will be exhibited like beats or savages or work so that they will not be exhibited?  They will tell us that they are not going to be exhibited, that they are going to bring cigar-makers to make cigars, carpenters to build their houses, rowers to row in their bancas, to give an idea of this Filipino fluvial locomotive, soldiers to show their equipment and condition who, under the command of Europeans, are brave, docile, and long-suffering; in one words, they will tell us they are going to be brought not for exhibition.  And what would we say if they replied that they could not prevent us from becoming the object of ridicule or if they told us that we are afraid of the exposition because we are convinced of our ridiculousness?  Nothing, dear friend, what I have said: let the exposition come, let the abyss open that will separate us; what you say: let us take advantage of this event: if every transcendental event has its purpose, this undoubtedly cannot be more proper to awaken in dormant consciences the knowledge of what is done to them and the sentiment of what is owed to them.  And though you are so calm with the conviction that you will be free from all blame, which in time will be laid on the Filipinos who, being here, did not take u p the defense of their Mother Country on this occasion.  Some may envy you; but apart from what I have already said on this point, believe me that it is painful to see that the country that someday will try, and will do well, to throw the blame on some people, should allow itself so easily to be brought here to be an object of ridicule or to pay a sad role in this exposition without even a passive resistance, much less without a protest.  Because that people (sixty or eighty individuals come accompanied by civil guards to guard the women and conducted by that pedantic Mr. Francisco Torrontogui), led the ewes to the slaughterhouse, without any difficulty?  Is there no one among the people over there that thinks like we do, that sees clearly and has initiative?  Is it because we here can do more with protests and articles than they there that have to make accusations?  There is no decent person who attends to his private interests first and afterward to those of the country; but there is no sane man who believes himself owner of the great lever of Archimedes able to move alone a people over whom, it seems, weighs exclusively the entire law of gravity.  It would be another thing if all fulfill their duty, each one doing here as well as there what corresponds to him; the thing would go on and some day the work would be completed.

On the 31^st of December we did not celebrate though we attended the dinner: ten persons, among them I who attended unwillingly indeed.  This has been destroyed; there is neither unity nor are there ideas, nor anything except vain air in the head.  We are some puppets with childish deeds and manly pretensions.  We need blows on the head to bring us back to sanity!  This is what is lacking, friend; I wish nothing else but that every Filipino be a Helot [serf or slave] who, by force of electric discharges that he gets in the . . . he ends up one day cursing his life and dismissing the infernal machines and those who handle them.  As I say: on the 31^st of December I even ate much at home in order to eat at the restaurant; I don’t know why I took part in the dinner; just to satisfy my conscience, not to interrupt a custom.  It was decided to hold it only on the 30^th. (Don’t wonder.)  I could not reply to your request then to reserve a place for you.  I made Julio inform the rest of your request, which was approved without discussion, and it was decided to reserve a place for you at the table; but nothing was done and consequently you owe nothing.  Melchor Veloso was in charge of organizing it.  He gave us a dinner of the style of the year before, though more modest, because the price had been reduced to two duros.  I cannot give you an idea of how dull and funeral was the dinner.  Voices were low; we spoke in whispers in order not to attract attention in the midst of that silence.  At a small table, in another room (the dinner was held at the already know restaurant, Madrid) sat Ruiz with this wife, beside the connecting door, in order to be able to talk with us and to share some dishes from our table, though they were dining at their expense.  Come twelve o’clock, one or two said that there be toasts.  To the rest of us it did not matter a thing.  Galicano rose up, said four things that I don’t care to remember, that echoed as in a void.  Then after a quarter of an hour at least, by main force they asked that Julio speak, who by no means wanted to speak.  He rose up and improvised, praying that the Philippines may become more and more destitute every day so that the mine may explode.  Then the remaining eight spoke one after the other.  I was the last and I said commonplace things that are not worthwhile repeating.  León spoke enough in Greek, and Casal, whom I don’t know if you know well enough, said irrelevant things, asking for schools, deputies, and other things that the country needs, necessities that ought to be expressed because the Mother Country innocently ignores them.  Julio raised his voice more than is necessary and from that moment nothing more was heard, except he and Graciano who discussed lengthily socialism, the monarchy, and the republic.  It is needless to tell you who showed himself champion of the republic and socialism, though I ought to tell you that it caused surprise to see transformed into a monarchist the one who one day said that progress could wrest the crown from the forehead of the Caesars to place it on the forehead of the sovereign people.  At two o’clock the two of us silently went to sleep.  You will understand that there is no one here who understands or directs this colony, which, though it has pretensions, evidently needs a leading string, a nurse, or teacher.  The hour of darkness sounded and we dispersed. I hope that the interval be brief, that after it, the spirit of union and intelligence appear again like the light of the electric light.  Amen.  I don’t doubt that it is pleasant for you to be reunited with fellow countrymen, whoever they may be, without any reservation in heart, in mind, or without being Jesuitical, as you say.  I have enough good faith not to doubt this and God knows that I would like to find all our countrymen to be equally disposed, though it is bad for me to say so (as they say here.)

I don’t know if you are already informed that our countryman, Mr. Cuesta, a very judicious young man, studious and loved by all, though he lied aloof from us (perhaps . . . or without perhaps) who was studying road engineering died of pneumonia.  His schoolmates paid for his modest burial.  We went to see the body; a subscription list was made, some signed, but I don’t know why no collection was made.  I send you the article in Correspondencia of tonight for your satisfaction once you are informed of its content.  I don’t know if that Mr. La Guardia is Dr. Eduardo who was in Manila for a long time and was acting director general of finance or administration.  Let us see if it creeps and if it exerts influence, even though they political trimmers come now.  It is planned to have some countrymen go to see that gentleman to thank him and ask him for favors.

Farewell, friend Pepe, you cannot complain of my apathy, though you may complain of my verbosity.

Keep yourself well and command your most affectionate friend who loves you.

[01] Noli me tángere.

[02] Victor Balaguer, Catalan poet, who served as minister of colonies.  His “pet project” was the holding of a Philippine exposition at Madrid and the establishment of a Philippine Museum.

