Letters Exchanged Between José Rizal and Other Reformers - 1888 (July to December)

vvvvv

062. Mariano Ponce, Barcelona, 4 July 1888

The Philippines in a crisis – A communication of Acting Governor General Moltó concerning the prestige of the religious orders – Fr. Salvador Font’s censure of the Noli – Grand reception of Rizal’s book in Germany, according to Blumentritt who is translating it into German.

062. Mariano Ponce, Barcelona, 4 July 1888

The Philippines in a crisis – A communication of Acting Governor General Moltó concerning the prestige of the religious orders – Fr. Salvador Font’s censure of the Noli – Grand reception of Rizal’s book in Germany, according to Blumentritt who is translating it into German.

2-3^o Ramblas Canaletas, Barcelona

4 July 1888

Mr. José Rizal

My very esteemed Friend,

On this date I am sending, consigned to Mr. Luna, the works of Larra in accordance with your suggestion in your letter of the 27^th of last month.  You have noting to thank me for; my greatest desire is to be useful to you in something.

It goes as parcel post.  I took the liberty of writing to this gentleman advising him of the remittance.

The Philippines is going through a crisis.  According to what my friends tell me, they are making an effort to give news of robbery, hold-ups, and assaults which the newspapers are stressing, especially La Oceanía, which hardly carries any other thing daily.  All this is to be able to declare Manila and other provinces in a stage of siege for the purpose of driving away reputable residents and enlightened citizens.  They send me a copy of the communication that Acting General Moltó sent to the provincial governors, immediately after Terrero had life, which is as follows:

The religious orders are constituted under the protection of the laws, of tradition, and of national sentiment.  It is the duty of my office to guarantee their rights so that their mystic character may be respected and their high prestige may be maintained so long as their rights are confined to their own sphere, in the atmosphere of concord and evangelical peace with which priesthood surrounds them.

The General Government is inspired by this criterion.  Without concealing from you the fact that for sometime now the respect and veneration that the natives owe their parish priest have weakened, I advise Your Lordship through the means at your command and by the methods you deem convenient, as by means of persuasion, or admonition, in the province under your command, to endeavor to raise the prestige of the clergy to the height that it always occupied in this Archipelago, not only for the august mission that its sacred ministry represents but that it would be impolitic any way to impair the prerogatives of an element that symbolizes so many glories (!) and through whose Christian (!!) endeavors the peoples submitted willingly that the sword of our conquerors subjected by force.

I leave to Your Lordship’s clear judgment, recognized zeal, and patriotism the enforcement of my instructions in the form and manner that will not give the clergy a motive to go beyond the limit in matters alien to their ministry that Your Lordship with your customary energy would know how to repress.  This Superior Government wishes at the present time to identify itself with the design of the Government of Her Majesty whose policy, frankly liberal, ample, and progressive but adapted to places and circumstances, is always of attraction, assimilation, and concord.  Please advise me in the shortest possible time of the receipt of this present communication.

Pedro Serrano and other friends send you their fond greetings.

Enclosed I send you a clipping of a little article that I published in La Publicidad, which made it its own, thanks to your kindness.  Mr. Eusebio Corominas, manager of this newspaper, sends you his affectionate regards.

Have you heard of Fr. Salvador Font’s censure of the Noli me tángere?

In the name of the colony I ask you if you are not planning to visit this city during the Exposition.  All of us would be glad to be able to embrace you.

I am sending you also my photography.  I hope you will send me yours.

Mr. Blumentritt has already informed me of the grand reception that the Noli me tángere had in Germany on which I have congratulated myself.  This good and learned professor also told me that he was busy translating it into German.

At your pleasure, command your friend.

M. Ponce

P.S.

            I request you to advise me promptly whether you have received the book or not.

=====

063. Juan Luna, Paris, 5 July 1888

Photographs of Luna’s paintings – He may go to London to sell some of his paintings – When is Rizal going to write the second part of his beautiful satire? (Noli me tángere)

175 Boulevard Pereire, Paris

5 July 1888

Dear Rizal,

Ventura has already cashed the money order, according to what he told me yesterday, so then I am sending you the enclosed second order.  I shall do with your books what you tell me in your post card.  I have not received them until this date.

When I shall have photographs of my paintings, I shall send them to you.

I know nothing extraordinary from Manila.  Outside of family news, I have no mail at all.  What I do receive is the Dario de Manila that my brother-in-law has the kindness to send me.  I read it to inform myself of some news of Madrid.

Are you thinking of settling on the land of the red coasts? (01)  I figure out that if you continue there, you will devote yourself to business.

Perhaps I may go there too, but much later, for the purpose of selling some oil paintings.  We shall see what will come out of my project; this is just between us.

They have also told me that you are going to write the second part of your beautiful satire (i.e. the Fili).  When are you going to let me read it?

Regards from Paz and kisses from my little boy, and you know that here you may command.

Ever yours affectionately,

Luna

P.S.

            Paz is somewhat indisposed; she has had an abortion of two months.  If she continues otherwise, our little house will soon be too small.  Well, well, I must paint much.

=====

064. Valentin Ventura, Paris, 13 July 1888

General Moltós temporary administration was fatal to the Philippines – Rizal’s trip had not been useless – Effect of Rizal’s visit to some families in Manila.

