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Letters Exchanged Between José Rizal and Other Reformers - 1890 (July to December)
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Letters Exchanged Between José Rizal and Other Reformers - 1890 (July to December)
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213. Rizal, Brussels, 3 July 1890 || To Antonio Luna
The handling of a weapon gives moral strength to the individual -- Rizal's doings in Brussels -- Shooting exercises -- Possible trip to Germany.
38 Rue Phil. de Champagne Brussels, 3 July 1890
Mr. Antonio Luna
My Dear Antonio: I cordially congratulate all of you and especially you for the happy and brilliant fencing match you held in the studio of your brother. It is good for the youth to devote themselves to something more serious and noble than the game of cards; and as Marco Espada says very well, the handling of a weapon gives moral strength to the individual, making him prudent and moderate. I congratulate you also on your Amoríos (Love Affairs). [01] I only suggest that you take great care not to hurt the susceptibilities of women. You already understand me. Aside from this your articles are written in an easy, flowing, lively style. Your Laksamana, despite the good things you say about him, turns out to be a poor devil. One cannot tell where the father's letter ends. Pardon me for making these little observations. My mother is called Mrs. Teodora Alonso de Quintos, of the family of Mr. José Florentino, [02] granddaughter, if I remember correctly, Here I continue working and studying. I go to the clinic, I read, I write, I go to the gymnasium and the fencing hall. As to shooting, with this I am sending you a cardboard with ten bullet holes. The board is seven and a half meters away from me. At a distance of twenty-five meters I put 20 shots inside a board 20 centimeters high and 20 centimeters wide. I go slowly, but through perseverance, I will be able to shoot fairly well and I will supplement with my will the few qualities of a shooter that nature has given me. When you write, tell me what the brave and not so brave Indios (Filipinos) are doing there and what are their projects. As I am short of funds, I should like to know if the Morga has yielded something, if some pesetas have been collected. For this purpose, I would beg you to find out from those who have received packages of Morga. I remember having sent you three copies, one of which is for you. Take good care of yourself and continue making progress in your studies. Your friend, Rizal P.S. It seems that Ventura and I are going on a trip to Germany next month. _______________ [01] A published article by Antonio Luna. [02] A native of Vigan, Ilocos Sur, lawyer, deputy of the Cortes, Madrid. He was a cousin of Rizal's mother.
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214, Rizal, Brussels, 9 July 1890 || To Mariano Ponce
Thinking of returning to the Philippines -- Lopez Jaena also should go back to the Philippines instead of going to Cuba -- Better return to the Philippines and be killed for his ideas. -- "We die only once . . ."
38 Rue Phil. de Champagne Brussels, 9 July 1890
[Mr. Mariano Ponce] Barcelona, Spain
My dear Naning: I received your letter and, informed of its contents, I sent you 6 copies to the address of our friend Icasiano. I regret very much what had happened to our friend Panganiban. I wish he would get over his trouble and afterward his life, which is precious to our country, will no longer be menaced by similar evils. I do not know how much I owe you, but you should have an exact account of everything. If there is something in my favor and you do not need it, I would appreciate it if you would send it to me, for I am financially badly off. I have not received anything from the Philippines for many months. That is why I am thinking of returning there as soon as possible and leave to fate what what has to happen. Graciano ought to do the same thing. Instead of going to Cuba to catch yellow fever, he should go to the Philippines and get killed for his ideas. We die only once and if we do not die well, we lose a good opportunity that will never come up again. Let him challenge danger resolutely and the danger will flee, or at least, he will be a martyr to his ideas. I am opposed to his going to Cuba; it is useless; Cuba is exhausted; it is a nutshell. If one has to die, at least one must die in his own country, by his country, and for his country.
Yours, Rizal
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215. Valentin Ventura, Paris, 11 July 1890
Ventura abandons his proposed trip with Rizal to Germany and Switzerland.