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029. Evaristo Aguirre, (Cauit), 17 February 1887

He sends Rizal issues of El Liberal in which Quioquiap’s anti-Filipino articles appear – Gracio López Jaena’s reply

17 February 1887

My dear Friend,

            I am waiting for your reply to my last letter.  This letter has no other purpose but to send the enclosed articles published in the issues of El Liberal for the 13^th and 16^th instant.  You will see how unbecoming and unheard-of are the writings of one Quioquiap. [01]  It is not the first time that he has written such things about the Philippines and her people.  But the coward says such tings and he seems do despicable that he ought to be left alone with his own ideas and the feelings he shows.  In fact, it had not occurred to any one in the colony to pay any attention to him and his vulgar invectives.  But in view of his persistence and his increasing impudence, this time it was thought to impugn his diatribes in a dignified manner.  One can hardly explain how they can be published in newspapers that are called “liberal” and which take pride in being so.  Graciano, whose activeness, intelligence, and zeal cannot be denied (though he has defects like any mother’s son), went ahead to write the reply that you will have the pleasure to read.  I say that he went ahead because others also wanted to write but as the colony no longer meets or foregathers or understands one another, nothing was agreed upon.  Consequently everyone acted on his own account and Graciano went ahead and we were all pleasantly surprised at the appearance of his article which I find dignified, serene, concise, lacking in energy, though to someone it does not seem sufficient.  As for me, though Graciano and I no longer get together through the mischief of the colony, I’m very pleased with his article and I prefer it to any other which might turn out either more violent, in which case it would not have been accepted for publication, or it might hardly have the sobriety, fluency, and worthy impartiality that are evident in Graciano’s language.  Graciano’s experience, facility, and talent are manifest in his article.  It was not easy in this case to keep within prudent limits as he had done, a merit that must be recognized.  I, for my part, after calling the villainy of Quioquiap what in reality it deserves, I said in my reply that he should not be confused with the only honorable Spaniards, though he boasts of having the heart of those who fought in Bailen, Lepanto, etc.; that though he may not certainly lack a family name, as a Filipino does, we already could see how honorable he was by the demonstration of his sentiments; that it was not strange that he who crawls in the mire of rude insults should see some standing up and he would not agree without at least seeing those of a different race on their knees, but who are as worthy as any one else and inferior to no one, etc.  In short, the rebuke became personal and therefore less independent and opportune than that of Graciano.  I send you several copies so that you can send them to the Philippines where I believe they ought to know these things so that they may know what to depend on and they may be set aright.

            May you keep in good health and command your very affectionate,

Cauit

_______________

[1] Pseudonym of Pablo Leced, a Spanish writer, notorious for his anti-Filipino writings.

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030. Rizal, Berlin, 5 March 1887

NOTE: In Rizal’s notebook Clinica was found this draft of a letter in French, following a French composition entitled Essai sur Pierre Corneille.  It was dated Berlin, 5, March 1887.  It has no address.

Rizal explains the nature and character of his novel Noli me tángere.

My dear Friend,

            In your last letter you complain about my silence.  You are right; oblivion is the death of friendship. Only I must add that oblivion does not exist for true friendship and I shall give you proof at once.

            For a long time you have wished to read a novel by me.  You said to me that it was necessary to do something serious and not to write any more articles that live and die with the page of a newspaper.  Very well, to your wishes, to your three letters, I reply with my novel – Noli me tángere – of which I send you a copy by post.

            Noli me tángere, words taken from the Gospel of St. Luke. [01] mean “touch me not.”  The book contains, then, things that nobody in our country has spoken of until the present.  They are so delicate that they cannot be touched by anyone.  With reference to myself, I have attempted to do what nobody had wished to do.  I have replied to the calumnies that for so many centuries have heaped upon our country.  I have described the social condition, the life there, our beliefs, our hopes, our desires, our complaints, and our sorrows.  I have unmasked hypocrisy that has impoverished and brutalized us under the cloak of religion.  I have distinguished the true religion from the false, from the superstitious, from that which capitalizes the holy word in order to extract money, in order to make us believe in absurdities of which Catholicism would blush if it would know them.  I have lifted the curtain in order to show what is behind the deceitful and glittering words of our government.  I have told our compatriots our defects, our vices, our culpable and cowardly complacency with the miseries over there. [02] Whenever I have found virtue I have proclaimed it and render homage to it; and I have not wept in speaking about our misfortunes.  Instead, I have laughed, because no one would want to cry with me over the misery of our native land, and laughter is always good to conceal our sorrows.  The incidents I relate are all true and they happened; I can give proofs of them.  My book may have and it has defects from the artistic or aesthetic point of view.  I don’t deny it; but what cannot be questioned is the impartiality of my narration.

            Here is my reply to your three letters.  I hope you will be satisfied and you will not blame me any more for my silence.  I would have a great pleasure to know that you find it to your taste.  I don’t believe that I have fallen in disgrace.  You have always encouraged me with your approval and advice. Stimulate further your friend who respects your opinions and your criticisms.

            I await your letters.  As soon as you have read my book, I hope you will give me your severe judgment.  I don’t feign a studied modesty, but I believe and I assure you that I shall follow your opinion blindly.

[01]    Rizal is mistaken.  The verse is taken from John 20:17 where the resurrected Jesus admonishes that Mary Magdalene not touch him until he has ascended.

[02]    He was writing in Spain: “there” means the Philippines.

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XXX031. Graciano López Jaena, Madrid, 6 March

He deeply appreciates Rizal’s congratulations on his article – Lete, editor of España en Filipinas? -- Criticizes the policy of the new publication – He and Ceferino de León are not on its staff.

Madrid, 6 March 1887

Mr. José Rizal.

My dear Friend Rizal,

            I acknowledge receipt of your esteemed letter of the 1^st instant.  I received very many congratulations on my articles from Filipinos and Spaniards, yours fro being the most spontaneous, I consider the most valuable of all: thanks for your letter.

            Here the manga insic [01] have established a weekly magazine named España en Filipinas whose editorial direction is entrusted to Lete.  Undoubtedly upon hearing this you would exclaim, “Lete, editor of a magazine!”  Well, indeed, friend Rizal, Lete is editor, he who said that he had nothing to do with the Filipino colony, not even in patriotic functions, now edits a publication, organ of the colony.  The political tendencies of the magazine must be polite and very moderate.  Judging the articles that will be published in the first issue that I had the curiosity to read, there is everything in the magazine; but as to colonial policy, a homeopathic dose; for that reason the policy of the magazine is that of complaisance, so that I say to myself that it seems there is truth in what Quioquiap says of “Castilas standing up and Filipinos kneeling down,” considering the political color of this new publication planned for the Filipinos.  When the Castilas challenge us to a fight, we reply with a smile; when they exploit us, we fete them.  I am not connected with that publication, the same with Ceferino de León, because of the manga suyas do not like my radical and revolutionary methods as if Prim [2] without his radicalism, Martos without his Cimbris (?), Castelar [3] and Pi y Margall [4] without their socialism, could have carried out the Revolution of 1868; as if the Americans without their energy could have attained their independence.  Thus, then, Graciano has nothing to do with the publication of España en Filipinas.

[01]  The phrase refers to the Filipinos.

[2]   General Prim, leader of an abortive revolt in 1865 against Queen Isabella II of Spain.

[03]  Emilio Castelar (1832-1899), distinguished Spanish man of letters, and president for a period of the Spanish Republic (1873-1874).

[04]   Francisco Pi y Margall (1821-1871), Spanish statesman, one of the presidents of the Spanish Republic (1873-1974), and friend of the Philippines.

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XX 032. Evaristo Aguirre, (Cauit), Madrid, 10 March 1887

Cautious about the novel – Dr. Pardo de Tavera – La Guardia – Quioquiap – A Filipino newspaper in Madrid – España en Filipinas – Its personnel – Graciano’s opposition –Attempt to sow dissidence among the Filipinos in Spain – All should regard themselves Filipinos, regardless of color.

