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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 serious and defensible. 2. If we use these wiles, our enemies can do the same to us and publish articles purporting to be signed by me or by Plaridel and then we shall have no right to complain and protest. 3. That the name of Isaac Fernando is much discredited and our ideas lose their force when they appear under his name. 4. That we do not need either his authority or his name to give luster to what we uphold, nor do we need to make him quarrel with the friars, for we do not want him in our party. We would consider ourselves dishonored by entertaining the same ideas as he does. 5. That our ideas dignify him in the eyes of our countrymen and he can thereby acquire prestige and thus we are ruined. Those who do not know him will take him for a great patriot and later he will utilize this reputation to hurt us, and those who know him will regard us as low and knavish as he is, which is nothing pleasant. 6. And lastly, that I am always in favor of a noble and open policy, for our cause is so and does not need to employ such methods to triumph. With a noble and courageous policy, each article coming out signed by the true name of its author, we shall raise the spirit of our timid countrymen who will see that we are not afraid but that we have confidence in our success. Thus our enemies will become afraid upon encountering resolute and devoted men. This is with reference to those publications. Well now inspired by your zeal and activity, we have decided to establish a society whose only purpose is the diffusion in the Philippines of all useful knowledge, be it scientific, artistic, literary, etc. It imposes no other obligation on the members except to favor one another when it concerns the propagation of a useful knowledge. For example: If you receive a package, a book or a letter, on which you read the initials Rd. L. M., this is enough for you to take special care that it reaches its destination, because it is highly important. A box, for example, on which you read these characters, ought to reach its destination through the safest and quickest way possible. When these initials are thus Rd. L. M., then it means to say that it needs more care because it is of the greatest importance. We make you our correspondent and you will continue acting as you have done until now, endeavoring to have at your command Chinese, sailors, servants, etc. to further the purposes of our society which are the diffusion of education in our country. Neither religion nor politics has anything to do with it. You will be the Hong Kong correspondent just as we are yours. When you write something to Barcelona or to Madrid draw a ball with a B in the middle, as sketched above. This is enough for your letter to receive special attention or your order to be carried out. You can write thus to Llorente in Madrid, Aguilera, Roxas, Del Pilar, Ponce, etc. Henceforth, any letter or writing from Hong Kong without the initials Rd. L. M. will be considered invalid. Neither a quota nor a contribution is required. Once you have read this letter, burn it [03] and do not communicate its contents even to your subordinates, for only the principals in each department and persons who can be trusted ought to know this countersign. With regard to schools I tell you that in England and France, one can stay in them for sixty pesos a month; in Germany, Switzerland, and Belgium, 35 or 40 duros. For a business course no other country is better than England; for science, Germany and France. Do not send anyone to Spain. Plaridel is here now. La Solidaridad will transfer to Madrid and next year it will be published as a weekly periodical. Henceforth it will carry the initials. You may depend on the members of Sociedad R. D. L. M.
José Rizal
_____________ [01] Hong Kong. [02] This is a pseudonym of José Ma. Basa, who was a Filipino exile residing in Hong Kong. It was the name of a discredited Spanish writer. [03] Obviously, because the letter is still extant, it was not burned.
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155. Indios Bravos, Madrid, 22 September 1889
Indios Bravos informs Rizal of their return to Madrid.
Madrid, 22 September 1889
Mr. José Rizal Paris
My distinguished Friend, We arrived at Madrid on the 25th instant after a fairly happy trip. For the present we send you enclosed a draft for 40 francs with a million thanks, requesting you to excuse the delay of our remittance, for accidentally we left our traveling suitcases at Irun that contained precisely our money and we were not able to get them until four days later. We are very grateful to all the Filipinos and to you especially for everything and for many favors and we hope for an opportunity to prove to you our gratitude in deeds rather than in words. For lack of time we cannot write you a long letter, but on another occasion we shall be able to do so. On behalf of the Indios Bravos [01] please greet Mr. Ventura, Mr. and Mrs. Luna, Mrs. Tula and her daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Pardo and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Boustead, and Mr. Rocha and all our countrymen in general and you know you may command your friends and compatriots.
Los Indios Bravos _______________ [01] The name adopted by a group of Filipinos. “Indio” was the name the Spaniards applied to the natives of the Philippines; “bravo” means “brave.”
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156. Mariano Ponce, Barcelona, 23 September 1889
Ponce inquires about the proofs of Memoria of Blumentritt – He asks Rizal for an article for La Solidaridad – Where can he obtain a copy of Pardo de Tavera’s El sáncristo en la lengua Tagalog?
Barcelona, 23 September 1889
Dear Rizal, Upon my arrival last night from an excursion to the mountains of Montserrat, Manresa, and Cardona, I found this letter of L’Aktaw and the enclosed draft (972 francs) which I’m sending you together with the letter addressed to Mr. Pardo de Tavera and in a separate package the clippings and the issues of Revista Católica and España Oriental for this gentleman. I have received Plaridel’s post card but I have not answered it yet, having received it only last night. He has registered letters at the post office that I have not asked to be forwarded there, for I am expecting his return at any moment. However, I hope that he tell me what to do. I have his other letters. And the proofs of Blumentritt’s Memoria? I am awaiting some article of yours for the next issue and tell Plaridel that if he has no intention of coming back soon to write me so that I can send him his letters and to send me articles. But it will be better if he hastens his return to settle things here. So you know where I can order a copy of Pardo de Tavera’s El sánscrito en el Tagalog? . . . I’m going to look for the collection that Aristón is asking and will include it in the package of printed matter. Embraces for all.
Yours, Naning
P.S. The lottery collection is for Aristón Bautista. Tell Plaridel that the missing packages of Nos. 4 and 5 of La Solidaridad have arrived at last with the No. 10; this is what they tell us from Manila. The official letter of the post office here has had an effect on the post office there.