45 Rue de Maubeuge, Paris

Mr. José Rizal y Mercado

London

Dear Friend Pepe,

            Many thanks for the 20 pounds that I received this morning.  I have taken advantage of your offer by sending you a telegram, because precisely I did not receive funds by the mail that arrived here on Thursday, and according to my cousin, in chare of sending them to me, I shall not receive any until the next mail.

            Today is a bad day in Paris because the third payment to the landlords is due today.

            I shall not be able to pay you these five hundred francs until after twenty days.  However, tell me frankly if you need them before that, because in this case, we shall resort to extraordinary means.  What a nice return trip you have made, and now, more than ever I regret not having made it with you.  But my friend, with my brother’s composure nothing can be planned.  What could have been accomplished in one month actually took four months and a half.

            I can tell you very little about Manila, because neither do they write me much.  It is known that General Moltó’s temporary administration of one month had been fatal for us.  The curate of Binondo was replaced; the question of burial is back to what it was before the decree – prohibiting the entry of corpses in the churches.

            Much is expected of the governor general (01), but I fear that all hopes may be dashed, for he has made the trip with a bishop and naturally the latter would not have wasted his time.

            The fellow countrymen who came with me is from my province, Eusebio Panlilio, third-year law student, who is going to Barcelona to finish his studies.

            With regard to news about you, I can only tell you that there was much talk about the farewell tendered you, each one commenting on it in his own way, our people favorably, and the others trying to discredit you and divest the event of importance.

            By what I have heard, your trip has not been useless for according to a mutual friend of ours, there is a radical change in the families you used to visit with in Manila, some of whom would not even like to hear Mass now.  What do you think?

            When you come, we shall talk about many things that should not be written down.

            Affectionate regards from Elisa and you receive a close embrace of your friend.

Valentin Ventura

            I have not received the letter you said you have written me; tell me to where you addressed it.

_____________

            (01) Valeriano Weyler, the Governor General (1888-1891)

=====

065. Rizal [London, 21 July] || To Mariano Ponce

The Mother Country ought to be satisfied because she has sons who love her – Who is Plaridel? – Fr. Font’s

[London, 21 July 1888]

Mr. Mariano Ponce

2-3^o Rambla de Canaletas

Barcelona, Spain

Dear Friend,

            I received the Publicidad (01) that you sent me as well as Larra’s big book.  I am very grateful to you for this and for that of Piping Dilat. (02) Our country ought to rejoice because her sons who know how to love her are beginning to appear.  Who is Plaridel?  I am grateful to him also.  Fr. Font’s letter has gladdened me; I should like to include it in the new edition of my book.  Could you send me other issues of Publicidad, because I am going to send to Blumentritt this issue that you have sent me?  Many thanks.  Later I am going to write long.  Greet all for me.

Laong Laan (José Rizal)

______________

            This is a postal card without a date, but the post office stamp says: London, N.W. – 12 – July 21 – 88 (Ed. Of the Epistolario Rizalino)

(01)  Publicidad was a periodical published by Prof. Miguel Morayta at Barcelona, which was pro-Filipino.

(02)  Pseudonym of Marcelo H. del Pilar (1850-1896), Filipino lawyer, writer, and reformer.

=====

066. Rizal, London, 27 July || To Mariano Ponce

Rizal receives Larra’s work – Relates his hurried departure from the Philippines – Amusing incident on the boat – Impressions of America – Lauds Plaridel’s patriotic labors.

London, 27 July 1888

37 Chalcot Crescent

Primrose Hill

Mr. Mariano Ponce

My distinguished Friend and Fellow Countryman:

            Many thanks for the things you have promptly sent me, like your photograph, the book, newspapers and speeches of the Filipinos on the occasion of Weyler’s arrival.

            I cannot send you yet my photograph because I have none; the one I have was taken sometime ago and I wish to present you with a new one.  Larra’s book pleased me much, but I find that he is a failure in his dramas.  Is Marcelo del Pilar in Barcelona or did he send his article from Manila?  This is what it seems to me.  I appreciate this so much that when the second edition is published I will have Father Font’s (01) review printed at the beginning of the work.  Thus, we shall appear to posterity as two good friends and let it judge and condemn us.

            I am going to tell you in a few words what has happened to me since my departure from Manila.  As I was still sick when I embarked, I got very seasick aboard.  We touched Emuy but I did not go down because it was raining and I have been told that it was very cold there and dirty.  We went to Hong Kong, which pleased me.  There I met various important Spaniards, one of whom was Baranda, who had been secretary of General Terrero, they say.  We were together many days and we went together with Basa to visit the Portuguese colony of Macao and Mr. Lecároz (02) in whose house we stayed.  Lecároz, like Basa and other Filipinos of Hong Kong, are partisans and advocates of the Noli me tángere.  In Hong Kong I inquired into important matters; for example, the wealth of the Dominicans, (who turned out to be the largest shareholders of the Arsenal established there), their missions and those of the Augustinians, etc., etc.  There I met Mr. Balbino Mauricio (03) – an unfortunate man who deserved a better lot – whose acquaintance was useful to me because it prepares me for my end that can be much worse than his.  Iriarte (04) was also very friendly towards me, helping me in every way and accompanying me everywhere.  The young men who are studying there generally are good patriots.  In Hong Kong I had also the opportunity to study Chinese customs and the Chinese theatre.  After about fifteen days I left for Japan.  Again I got quite seasick and I arrived at Yokohama on 28 February (1888).  A few minutes after reaching the hotel, when I had not yet had time to tidy up, I received a call for an interview from the Spanish chargé d’affaires.  They were very kind, making me many proposals including staying at the Spanish legation.  After various excuses, I accepted the offer, because, if there purpose is to watch e, I had nothing to fear.  I lived therefore in the legation over a month.  I toured some provinces of Japan, sometimes alone, sometimes in the company of the chargé d’affaires, and other times with the interpreter.  There I studied Japanese and a little about their theatre.  I received many offers of employment that I declined and sailed for America.