Madrid, 10 March 1887

Mr. José Rizal

Germany

My dear Friend,

            I have before me your esteemed letter dated 21 February last in which you gave me the pleasant surprise that you are completely occupied with the publication of your awaited novel on which I congratulate you heartily, rejoicing infinitely that you have found a way of printing it without further delay.  You may rest assured that I have kept and will always keep the matter absolutely secret as I am the lone repository of the secret, if, as you assured me, you have communicated it only to me – a proof of friendship that I know how to value and appreciate duly.  To no one, neither to my fiancée nor to friend Paco, to no one absolutely, have I even mentioned your novel.  Its title seems to me attractive, mysterious, tempting, nothing vulgar, in a word, it is enough to excite curiosity.  No one has asked me about your novel, with nobody, as I tell you, have I spoken about it, but should they ask me, I will remember to tell them that it is called Sampagas, [01] as you say and will come out at your pleasure, so that if the future depends upon my keeping the secret, you may count on me.

            I don’t remember, or rather I don’t know, who is that friend Viola that you speak to me about, but I am glad that he finds your work good, as they do too in Barcelona, which confirms hopes.  I don’t know if someone is going home towards the end of March not do I find a surer means of making copies of it reach there than for someone to carry them in his luggage, a trusted person, and even this, for safety, he should carry a recommendation or safe-conduct so that at the customs he would not be blocked.  According to what I understand that is done in those tropical countries, besides previous censorship.  As to the rest, I hold the same opinion that it is desirable that some copies reach there before the work is known here.  Now I remember that le docteur T. H. Pardo de Tavera is leaving for the Philippines from Marseille on the 13^th of this month, but on one hand, it is late now to ask him to take charge of anything, and early perhaps to have the remittance ready if it is true as you say that the printing will not be finished until the middle of this month.  On the other hand, it is doubtful (I doubt it, unless I’m refused) that he will consent to undertake the double mission of importing books and performing the scientific work that the government has entrusted to him, aside from the fact that he is going there. . .  and this by itself is a bundle of devils . . . (missing) and as you see it is not. . . (missing) and besides you are not in favor of embarrassing anybody, because it would be difficult to convince him that, that is not an embarrassment.  In view of what I have heard, he wants to be absolutely free of any embarrassment, for it is said that he decided to spend a couple of quiet years in political trimming and return to Paris and enjoy, study, and write.  Indeed, how a convenient number of copies could be introduced there is a problem that needs to be studied.