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157. Mariano Ponce, [Barcelona] 24 September 1889
Ponce informs Rizal of the receipt of a telegram about a simulated revolution in order to have a pretext to shoot Filipinos – At his country house in Malinta Governor Weyler is in frequent consultation with the friars.
[Barcelona,] 24 September 1889
Dear Rizal, Today I have just received a telegram from Hong Kong dated yesterday which I transcribe literally: At Hacienda Malinta Weyler presides over meetings of friars who are planning a simulated revolution to have a pretext to shoot educated Filipinos. Hired criminals are set free to carry it out. Eugenio Sales, a Peninsular Spaniard and other rowdies hired by the friars. Request that the Minister for the suspension of execution demand motives. Tell us what should be done. I shall call a meeting of our countrymen to deliberate the question. Yesterday I sent you letters from Manila and a draft for the amount of 972 francs.
Yours, M. Ponce
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158. Rizal, 26 September 1889 || to Mariano Ponce
Rizal advises Ponce with regard to the telegram about the simulated revolution.
26 September 1889
Dear Ponce, I received your letter with what you sent me, letters, magazines, etc., etc. I give you many thanks; I will write you in time. With regard to the telegram, I believe what can be done is to publish it merely as serious news, but without believing in it for various political reasons, etc., etc. Nothing official can be done for lack of any sufficient evidence. They may laugh at us and demand proofs. They can say that we have no judgment of our own and we believe mere hearsay. Weyler may even sue for damages for slander. Tell Canon to telegraph me upon arriving in France, giving the name of the station and the hour of arrival, for there are two stations and different hours of arrival. There are the Lyon Station and the Orleans Station. I leave it to your discretion.
Laong Laan
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159. Rizal || To the Indios Bravos, Paris, 5 October 1889
Rizal and other Filipino reformists in Spain adopt the name Indios Bravos (literally, Brave Indians) – Rizal shows concern about unfavorable reports on an Indio Bravo – He is desirous of maintaining their unsullied reputation.
45 Rue de Maubeuge, Paris 5 October 1889
TO THE INDIOS BRAVOS
Dear Friends, Sometime ago I received your letter together with the draft for the Credit Lyonnais. There was no hurry about it and the only thing that made me wait for your letters was my desire to know how you arrived there and what an impression you had. Our friends are getting along well and they send you a thousand regards. As I have not paid a call until now on my of the Filipino families that used to visit, I have not been able to give them your regards; but as soon as I see them, I will comply with your request. More than a week ago I delivered the little package for Levi. Today goes the package for Mr. Simeon Luz. Albert arrived here from Madrid and through him I learned that many of those there are already infected with the virus of insolence. May God grant that we may not all be contaminated. It is very possible that one of these days I may call on the Luna family. I am very busy with the task of which you already know. I hope that you will not forget the good purposes you have adopted. I should like to inform Lauro that there are very many bad news reports about him that those in Madrid are spreading or have already spread. It is very necessary that he change his behavior and defend his honor in order that the name Indio Bravo may not be tarnished and also that the feelings of . . . may not be hurt in case the bad news reach her ears. M. H. del Pilar is going there within a few days. Ventura and Bautista send you their regards. Come soon.
Your friend El I. B. (The Indio Bravo)
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160. Antonio Luna, Madrid, 9 October 1889
Luna writes Rizal that there was no reason for coldness between them – Encourage the Indios Bravos to take up target practice.
6 Clavel, Madrid 9 October 1889
Mr. José Rizal Your letter did not surprise me, dear Rizal, for it was precisely what I wanted and was looking for. I confess that I wrote you so that you would not say I have a grudge. I cannot have any, nor do I think there should be any between us, especially when there is no reason for it. You thought I was cold towards you and I thought you were toward me. It is the result of a lack of understanding and of not speaking clearly. I said so to my companions upon our return to Madrid. We were both mistaken. We have no reason to be somewhat cold to each other for many times I asked you if you were making love to Nelly [01] and you told me no, and you even encouraged me to court her, saying that you had commitments to fulfill, etc., etc. Consequently I was already sure of you, that you were my friend, the rest did not matter to me. This is all therefore, land, we ought to continue as friends as I thought we never ceased to be. How is your work? Llorente has begun shooting at the house of the Zouave; I, at the house of Carbonel. We should like to shoot together at the same hall but we cannot do it this month. Encourage the Indios Bravos to do likewise. Aguilera, who enrolled with me, has not gone there even once and neither have the others. Llorente is very enthusiastic. An embrace from your friend.
Antonio
Regards to Ventura and to the whole colony. I have learned that you have been in London and you have returned to Paris.
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161. Julio Llorente, Madrid, 10 October 1889
Llorentes requests Rizal to speak to Juan Luna about Estenan Figueroa who received an offer to work at the Imprenta Ramirez in Manila.
3 Plaza S. Marcial, Madrid 10 October 1889
Dear Rizal, I received your letter of October and being informed of its contents, I wish that the society you have founded prosper and count me at once as one of its members. Lad, I will do everything I can in favor of education, the foremost aim of the said association. [01] I go everyday to the Hall of Arms of the Zouave (Mr. Nicolas). In the course of the year or a year and months, I intend to return to our country and then, as I am planning to embark at Marseille, I shall pass through Paris. . . . . Give my regards to Mr. Hyacinthus. . . . The Marquis de Heredia comes everyday to the Hall of Arms where I go. Now another thing. Our compatriot Figueroa [02] has received a letter from Juan Luna offering him a position with a salary of one thousand, one hundred pesos in the printing establishment of his brother-in-law Ramirez of Manila. Figueroa likes to gladly accept the offer but he asks you to please tell Luna that he has no funds for a trip to Paris as Luna requires him to undertake to learn there the new methods of engraving, etc., and, moreover, as he is receiving a government pension, upon accepting the position offered by Ramirez, he has to renounce that pension. In view of this Figueroa requests you to persuade Luna to begin his salary on the day he gives up his pension, which, between us, seems to me very fair. More clearly still: Figueroa’s salary should begin the moment he takes the train for Paris. In short, lad, put yourself in our compatriot’s place and do what you think is most proper, bearing in mind only that he has no other means of livelihood except the monthly pension of thirty pesos. It is forty pesos but it is reduced to thirty pesos because of the money order and the agent’s commission. When your work is published, send me a copy. Regards from Jesusa and kisses from the girls. Regards also from Teodora and my mother-in-law.
