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Letters Exchanged Between José Rizal and Other Reformers - 1889 (June to December)
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Letters Exchanged Between José Rizal and Other Reformers - 1889 (June to December)
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138. Rizal, Paris, 3 June 1889 to Marcelo Ponce
Rizal sends Ponce a post card with instructions on the disposal of a certain sum of money – Dr. T. H. Pardo de Tavera subscribes to La Solidaridad – Juan Luna and Valentin Ventura are members of the La Solidaridad Association.
10 Rue de Louvois, Paris 3 June 1889
Mr. Mariano Ponce 2-3o Rambla Canaletas Barcelona, Spain
Dear Naning. Deduct from my money in your possession the following amount that I received here:
If any amount remains from the printing of Blumentritt’s and Teléfono, give it all to Plaridel on account of the copies of Soberanía monacal that he sent me which, in turn, I sent to Manila for distribution. Dr. T. Pardo de Tavera is a new subscriber to Solidaridad. Send him a copy of Soberanía monacal. Luna and Valentin Ventura are members of La Solidaridad.
Rizal
Did you receive my reply to Barrantes? I have sent the issues to Blumentritt.
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139. Pedro de Govantes, Madrid, 13 June 1889
Govantes, Spanish lawyer who was born in the Philippines, holds the title of Conde de Albay and is grateful to Rizal for his letter of sympathy on the death of his father, Felipe Govantes – Ideas are not an obstacle to the mutual admiration between political adversaries.
Madrid, 13 June 1889
Mr. José Rizal
My dear Friend and Countryman, I received your affectionate letter in which you expressed to me your sorrow for the loss of my dear father. I am very grateful to you for remembering me on such a sad occasion. What you say about the deceased is correct, for it is difficult for the very sons of that country to surpass him in his desire for the welfare and prosperity of that land. On the other hand, he was and is a vivid example that the political ideas he held could not be other than those belonging to his generation, for, as you well know, the ebb and rise of tides are also observed in the intellectual seas. These political ideas when they are professed in good faith and with so refined integrity, as my poor father did, I repeat, are not an obstacle to his political adversaries to render him a tribute of admiration. I reiterate to you the expression of my gratitude for the affectionate tenor of your letter, and believe me
Ever your affectionate compatriot, P. Govantes
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140. Rizal, Paris, 18 June 1889 to Marcelo H. del Pilar
Rizal sends a corrected article by Blumentritt – He regrets typographical errors in La Solidaridad – Send a copy of Soberanía to T. H. Pardo de Tavera – Circulo Hispano-Filipino – It is a good idea to live together as a republic without any other law except that of strict equality and justice. – He wants hasten the printing of Blumentritt’s defense of the Noli.
Paris, 18 June 1889
[Mr. Marcelo H. del Pilar]
Dear Plaridel, Enclosed I send you the manuscript of our friend Blumentritt. I have corrected it, but if you find that it still needs correction, correct it. I wish it to be published in the issue for the 30th of this month. I have been very busy; Llorente has been here and I have been accompanying him everywhere. Thus I have had no time to write you. I have received La Solidaridad; I like it every time more and more and I congratulate its managers. It is a pity that big typographical error slips, like Orillas del Pás for Orillas del Pásig, and others. I have had my picture taken and within one week you will have a deluge of my photographs. P. Roxas will not pass through here, but is going directly to Spain. Through Torres I am going to send you a little money, the product of subscriptions and sale of your books. Send me or send P. de Tavera a copy of your Soberanía monacal. Copies of La Solidaridad No. 8 are lacking. Among the four you sent me one was badly printed. I distributed them. How is my Blumentritt publication? By the next mail, when I send you my photographs I shall write you a longer letter. Paterno is opening the Círculo Hispano-Filipino de Madrid. Llorente has plans. It seems to me a good idea to live as a republic as you do. We did the same thing. We had no other law but strict equality and justice. Pardo promises scientific articles, but is still busy with the installation of the Exposition. Tell Naning to hasten the publication of Defensa del Noli.