            Let us go to another thing.  Enclosed I send you a clipping from La Correspondencia, in which Graciano gives an account of the Filipino’s visit to Mr. La Guardia, just as in another article he announced prematurely a banquet in honor of the same gentlemen which surprised this gentleman and he requested Govantes to convince the colony that it ought to stop the banquet for the time being and not to make much noise; he did not support in the Cortes the bills owing to I know not what though he has said to Lete that he would support them at all cost and even in exchange of hurling furniture into the face of the party; those are his own words.  The bills are well written and I shall have an opportunity to send them to you if they fall again into my hands and I have time to copy them.  And as variety is pleasing, there I send you too another indecent letter of Quioquiap, which has not been answered, nor should it be answered.  I decline to comment because you know by what to abide.  Now comes the best: At last the colony has decided to have its own organ to publish a review, new, moderate, and complaisant, in which the interests of the country are defended, events are clarified, and errors are corrected.  There goes the first number, which could not be bigger for lack of funds. . . it is good, perhaps it may strike you as too good-natured, but thus the work can begin and later hit whatever is at hand.  What matters is that something has been done that there is something to give some. . . beneficial.  I advise you, so that, the truth may be known, that the idea came from Graciano, Albert, Rosario, and Blanco, I believe, but the majority adhered to it, let by Govantes who, as you know, had thought of it when it was attempted to revive that article.  The article Compaña emprendida is by Lete; La Prensa local by Julio; and the rest is all by Govantes.  An article by Roxas and another by a fellow countryman could not be published for lack of space.  On account of the size of the review it was even necessary to lop off some of the published articles to the regret of many, for in the haste, natural to a first trial, the lopping off was done so hastily that it seemed the devil had done it, some “expressive” paragraphs disappeared leaving the review, as I have said, with such little push and vigor that it is almost too weak.  But in short this can be changed; it can be continued in another way; and the worst that may happen is that the work may not take root; and they may not take advantage of the present good disposition of the colony.  I shall copy later the eliminated paragraphs, indicating where they should be so that you may have a complete idea of how the thing should be and how it turned out.  At the outset, you were counted as a charter member and stockholder, giving according to your ability: some contributed monthly 5 duros [the silver peso of Spain – RLY], others 3, another 2, and another one duro.  But it has seemed desirable and so it was agreed upon not to ask countrymen who are out of the capital or the old ones until the first number could be sent to them with a circular invitation.  Pardon me that for not having written you beforehand nor taken part in the work of organizing the staff of the review, etc., you have not been informed about it until now.  I believe that you will soon be invited officially to take moral and material part in the support of the review.  Because Govantes cold not accept it, at a meeting, they decided to entrust its editorial direction to Lete and its management to Llorente and naturally all those who wish to write are editors, especially assigned being Govantes for political news, Julio for the local press, Casal for foreign news, Roxas for the scientific section, La Serna for the literary section and I know not what, and yours truly for court news, etc. etc.  All can write editorials, though this task falls on Lete, so that there shall not lack any.  You will read in the magazine the terms of publication and subscription.  In view of the moderate tendencies of the organ, the older men have been encouraged to share its expenses with us and to do what they can.  That is the attitude of Cañas, Pozas, Regidor, etc. and the “strangers” on their part also praise the effort and augur good luck for the review.  May God will it so!  Who knows what it can give in time, if all will unite and avoid clashes and internal, puerile differences?  Because this is our ill-luck, and if in a given moment it seems that we are all united and agreed, later it turns out that everyone wants to impose his personal opinion and no one wants to sacrifice on the altar of harmony and the common good neither one iota of his personal ideas, and what is most dismal, not his views and egoistic convenience, thus causing dissidence and the failure of every work or generous intention, which cannot fail to be so at bottom.  Everyone looks at every enterprise that we undertake for the Philippines from a special and even contradictory point of view. . . Nothing of what I tell you will surprise you who know us all and have lived among us, and much less when you learn what is going on when the review is hardly born.  You will be surprised that Graciano, so ready, is not a member of the editorial staff.  Well, Graciano, himself, upon knowing the opinion of everyone that the review ought not to show tendencies of severe and open opposition to any of the existing institutions but rather will conduct a calm and peaceful campaign, but tenacious and continuous Graciano himself, I say, recognized that he could not direct the review inasmuch as his name is already well known and looked upon with suspicion, and furthermore he recognized that the policy adopted for the review was convenient if it was to live and to be received by everyone without prejudice.  But Graciano did not limit himself to this.  He obstinately (contradicting us as you can understand, but we shall always miss his valuable cooperation) declared that he could not take part in our enterprise because in no way does he want to sacrifice either his ideas or his language that could not be changed.  All efforts to convince him to give in a little were futile.  He was asked not to take up politics (in order not to do violence to his convictions), he was offered the section of the Philippine press, of the gazette, of the literary section, of the scientific section, but in vain, he withdrew from us decidedly.  We even told him that he could collaborate in any other way except writing political articles, which could be published in the magazine El Resumen that has opened to us its columns through a kind of subsidy consisting of our subscriptions to it and those we get from the Philippines.  All in vain.  But this is not the worst.  I realize that I have been completely deceived in the opinion I have formed of Graciano.  I never believed him a model worthy to be imitated in the colony.  I knew his reprehensible defects. . . .  What cannot be forgiven, what I could never have believed, were it not evident to me, as it is evident to me, what will pain you as it pains the majority, is that Graciano has such despicable sentiments that he is ready to impose himself upon everybody, even doing all the harm he can do to us (including the Philippines), sacrificing everything on the altar of his most extraordinary pride and irritating self-love.  Enraged, it is evident (for he gives no reason at all, nor has anything occurred except what I have already said on the question of the review), on seeing that the publication of a magazine (that he proposed) was being realized without his cooperation (that he himself declined to give, against our wishes, but which he perhaps thought was of absolute necessity in order that the magazine would prosper), on seeing that he was mistaken in the belief that the magazine could not be published without him, he has declared on it war to the death.  He said that it will be an affront to the Philippines, that he wants to kill it, and that he will kill it, that only three or four write for it, who do not know how to write because he had to direct us to Julio, Lete, and even me (I have not written anything yet), and that he verified and corrected our writings.  But that is nothing in comparison with the unspeakable means he uses to sow discord, to set one against another, in short, to create divisions, for he does not stop at trifles, and he does not consider whether those means are the vilest and the most cowardly that can be imagined, as they have been until now.  He has joined Roxas. . . though pretending to be in agreement with us, like Graciano, he does not say that he is our enemy and he has deceived poor León and through these two as instruments, he sows suspicion, spreads tales and gossip among the rest (Jugo, Albert, etc.) whom he discourages all he can everyday.  He plays the role of. . . who throws a stone and hides his hand.  León wrote an article on judicial matters that was sent to the press after his language had been duly corrected.  As soon as Govantes found it out, who thought that León should be given a work that would be easy for him, with great tact and with the excuse that I too have a violent language when dealing with Philippine questions, said that it seemed to him better that León should take charge of abstracting the Philippine press and that I should take charge of the court reports.  Thus it was decided peacefully; but Graciano later put in León’s head and made him see, I believe, that he had suffered such a rebuff and that his article would become the object of such ridicule that he wrote to Julio asking him to return to him his article because he did not want it to be the target of impudent criticisms of those who consider themselves literary men, whose patriotism and good fellowship were not capable of correcting charitably the errors that they might find in it.  The style of the letter was unmistakably Graciano’s and we no longer doubt that he inspired it and even drafted it.  Julio, disturbed, asked León for explanations, telling him that his article was corrected and even sent to the press, and requesting him to tell him who had ridiculed it unashamedly.  León did not want to give an explanation, Julio challenged him, and friends were appointed to attend to the matter.  León appointed two Spaniards – a colonel and another gentleman.  León or his sponsors gave satisfactory explanation, saying the letter wanted to say that León’s article might stray and fall into the hands of strangers who might ridicule it, but it did not intend directly or indirectly to offend Julio.  The record was drafted by those gentlemen and already approved, when they were making a clean copy of it – I went out for a moment to write a letter – Graciano come along and rewrote the record, and change it in his own handwriting, leaving it thus: “Mr. Llorente having been mistaken as to the meaning of the letter of such a date, in stating it in writing as I do, is the best explanation that that letter contained nothing offensive to the said gentleman.”  This is more or less what Graciano’s amendment stated that I saw and criticized (though Graciano denied having meddled in anything.  I scratched it out so that the whole record had to be rewritten which made León’s witnesses ridiculous.  They said that they did not think that Graciano would amend the copy but simply to put it in better form as it was done very briefly.  Graciano still made Roxas write a letter to Lete asking him to call a meeting to adopt some definitive resolutions concerning the review but with the sane intention, as it was afterward learned, of removing Lete from the editorial direction and throw out some bile at the meeting.  The meeting was not held, because Govantes opposed it and with his prestige convinced the majority.  This was after they had met I know not how many times and adopted resolutions and elected Lete editorial director by secret ballot no less and refused to accept the resignation that Lete presented afterwards.  What certain passions like envy, misunderstood pride, and mutual distrust can do!  Thus, there is no way by which we can ever understand one another or for anything that is worthwhile to prosper.  I don’t understand this: Do these countrymen fear that the rest besides them, may not be inspired by the ideals that everyone ought to pursue, that they may have twisted intentions or they lack patriotism, and that since they may lack ability in some matter, they may also lack the eagerness to succeed?  Since it is certain that united we can do something good, can they not think of some convenient means to avoid any blunder in an enterprise without an attempt upon our union, without creating divisions that ruin or impede every understanding, every work?  Or shall we never learn to do a worthwhile thing except to throw one against the other, distrust one another, or believe himself better than the others?  Everybody considers himself capable of directing and commanding, but no one knows how to follow or no one wants to follow and this is not the saddest thing, but that, not content with not following or discontented for not being in command, they neither allow others to follow nor to command, as if they can command everybody in everything or as if following were exclusively the service duty or function only suitable for a flock of animals and not also of free and noble cooperation of worthy persons in every honorable undertaking.  Thus I can speak with so much more ease, as I have the least to do with the question of the review.  I did not want to attend any of the organization meetings, distrusting that anything beneficial could be done.  I warned them that I did not want any position on the staff of the review and I even expressed my wish not to be an official editor but only a collaborator when and if it was possible for me; but finally, compelled by the fear that my passive conduct might be construed as dissidence, at the request of Govantes, I accepted the court section.  But now that I see that an unworthy and cowardly war has been declared against the idea, now I want to show in a practical way that I will exert every possible effort so that it would not die, and now I intend to attend every meeting that is held and combat there every attempt against its realization.  Graciano and Roxas have joined together despite having been formerly deeply divided and having hurt each other. . . .  For such purpose and respecting each other mutually, the two divided ones united, working until they succeeded to bring back Roxas to the good graces of Yorac.  But Yorac left; Roxas and Graciano ate at Julio’s house, and new rivalries arose, and Graciano goes to Julio to confide the following: “Don’t trust Roxas; he has hurt Sanciangco.  ‘Beware to those who do not want to treat me; Sanciangco already knows me.’”  Upon knowing this, Roxas asserts that only Graciano can say such a thing; but it suits him for the present to make common cause with him and he has joined him.  How are you, friend?  Is it true that in the colony though small, there is everything as in a drugstore?  Now we don’t miss anything in it: and the Philippines who needs everything can get from it a depurative [cleansing agent] as well as poison, according to the case.  I see that by telling you these things, I am prolonging my letter too much; but it has to be thus to expound the details and at the same time unbosoming myself without leaving anything inside the body.