Your sincere friend and compatriot, Julio
P.S. Regards to Ventura and the other friends. _______________ [01] See letter 154 of José Rizal to José Ma. Basa, wherein he explains the purpose of the association: “Well now inspired by your zeal and activity, we have decided to establish a society whose only purpose is the diffusion in the Philippines of all useful knowledge, be it scientific, artistic, literary, etc. It imposes no other obligation on the members except to favor one another when it concerns the propagation of a useful knowledge.” [02] At the time of this letter, a government student, Esteven Figueroa went on to become a noted engraver.
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162. Fernando Acevedo, Zaragoza, Spain, 25 October 1889
An admirer calls Rizal a “Model Filipino” – Notes his devotion to study and his exceptional talents – Will order a copy of his book Noli me tángere – Offers to attend to the sale of Rizal’s works. Rizal, the model Filipino. – A printing press – Business in prospect.
Zaragoza, 25 October 1889
Mr. José Rizal (Paris)
My dearest and ever distinguished Friend, Four days ago our mutual friend Graciano [01] with various others passed through our capital city and my joy was very great, as you can well understand. We talked about an infinite number of things. . . . . I likewise wanted to know something about you, your life there, and he came to relate to shifting fortunes and me your departure from the time of our separation in Madrid to the present moment. Having listened to this attentively – for you know that what relates to you interests me – I hasten to write you to express to you my present satisfaction and happiness in knowing that you are a model Filipino. Your devotion to study and your talents have placed you on a height that I respect and admire. You are the personification of Spanish Oceania. I know you have written a book that I shall order at Barcelona for I already have the bookstore’s address. I shall read it with reverence because you have written it and therefore for me there should be no censorship. I have also learned that you are writing the history of our native land. I shall rejoice on the day you finish it and count on me in this city and its neighboring provinces for its advertisement and sale. I offer my services to you if they can be of use to you. You know me, I do not beat about the bush and I speak in a plain language. I won a printing press and accept all kinds of printing and so that you can be better informed, I send you my prospectus and a business card on which you will see that I style myself “Publisher’s Representative,” because military law forbids us to engage in any business except as a representative. I am glad to inform you that I have married. . . . My wife is a native of . . . called . . . Roldanes, young and . . . beautiful. I am well off, I tell you, for on my wife’s side I own houses, orchards, vineyards, and olive groves; in short, dear Pepe, you will be glad that my status has changed and as a good friend you will congratulate me. I intend to engage in a business and I resort to your judgment, advice, and energy. In that city there is on L’Armaillé Street, Number 22, a manufacturer and inventor called Richard Schneider who proposes to me that I represent him in this city for the sale of his washing machines. I enclose his prospectus for your examination and I request you to see if the machines are perfect, if they will sell or not, and if you think they will be profitable. I hope you will enlighten me on this matter, giving me your opinion and advice. I wrote to that firm accepting its offer but asking for more advantages in the contract. I beg you to do something for me and give my personal antecedents so that they will favor me, for my premises cost me 3,000 reales a year in addition to taxes, lighting, . . . I hope you will answer me. . . if you plan to return to Spain. A close embrace from your good friend and comrade, who sincerely loves you,
Fernando Acevedo _______________ [01] Graciano López Jaena, a Filipino reformer.
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163. Graciano López Jaena, Barcelona, 30 October 1889
López Jaena, candidate for deputy – Would like Rizal to persuade other Filipinos to help him – Antonia Rodríguez de Ureta’s article La Dinastía against Rizal.
Barcelona, 30 October 1889
Mr. José Rizal
Dear Rizal, I received your letter from Marseille. I noted in it that you are disgusted because I printed your name in my review of your book. Bear in mind that in all writings the name of the author is placed at the end of the citation. I beg you to entreat. . . in order that they may help me in the coming elections so that I can present my candidacy in the districts I named in my previous letter. I have endured hardships and I have not devoted myself to Republican political life [01] since 1881 in vain. My personal ambition is to become a deputy and in the present circumstances I can succeed, if the Filipinos would help me. You know that the forty pesos afforded me is not enough to arouse interest in my candidacy. Political questions are costly, so that I depend on you to persuade the people there to try to help me in my efforts. As to my political ideas with respect to the Philippines, I think we cannot expect anything from Spain. Nothing more for the present. I wish you would answer me by return mail.
Ever yours, Graciano López Jaena
P. S. Read La Disnastía that I am sending to the Association and you will see what Antonia Rodríguez de Ureta says about you. _______________ [01] Republican political life = one who endorses a Republic over a Monarchy.
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164. S. Jugo Vidal, Madrid, 11 March 1889
Regrets the outrages against Rizal’s family – But not all Spaniards think alike – Some Spanish newspapers, above all those of the republican press, do justice to Rizal – Every Filipino should contribute something toward the education of his compatriots – Asks Rizal for articles for his periodical, La Vanguardia.