Yours, Rizal
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141. Rizal, Paris, 22 June 1889 || to Marcelo H. del Pilar
P. Roxas and the patriotic movement – In the crusade we are engaged in I should not like comedians and merchants to take a part – Do not ask for heroism from the purse – Drop the pseudonyms; whoever wishes to take part in the crusade should have renounced beforehand one’s life and fortune – The persecution of Rizal and Plaridel is due to the fact that they are isolated – The day when they shall abound, they can love peacefully – God did not support those who fought for their own interests – Force will bed the last resort.
10 Rue de Louvois, Paris 22 June 1889
[Mr. Marcelo H. del Pilar]
My dear Plaridel, Above all I request you not to forget to call attention in the number 10 issue of La Solidaridad to two errors which slipped in my article which are difficult for the reader to correct – one is typographical and the other is due to my pen. They are: Orillas del Páis for Orillas del Pásig; Expedición de Villalobos for Expedición de Loaysa. My photographs will probably accompany this letter. I have already written you that, according to my information, P. Roxas will go directly to Spain passing through Barcelona and soon afterward from there will come here to stay for some ten years. If he comes here, you can be sure that I shall do everything possible to come to an understanding with him. [01] If he is a man who truly loves his country and wants to do something for her, rest assured that I shall get much. Well now, if in reality he does not want to do anything but only wishes to pretend, as soon as I find it out, I shall not take the slightest step, because in the work we are undertaking I should not like comedians and merchants to take any part, but only men of spirit and valor. But it seems that fortunately this gentleman is not so, but is one of the most worthy of the rich Filipinos, for I know that he has defrayed the cost of the education of several persons, etc. In my opinion we ought not to bind him to any commitment or demand heroism from him. One must not ask from the purse the qualities of the steel blade or even of the leather or wooden scabbard. Let each one contribute according to his ability and inclination. Is the Solidaridad received in Manila? Luna is going to begin a series of articles signed with his name. Leave out the pseudonyms. From now on it is necessary that we start another policy: the policy of courage and genuine solidarity. The periodical is becoming important. Imagine if there should appear in it such signatures as Blumentritt, M. del Pilar, Jaena, Luna, etc. Our compatriots, seeing our courage, not the courage of one alone but of many, seeing that Rizal is no exception but the general rule, will also become courageous and lose their fear. There is nothing like example. Our enemies will be terrified upon encountering a youth that fears nothing when it comes to serving his country, a youth that is not deterred by the vengeance currently practiced. What I said will be fulfilled; the more vexations are committed the more Filipino liberals will emerge. Besides, whoever wants to take part in this crusade ought to have renounced beforehand life and fortune. Henceforth then, let them see that the more compromising an article is the greater courage of is author. An indifferent or literary article, whether signed or not with a pseudonym, may pass; but a serious political article should bear the name of its author so that they may see that our generation is different, that it is not the generation of the author of Diputado por Filipinas. [02] At any rate they will take revenge on us, but at least let our death or our misfortune be a brilliant example to the rest. Be convinced, moreover, that if life in the Philippines is dangerous for the author of the Noli or for that of La soberanía monacal, it is because they are isolated cases; but the day when the Rizals and the Plaridels abound, the day when Ponce, Panganiban, Graciano, Apacible, Icasiano, Llorente, and others publish other works and return home, we shall live there as peacefully as here. When only one single column supports a weight, it can break; but if there are many columns, the danger is not so great. Be convinced that for every good example a Filipino gives, thousands and thousands in geometrical progression are won, for God or Destiny is on our side, because justice and reason are on our side, and because we are fighting not for selfish reasons but for the sacred love of our country and our compatriots. Those who preceded us fought for their own interests and so God did not support them. [03] Novales for the question of his promotion, Cuesta for revenge, Burgos for the curacies. We, on the other hand, fight so that there may be more justice and more liberty and for humanity’s sacred rights. We ask nothing for ourselves, we sacrifice everything for the common good, what have we to fear? We are not revolutionaries, neither do we want blood nor do we hate anyone, and we shall resort to force only when we have exhausted every other means, when they drive us to the wall to fight or to die, when then God gives man the right to defend himself as best he can. Then we shall be within our rights and like the North Americans, we shall fight for our just cause and we shall triumph. What have we to fear? You see that foreigners applaud us and already esteem us. Our cause finds defenders. The Filipino youth should wake up and show the foreigner that we are better than they have depicted us, that we have conviction and courage. Besides, as they are beginning to attack us, it is necessary not only not to be frightened but also to double our courage and fortitude, and every time they attach us the rest may see that our number increases, new authentic names appear, more champions, more fighters. The example will spread and our enemies will be afraid, and as we shall be united by a common cause, we shall help each other. The two articles of La Nación [04] are so silly and so . . . that I loathe to answer them. Besides, in the book that I am going to publish – when I receive the funds – the matter is treated adequately. Write me, however, if you want me to answer it. When you go to Madrid, what will be done with the periodical? Regards to all.