            In the boat I met a semi-Filipino family, the mother being the daughter of an Englishman, Jackson by name.  They brought a servant from Pangasinan.  The son asked me if I knew Richal, author of Noli me tángere.  I answered yes, smiling like Aladdin in Florante.  As they spoke well of me I revealed my identity for it was impossible for them not to find out my name during the voyage.  The lady complimented me, etc., etc.

            In this voyage I did not get seasick.  I got acquainted with a Japanese who was going to Europe after having been imprisoned for being a radical and director of an independent newspaper.  As the Japanese spoke only Japanese I served him as an interpreter until our arrival at London.

            I visited the largest cities of America with their big buildings, electric lights, and magnificent conceptions.  Undoubtedly America is a great country, but it still has many defects.  There is no real civil liberty.  In some states a Negro cannot marry a white woman, nor can a Negress marry a white man.  Because of the hatred of the Chinese, other Asiatics, like the Japanese, being confused with them, are likewise disliked by the ignorant Americans. These customs are excessively strict.  However, as they say rightly, America offers a home to the poor who like to work.  There was also much arbitrariness; for example, when we were in quarantine.  They placed us under quarantine, in spite of the clearance given by the American consul, of having been at se for about one month, of not having had a single case of illness aboard, and of the telegram of the governor of Hong Kong declaring that port free from any epidemic.  We were quarantined because 800 Chinese were on board and, as the elections in San Francisco were approaching, the government wanted to boast that it was taking strict measures against the Chinese to win votes and the people’s sympathy.  We were informed of the quarantine verbally, without specifying its duration.  However, on the same day of our arrival, they unloaded 700 bales of silk without fumigating them; the ship’s doctor went ashore; many customs employees ate on board, including an American doctor from the hospital for cholera victims.  We were in quarantine for about thirteen days.  Afterwards only the passengers of the first class were allowed to land; those of the 2^nd and 3^rd classes – Japanese and Chinese -- remained for an indefinite period.  It is said that in that way they got rid of about 300 Chinese, letting them gradually die on board.  I don’t know if it is true.

            I crossed America: I saw Niagara, the majestic cascade.  I was in New York, a big city.  But there everything is new.  I visited some relics of Washington, the great man whom I believe has no second in this century.

            I sailed for Europe on board the City of Rome, considered to be the second largest boat in the world today.  A newspaper was published on board towards the end of the voyage.  I got acquainted there with many people and as I was carrying a yo-yo the Europeans and the Americans marveled as to how I could use it as an offensive weapon.  Also I could talk with them in their respective languages.

            If you write to Plaridel, please tell him that I rejoice with our country and all our good countrymen that we are united and solid so that we can help one another.  His articles seem to me very well written and not only I should be grateful to him but all our fellow countrymen, because all of us work for our country and our pen writes not for anybody but for our motherland.  On the day when all Filipinos should think like him and like us, on that day we shall have fulfilled our arduous mission, which is the formation of the Filipino nation.

            That is all, thank you for everything, and I bid you goodbye.

Your friend who esteems you,

Rizal

=====

067. Pedro Serrano Laktaw, Manila, 1888

Serrano has a school in Binondo – Incidents in the hearing on the petition for the expulsion of the friars – News about various friends – Viado is imprisoned on account of the Noli.

Manila, 1888

My ever-dear Laong Laan,

In my previous letters to Naning I always requested him to send you the mail after he has read it so that you may be informed of everything that is going on here.

Now, I make this letter pass through your hands so that you may take note of it before sending it along. In this way, I save myself from writing much, for I have no time.

Serrano got second place in the competition held and now lives at 12 Joló, Binondo, where he has a school.  The poor one has not finished settling with the censor about his book.

The celebrated petition for the expulsion of the friars has given birth to many incidents that are extremely curious to the history of the Philippine judiciary.

Instead of dealing with it administratively Mr. Terrero, while he was still here, endorsed the petition of the Audiencia.  The first judge was . . . .  Mr. Sunye charged the signers with the crime of holding a secret meeting.  After a few days, Galvan replaced the judge to whom Doroteo Cortés objected. At that time there was only one imprisonment, that of Doroteo José, gobernadorcillo of the natives of Santa Cruz. (01)

After Galvan, Mascarós succeeded.  He threw out the charge of secret meeting and advanced that of offence against constituted authority (that of the Archbishop).  At this time Terrero left and Vice Governor General Moltó became acting governor general.  Immediately there was whispered about, spreading among the masses in the city of Manila, a thousand harrowing varieties of deportation, executions by the garrote and shooting that they said Moltó was planning with the friars in revenge.  Five successive telegrams were sent via Hong Kong to Her Majesty the Queen informing her of the schemes and the armed conspiracy that the friars are plotting with Moltó in their frequent meetings held by them at Navotas, Malinta, and Lolomboy.