Madrid, 11 1889
Dear and distinguished friend Rizal, I received your esteemed letter of the 7th instant. It has been a great pleasure for me to read its contents, because, through it, I have learned the truth about the present condition of our unfortunate country. What you write, feel, and the innumerable inquiries that you describe have touched my soul, especially the infamous conduct of the government towards your dear family. But do not believe that all Spaniards think alike, because I, who have followed avidly the manifestations of the Madrid and provincial press following the events in Manila, have read some well-written articles and I remember that in some of them, especially in the republican press, [01] they did you full justice. Can we expect someday that there will be a radical change of the government here? I believe so, though I do not much trust the Spanish politicians. If I write you this, it is not to tell you that I have hopes, no, but that we ought, as you say, to influence the education of our compatriots in order to prepare them for a better future. It is demonstrated that all of us should contribute our grain of sand to the education of the Filipino people and as it might happen that some issues of our humble weekly may reach their hands, I hope you will give us some article of yours which, as the product of your fine pen, will be a favor to the columns of this periodical. Concerning what you say about the desire of many there to subscribe by the month, owing to their experience with other former periodicals which failed, I believe they are right and as I like to respect the opinion of everyone, I therefore agree to your suggestion inasmuch as the enterprise gains from it. I thank you for your confidence in me and most sincerely for your active cooperation from which I expect good and profitable results for our periodical. My regards to our friends and command your friend who esteems you truly.
S. Jugo Vidal
P.S. By today’s mail I am sending you a package of 25 copies and you will excuse me for not sending from here the issues for the subscribers for lack of wrappers and addresses that I have ordered to be printed. At any rate, besides the issues I sent previously to the subscribers there, I shall regularly send you a package to cover the losses at the post office.
The Same _______________ [01] A newspaper espousing a Republican form of government rather than a government under a Monarch.
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165. Rizal, Paris, 4 November 1889 || To Marcelo H. del Pilar
Rizal requests Marcelo H. del Pilar to help a “secret brother in Rd. L. M.” holding the rank of Second Degree.
Paris, 4 November 1889 [Mr. Marcelo H. del Pilar] Rd. L. M.
Dear Selo, The bearer of this letter is a secret brother of ours in Rd. L. M. whose rank is 2nd Degree. No one else except we two ought to know that he is our brother. He has some business there in Madrid on account of an injustice done him in Manila. In order that he will not be humiliated again in the future, he should like to obtain a high post in the Cathedral Church, a canonship, [01] for instance. I offered him help on his promise that he will help us secretly in every way he can. You and Llorente, on your positions in your association, I believe can help him. He brings money to spend, but if possible, it would be better if he were not made to spend too much. What is saved can be given to La Solidaridad. I believe that you can win the good will of Morayta [02] and Becerra. [03] Others who may turn a deaf ear may be made to hear the clink of gold. It is necessary that it should not be mentioned in the presence of others that we are brothers. If you should speak to Llorente about him, do not tell him who he is, for I have promised him that only you and I should know, not that I have some doubt about Llorente for I have full confidence in him. I entrust to your intelligence and prudence the secret and the proper conduct of this business. Why is it that the I. B. of the Rd. L. M. do not write me? I have received La Solidaridad; it is the best of the best. Everything is excellent. Taga-ilog’s [04] article is superb. This is all.
G. Indio Bravo Rd. L. M. ____________ [01] One [usually of the clergy!] serving in a cathedral. [02] Miguel Morayta, a liberal Spaniard, the President of the Asociación Hispano-Filipina. [03] Manuel Becerra, former minister of the colonies who was responsible for some good reforms introduced in the Philippines. [04] Taga-ilog was Antonio Luna’s pseudonym.
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166. Rizal, Paris, 11 November 1889
Rizal intends to expand and improve his essay entitled Filipinas dentro de cien años (The Philippines a Century Hence) as much as possible – Pardo de Tavera’s El cónscrito en la lengua Tagalog – Rizal’s Morga will come out soon.
Note: For an English Translation of The Philippines a Century Hence Click Here Note also that a link on that page will make available the article in the original Spanish
Note: For an English Translation of Rizal's annotations to Morga's history, Click Here
45 Rue de Maubeuge, Paris 11 November 1889
[Mr. Mariano Ponce]
My dear Friend, You will receive the proofs that I have corrected with this letter. I received them, myself, only today. According to the Feria de las Mujeres, it seems that it is true, so that you may order it printed, but it is necessary to mention that it is drawn from the Ateneo. If I were not so short of time, I would have gone to the library to investigate it; nevertheless, I shall send you a telegram if it turns out to be untrue. You have asked me a long time ago where El Sánscrito en la lengua tagalog can be bought. Pardon me for not having answered you at once on account of the great amount of my work. If you need only one copy, write me, but if you need many, have someone look for it in Madrid where they can be found in the bookstore of Fernando Fe on Alcalá Street or in that of Cuevas. I have no time now to send you an article. With regard to Filipinas dentro de cien años (The Philippines a Century Hence) I am going to expand it and display my ability. We will keep each other guessing and catch each other by sleight of hand. I have already finished the work [01] and I am now having it printed. It can be expected to be out within some weeks; the correction of the proofs is finished. This is all and regards to all. I send my regards to Roxas. Laong Laan _______________ [01] Rizal refers to his Morga edition, 1890.
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167. Antonio Luna, Madrid, 16 November 1889
An article in Pueblo Soberano of Barcelona calls Taga-Ilog (Antonio Luna) names – A. Luna goes to Barcelona to demand for reparation from its author – Ready to fight a duel – Tells Rizal about his love affairs.