Paris, 11 July 1890
Mr. José Rizal Brussels
Dear Friend: I change my mind. I am giving up my trip to Germany and Switzerland this year for reasons that I will tell you when we meet. If you are remaining there, I am thinking of paying you a visit; I do not know when, because I do not want to plan anymore so that I will not be called a "man of projects." I believe it might be the 22nd, but I will write you, because my trip depends on the mail that I would receive from Manila, which should arrive on the 20th. With regard to the room, there is no need to hurry. If I cannot have one in the same house as yours, I believe that rooms in a hotel will not be lacking in Brussels. I do not know if you are already informed that Trinidad Pardo is the father of a boy for the second time. Tomorrow is the date of the baptism. Your friend who esteems you.
V. Ventura
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216. Mariano Ponce, Barcelona, 14 July 1890
Order for 25 Pesos from the sale of his book -- Ponce is opposed to Rizal's return to the Philippines -- His life is in danger -- It would be better if he should go to Spain, joining del Pilar and Ponce in Madrid -- Serrano is in Europe to meet Rizal -- Jaena granted free passage to Cuba by the Ministry of Colonies.
Barcelona, 14 July 1890
My favorite Friend: Enclosed is an order for 25 pesos. I have not yet completed the statement, for until now I have not heard about the books I sent to Manila. I am sending ahead this small amount, which is the only money I have on hand. If I should have more, I will send it to you at once. Think this over well before deciding to return to the Philippines. In any case, you would not be able to move about freely there and your life would be in danger. Graciano insists on going to La Habana [Havana = Cuba -rly]. The Ministry of Colonies gave him free passage. He promises that from there, he will do everything possible for the welfare of our country. P. Serrano is here now in Europe, according to Manila newspapers. I suppose he will see you. If you can stay in Europe, it is not wise for you to go home. I even think it would be better for you to come to Spain and join Selong (de Pilar) and me in Madrid. A close embrace of your
Naning.
P.S. Please answer this letter upon receiving it, as I have not been able to register it for lack of time. I have received the six copies of Morga.
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216. Mariano Ponce, Barcelona, 14 July 1890
Order for
Barcelona, 14 July 1890
My favorite Friend:
Enclosed is an order for
A close embrace of your
Naning.
P.S. Please answer this letter upon receiving it, as I have not been able to register it for lack of time. I have received the six copies of Morga.
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217. Rizal, Brussels, 18 July 1890 || To Mariano Ponce
Short of money -- Desire to return to the Philippines even if that is rashness -- "As we are not doing well on the path of prudence. I am going to look for another." -- It is better to die in the Philippines than to do badly in Europe.
38 Rue de Champagne Brussels, 18 July 1890
[Mr. Mariano Ponce] Barcelona, Spain
My favorite Friend: I received your valuable letter on time with 125 francs enclosed which is equivalent to 166 francs because you are entitled to 25%; that is to say, 17 copies of Morga. In short, it is I who owe you. Deduct it from the Noli, which had been sent to Manila. I said on time, because I had only one franc left when I receive your help. Serrano sent me 100 francs for my trip to Paris, but I returned them. So, I give you many thanks. If you think it worthwhile to publish my letter to the Malolos women, publish it in my name. Only I want to improve my Tagalog so that I should like to read the proofs and you take care of polishing it, for I consider you better versed in Tagalog, as you have many there with whom to converse with it. The Arancel is a proof of what I am saying. If Graciano insists on going to La Habana [Havana = Cuba], let him go and may he have a happy trip. Perhaps his fortune is there. I say, however, that if his hopes are not realized, he should again turn his eyes toward his country, and if I am there or in some neighboring colony, however insignificant, my position might be, he could come to me, and we can live together. I want to return to the Philippines and though this might be rash or imprudent, what does it matter? The Filipinos are all too prudent and that is why our country is thus, and as it seems to me that we are not getting along well on the path of prudence, I am going to look for another way. Who knows if the Philippines is really a special country, which should be governed by special laws? The only thing that can dissuade me is my parents' opposition. It is my duty not to disturb their last days. In that case, I hope to work to earn my living in any other part of the world. Pedro Serrano is in Paris; I do not know yet why he has come. When my finances improve, I will go to see him. I appreciate your generosity in inviting me to live with you and del Pilar and if it were possible, with Serrano also. The four of us could organize the entire Filipino colony in Europe. We four could be the four musketeers better than those of Dumas [author of The Three Musketeers - rly] but, my friend, I do not want to be a burden on anyone, nor do I want to get into more debt. Regards to all.