In the meantime some gobernadorcillos who showed their loyalty to the authorities in the question of burials were being removed from office.

One Saturday, eve of the day . . . when the friar simulacra, feigning an uprising, was to take place.  Providence, who watches over our holy cause and his faithful children, willed that Her Majesty send over a telegraphic dispatch ordering Mr. Moltó to turn over his office to Mr. Lobatón, naval commander.  This made general Moltó hold over until after the arrival of Weyler.

As it was to be expected, these occurrences, disconcerted the weak among us; and Doroteo José, Celestino Aragon, and Justo Trinidad, who at the beginning already were feeling triumphant, were frightened.

Mascarós and Galvan quarreled, because the latter, according to what they say, did not want to share with the first absolutely any of the 10,000 (pesos) that had been received from the friars.  For this reason, the two, who were formerly intimate friends, separated.

Then the defense lawyer, who was Pilar, presented a plea of lack of jurisdiction and for the nullification of the proceedings, asking at the same time that before proceeding against the informers, the crime denounced be clarified.

The judge, seeing this attitude and with the purpose of getting also something for himself, decided to satisfy the friars by making use first of the threat against the accused signers; but as this procedure did not produce the desired result, he changed his plan.  Deceiving them he promised to drop the case provided they withdraw the plea of lack of jurisdiction and for nullification of proceedings.  Though he might wish to drop the case, he could not do it, because he had no jurisdiction.  In fact they withdrew and thus the special court acquired a jurisdiction that it did not have, recognized if not expressly but in a tacit manner by the incident of withdrawal.  Having done this, the judge resigned.  Mr. Gómez Planas assumed the office.

He, in turn, cast aside the incident and advanced the charge of falsification against the signers.  However, according to the definite rules of the present penal code on falsification of public or official documents, only those cited in a judicial decree apply.  On the 11^th instant a total of eleven gobernadorcillos entered prison: Doroteo José and Félix del Rosario, residents of Santa Cruz, Celestino Aragón of Malate, Vélez of Paco, Timoteo Lanuza of Binondo, Bladomero Cacnio of Navotas, and others whose names I don’t know.  After holding them incommunicado for three days, that is, on the 13^th instant, they seized Pedro Alvarez, a private citizen, and held him incommunicado also.

In the afternoon of the same day, Doroteo José was removed from the prison cell and accompanied by the Special Judge Gómez Planas, Prosecuting Attorney Abdón Gonzales, a Filipino, Abraham García, clerk of the court, and the lieutenant of the civil guard of Quiapo, Mr. Raez, they went to Serrano’s house at 12 Joló to search his papers.  As Serrano was out of the house, his wife refused to open the dressers and writing desk.  The judge told her that he would do it as judge and sent for a carpenter.  Before the carpenter’s arrival, Serrano came.  He was asked to show the two permits for the feasts of two barrios of Santa Ana, Manila, which, according to Doroteo José were in his possession.

As Serrano replied that he could not do so because he did not have them nor did he know about them, they threatened him with deportation to Joló or Paragua, and they proceeded to search his house.  I do not know what remote or close relation can two permits for feats have to do with the case of falsification.  Blessed judge!

The judge, seeing that this time they remained equally firm, he used first threats, the cajolery, and promises, for some days.  Six were incommunicado, namely, Pedro Alvarez Santos, Doroteo José, Félix del Rosario, Vélez, Celestino Aragón, and José . . . .

Frightened or bought they declared what the judge wanted, that is, they said that if they made the petition it was because Messrs. Quiroga and Centeno knew about it and these two threatened them if they would not sign, which is a lie.

What is certain is that Doroteo José, brother-in-law or uncle-in-law of Moreno Lacalle, professor of law at the University, seems to have been won by this with many promises, among others, to provide him with money to enable him to escape to another country; and going up from one convent to another in the company of the prison warden, he himself accused Pedro Alvarez by showing his correspondence to the judge.

It was luck that the other six, who were Lanuza, Cadorniga, Cacnio, one from Sampaloc, one from San Miguel, and other one, supported the case and appealed against the conduct of the first six prisoners.  It seems that this ought to encourage the weak, for now they are planning to challenge the judge and retract what they had said.

In truth, looking at it well, . . . . . . . . . is to justify what the first declared against Terrero and others who were not concerned with it.  Public opinion is inflamed against these apostles.  If they can extricate themselves from prison, they cannot escape public execration (= denouncement) and they have lost . . . . . . . . . . . and friends.

In spite of the pressure that the curates exert upon the signers, I believe that they realize that their future is becoming dark.  As the parish census diminishes from day to day, the sumptuous funeral rites are disappearing.  These measures increase the number of indifferent persons.  Are they trying to compel us to resort to violent measures?

Your compadre Teo has been in prison for a month for this same reason – the petition.

And so you may have an approximate idea of the state of mind of this community, I enclosed a poem written by a young woman of . . . . . . . . . years who leads a group of young women of Malolos.