6-3o Clavel, Madrid 16 November 1889
Dear Rizal, I exceedingly appreciate all the news you gave me yesterday. Through them only I at last learned about the most unfortunate question that has exploded like a bomb in the midst of the respective families concerned. You will understand that here no serious crime has been committed; because to love is not a crime, and if we had any fault it was for having concealed our love. On our part we have done the following: I answered calmly Juan’s letter in which he gave me a solemn reprimand. To Tula I also wrote apologizing; to Mme. Boustead, apologizing also and saying that I loved her daughter. In all these letters I asked for a thousand pardons and accused ourselves of being the only truly guilty ones. What do you think? I have made Dimayuga write also to Tula to give her a thousand explanations. I do believe that we have behaved valorously and saved absolutely our girls, though we are very sorry that these poor girls have suffered so much for us and that we are the cause of it all. For the rest, though we felt deeply what happened, I believe that the thing was not worth all the fuss that it aroused. At any rate, perhaps they will be very benevolent if they would know that within a few days I might perchance disappear from the book of books. This is my secret that you will keep, above all let it not reach my brother’s ears [Juan Luna]. Today at three o’clock, I am leaving on the express for Barcelona to ask for reparation by means of arms from the author [01] of the author To Taga-Ilog in Pueblo Soberano. This gentleman thinks that Taga-Ilog is Juan Luna and he accuses him of being an ingrate, filibustero, indecent, dirty, and quotes paragraphs from Cañamaque that berates Filipinos in the dirtiest manner. In short, the Filipino colony told me unanimously that I have no other remedy but to go and fight. Therefore I have no other alternative, and for that reason I am leaving immediately. I have consulted my fencing-master and he told me that, inasmuch as I have the choice of arms, I choose the sword for I am already dexterous and not to worry. He will give me a letter to Pardini in Barcelona so that he may furnish me with everything that is necessary. Those here in general approve of my determination. I do not know if I am doing right but I do not feel in my conscience the remorse of the offender. Goodbye, lad; I suppose you will keep everything from my brother. Should he know it, he is capable of going to Barcelona; but he has a family and he will have to lose more than do I. Moreover, I am the author of Impresiones madrilènes and I am the only one responsible for it. Goodbye; if some mishap occurs. I ask you a favor to tell Nelly how much I have loved her. Receive a close embrace of your friend. Antonio Our compatriots will furnish me with means. _______________ [01] Mir Deas, a Spanish journalist.
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168. Rizal, Paris, 18 November 1889 || To Mariano Ponce
Rizal tells once on a post card that they have many enemies – They must stand united.
45 Rue de Maubeuge, Paris 18 November 1889
[Mr. Mariano Ponce]
Dear Friend, I have sent you the proofs long ago. If you did not receive them, they must have been lost. L Send me immediately other proofs; I have the manuscript. We have many enemies and they are furious. Let us face the fight so that we shall not be disunited. I am going to the library. Your friend, Laong Laan
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169. Rizal, Paris, 22 November 1889 || To Marcelo H. del Pilar
Rizal sends Marcelo H. del Pilar an article on Blumentritt – La Solidaridad at Madrid is good, but it is poorly printed – Continuation of his essay “The Philippines a Century Hence.”
Click Here for "The Philippines a Century Hence"
42 Rue de Maubeuge, Paris 22 November 1889
[Mr. Marcelo H. del Pilar]
Dear Friend, I am sending in advance the article on Blumentritt. If you prefer, put my name Laong Laan or Dimas Alang, but not Rizal. [01] Enclosed is a letter of Luna together with the notes that ought to come out. La Solidaridad at Madrid [02] is good but it is poorly printed and the correction is not neat. You need to be assisted for you cannot attend to everything. I sent to Naning the correction long ago, but he said it had been lost. The third part [03] will come out in the next number; I suppose it will be the beginning of the fourth. What I wish is to go ahead and not to drop the weapon to show weakness. Greet for me all the Indios Bravos: Bautista, Aguilera and others. How is Llorente?
Laong Laan [José Rizal] _______________ [01] Rizal had already asked Filipino writers to use their true names rather than pseudonyms. Perhaps Rizal thought his true name might not produce the effect desired. [02] It was formerly published in Barcelona. [03] Rizal refers to his essay “The Philippines a Century Hence” published in four installments: 30 September 1889, 31 October 1889, 15 December 1889, 1 February 1890.
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170. Mariano Ponce, Barcelona, 26 November 1889
Ponce writes Rizal the Filipino colony is willing to support Luna’s cause against Mir Deas.
Barcelona, 26 November 1889
Mr. J. Rizal
Dear Pepe, You can read Luna’s letter. The entire colony is willing to support this question and you should help us. I am wrong in saying that all here are willing. The others continue to keep aloof. I send you a clipping of the Remitido de Mir. Tomorrow I will send you copies of Blumentritt’s pamphlet.
Yours, Naning
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171. Antonio Luna, Barcelona 26 November 1889
Luna writes Rizal about his encounter with Mir Deas – He spits on the face of Mir Deas on account of an insulting article – “Be it to death, to luck, whatever he likes, I will accept the duel.” -- It is necessary to give him a lesson if the name Filipino is to be maintained unsullied.
1-3o, Paz de la Enseñañza, Barcelona 26 November 1889
Dear Rizal, This afternoon I was obliged by imperative necessity to look for Mir Deas and spit on his face. The incident took place at the Café de la Pajarera on account of another article sent to El Diluvio in reply to ours in which the minutes were. I went out to look for him. I asked him who he was (for I did not know him), I told him he was infamous, a coward, and trash. I spat on his face and threw my card to it. The result was a great disturbance, much disorder, and now I wait tranquilly. The series of insults he has directed to us, without answering our assertions and conclusions, demands no other thing. Be it to death, to luck, as he would like, I will accept the duel. In this way I believe I will show that we Filipinos have more dignity, more courage, and more honor than this cringing insulter and coward who has come out on our way. I believe that I have avenged in this way our outraged dignity. What can they now say? I beg you for contributions to finance the complaint that we plan to bring against this gentleman. I cannot do more. Whether we fight or not, at any rate it is necessary to give him a lesson in another form. It is imperative, it is necessary, and it is indispensable, if it is desired to maintain the name Filipino in an unsullied form. I greet all and spread the news among all our good compatriots. Your friend embraces you,
Antonio
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172. Rizal, Paris, 29 November 1889 || To Mariano Ponce
Rizal writes Ponce that all the Filipinos in Paris are ready to support Luna in every way in his dispute with Mir Deas – Ponce ought to go to Madrid because the newspaper, La Solidaridad, needs him there.