Yours, Rizal _____________ [01] Rizal and his fellow reformists had enough practical sense to realize that their patriotic efforts needed financial backing; hence their eagerness to enlist the support of the wealthy Mr. Pedro Roxas. [02] By Antonio Ma. Regidor. [03] Rizal alludes to the numberless uprisings that occurred during the Spanish regime. [04] The author of the articles was a woman, Antonia Rodríguez de Ureta. Blumentritt answered one of the articles, Una observación (An Observation), with an article Una overtencia (A Warning) in La Solidaridad, 31 May 1889. About this authoress see Rizal’s letter to Blumentritt, 23 June 1889.
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142. Mariano Ponce, Barcelona, 23 June 1889
Ponce sends a postcard to Rizal asking for his permission to issue a reply to Barrantes in pamphlet form – Printing of Blumentritt’s defense of Noli me tángere almost finished.
POST CARD
Barcelona, 23 June 1889
Mr. José Riz 10 Rue de Louvois Paris
My Friend, I received your letter with Blumentritt’s article enclosed. It shall appear in La Solidaridad of the 30th. We wish to issue 500 reprints in pamphlet form of your reply to Barrantes. We ask your permission to do so. I received your last postal card; I shall answer you later. You will receive some copies of No. 8. Panganiban is sick. He has already finished what he was translating into Spanish. He was just going to put it in idiomatic Spanish but he had to stop due to his illness. However, he is now well. Next week you will receive Blumentritt’s Noli [that is Blumentritt’s defense of the Noli me tángere. They are finishing it now.
Yours, Naning
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143. Rizal, Paris, 1 July 1889 || to Mariano Ponce
Rizal regrets Panganiban’s illness – He is a very useful man – Filipinos in Paris impatiently await La Solidaridad – Rizal cannot find his articles “El Filibusterismo” and “La opinion en Filipinas”
111 Rue de St. Lazare, Paris 1 July 1889
[Mr. Mariano Ponce]
My dear Naning, I am very sorry to know that our friend Panganiban is sick, and according to Blumentritt, with hemoptysis. [01] It is necessary that he take very good care of himself, for, aside from humanitarian considerations and looking at the selfish side, he is a very useful man and very necessary to our cause, for it is obvious that he is exceedingly industrious. Therefore, I would tell him to lay aside all his work for now, take arsenic in very small doses, as I did in Berlin, take baths in the sea, etc. He is a man of very good inclinations and we would lose much if he becomes seriously ill. As I shall be wandering for a few days, for the present address your correspondence to 45 Rue de Maubeuge were Ventura lives. Please tell this to our friends. Here they are impatiently awaiting La Solidaridad for 30 June. Blumentritt is awaiting his defense of the Noli. He wishes that you mail 25 copies to him. I will repay the postage, as you know. Tell me how the periodical La Solidaridad is getting along, for we earnestly desire its progress here. It seems that Roxas is coming to Paris. I shall try to interview him. Tell Plaridel that I cannot find my articles, El Filibusterismo and La opinion en Filipinas regardless of a diligent search. Llorente surely has the first and somebody in Barcelona has the second. How are things there? Regards to all.
Yours, Rizal _______________ [01] The spitting or coughing up of blood: usually caused by bleeding of the lungs or bronchi.
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144. O. R. Serna (Pedro Serrano Laktaw), Manila, 1 July 1889
O. R. Serna, anagram of Serrano, Tagalog Lexicographer, assumes a role to mislead the friars and Jesuits.
Manila, 1 July 1889
To Máma, [01] [José Rizal ?]