Overlook it if until now we have not been able to send you another remittance of money.  Epizooty (disease caused by parasites), which decimated our cattle, the financial crisis, and the lawsuit have exhausted our funds.  However, we shall try what is humanly possible and we shall explore other means.  Have a little patience and all this will be remedied.

Mr. Manuel Crisóstomo was one of those removed by Moltó.  Now Mr. Gatmaytan, his brother-in-law, is occupying the first place in the ternary (threefold ranking). The curate of Malolos is working against him, but he has not yet succeeded to remove him.  Mr. Laong Laan, now we are, now we live.

Pardo (Trinidad) no longer makes visits and I believe he will soon leave the Subdelegación de Medicina.  They have demanded of him I don’t know what things, not to say he is persecuted.  The consequent troubles for all those who are strangers in their own country.  You have said the truth.

Viado (02), a student of medicine, was imprisoned for your novel.  Serrano at last is released, but expelled from teaching.  He appealed to His Excellency Governor-General Weyler who ordered him to study again so that he would not lose his profession.

My regards and embraces and may Providence keep you.

Simon l’Aktaw (Pedro Serrano Laktaw)

_____________

01 Name of one of the districts of Manila.

02 Laureano Viado.

=====

068. Mariano Ponce, Barcelona, 2 August

Sends Rizal copy of Fr. Font’s review of Noli – Reports of insurrection plotted by the friars – Resignation of liberal-minded governor general Emilio Terrero – Filipino colony at Barcelona eagerly awaits Rizal – M. H. del Pilar (Plaridel) is still in the Philippines.

Barcelona, 2 August 1888

Mr. José Rizal

My dear Friend and Countryman:

I received your letter dated 27 July and I thank you very much for the account of your journey.

I have the pleasure to enclose a true copy of the articles that compose the analytical part of Fr. Font’s review.  In the next mail you will receive the continuation.

I am enclosing also an article entitled Filipinas ante la opinion.

I do not know what truth there is in the news that I read in a daily newspaper in this city, El Noticiero Universal, entitled “Noticias de Filipinas,” a clipping of which is enclosed.  If the news is true, we have reason to rejoice.  What intrigues me is that in the letters that the 1^st mail brought me they did not tell me anything about this.

After Terrero’s (01) departure, black clouds appeared in the Philippine horizon.  Muffled rumors regarding a sham insurrection prepared by the friars to ruin their enemies spread all over the capital and provinces.  All of which confirmed the friar threats and beforehand the future victims were marked, assuring that Moltó’s (02) administration would leave a dreadful memory in the country.

Luckily he was sick, or pretended to be so, upon seeing the resolute attitude of the country and gave up the command to General Lobatón.  Weyler arrived some days later and the country breathed.  The monastic sham collapsed. General Weyler has not yet expressed his views.  It is not know to which side he will lean.  This is what friends write me from there.

Are you not planning to come to Barcelona and see the Exposición Universal?  The Philippine colony in this capital is yearning to embrace you personally and has asked me to give you the message.

Marcelo del Pilar is in the Philippines, in the province of Bulacan, from which place he sent me the articles.  In the letter I sent him in the last mail, I had the pleasure to convey your message.

All our countrymen greet you.

Your affectionate friend and countryman embraces you.

M. Ponce

_____________

01 Emilio Terrero y Perinat, Governor General, (1885-1888), was liberal minded and liked by the Filipino reformers

02 Antonio Moltó, Vice Governor (Segundo Cabo), became acting governor for a very short time.  He resigned on account of ill health, and Federico Lobatón took his place until Valeriano Weyler arrived.

=====

069. Mariano Ponce, Barcelona, 16 August 1888

Rizal’s friends are alarmed by his silence – The Spanish government awards the Grand Cross of Isabela the Catholic to Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt

2-3^o Rambla Canaletas, Barcelona

16 August 1888

Mr. José Rizal

My very esteemed Friend and Countryman,

            Enclosed I am sending you a copy of the analytical portion of Fr. Font’s censure of Noli me tángere whose conclusion you will receive shortly.

            For some weeks I have not heard anything from you and we would be deeply sorry if your silence might be due to some lamentable misfortune.  Neither has our mutual and good friend Blumentritt received a letter from you for some days, and he is somewhat alarmed as we are, as he himself tells me in his letter.  He informs me besides that he has just been decorated by the Spanish Government with the Grand Cross of Isabella the Catholic.

            Awaiting impatiently news from you, your true friend and countryman embraces you and kisses your hand.

M. Ponce

=====

070. Rizal, London, 18 August || To Mariano Ponce

A novelist is responsible only for the words that he says are his—The Country is beginning to show her hatred of the friars and civil guards – Send copies of Noli to Manila – The new Tagalog orthography.

37 Chalcot Crescent, Primrose Hill, London

18 August 1888

My dear Friend,

            Many thanks for your kindness in having sent me the analytical criticism of the blessed Fr. Font.  What a father and what a criticism!  If the author of a novel had to be responsible for the sayings of his characters, holy God, to what end would we come!   Because, following this system, the opinions of Fr. Dámaso would be mine, the manners of the alférez mine, the piety of Capitán Tiago mine.  Fr. Font ought to remember a little of rhetoric which says that a novel is a type of prose fiction in which characters speak and also the author.  It is evident that the author is responsible only for the words that he says are his and the events and circumstances will justify the sayings of the characters; otherwise it would te a tiquis miquis (01) if the different opinions of the characters are attributed to the author.