45 Rue de Maubeuge, Paris 29 November 1889
[Mr. Mariano Ponce]
My Friend, In case you receive this before you start for Madrid, please tell our compatriots there that all of us here will help Luna with our will, strength, money, and other things, whatever may happen. We are going to send money there. I received all about which you wrote me. You should now go to Madrid because you are needed there. The newspaper will not fare will without you. There you will receive Pardo’s book.
Laong Laan
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173. Rizal, Paris, 2 December 1889 || To Mariano Ponce
Rizal presents two copies of Pardo de Taverás Sánscrito en la lengua tagalog to Ponce – Reiterates his suggestion that Ponce go to Madrid – Great demand for the Noli in Germany.
45 Rue de Maubeuge, Paris 2 December 1889
[Mr. Mariano Ponce]
Dear Friend, I am dropping in the mail two copies of Pardo de Tavera’s book together with this letter. They are my gift to you, for I owe you so many favors. Do not regard this as payment; rather it is just the interest on the debt I owe you. They are delayed because I have plenty of work. It is very necessary that you go to Madrid. Before you leave, please tell me how many more copies of the Noli me tángere I have there. Please send to Hamburg, to C. Boysen, Buchhandlung 32, Grosse Bleichen, some twenty-five copies, because he is asking for many to fill the orders of many foreigners. Put the price at eight francs each, including the cost of remittance. Send them not as printed matter but as parcel post so that they would not cost much. First ask the agent how much it would cost. Please send me four or five copies.
Your friend, Laong Laan
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174. Rizal, Paris, 5 December 1889 || To Marcelo H. del Pilar
Material for La Solidaridad – Two articles of Blumentritt – Who is Ramiro Franco? -- If he is a Spaniard, his praise of Quioquiap is sincere; if he is a Filipino, it is a fine irony – Quioquiap’s style is hollow like his head, but audacious, very bold – A suggestion for the end of the year: That Solidaridad put out an issue publishing the works, articles, and thoughts of all the Filipinos, purely literary and instructive – Offer of the management of La Solidaridad to Llorente?
45 Rue de Maubeuge, Paris 5 December 1889
[Mr. Marcel H. del Pilar]
My dear Friend, I am sending to the press the continuation of Filipinas dentro de cien años, some poems, and Blumentritt’s letters. I submit them all to the judgment of the directors of La Solidaridad and I ask only that they take good care of correcting the proofs. If possible, I should like reprints of Filipinas dentro de cien años so that they may be distributed in Manila and (if possible) the provinces. The poetry, if it is worthwhile, can be published when articles are lacking to fill space. I am of the opinion that, of the two letters of Blumentritt, only the one addressed to Colonel Verdugo should be published in the periodical, mentioning the other one, although Blumentritt expressed to me that he desired that both be published. The letter for the general [01] can be published in a separate sheet to please our friend; the lines with red pencil should be replaced with dotted lines. Perhaps Blumentritt will be grateful to me at a later time. Now let us go to issue No. 20 of La Solidaridad. It is very well printed, the proofreading has improved, though there was dropped the phrase decirlo a esos at the end of Cosas de Manila; it is peccata minuta. [02] Nevertheless, I congratulate those who published it. Blumentritt’s article is the best our friend has written I have already congratulated him. Murgas’ article is also very good. With reference to Murgas, I enclose the letter I received from Pangasinan. It is necessary to consider appointing a correspondent in Dagupan or Lingayen. On the Luna-Mir affair, the commentary says that La Solidaridad reprinted the minutes. The reader is left in the air. It is an oversight. In Art and Letters I note one Mr. Ramiro Franco [03] whom I shall be very much pleased to know. He is both an elegant and pleasing writer and the gentleman must be worthy, for, in spite of his admiration for the writings of Quioquiap, [04] the swollen and hollow phrases of this man, his inflated style that at first glance seems wonderful, but upon the analysis turns out to be ridiculous and betrays ignorance and charlatanism, have not struck him. I have to believe upon seeing the beautiful, natural, and fine style of Mr. Franco that his praise of Quioquiap is merely courtesy, necessary in order to have later the right to whip him. I may be mistaken. If Mr. Franco is a Spaniard, I understand his admiration and I will believe it to be sincere, for it is common among Spanish writers to allow themselves to be seduced by rhetorical tricks. If the writer is Filipino (could it be Rosario or Aguirre?), I can almost affirm that there is a most refined irony at the bottom of his praise and a knavery that will be known later. Whoever he may be, I am sincerely glad of and I congratulate myself on Mr. Franco’s valuable cooperation. Tell me who he is, if it is possible, and if he is a friend and compatriot, congratulate him warmly. What a great pity that I do not have here Quioquiap’s Esbozos y Pinceladas to quote to him the illusory and blistering phrases of this gentleman. I only remember now two: “to have the head hanging from an abyss” and el subsuelo donde germinan las patogenias (“the underground where pathogenic organisms germinate”). Pathogenic organisms cannot germinate in any underground or mezzanine. Pathogen or the virus of disease can only thrive in a living body. If you carefully analyze his style you will find it is as hollow as his head. One admits that he has a lot of nerve, a great deal of boldness, and a fluent pen. I reiterate my congratulations to Mr. Franco. If he is a Castila, do not tell him anything from anybody or me and just tell him that I liked his style very much, for one must acknowledge the truth. In this case, be very careful of him. He may make of our periodical a periodical of Quioquiap. They would mock us and despise us all, for they will say that after Quioquiap had piled rubbish on the Indios, we still sing hosannas to him. So be a little careful. Be logical. Blumentritt has attacked him and rightly so and he is not a Filipino. Let them not say that we are afraid of that Quioquiap nor do we implore his mercy. I have already written Indio Bravo but he has not replied yet. I should like to know why the Indio Bravos do not like to answer my letters. An idea has occurred to me. On the 31st of December Filipinos in Madrid have a habit of eating together. Instead of eating in a restaurant, they could eat in a private home which is a more intimate setting. Well now, what do you think if La Solidaridad should publish a number or a separate supplement that would carry the works, writings, and thoughts of all the Filipinos on the condition that they should not be political or polemical, but purely literary and instructive? Could copies be printed to give away and to sell in the Philippines as a proof of the unity of the Filipinos? Sound the opinion of everyone there. Llorente told me before that they offered him the management of La Solidaridad. I replied that he should accept it with your advice. What is there to this? I send my regards to all.