            Going back to the review, I repeat that it has been well received, it seems.  Julio says that important subscriptions are coming in.  We are anxiously awaiting the impression it makes in the Philippines.  In the colony, with the exception of Graciano, Roxas, and perhaps León and Jugo, all are very much encouraged and satisfied with the idea, though at the beginning there were divergent opinions.  For my part, I applaud the review with all my strength, but I don’t want the succeeding issues to suffer from debility, from the notable passivity evident in the first number, which can even be prejudicial to us. . . ridiculous, or we can fall into disrepute should they call us political trimmers, since they do not suspect the same meekness that is observed, seeing in it the skin of sheep that covers a wolf, which can also happen.  But the Spaniards seem to regard the magazine favorably, they congratulate us and they wish us well.  Five or six papers that we have read answered our greetings and wish us prosperity, and one that I know until now, which is El Pabellón Nacional has immediately exchanged an issue with ours.  Thus goes the thing.  Now I am going to copy the most important paragraphs which have been dropped from Lete’s article with the corresponding sign on the places where they were interpolated.

     And there is no law that authorizes to legislate through royal decrees; nor does the Spanish legislative branch, the King with the Cortes, have more limited jurisdiction than the Monarchy, within which is the Philippines, because the representatives in the Cortes do not represent the districts that elect them but the whole nation, because laws, whether general or special, can only emanate from the parliament.  And it is already time as well as wise to study the cause or peculiar reasons why they are attracted to those regions in order to try to substitute for them other more forceful ones to direct that human current toward the very fertile Philippine soil where the individual can devote himself to the cultivation of an immense variety of products.  As this point is of supreme interest, inasmuch as the agricultural progress of a people indicates the measure of their culture and moral height, in the economic order this immigration at the same time signifies work, intelligence, production, and in the political order, ideas, institutions, ideas that proclaim the prestige of the Metropolis, according to Duval’s assertion, it being well understood that whatever pecuniary sacrifices are devoted to such a patriotic undertaking will be insignificant in comparison with the results that they will produce in the economic sphere and even more insignificant still compared with the sacrifices that some day the oversight of this forecast may cause in men and money. . . . This fact is so undeniable that it can be rightly asserted that, if at the beginning of this century in certain regions of America, there had existed a Spanish colony, today so large, those peoples would still be living under the protection of the flag that presided over their entrance into the concert of civilized nations, and undoubtedly to that valuable element would be due that the Spanish flag still waves in Cuba and in the Morro Castle. (I do not want to omit, for being impartial, these insistent paragraphs on immigration, that it would not have occurred to me to speak about on account of my inability to reconcile my economic convictions with my political ones, and much less to sacrifice these to those.  But, I repeat, that for being impartial and so that you may know what he had written, I copy them.  I am glad that, if not all, some paragraphs at least have been omitted on this subject.  I am inclined to think that in insisting on them Lete wanted more to comply with them to follow known currents and schools of thought, to display economic and political knowledge in a word, to give a patriotic flavor to the article and a conservative tint to the tendencies, rather than the mixed meaning of a profession of faith that in the midst of everything I do not know if that creed can come in.)

     … The only thing that can be denied by those who are blinded by personal and egoistic interest and do not understand the danger of supporting the present state of things is the idea perhaps of continuing to enjoy the sole right of hoarding the lesser or greater aliquot part [in mathematics: a part of a number which leaves no remainder {7 is an aliquot part of 21} - rly] of the resources that the Indio devotes to vanity, superstition, or in obedience to the tributary laws in force in that country. . . . And though we recognize truly that the opposition of many to the representation of the Philippines in the Cortes is unconscious, we cannot help but consider such opposition as impolitic and even criminal.  To deny representation to the many millions of Spaniards overseas, when here we rebel in order to get it, there being parties that sanction among its principles means condemned by the law; and deny it also when those methods are not used because there is still no danger that they would resort to them with considerable strength, is to follow a policy that for its imprudence deserves a discouraging name; and if we do not reflect on it, it is because our fighting character does not give importance to the contingency of a more or less future strife and our attention is drawn most to any that we learn from thinking peoples and let us not abandon to chance the solution of problems that, not because we shun to discuss them, they need not be posed in obedience to historical laws, and when their solution becomes pressing they are then in the worst condition.  The lessons of the past ought to illumine the future and no government can boast of knowing the contingencies that the future holds, or still less if in those general conflagrations that periodically destroy the world, it will not have to repent for its lack of foresight.  And inasmuch as colonies are an integral part of what is called nation, one cannot understand why there must exist differences between homogenous parts; and without going beyond the limits of principles and abiding only by those of equity, neither can it be conceived why the rights and duties of the ruled should not be identical with those of the rest of the citizens.

     These are the paragraphs that, for the minuteness of the review, were suppressed in Lete’s article.

     I began this endless letter four days ago, my good friend, but thinking of writing you long and diffusely, I started writing in very short and interrupted moments and with the going and coming of one place to another.  I still find myself almost in the middle of the letter, which did not turn out badly for me, for I have just received your esteemed letter of the 12^th, and I can and I want to answer it right here.  But I am going to tell you beforehand that the second issue of our storied review has come out.  I am also sending it to you so that you may read the articles of La Serna (foreign news review), of Govantes (political chronicle), of Lete (editorial), of Roxas (one entitled Historia general y juicio crítico de las ciencias y artes en Filipinas, and do not know why it appears without the title, inasmuch as it appears with his byline, which he wishes all his articles to carry), of Antonio (letter that I do not know from whom), of Julio (local press), of Jugo (a request); news I don’t know from whom, and an eleventh hour reply of Lete to a stupid article in La Epoca of the 13^th that I am enclosing and which according to whom they say, is written by the noted Recur.  After what an organ so respectable and distinguished here as La Epoca (though conservative) says; when the governors general of the Philippines and the board of authorities, using their extraordinary powers, do not implement the orders of the government of the nation; when the treacherous and vile weapon of the word filibusterismo is wielded so mercilessly and boldly without stopping even to use calumny in order to coerce the government and mislead and predispose public opinion against the simple introduction of the Penal Code; when all this is seen, I say, it can already be inferred when and how the constitution, representation in Cortes, in short, the matter of individual rights, at the conservative La Epoca says, will be brought to us.

     This is life everlasting, friend, and one must e convinced that in the life of all peoples no other law exists or has ever existed except the law of force which always imposes itself and ends up by convincing.

Force then is what is needed-- much force.