            The news that Noticiero Universal (02) publishes smack of friar origin.  Whether they are true or not, a fact always shines through them and it is that the country is beginning to manifest her hatred of the friars and civil guards, and as I believe having said, they will be the wick, the casus belli (the provoking event leading to a certain uprising.

            Please send me by mail two or three copies of the Noli, if it is possible and if I still have there some funds, for I am going to begin the continuation.  Try to send to Manila as many copies as you can.  They sell well there.  It is understood that you will get one-half of the sale there.

            I am very busy these days for I am working ad majorem Phil. gloriam. (03)

            When I begin writing the continuation, then I shall have my picture taken in order to send you my photographia or fotogrifia.  I get from the English the writing of ph.

            The new Tagalog orthography (a system of spelling) that we are using is perfectly in accord with the ancient writing and with the Sanskrit origin of many Tagalog words as I have found out through my research in the British Museum.  Adopt it.  Pedro Serrano has already published a note in this new orthography and he will publish a dictionary.  The Filipino colony here, already small, has been further diminished by the departure for Manila of friend Cornelio Aenlle, (04) his wife, and children.

            It is probable that I may go there.

I greet you all affectionately,

Rizal

_______________

01 That is, ridiculous, absurd

02 A Barcelona periodical that publishes a column of news from the Philippines.

03 To the greater glory of the Philippines.

04 A Manila businessman.

=====

071.  Mariano Ponce, Barcelona, 25 August

More on Fr. Font’s criticism Ponce’s family follows the new Tagalog orthography—It asks for a picture of Rizal – Filipinos at Barcelona send regards to Rizal.

2-3^o Rambla Canaletas, Barcelona

25 August 1888

Mr. José Rizal

My very dear Friend,

            By this mail I am sending you a registered package of three copies of Noli me tángere, as you ask me in your letter of the 18^th instant. I am sending you besides the last part of Fr. Font’s analytical criticism.  All of us who have read his attacks – as they can well be called thus rather than criticism – understood that this blessed father tocaba el violón, (01) pardon me for the phrase.  They tell me that only a few copies of this censorship have been printed to avoid its popularization, which indicates that the very censor himself knows that he is lying.  With what surprise he will read Plaridel’s articles entitled Noli me tángere before Monastic Hatred in the Philippines.

            I continue sending copies of the Noli to the Philippines through every possible means.  By so doing, I am only filling the orders that I receive.

            Many friends ask me to send you their greetings.

            My family, who also sends your greetings, wished to have a picture of you, and so I wish to request you to comply with this desire when you have your picture taken.

            My family and I have already adopted the new Tagalog orthography and we write each other in it.  My friends are also adopting it.

            The Filipino colony here is increasing.  After Gallicano Apacible (02) came Santiago Ycasiano of Bulacan and Eusebio Panlilio and Feliciano Gonzales of Pampanga, and many military men with their families.  Fortunately here we have unity and the proof of it was our get-together in honor of our fellow countrywomen at the Exposition held two weeks ago and attended by all the Filipinos.  Our object was to show to our Barcelona friends and to the Spaniards in general that Filipino women also know how to behave in society and are as educated as Spanish women, though those women were only cigarette makers.  Some newspapermen attended it.

            Tonight we are going to foregather at the home of F. Canon on San Gervasio.  The Filipino women will attend also.

            All our countrymen send you affectionate regards and especially Canon.  And your countryman and true friend embraces you.

M. Ponce

P.S.

            Do you know Pedro Ramos?  Is he there?

            I am sending you a clipping of a letter I wrote in the light of news that they sent me from Manila and which I published in La Publicidad some months ago.  I continue publishing such letters as I receive news from Manila.  I cannot send you the latest ones for I did not save them; they are very badly written.

_______________

            01 Literally, he was playing the bass-viol, meaning talking absentmindedly.

            02 A Filipino medical student from Balayan Batangas and a relative of Rizal.

=====

072. Rizal, London, 30 September 1888 || To Mariano Ponce

“Why should we not have a hundred Plaridels?”  -- “If my enemies would only write like Father Rodríguez and Font, it would not matter to me; the bad thing is that I have enemies among my countrymen.”  -- Rizal is busy.

37 Chalcot Crescent, Primrose Hill, N.W.

London, 30 September 1888

My dear Friend,

            I have to thank you very much for your letter as well as for the books, newspapers, and other things that you have sent me.

            The article which you published in La Publicidad in which you devote affectionate words to me has been for me another powerful inducement to work for the welfare of our country—that country which, had she been free or were she in normal conditions, would bring forth many noble, generous, and disinterested sons, but now in her present condition, her sons have to watch out and disguise themselves.

            I have finished a work and I am only negotiating with a capitalist for its publication. (01)

            Plaridel’s work has given me great joy.  Now I can say parodying Jacob, “Now I can die contented.”  I am sure that the work that I have dreamed of will be completed.  Why should we not have a hundred Plaridels?

            I have received the three copies of Noli.  Please send me another by mail.  If it is possible, I would appreciate it if you would send to Hong Kong, to José María Basa, all the copies that you can send.  He will take care of selling them there and even introduce them into Manila.  If I have enough money there to defray the cost of sending by boat all the remaining copies in one box, I would beg you to please do so.  You know that the book has been written for the Filipinos and it is necessary that the Filipinos read it.  José María Basa has just asked me to send him copies.