Yours, Rizal _______________ [01] General Valeriano Weyler, Governor General. Blumentritt’s letter is about the general’s intervention in the Calamba conflict. [02] A trivial sin. [03] Dominador Gómez [04] Quioquiap is Pablo Feced y Temprano, a Spaniard who resided in the Bikol region and wrote anti-Filipino articles.
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175. Antonio Luna, Madrid, 10 December 1889
The Luna-Mir affair is submitted to a court honor – Antonio Luna is grateful to all the Filipinos.
6 Clavel, Madrid 10 December 1889
Dear Rizal I intended to write you yesterday but found it impossible. Now I do it replying to all your letters. You already know what happened to the affair. Before I left I submitted it to the decision of a court of honor formed by the Press Syndicate of Barcelona. I believe it must have already decided it and soon we shall know it. It is necessary to file the complaint. You already know that, on account of Mir’s denunciation, the court has searched Ponce. Consequently, it is necessary that we should not let him alone so that he would not have imitators. I also believe that you ought to immediately send funds to Barcelona. We have spent 40 to50 pesetas alone for correspondence and it is necessary to compliment the grateful stomachs of those who took part in the melee. In view of El Diluvio’s refusal to publish the last article we sent it, we will issue an extra issue as soon as we receive the decision. I am most grateful to the colony here, in Barcelona, and elsewhere. Though the question was only a personal one, they have taken an interest in it and contributed to it with all their efforts. I owe much, very much, to those of Barcelona, to your cousin, Graciano, [01] and to everyone.
Yours who embraces you, Antonio
Regards from Lauro, Aguilera, and Roxas _______________ [01] Speaking metaphorically.
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176. Mariano Ponce, Barcelona, 10 December 1889
Aftermath of the Luna-Mir affair – Search of Ponce’s house on account of Mir’s information – Books without the printer’s name – It is possible that complications may arise.
Barcelona, 10 December 1889
Dear Pepe, I received Pardo de Tavera’s books. I give you many thanks. I am going to immediately send to Hamburg for twenty-five additional copies of the Noli. At present we only have about one hundred copies. That piece of dung, Mier-Das [01] has turned spy and has denounced that we publish books without the printer’s name. My house was searched, but all they found were three or four Visión, some Cuestión de sumo interés of Fr. Rodriquez, and some Dasalan. I requested the governor to endorse the case to the court so that I can file a complaint against the informer, as the little books as well as the newspaper numbers seized do not show that I am responsible for their printing. My declaration before the court was that I received those printed matters from the editorial staff of La Solidaridad and neither have I noted whether or not they had the printer’s name nor did anything worry me as they contained noting contrary to religion or the constitution. This is what delayed my departure. Now I await the judge’s decision and then I will file a complaint against that shameless person. We await your pledged contribution. I have no reason to be afraid, but it is not impossible that in the course of the summary proceeding, unexpected complications will arise. Be on the alert for that reason. Attorney Emilio Junoy is in charge of Mr. J. Luna’s case. You will read the article that came out in this afternoon’s Diluvio. Tomorrow I will refute it.
Yours, Naning _______________ [01] A play on the words Mir Deas. As written in the letter, it is a colloquialism for “excrement.”
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177. Mariano Ponce, Barcelona, 16 December 1889
The search of Ponce’s house discussed in the press in Madrid and Barcelona – It reaches the senate, the congress, and the council of ministers – Asks for Rizal’s advice – The decision of the court of honor buries Mir in the garbage can.
2-3o Rambla de Canaletas, Barcelona 16 December 1889
Dear Pepe, I never imagined that the search of my house would arouse so much debate. The newspapers of Madrid and Barcelona devoted many articles to it; correspondents sent long telegrams. Fortunately, the sensible portion of the press defended us. Figure out for yourself the humiliation had it not been for this. Through the newspapers that I sent you, you must have been able to follow this question step by step. The case now awaits the judge’s decision. I believe it will be favorable to us, as they have nothing to hold on. Advise us in our actions. The senate, congress, and council of ministers have all taken this up. I send you enclosed clippings of El Día and of a telegram we sent Becerra. Public opinion is on our side in both cases and points to Mier Das as the informer. The decision of the court of honor lacks only two signatures, which will be taken this afternoon. It will be published in the newspapers. With this, Mir will be buried in the garbage can. Galicano sends you his regards. I send you the receipt of the box of 25 copies of the Noli sent to Mr. c. Boysen of Hamburg. It goes on the ordinary train. Send him this receipt.
An embrace from your, Naning
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178. Antonio Luna, Madrid, 27 December 1889
In view of the persecution of his family, it is not strange that Luna wavers at times – Luna explains his actions – Eager to retain Rizal’s good opinion of him – Inquires about Miss Nelly Boustead.