     Let us go to your last letter.  So they have written you that the colony is divided into “genuine Filipinos and aristocrats”?  That we no longer consider ourselves Filipinos but Indios, or Mestizos, or Castilas?  I already imagined it!  I can swear to you that I have expressed my fears, that almost I have assured the species that inasmuch as you still communicate with us some unworthy countryman would not fail to write you in an effort to infuse in your mind fears, suspicions and misgivings in order to predispose you against the publication of our review, and what is worst, against certain persons (for here we are all well-known and even with vague hints each one can be identified).

The letter you have received is another trick (to sow dissension that is blamed on others) of a despicable being whose only prestige before this consisted of aptitudes and efforts used in favor of the cause that we all defend, but he has been completely discredited, having revealed treacherous sentiments in assailing the unity and good harmony of all by resorting to the most infamous means.  What they have written you is a falsehood, a coarse calumny.  There is no division here whatsoever, unless it be on the part of two or three who believe themselves the genuine Filipinos and who obstinately and against the efforts fail in the most cowardly and cringing manner.

     After reading my letter you will know by what to abide; for now and always my guide has been, is, and will be impartiality and frankness; and then your conscience will dictate to you the conduct that you ought to adopt and what you ought to do with the letter and its author and inspirer.  All of us, I believe, are convinced that we do not have, nor must we bear, any other name except that of Filipinos, which is the name of our common Mother.  Who makes classifications; who establishes differences?  If I knew who is doing such a thing, I would try to convince him, or I would call him stupid.  For my part, I don’t have to prove with words, because my work demonstrates it sufficiently and has demonstrated it always, which is my manner of being.  You know me well and you know my opinion, manifested more than once, and my attitude towards the matter is open to all.  As you deplore not having in your veins all the blood that could serve as a common bond, I deplore and I have always said so that mine could serve as a reason for not being counted among the genuine Filipinos.  Among no one else but them, I ought and I wish to be counted, so that all that part or quantity that may confuse me with the un-genuine Filipinos hurts and mortifies me.  I have always preached union and I have practiced it myself so that I am in a position to challenge anyone to prove that I have inclined more toward one side than to the other, and though it does not seem to me right to speak of certain things that may be taken as foolish bragging, it seems to me that this occasion is proper to say candidly that never have unworthy appreciation, differences, and distinctions prevented me from acting equally toward all nor did they restrain me in the least in helping Graciano when I found him in need, in visiting and being concerned about Villaluz when he got sick, in defending Figueroa and turning against Graciano when a question arose involving Yorac, in assisting Ventura also, and in accepting from you yourself pecuniary and other favors when I needed them, in short, in regarding all equally and giving them equal attention and consideration, feeling satisfied in seeing myself wherever my countrymen are and enjoying being able to stay with them in a foreign land.  “We are not of this country.”  Further I will tell you: I have more satisfaction in seeing a brown countryman and I am more attracted toward him than when I see another countryman who is not like him, because the other one reminds me instantly of our common origin while the other does not bear so manifestly the stamp of our blessed cradle.  With the same candor I tell you that I cannot avoid certain mortification when, finding myself in public among fellow countrymen or in any other public function in which they can stare at us, I observe that they can take me for an intruder among them for not showing the trait or the most visible and peculiar physiognomy of the land, the national color.

     Already an editor of El Resumen noted that the name of the magazine marked the separation of the Philippines from Spain and he thought that could very well be called simply Filipinas.  I thought so also and I even proposed that it be called Revista Hispano-Filipina, since its purpose is to unite both nationalities, but the thing was already agreed upon at the meeting they held and though my proposal was known before the first number was printed, it did not seem to offer any advantage or did it respond better than the proposed title to the tendencies and purpose of the publication.  As to the rest, I ought to tell you that though I am not aware that it has been expressly agreed upon, it seems that at least for the present the review should not appear as genuinely and purely Filipino either in its tendencies or in its editing but rather it should have the appearance of any magazine here that is devoted especially to. . . .  There must be in the mind of all that no attempt should be made to place the Spanish idea against the Filipino idea or to give reason to suspicious persons to see or believe to see the Filipino idea against eh Spanish idea.  España en Filipinas after all, as it sounds, seems that its primordial and laudable meaning should be taken as indicating “the policy of Spain in the Philippines as it is and how it should be.”

     Until the next, dear friend.  This time I have said enough and perhaps even too much.  I shall be glad if I… will keep your novel a secret as I do.

Yours,

[1] Local name for Jasminum sambae Alt.

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033. Graciano López Jaena, Madrid, 16 March 1887

Why they deny us representation in the Cortes – Opposition of the friars – Nothing can be expected from the Spanish government – The mestizas are responsible for lack of union – Criticism of España en Filipinas – We will follow you to glory or to the abyss.

24-3^rd Hortaleza, Madrid, 16 March 1887

My dear Rizal,

            I reply to your letter of the 12^th congratulating myself that you and Viola are united in spirit and in truth.  The reason why the government does not want us to have representation in the Cortes is that the friars have intimidated it.  In proof of that, Sagasta, Balaguer, and Moret have called Deputy La Guardia, who has initiated it, telling him that they would expel him from the majority if he continued supporting the three bills he has introduced in the Cortes in favor of the Philippines.  Sagasta threatened Cañamaque also of expulsion if he carried out his plan to interpellate (to formally challenge or bring into political question) on Mindanao.  The government has begged and requested Labra to desist from interpellating on the general policy of the Philippines.

So that nothing can be expected from the government.  Let us undertake our own regeneration and our progress.

As to what you say about the union of the Filipinos, you know very well that you and I have been constantly preaching and supporting it and nevertheless, you will remember the chastisement the Esquivels give you.  No, no, we the genuine or pure Indios are not the ones who forment disunity but the mestizos who, behind our back, hold meetings and conventicles [illegal assemblies - rly] without giving us a participation in their conspiracies, which certainly are not for lofty ends – like the common welfare, the interest of the Philippines – but egoistic and mean.  Lete, Govantes, and the Esquivels did not attend the banquet of 31 December and Lete had the boldness to say he had nothing to do with the Filipino colony and now he is in charge of a publication.  As to Llorente, being young and immature, they toss him about from one extreme to the other.

I believe that upon the receipt of this you must have already read the two issues of the magazine, España en Filipinas.  Do they not seem to you insipid?  The foreign review is especially unreadable; the political chronicle is violently pro-government; and the local press written by Llorente is the most innocent and inoffensive.  In truth I expected more from Llorente, who seemed to me a promising youth, but I was mistaken.  Is it not true that the magazine is most candid that it neither pricks nor cuts?  Everything in it is childish and it has no vigor that every publication that fights for great ideals should have.  Does it not seem to you that far from being either moderate or prudent, it is rather languisero? [01]

If I separated from the editorial staff and refrained from collaborating with it, it is not for being red, for I know very well that one cannot be red in discussing overseas interests in magazines that are published in the country of our master and oppressor, as one wishes, but moderate and prudent, keeping all the gall inside; but not so much, so deferent and pro-government, as the two issues that you must have before you by now prove.