            With regard to the booklets of Fathers Rodríguez and Font, I have the great pleasure to see that even writing with the feet I can do them a terrible harm; what if I should get to write with the hand. . .!  For the rest, I believe that this friar has written his booklet with the hand, with the tongue, and with the head, but as he cannot give more, he remains there.  If my enemies would only write like Fathers Rodríguez and Font, it would not matter to me, but the bad thing is that I have enemies among my countrymen, some of whom with their ambiguous phrases discredit me greatly.  Have you read what the newspaper La Paz, managed by our countryman La Serna, says about me?  Patience!

            Many regards to Canon.

            I am thinking of sending you for publication as an appendix to Plaridel’s work (02) [and is] something I wrote in the Philippines against the friar estates signed by the people of Calamba.

            I continue working.

            Regards to our friends.

Affectionately yours,

Rizal

_____________

            01 Rizal was negotiating with Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor for the publication of Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas with his annotations.  He was disappointed.

            02 M. H. del Pilar, La soberanía monacal. New edition published by the Philippine Historical Association in 1957 with an English translation by Encarnación Alzona.  Rizal’s contribution is its Appendix X, pages 174-180.

======

073. Juan Luna, Paris, 3 October 1888

Luna deplores the mean revenge on Rizal’s family – Offers his services to Rizal – The family of Pedro Roxas at Paris

Paris, 3 October 1888

Mr. José Rizal

Dear Rizal:

            I received in Houlgate your letter with the receipt enclosed.  I am very sorry for what is happening to your family in Manila.  This revenge is mean and very detrimental to your brother and brother-in-law.  I’ll be glad if our countryman Azcárraga would do something in your favor, for the sake of the Philippines, for after all he is from there.

            If you think that I could be useful to you, just write me what you want, as you already know who are the persons with whom I am friendly.

            I have been back since a week ago and the house is all in a mess, because we left for the country after moving in, leaving everything in disorder.  And the worst thing is that the house is still unfinished and I don’t know where to begin.

            My atelier (artist’s studio) is very pretty, big and with very good light; besides we have a garden for the children and for painting plein aire (outdoors).

            Please pay 100 pesetas to the landlady of Antonio.  A thousand thanks.  The family of Mr. Pedro Roxas is here, but he is in London with Abarca.  This is all for today.  May you get what you want, which is the principal thing.

            Paz sends her regards, the children, their kisses, and your affectionate friend embraces you.

J. Luna

=====

074. Mariano Ponce, Barcelona, 6 October 1888

Extract from a defense of the Noli – reappearance of the newspaper España en Filipinas – Rizal proposed as its director – Father Vicente Garcia, Filipino theologian defends Rizal’s Noli against the attacks of Fr. José Rodriguez.

2-3^o Rambla Canaletas, Barcelona

6 October 1888

Mr. José Rizal

My very dear Friend,

            I have received your pleasing letter of the 30^th of last month.  You have nothing to thank me for.  One who is only complying with his duty does not deserve gratitude.  Moreover, what I do is so little that I would not even dare say that I am fulfilling my duty.

            Plaridel’s work is not yet finished.  Send me what you mention in your letter in order to put it as an appendix to the little work. (01)

            An illustrious fellow countryman, (02) recognized in Manila as a profound theologian and great philosopher, in view of Fr. Rodríguez, little treatise, tried to write him a letter to show him that his little book is full of Catholic aberrations and to defend at the same time the Noli me tángere against his assertions that it contained propositions that are heretical, blasphemous, and impious.  The letter did not reach the hands of the blessed Fr. Rodríguez as the friends of the writer counseled him against sending it.  But the author of the letter entrusted to a young writer the work of preparing a treatise that would show the opposite of the passionate assertions of the friar author in point of religion.  I shall try to give you an extract of the said letter.

            After stating that he has read and reread the Noli and declaring that he has not found any confirmation of Fr. Rodríguez accusations, he states his opinion in the following observations:

Dr. Rizal, by means of veiled allusions, severely censures the great abuses of individuals at certain institutions and their inherent goodness owing to his primitive spirit.  The inquiry of the abuses infects indeed, like leprosy, the members of the corporation, not so the criticism that is made of them so that they may reform.  Unfortunately, passion or interest often confuses men with things, identifying the persons of the religious with immaculate religion.

He cites the ridiculous boasting of so-called pious persons who dispute recklessly who of them has won more indulgences, etc., and says: “To put in bold relief with vivid and loud colors of criticism that foolish boasting, that arrogant bragging and ridiculousness of such pious persons, is that by chance to deny the existence of purgatory, the efficacy of indulgences, and the infinite value of the sacrifice of the Mass?  Can any one assert it unless he is obfuscated by passion?

He demonstrated that you prove the existence of purgatory by citing church councils and ecclesiastical decrees, and he quotes “between us we can say that the idea of purgatory is good, holy. . . . . The evil is in the abuse of it.”