6 Cavel, Madrid 27 December 1889
Dear Rizal, I received your letter but I could not promptly answer it because of dengue [01] or whatever the current sickness is called. Let me first congratulate you on your new book, although I have already done so by telegram the day before yesterday as you must have seen. I have not as yet been able to read your work but I am going to do so with the greatest pleasure when its owners, by special favor, will let me have it. However, on the sly, I have been able to pick up something that has immediately pleased me. What you say in your letter deserves to be answered. May God save me from answering the charges that you level against me. Those do not exist and, for that reason, I pass over them. Ordinarily when I start a thing I do not go back. You must understand, however, that after my case, when I saw that, acting rightly and justly as I did, P was placing my brothers in Manila and my parents as well in the alternative of being savagely harassed. You will not be surprised that I should recover my senses and, though not guilty, I should believe myself to be the cause of the misfortunes that might befall them. Is this to be dispirited? In my opinion, I do not believe so. Will you deny that for having acted thus this time, as I should, I myself have written my name among the enemies of the friars and my whole family will become their victims? I am not sorry for myself. It is enough that my conscience is tranquil for having acted with dignity. But they? This is the dreadful dilemma that causes me to despair. My dilemma is this: to live without honor, dignity, and name and to be numbered among a disgraced race, or to be the indirect cause of my family’s misfortune. I am not sorry for having done what I did. I will always act this way should I again find myself in the same situation. What fault is theirs if they are taken later and persecuted as being anti-friar? Having expounded these reasons, I believe that you will not doubt that my spirit has wavered sometimes about what is to be done. I repeat that I never turn back, that I am convinced that I have acted rightly, and if they brand us for not having this or that, the best argument is the deed; against this, there can be no doubt. Moreover, I wish you would give me some news about Nelly. Your friend and compatriot asks you, does she still love me? Since 16 November I have not heard from her although I wrote her a letter some twenty days ago. Though it is secondary, please write me plainly. I should like to know if I am making myself ridiculous by candidly believing in a love that no longer exists. This is really ridiculous. I would not want this after what occurred with her mother to whom I was exceedingly attentive. Wishing you happiness and congratulating you on your book, I embrace you.
Antonio
Del Pilar is sick in bed. _______________ [01] An infectious tropical disease transmitted by mosquitoes and characterized by severe pains in the joints and back, fever, and rash
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179. Rizal, Paris, 28 December 1889 || To Baldomero Roxas
Rizal sends four copies of his edition of Morga to the Philippines – Will send more if the books are admitted without difficulty – Don Florentino Torres has poor impression of the Filipino students at Madrid – Rizal enjoins his fellow Filipinos to be virtuous and industrious.
45 Rue de Maubeuge, Paris 28 December 1889
My dear Friend Roxas, I received your precious letter and I thank you for all that you told me in it. Your letter arrived in a timely manner, for I was worried that you had not received letters from my family for a long time, since the month of July, and the cost of printing my book was embarrassing me. Today I sent to Lipa four copies of Morga. Later I will send more. Doña Tula is not at all resentful of you, so much that at the party that we gave here, they talked about you and Aguilera, and Paz told me before that when you come, you should bring her toasted and salted almonds that she and Heloisa like so much. On the 4th or 5th of January I shall leave for London to get my things and from there I shall travel to Germany where I shall write you. When I find out that copies of Morga arrive there without difficulty, I will send you thee copies by parcel post. Those that I sent have not apparently arrived for I have not received any acknowledgement. Please thank all the good friends who sent telegraphs. To them I wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Don Florentino Torres leaves for Manila with very poor impressions of the Filipino colony at Madrid. He says that the Filipino youth at the capital city think only of amusing themselves and it is not because they lack either ability or talents (he cited to me the names of Dimayuga, Abreu, and Alejandrino). It is because they have too much money. He adds besides that Spaniards have given him the bad information. It seems that he goes thee to influence his friends not to send their sons to Europe. Let us see if you can preach to them with your example. Precisely, at the present moment, when we are engaged in a struggle, it is necessary to redouble all our efforts. It is necessary to sacrifice everything for the welfare of our native land. Without virtue there is no liberty. I try to address myself to all the Filipinos to interest them to reform the spirit of the colony to that of industriousness and studiousness. I address myself to Aguilera, Llorente, and Bautista. Only virtue can redeem the slave. It is the only way to make the tyrants respect us and for foreigners to make common cause with us. Please give my regards to all the I. B’s. [01] You know you have a friend in me.
Rizal _______________ [01] Indios Bravos.
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180. Mariano Ponce, Barcelona, 31 December 1889
Magnificent prologue to the Morga by Blumentritt – The book is a great blow to the enemies – Banquet in honor of the liberal press – Silent revolvers? -- Projected book on the lives of notable Filipinos – Ponce asks Rizal to send the data.
Barcelona, 31 December 1889
Mr. José Rizal
Dear Pepe, I received Sucesos. [01] I send you many thanks. I have, read, however, only Blumentritt’s prologue. That is truly excellent. Please send me about ten copies immediately so that I can send these to the Philippines by the first mail that goes there. Until now the judge has not rendered his decision. This is the reason I can’t leave. By force your book will change the wrong ideas that now prevail about our county. It is a strong blow against the enemy. On the second of next month we are going to invite to a banquet the liberal press that defended us against the false accusations hurled against us as did the Associación Hispano-filipina and the Madrid Filipinos. Some have written me inquiring about the appearance of revolvers that make no noise in firing. While I have inquired locally I have no information. Have you heard anything about this? If not, please make inquiries and inform me. It has occurred to me to gather materials on the lives of Filipinos who had been outstanding in the past, as well as the present time, and to make a book of them. I do not know if I shall be able to carry out this project, though I hope that, with the help of all, I may see it realized in the end. I do not intend to do anything more than write an essay on their lives. The value of this, if it can be realized, cannot escape you. It will show to the whole world that our race has also produced persons worthy to be ranked among the great. Please send me the data. Receive the close embrace of your friend, Naning P.S. Have you received the receipt of the box sent to Hamburg? _______________ [01] Antonio de Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas, annotated by Rizal with a prologue by Ferdinand Blumentritt. It was published in Parish in 1889.
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RIZAL'S LIFE |
RIZAL'S WRITINGS |
KIDS REFLECTIONS |
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