Dear Friend, I received your pleasing letter of 6 April together with Mr. Rizal’s letter to Trinidad and his original letter to Plaridel dated 15 May last. Informed of their contents, I send you my sincere compliments and great amount of enthusiasm, expressing my complete agreement in what you tell me. I admire you from here and I applaud your worthy attitude. No so Serrano. With his former glacial indifference, comparable only to the cold disappointment of an unfortunate man or the behavior of a bronze, he took the letters that I handed to him, read them swinging on his two feet, and afterwards returned them to me smiling, and the more I showed eagerness to know his opinion, the more he shut himself up in his shell. . . . . . . . . shield that the “friar is the salvation of the country”. What a base fellow he is! Let us see if his Jesuit friends do not soon disappoint him. They are also fed up with him but they know how to dissimulate, showing him their smile that they inherited from their father St. Ignatius. The other friars are availing themselves of the Jesuits to pump out secrets from him. For the present, the other friars are already intrigues against Serrano, and as he is dependent on the Dominicans, I believe that with this. . . . . . . . . I have already said everything. Angered at him, I told him all this so that he will not merely smile at everything we tell him that he should keep away from the Jesuits, which is already being criticized by many. But what makes my blood boil is that his usual answer is a smile and a sense of unconcern. It seems as if he has something that emboldens him, whereas he can only be sure of the help of his own comrades. Now he keeps repeating your saying that “the coconut that is tapped yields tuba which invigorates the blood.” And then he adds “for a weak body, only broth is suitable . . . . . . . . . and if his strength improves, then it will be time for him to eat roast pig.” He is a madman sometimes. . . . . . . . I do not know if he has lost his mind . . . . . . . . . Judge for yourself if this man should be taken seriously. But this comedy of his may bring good results, so that he has many friends who are increasing everyday. Only the Jesuits no longer believe him. In the next mail I shall write you what the Jesuits did to him once and if you do not get angry it is because you do not know how to rejoice. This is all and receive the embrace of
O. R. Serna
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145. Rizal, London [July, 1889 ?] || to Marcelo H. del Pilar
Power of attorney in favor of Pedro de Govantes, a practicing Spanish lawyer at Madrid with reference to the case of his brother-in-law Manuel Hidalgo, deported without trial.
37 Chalcot Crescent, Primrose Hill, N.W. [Between 1 and 12 July 1889]
[Mr. Marcelo H. del Pilar]
My dear Selo, [01] Enclosed I send you a power of attorney and a letter to be delivered to Govantes. Read the power of attorney and tell him your opinion. I have given you the power of attorney and a letter to be delivered to Govantes because he is a registered lawyer there. You have enough to do with La Solidaridad and your examinations, and moreover you are not registered there in the Supreme Court. In short, I leave the business to your clear judgment; I am a layman. I send my regards to all our friends. I am very busy doing some work at the library.
Yours, Rizal _______________ [01] A pet name of Marcelo H. del Pilar.
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146. Mariano Ponce, Barcelona, 9 July 1889
Panganiban improves – López Jaena disheartened – Del Pilar bears all the work of the periodical – Panganiban’s study of the University of Manila [i.e. University of Santo Tomas] – Arrival of Sandico – Printing of Blumentritt’s defense of the Noli me tángere – The La Solidaridad association has lost membership.