I in your place, instead of returning directly to the Philippines, would pass by Japan and China to attend to the matter that I told you about in my previous letter.

From day to day I am becoming convinced that our countrymen, the mestizos, far from working for the common welfare, follow the policy of their predecessors, the Azcárragas.  I am very glad that they have brought about the division and not us.

I, like you, submit to the leader that you wish to find and I believe that no one but you can be it, with the assurance that all the genuine suyas (Filipinos) will follow you blindfolded, whether to glory or to the abyss.

Apolonio Rivera has completely recovered, is robust, and already talks a great deal and is ready to fight for our prosperity.  His mind has been opened to the great ideals of liberty and progress of the Philippines.  He sends you an embrace and a thousand regards.  He does. . . in order to eliminate quinine and they are doing him well.  He is atrocious, he is with us, and he never forgets you. 

My regard to friend Viola and answer me.

Graciano

Greetings in advance on your saint’s day; Rivera also felicitates you; I wish you to spend it happily.

_____________

[01] A Tagalog slang term meaning literally “greaser,” one who endeavors favor by attention and flattery.

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034.  Evaristo Aguirre, Madrid, 1 April 1887

He regrets López Jaena’s hurry in informing Rizal of dissension among the Filipinos – López Jaena resents he was not chosen editor of the publication España en Filipinas – He is glad Rizal is pleased with the review.

Madrid, 1 April 1887

My dear Friend,

I have before me your esteemed letter dated the 21 March.  I congratulate myself for having dispelled through my preceding extensive letter your preoccupation and grief over the most saddening dissension you believed existed in the colony at Madrid due to races and color of the epidermis [= skin - rly].  No! Fortunately, my fiend, and in asserting that you had been painfully surprised at the bad faith of some of the dissidents, far from wishing to accuse you of levity, far from ignoring that you even had reason to believe such preposterous charges as those, not only for the seriousness of the misfortune that they denounced (that the heart is inclined to fear and expect) but because I am aware that you learned about the affair only through Graciano and Rojas as you confirm, and who went ahead to inform you with the haste of one who wants to give a surprise, the first impression, which is the most effective, far, I say, from that, I only regret having seen my suspicions confirmed.

For the rest, you yourself confess having felt a great weight in the heart on account of that unexpected news.  On the other hand I ought to tell you (and I believe that the others will agree with me) that having a tranquil conscience with regard to the unity and good understanding among all countrymen, never did I think of hurrying to make everyone see the truth of the happenings on the matter, all the more because, although I suspected those who had acted so badly toward the colony here.  I could not convince myself, until I had seen it done, that the wicked intention of such fellows would reach the extreme that it did.  I cannot help but regret (and I am sincere) the vexation and its consequences of the. . . the first news of the life of the magazine. . . had known that it was born at the expense of a grave and transcendental division among the Filipinos.  At Paris nobody has yet replied to Julio’s invitation.  Who knows why?  But truth will always triumph.

I appreciate the good opinion that you have of me.  I do not say I have influence; but if I have any, I use it on those who at last show themselves to be a little reasonable.  You already know how Graciano has acted on this occasion and how we have acted toward him, even begging him.  I am the first to regret that the majority or rather the colony does not count with his strength, capacity, and aptitudes; but what can you expect from one who had ended by saying that all displeasure and soreness consisted of not having been appointed editor of the magazine, inasmuch as neither Regidor nor Govantes nor La Serna had been appointed (because they did not want to) whom he says he considers sincerely and modestly to have precedence over him for that position?  Rights, privileges!. . . . Yes, that Graciano has rendered very good services and has talent and is active, but. . . why go on?  It is painful to go down to trifles.  Let him justify himself that when. . . he sacrifices and despises every personal interest and designs on the altar of patriotism and comradeship, and of compatriotism, etc.  Well, and the patriotism, compatriotism, and comradeship of R. . .?  Perhaps Sanciango can give you information on it.  He has already gone to Manila.  So. . . They wrote you that there was a schism and that the mestizos were to blame for it?  What a word in the mouth or from the pen of the genuine Filipinos and hurl it in the face when they preach against divisions!  How progressive we are!  That there should exist among us political unity, if. . . not personal friendship; that though we may hate one another personally, we should defend united the common cause; that we have too many enemies outside; why should there be also within the bosom of the colony.  Who does not know this by heart?  Such advantages cannot be concealed from the talent of the very same G. . . but they do not suit him or L. . . to hear with the rest the perusal of your letter by Julio.  After it had been read, all said. . . to move on to the beer saloon (where G. . . and L. . . had gone as if saying, “that is not for us,” that those were the ones who seem to ignore what friend R. . . says about the disadvantages of internal strife.  The perusal of your letter, as it was natural, pleased everybody.  Besides the reader, Melecio, Rosario, Albert, Rivera, and I were there and all your paragraphs were received with signs of assent as we looked at one another as if questioning ourselves when we learned that it delighted you to see the name of Julio in the magazine which assured that though that organ of ours might even be weak, it could not be treacherous.  That there was one in the young colony that can assume its political direction is undoubted.  No one has the capacity for so great a post, and I doubt if there or among the older element exists that Moses, considering the education that the country has received and receives.  In case the country knows or understands politics a little more than its mere name, it will be passive or patient politics.  We wait for our leader who will emerge if that is fate, full of such prestige that all will follow him unquestioningly.  In the meantime and for the very reason that he has not emerged, let no one undertake to lead, but instead altogether adopt an attitude or policy and follow it.  There are divergences, there is no understanding, the gathering is dissolved, and there is no common course, and everyone follows his own path.

I am glad that the review pleases you more each time from the third issue; the editorial, the Philippine press, pardons, and the 20. . . of Govantes and the undeveloped countries, of La Serna, aside from the write-up interview by the proper and modest D’Ayot.  Praise to Thee, God!  I am very glad that your novel is finished.  Let us see when we shall have the pleasure of relishing it.  I pray God that it may decide your fate to your taste inasmuch as it depends upon it.  Of course La Serna is a precious acquisition for the review because he is very worthy. Del Pan is already in Manila.

The León-Julio case is deplorable from every point of view; and it is very regrettable, my friend, and I deplore it, that our countrymen allowed the matter to reach the extreme that it did.  This cannot be indirect because it cannot be direct for which reason I ought to tell you, so that you may be well acquainted with the case and you may not entertain illusions that recognizing that you have settled and can settle amicably analogous personal affairs and more serious than this insignificant one. I assure you that not even God could have settled this for the simple reason; 1^st, that there was a third party of perverse intention; and in the 2^nd place neither Julio nor I wanted any other settlement except the stick that Julio was already to wield as a warning to the dissidents.  What was regrettable was . . . Castellanos that León appointed as his representative prevented the thing.  I had instructions not to give in for anything.  Farewell, dear friend, may you keep in good health, and may you recover spiritual peace, commanding always your very affectionate,

Cauit

I send you a copy of La Guardia’s bills and a clipping about the Penal Code, which they say, is by Manuel Regidor.