“You said, ‘addressing Fr. Rodríguez”, that Dr. Rizal is irreverent, heretical, and blasphemous who induces others to atheism, but you do not cite a single proposition of his that indicates his impiety and heresy.  In his words or various concepts that I am going to cite I see his faith in God and the Christian religion that rejects all idea of impiety and atheism.” He quotes Tasio on page 68 that says: “I do not know Madame, what God will do with me.  When I am agonizing, I shall entrust myself to Him without fear; He may do with me what He likes.”  And he says: “Is he thus an atheist who denies the existence of God or a godless man who induces others to atheism?”  He quotes also this: “if the only ones who can save themselves are the Catholics. . . .” until the end of chapter XIV.  In order to stress the Christian faith of the author of the Noli he quotes what Ibarra says to the teacher on page 88: “I have meditated better and I think that in order to realize the ideas of my father, . . . .” until the end of the paragraph.  And he proceeds: “Here is the religion of Jesus Christ professed in spirit and in truth, not officially and interestedly, not with words belied by the works and abuses that dishonor it and that God abominate in his ministers.”  Another point discussed and refute with powerful arguments is that of Fr. Rodríguez which says: “The only thing that is evident in the author of the Noli is his hatred of religion and Spain”, quoting the dialogue of Ibarra and Elías in chapter 49.  And the said letter ends by saying that the intelligent public far from believing Fr. Rodríguez’ assertions attributes his declarations to another motive – incredulity based on the following reasons: “1. It is publicly known that the book was denounced to the Governor General and to highly influential persons keenly interested in your disappearance.  They have made strong representations to the highest civil and ecclesiastical authorities to prohibit its circulation.  It is known that it was subjected to censorship. And what was the result?  His pretension did not prosper; so far as we know the prohibition requested by the interested party has not been ordered.  This result was already expected as a consequence of the present policy dominant in Spain and given the prevailing atmosphere there, here, and everywhere.  I have seen the opinion of the curate censor that was certainly and of course very favorable to the pretension.  It seemed to me very weighty and its official approval would have been a matter of course had it been made twenty years ago, that is to say, in the day of gags when one could not speak against the abuses of a certain class of persons, because a quiet voice of terrible vengeance resounded everywhere whose echo was similar to Noli me tángere.  2. During the sojourn here of Rizal of more or less one year, they had already initiated a tolle-tolle (03) that gave so much importance to this book that six pesos were offered for a copy.  If it were true that it is full of heresies and blasphemies, our prudent and zealous prelate would have wrested from the hands of the faithful that book that is said to be poisonous to the soul, prohibiting it under canonical penalties.  3. On page 25 you say that the ecclesiastical authority is the only one that can judge the goodness or the wickedness of a book.  Well then, is the Fr. Prior of Guadalupe, (04) solely for being so, possibly the only competent ecclesiastical authority?  No?  Then de ore tuo te judico.  These three reasons are enough to convince anyone of the necessity that you give adequate explanations on the matter or the competent authority render its especially condemnatory verdict against the said book if you think it convenient..”  Such is the plan of the defense that the aforesaid illustrious countryman adopted to confront Fr. Rodríguez.  As we are thinking of publishing the little treatise, I have decided to acquaint you of it in case you have some objection.

La Oceanía of Manila of 3 August last alludes to you, your novel, Blumentritt, and Molo, the Maguinoo. 

Please give me Mr. Basa’s address in Hong Kong in order to send the books as you wish.  Today I send you the copy you ask together with two booklets of our “good friend” Fr. Rodríguez.

The Filipino colony of Barcelona, as well as some countrymen in Madrid, is actively working to revive the periodical España en Filipinas, not without counting on the valuable support of enthusiastic Manilans who offer to provide funds.  And, as we, as well as the friends in Manila, wish you to manage the periodical, I take the liberty to ask you if you are definitely staying abroad or going back to Spain, in which case, should you accept it, our most ardent desire shall be realized.

What work is that which you have finished?

Your sincere friend embraces you,

M. Ponce

P.S.

            Antono Luna is with us at present to see the Exposition; he is sending you many regards.  He asks me to advise you not to tell his brother Juan about his trip to this city.  We also have with us Paco Esquivel and Evaristo Aguirre, and the arrival shortly of Eduardo Lete is announced. 

______________

01 See footnote 2, letter No. 72.

02 Father Vicente Garcia, Filipino clergyman, An English version of his letter is found in Appendix II.

03 Shouting of the populace.

04 Name of the Augustinian convent outside of Manila.

=====

075. Rizal, London, 12 October 1888  || To Mariano Ponce

Father Vicente Garcia’s courage is inspiring – The Noli is being analyzed critically in the Philippines – Rizal: “My work has defects.” – Engaged to manage a periodical – Intensive research in the history of the Philippines in the British Museum to prepare himself for his tasks.

37 Chalcot Crescent, Primrose Hill, NW.

London, 12 October 1888

My very dear Friend,

            Appreciating the interest you have taken in sending me an extract of the reply as well as the copy of the Noli, I am writing you this because there are in your letter things that need a prompt reply and decision.

            There is nothing I object to in the letter of my countryman theologian. (01) I ought to appreciate his disinterested defense, for I do not know him and to rejoice that we have now fellow countrymen who even there dare to look face to face at our now powerful enemies and answer them.  This erases all my displeasures and gives me courage and confidence.  If you cannot tell me his name, at least express to him my sincere compliments, etc. etc.

            What does La Ocenía say of us and of Friend Blumentritt?

            Basa has no other address but his name in Hong Kong – José María Basa.