2-3o Rambla Canaletas, Barcelona 9 July 1889
[Mr. José Rizal]
My dear Friend, Panganiban has improved and is inclined to work occasionally. We always advise him of the desirability of resting while he is recovering. For the present time, the periodical is getting along well; we make every sacrifice for it. Graciano is becoming disheartened; it costs us much effort to get an article from him, and Pilar bears the whole weight of the editorial staff. Fortunately we can count on you and Blumentritt’s collaboration. For number 15 we have a contribution of this good friend. I do not know if Panganiban will continue his article on the University of Manila. He seems to be resentful that the Solidaridad did not mention his illness. We shall try to satisfy him, for we attribute his temper to his illness. We do not permit you to pay for the copies of La Soberanía monacal that you sent to Manila. The La Solidaridad association advances slowly . . . although we have lost some members. We received the copies of the defense of Blumentritt [that is Blumentritt’s defense of Rizal’s novel, El Filibusterismo]. Tell me if I should send you all the copies. I do not know if, being printed in Spain, you can ask for the copyright abroad. In any case, suggest to us what should be done about this matter. Teodoro Sandico [01] has arrived here. I believe that the printing of Blumentritt’s Defense will cost less than 30 duros for 2,000 copies. Tell me the price that you wish a single copy to be sold. I cannot exactly tell the total cost of the binding, but, all in all, it will not be more than the amount indicated. Enclosed is a clipping of La Patria. Answer it if you think it proper. If it is not too burdensome, we ask that you send us n article for every issue [of La Solidaridad].
Yours, Naning
P.S. Today I sent Blumentritt a clipping of the Dario de Manila in which Quioquiap [02] answers . . . . I enclose another clipping answering the same article. _______________ [01] A teacher, a General in the Philippine Revolution, a Governor of Bulacan and Senator of the Philippines under the American regime, and a labor leader. [02] Quioquiap was the pen name for Pablo Feced y Temprano. He was a Spaniard who resided in the Bikol region who was noted for his anti-Filipino writings.
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147. Rizal, Paris, 12 July 1889 || to Marcelo H. del Pilar
Rizal writes del Pilar in Tagalog and sends him the Contribution of 200 pesetas of the Calambeños to La Solidaridad – Issues of the periodical for the Philippines – Regards to Sandico – Regidor’s article Diputado por Filipinas – For being Rizal’s brother-in-law, Mariano Herbosa was not allowed to be buried in Holy ground.
45 Rue de Maubeuge, Paris 12 July 1889
Mr. M. H. del Pilar
My dear Friend, I received your letter together with the translation, Defensa de Blumentritt. The printing is good and neat so that I thank all of you there very much. I came from London so I did not receive your letter on time. Enclosed are two hundred pesetas that my fellow townsmen of Calamba are presenting to La Solidaridad. They sent more than this amount for me “to use at my discretion.” I am keeping the rest for a certain purpose. Keep these two hundred pesetas for the periodical La Solidaridad. Do not forget to send copies to Calamba, to Mr. Mateo Elejorde, a druggist in the town. They have a great affection for our courageous Solidaridad. Likewise, always send copies to Pedro Ramos at London, 21 Billiter Street, together with the copy for Regidor, because Ramos has paid me today 1.25 for his quarter. He says he lacks number 8. Abarca lacks numbers 1 and 8, and I lack number 10 or the conclusion to my letter to Desbarrantes, [01] as you say. I would be pleased if you would always send me many copies because I am sending all of these to the Philippines. It is there that it ought to be read. Be careful with your remittance to Manila, because I am informed that the governor general burns all the copies that are received there. Wrap them well and hide them. Likewise, they are very much pleased there with the booklets and other articles. I shall begin sending an article for each issue of the periodical beginning with the next issue. In order that it may not cost you too much sending copies to Paris this is what can be done. Send two bundles, one to Luna and the Pardos, and one to me, Ventura, Abarca, Trinidad, etc., etc. Tell me if La Solidaridad becomes short of funds. I am going to send together Blumentritt’s Memoria [02] that I shall print at my expense. I am going to correct the proofs. Tell me how much one thousand copies will cost. Greet Mr. Teodoro Sandico for me. I believe that he is an old acquaintance of mine there in Pandacan or at the Ateneo Municipal. He is a tall man with an oval face and nimble in his movements. In case he is not that one, nevertheless, tell him to look upon me as a compatriot and friend and an admirer of all that he had done in Malolos. To study philosophy and letters is a very good plan and young men like him can go to Madrid and can be depended upon on to be spoiled by the ill wind that blows there. Only he ought to return to the Philippines. I have not yet spoken with Roxas, because I have just arrived from London, and I am tired and slightly indisposed. Have the Desbarrentes [see footnote 01] printed quickly so that the booklets can be sent to Manila. I shall share the expense. I will do the same for Por Teléfono. What is Graciano doing that prevents his help? The article Diputado por Filipinas written by Regidor is good, but I told him that he should not stir up regionalism or provincialism. If we have some good custom or virtue, it ought to be attributed to all provinces, to all the sons of the Philippines. With this letter I am enclosing the letter of Blumentritt. Send him the reply as well as a reply to myself. I hope that you sent Blumentritt many copies of the translation of his Defensa. Send multiple copies to Manila through sailors who go there, through the mail, and other means. Let us not forget that it is there where we ought to sow if we wish to harvest. I revealed to the people of my province your true name and purposes. I hope that your example and your writings will awaken many people. Now you cannot back out any more. A brother-in-law of mine [03] died of cholera and, because of his relationship to me, they did not allow him to be buried in the [consecrated ground of the] cemetery. I do not resent this; you know my attitude toward this matter and so do my family. But it is the bad intention that I ought to investigate. That is all for the present and greet all our friends and compatriots for me. How is Panganiban?