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035.  Antonio Regidor, Europe, 3 May 1887

Regidor [01] comments on the Noli – Who does not know “Fr. Damaso”? – Comments on “Capitan Tiago, Old Tasio, Fr. Salvi, the ‘good chap’ Don Primitivo, the ‘learned’ Fr. Sibyla and Maria Clara” – Critic of the first order – What the Filipinos lack are union, energy, decision and constancy.

Europe, 3 May 1887

Mr. José Rizal

26 Jagerstrasse

Berlin

My very distinguished Friend and Countryman:

In my recent trip to Paris I heard about a book that you have just published.  Remembering the story of the Pagong [turtle - rly], the decoration of that pair of little jars made by you, and the bust of The Friar on his Return, which Paterno has, I immediately got a copy.  Afterwards I found at home a copy that you have so kindly inscribed to me for which I’m grateful.  I began reading it with the eagerness and interest that the works of our countrymen inspire me.  After reading your first lines.  I was convinced that it is a superior book.  Today I have finished reading your most interesting book, and I must tell you candidly that I have not read a more truthful or more graphic description of our much slandered and chastised society.  Who does not know “Fr. Dámaso”?  Ah, I have met him; and though in your brilliant characterization in your novel he wears the habit of the dirty Franciscan, always rude, always tyrannical, and invariably corrupt, I have met him and studied him in real life in the Philippines.  Sometimes he wears the white habit of the Augustinian, other times that of the Franciscan, as you describe him, and other times the tunic of the Recollect and with bare feet, pretending to be wise.  When I think of one of these characters in your precious novel, I’m reminded on one hand of happenings, rather of those sacrilegious orgies that began with a sumptuous banquet and ended with the imprisonment and exile of a Civil Governor of Manila who tried to put a stop to these excesses; and on the other, of a speech, a sermon, more exactly, a philippic [= diatribe -  rly] delivered by a humble servant of the Lord in a certain church in Manila on the occasion of the conferring of the doctor’s degree, which is held there with pompous solemnity.

Your “Capitán Tiago” is inimitable. Combining the traits of two or three of our countrymen, who cannot recognize the men impersonated by this hapless fellow, worthy cousin of “Ate Isabel”?  I have met them; I tried in vain to bring them to reason; and if I was not lucky in this, at least I have succeeded in making them employ their wealth in aiding bright young men who now prove that the mind of the natives of the Philippines is not as dull as Barrantes [2 has alleged.

“Old Tasio” reminds me of two or three illustrious countrymen of ours, who had fallen during the night [03].  Among them was the well-known apostate and Quaker Francisco Rodriguez, not to mention the others whom you and I know and who we should not name yet even if our charitable and pious Filipinos call them chiflado [04] or lucó-lucó. [04]

“Father Salvi” is the most genuine personification of the much extolled Philippine missionary, [05] the anti-canonical parish priest, the redeeming plant (sic) brought there and supported with so much care by Peninsular patriotism and who in the end, as in Mexico and other places in America, will bear his legitimate fruits – a tempest.  I have known some one resembling your character who, not long ago received the Holy Miter as a reward for his virtues!!!

How many of those who pretend to know our country will affirm that the noble and unlucky “Elías” is only an imaginary creature? Stupid! If they only had some contact with the natives and if these had only been allowed to un-bosom themselves to their detractors and assassins, I’m sure that they would not say such nonsense.  You and I know the typical Filipinos – by which I mean the native, creole, and half-breed – because together we have thought, endured, and suffered with them.

The good lad “Don Primitivo” and the wise “Fr. Sibyla” truly portray the old students of Santo Tomás, San José, and San Juan de Letrán who are loaded with “I distinguish” [06] and Latin jargon which are useless to the mind as well as in life.  I enjoyed those fellows.  They took me back to those times that passed away not so long ago and at which I used to laugh.  How many childhood friends of mine who are infatuated with that shallow erudition are still living!

If all these characters portray perfectly social life in the Archipelago, what can I say about “Ibarra” whose life and misfortunes are similar to mine and my humble history?  I don’t know if some one will dare question the absolute reality of this victim of despotism and colonial corruption; but if such a thing should happen, I can point out to him historical facts that will be published in a modest pamphlet entitled A Page of Spanish Colonial History that can annihilate the detractors. If he is pure idealization, the greater is the merit of the author, for he must be a great artist, indeed, who can reproduce on one canvas the typical and salient lines of three or four different faces and succeeds to make the beholder recognize with every change of light the exact likeness of a dear friend who died on the scaffold, in prison, in exile, or in disgrace.  You expose in a marvelous manner the defects and virtues of our idolized countrywomen, of those “rare roses” about whom an island poet, who is not a Filipino, said rightly: ………. Ninguna pude hallar/ Mas bella que las rosas Filipinas, Mujeres que en su labio suspirante/ Lo que es palabra en oras, es cantar.” [07]

“María Clara”, the sublime personification of pure love, parental respect, gratitude, and sacrifice is neither new nor improbable.  Unhappy victims of religious-colonial lust, they are expiatory martyrs who, with slight variations, are named like your character, sometimes Lucía of Imus, Anita of Binondo, Isabel of Pagsanghan, etc.  One can write a drama about the life of any of them.

The fanaticism of the Hermanas Terceras [08] makes your admirable picture complete.

If we go from the characters to your political, philosophical, and social observations, your book depicts some, not all, of the great evils that afflict the country.  You expose the bare and obvious ills that demand the most urgent remedy.  In doing this in moderate language, skillfully narrating common-place stories and anecdotes, now employing irony, then sarcasm, you succeed in holding up the deed to ridicule, drawing from your reader a cry of indignation against and contempt for that nefarious system.

I felicitate you on your triumph.  You are still a child and you already produce a red bullet against that social organism.  Good. Forward!  If the Quixote immortalizes its author because it exposes to the world the ailments of Spain, your Noli me tángere will bring you an equal glory.  With your modesty and your veracious and able appraisal you have dealt a mortal blow to that old tree full of blemishes and decay.  Every Filipino patriot will read your book with avidity and upon discovering in every line a veracious idea and in every word a fitting advice, he will be inspired and he will regard your book as the masterpiece of a Filipino and the proof that those who thought us incapable of producing great intellects are mistaken or are lying.  And I add: We have a critic of the first order, as we have painters of the first stature, vigorous intellects in the judiciary, and very distinguished generals in the army.  What else do we lack?  What you indicate between the lines in your well-thought out book: Unity, energy, determination, and constancy.

As I note the trend of our youth and the gigantic step which you have just made, I’ll not repeat any more with the Cuban poet: Sin patria y sin amores, / Sólo veo ante me llanto y Dolores. [09]

Nor will I say with the hero of your precious novel: “I die without seeing the dawn shine over my Native Land.”

No.  I, who is going down the ladder, worn out by the sufferings of nostalgia, congratulate you very cordially