Yours, Rizal
P.S. At this moment I received a letter of my brother telling me to attend to the case against the Hacienda in Madrid. If you are going to Madrid, perhaps I might decide to go. Write me. Is Serrano also going? Is Marcelo remaining there?
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218. Rizal, Brussels, 18 July [1890] || To Marcelo H. del Pilar
The case against the Hacienda de Kalamba in the Supreme Court, Madrid.
Brussels, 18 July [1890]
Mr. Marcelo H. del Pilar 43 Calle de Atocha Madrid
My favorite Friend: I have received a letter concerning our case against the fria4rs, which is now in the Supreme Court. I will send you the power of attorney. [01] If you think that my presence is necessary, I will go there; but, if not, I am going back to our country. [= the Philippines - rly] I am leaving this place before the end of the month. My brother says that inasmuch has it was our fight against the satsat (curate) that has brought you to Europe, [02] we must defeat them, because if they are defeated, they will greatly weaken. The case should be presented to the Supreme Court before the end of the month. Answer me upon the receipt of this letter.
Rizal ____________ [01] To authorize del Pilar, lawyer, to represent the Kalamba tenants at the Supreme Court. [02] Rizal alludes to the reason for del Pilar's hurried departure from the Philippines-persecution by the friars.
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219. Rizal, Brussels 20 July 1890 || To Marcelo H. del Pilar
Continuation of the Indolencia de los Filipinos -- Petition to the Supreme Court, Madrid, re. the case of the Hacienda de Kalamba.
38 Rue Phil. de Champagne Brussels, 20 July 1890
(Mr. Marcelo H. del Pilar 43 Atocha, Madrid, España)
My favorite Friend: Enclosed you will receive the continuation of the "Indolence of the Filipinos" including the power of attorney brought by our friend Serrano concerning the petition for quashing the matter before the Supreme Court. I am enclosing my brother's letter. [01] Read it all well and perhaps I may go there within this month. Do not show to others my brother's letter. Just let me know if I am needed there at once. They say that the term is 60 days beginning 2 June. Present it then immediately, and I will relieve you afterward. I enclose also the corrected proofs of "Indolence". Can we publish it like Barrantes? Only I request you to take care of the corrections. It seems as if the compositors are a little careless. I will help you when I get there. Do not tell anybody that I am coming. I do not want anyone to meet me. I hope I will find Naning there. It would be surprising if Serrano came with me. Read my brother's letter carefully. Is there someplace where I may stay? This is all.
Rizal
Your article on politics is good. _____________ [01] Paciano Mercado.
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220. Juan Luna, Benzeval-Houlgate, France, 24 July 1890
From Trouville to Benzeval -- Juan Luna visits Madrid -- The Filipino colony: all like before -- Through the influence of Antonio Luna the Filipinos have taken up fencing -- The fame of being brave and strong -- A position for Antonio in La Solidaridad -- Painting landscapes or catching shrimp and talanka -- Biblioteca -- Museo de Ultramar would like copies of Rizal's works.
Benzeval-Houlgate, 24 July 1890
Mr. José Rizal Brussels
My Friend Rizal: Here you have me with my family. It is a bathing place, pretty and not too boisterous as Trouville, which is about 13 kilometers away. I spent the month of June in Madrid; I saw almost the entire Filipino colony; all as before, some are studious and others, gamblers and loafers. The good thing is that all of them have taken up fencing through the influence of Antonio [Luna], and the Filipinos now enjoy the fame of being brave and strong in the handling of weapons. Antonio has asked me to write you, knowing that you have great influence in La Solidaridad, if you could employ him there for 8 or 10 pesos a month which he needs for his fencing and other trifles, as he scarcely has any funds. You see that even here we resort to influence and recommendation just not to forget the custom in our native land. I did not wish to speak to del Pilar about it because I do not have enough familiarity with him. You already know that I am supporting Antonio and his monthly allowance is only 35 duros, so that the position would be of great help to him. As to the work, you know that he can do much! Very soon Trinidad and his family, Tula and family will be there. We plan to do target shooting with pistol and rifle. They have written me that you are going to Manila. Is it true? Here I paint landscapes and when I am not, I go on an excursion, hiking to the nearby towns. Sometimes I catch shrimp and talanca and my inseparable companion is Luling who now talks like a Frenchman. Regards from Paz, kisses from Luling and Bibi, and an embrace of your friend.