Your Friend, Rizal
I am pleased with your news that Rogers is going to cooperate. I guess that it is your example that attracted him. There is nothing like a good example. Canon should also cooperate. Let me know if you have received the money. The Same
_______________ [01] A play on words “Barrantes”; desbarrar means to throw an iron bar without taking aim. [02] Rizal translated it into Spanish. [03] Mariano Herbosa. Rizal’s article, Una profanación (A Desecration) that was published in La Solidaridad, 31 July 1889, deals with his burial.
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148. Rizal, Paris, 19 July 1889 || to Mariano Ponce
Rizal writes Ponce in Tagalog ordering more copies of Soberanía and Defensa –He asks Ponce to send copies to Manila, Fr. Font, and Fr. Rodríguez.
Paris, 19 July 1889
[Mr. Mariano Ponce]
Comrade, I received the Solidaridad; thank you. There is a family of compatriots here who want to subscribe to the Solidaridad beginning with number one. The name is Mme. Boustead, 3 Rue de Bassins, Paris. Therefore, send them all the issues together with the receipt. Blumentritt is asking for more copies of Defensa del Noli. Send me as many copies of Defensa and a few Soberanía monacal. Send to Manila. You may take charge of the sale of Defensa at a price you decide. Divide the proceeds into three parts: One part for the Solidaridad Association, one for the Solidaridad periodical, and one for me. Send a copy each of Defensa to Font and Fr. Rodríguez. If you do not do so, I shall do it.
This is all. Laong Laan
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149. Rizal, [Paris, 22 July 1889 ?] || To Mariano Ponce
A post card from Rizal giving instructions to Ponce about the publication of his two articles in La Solidaridad.
[Postal stamp, Paris, 22 July 1889]
Monday
My Friend, With this are two articles [01] that I am sending you. Please publish them in the issue of La Solidaridad for the 30th instant. If they cannot be published at the same time, publish first that one about my brother-in-law. Please have the Memoria [02] printed. Put my name or not on the articles as you please. Strike out what you wish or add what may be lacking. Send many copies of Defensa to Madrid. You may fix the price; we will divide the proceeds into three parts. [03] I entrust you the article on my brother-in-law’s burial. This is all. Rizal The money I sent you came from his relatives. _______________ [01] Verdades nuevas (New Truths) and Una profanación (A Desecration). [02] An article by Blumentritt. [03] See letter 148.
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150. Rizal, Paris, 13 August 1889 || to Mariano Ponce
Rizal is very busy with many writings at the same time – He would like to correct the proofs of “Por teléfono.”
NOTE: To Read Rizal's work, "By Telephone" click here
Paris, 13 August 1889
[Mr. Mariano Ponce]
Dear Naning, I have received the booklet, Por teléfono and other things, and as the proofs were used as wrappers, I did not see them until this morning when it occurred to me to see what was in them. There is much to correct, but I cannot do it unless you send me the manuscript. I received 9 reales from Puatú and 4 pesetas and 75 cents from Mme. Boustead for three quarters subscription and one Soberanía monacal. All amount to 7 pesetas. Please send me the manuscript with the proofs. Excuse me for not writing you longer, for I am very busy with many writings all at the same time. My head is like a hollow ball. Gratefully, Rizal I am writing for Plaridel. I would like to correct even the second proofs.
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151. Pedro Serrano Laktaw, Manila, 17 August 1889
Serrano writes in Tagalog in the third person – He sends Rizal 240 pesos for El Filibusterismo.
Manila, 17 August 1889
[Mr. José Rizal]
Dear Mama, [01] Serrano now no longer cares. He does not write you because he does not want to hear that you are angry. He says that you should not trust anyone except those of whom you can be sure. Enclosed is a draft for two hundred and forty pesos that is sent to you by Mr. M. Alejandrino in payment for the second part, [02] but you are at liberty to use it for your personal needs should you find it necessary. I would sincerely appreciate it if you would inform him of the receipt of this, as well as of the 18 pounds sterling. You left the poor man in the cold by your letter from Paris that he could not understand at all. A thousand thanks for your condescension in calling me friend Serrano.
An embrace from yours affectionately. S. L’Aktaw _______________ [01] Tagalog for Mr. [02] An admirer of Rizal sends him advance payment for the second part of the Noli me tángere = the El Filibusterismo.
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152. Rizal, Paris, 8 September 1889 || to Mr. Mariano Ponce
Rizal sends his reply to an article against him published in La Patria.
45 Rue de Maubeuge, Paris 8 September 1889
Dear Friend Ponce, Excuse me for not having written you for a long time, but I have been so busy and I have so much work that I was hoping to see our Plaridel in order to confer with him and get rid of many burdens. As I opened a roll of paper that you sent me this morning, I noticed that it contained an article against me. I answer it immediately and there it goes. [01] Tell Plaridel to come here before Thursday, to be here on Wednesday. When you send me a magazine with something important inside, write at the top: Important. I am in a great hurry. Yours, Rizal _______________ [01] Rizal answered articles quickly. In the issue of La Solidaridad for 15 September 1889 there appeared an article of Rizal entitled Diferencias that was a humorous reply to the anti-Filipino periodical, La Patria.
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153. Rizal, Paris, 9 September 1889 || To Mariano Ponce
Rizal announces to Ponce in a post card of Pedro Roxas’ trip to Madrid -- Call on him secretly – Angel Marcaida, a Filipino, would like to read Rizal’s reply to Barrantes – Rizal is about to finish his annotations to Morga.
45 Rue de Maubeuge, Paris Saturday, 9 September 1889
[Mr. Mariano Ponce]
My Friend, P. Roxas went there this morning. You take charge of receiving him and calling on him. He said that you should not entertain him and also do not mention his name in La Solidaridad so that he would not be suspected by the tonsured men. [01] Call on him secretly and one on one. We have a fellow-countryman by the name of Angel Marcaida, [02] who would like to read my letter against Barrantes. He is arriving here at Barcelona and will stay at the Hotel del Oriente. Send him a copy and meet him. He has a single daughter. I leave the matter in your hands. I am finishing [my annotations to] Morga [i.e. Sucesos de las isles Filipinas, by Antonio de Morga]; that is why I’m very busy.
Your friend, Rizal _______________ [01] This is a reference to the friars, who shaved off a part of their hair as a symbol of their entrance into the monastic state. [02] Angel Marcaida was a Filipino (a Spanish mestizo) belonging to a rich Manila family.
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154. Rizal, Paris, 21 September 1889 || to José Ma. Basa
Inconvenience of printing the signature of Isaac Fernando de los Rios on articles written by Filipinos – A society for the propagation of useful information – Watchwords – Plaridel in Paris – Transfer of La Solidaridad to Madrid and its conversion into a weekly.
45 Rue de Maubeuge, Paris 21 September 1889
[Mr. José Ma. Basa] Hong Kong
My distinguished Friend and Compatriot, We have received your letter and the papers May God Punish the Wicked and Here there are no Filibusteros and we have read them with a pleasant surprise. They are well written and we agree with the ideas expressed in them. They are the best that have been published there. [01] The only thing that displeased us, especially Plaridel and me, is that they are signed by Isaac Fernando de los Ríos [02] and here are the inconveniences of following that policy: 1. It is not right for us to use false names, for it is desirable that what we say and write be |