Luna
P.S. Virgil, [01] director of the Biblioteca-Museo de Ultramar, asks me to tell you that if you would be kind enough to send copies of your works to the Biblioteca, he would appreciate it very much. Let me know of your answer. I was in Toledo with several Filipinos; the excursion was good and instructive. My address: Maison Guillemete, Benzeval-Houlgate (Calvados). _______________ [01] Franciso de P. Vigil, a Spaniard who sympathized and fraternized with the Filipinos.
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221. Rizal, Brussels, 29 July 1890 || To Mariano Ponce
Rizal announces his trip to Madrid in a post card written in Tagalog.
Brussels, 29 July 1890
Mr. Mariano Ponce Rambla de Canaletas 2-3o
My favorite Friend: I am leaving from here for Madrid at the beginning of next month. I hope I would find you and del Pilar there. Serrano is also going there. I will arrive at Madrid about 3 or 4. This is all.
Rizal
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222. José Ma. Basa, Hongkong, 4 August 1890
Letter to the Propaganda Committee [01] of Manila -- Basa promises to send Rizal a pension of 100 pesos monthly -- Opposes his return to Manila -- Invites him to settle in Hong Kong and practice his profession -- Basa complains about the irregular receipt of La Solidaridad.
Hong Kong, 4 August 1890
Mr. José Rizal Brussels
Dear Friend and Compatriot: Yesterday I received your letter of 11 July and I am glad to know you are in good health. I received your letter for your family and I shall be glad to forward it through the first boat that leaves for Manila. I will send a copy of your letter to the Propaganda of Manila through the first boat. I am going to work to see if something can be done about your monthly pension of 100 pesos in Madrid, as you wish. For the time being you may count on my little contribution and I will let you know the reply of our compatriots. Do not bother about Dr. Pardo's book, which does not interest me much. For the present do not think of going to Manila; leave that for another occasion; later we are going together. Instead of going to Manila, come to Hong Kong, as I have said to you before and I have no doubt that you will succeed in the practice of your profession. As to your Morga, to date I have sent 170 copies to the Propaganda Committee. As soon as they send me the payment, I will forward it to you. Those in Madrid do not write me. La Solidaridad comes irregularly and in somebody else's name. I do not know why. With the new ministry in Spain we have gone fifteen years backward. I wish you to keep well for the good of our country and do not think of going to Manila, but come to Hong Kong, in any case, and command your friend and compatriot.
J. M. Basa
P.S. If you write to Pilar, please tell him that Mr. Panis, to whom he sends La Solidaridad, is no longer here. He went to Bombay a long time ago. Just accidentally I received the bundles of this paper. I do not understand why they do not send them to me. I have written them about it al long time ago and they have not answered me. _______________ [01] Filipino reformers in the Philippines had a Committee of Propaganda that managed to campaign for reforms.
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223. Juan Luna, Houlgate, France, 13 August 1890
Even the son of Barrantes is against him -- Requests the payment of his brother's boardinghouse expenses -- On Rizal's projected return to the Philippines -- And the second part of the celebrated Noli? Luna offers to illustrate it -- Make of the Filipino youth a bunch of ready combatants for the honor of the race -- How delightful is country life!
Houlgate, 13 August 1890
Dear Rizal: Through the letter, which Trinidad has received, I have learned that you are at Madrid. It is funny that the very son of Barrantes protests against his father and it might be good for you to take advantage of this son. A million thanks for all that you have done for Antonio, whom I suppose you have already informed. Enclosed I send you 100 francs with which I should like to ask you the favor of paying the matron of Antonio's boardinghouse at No. 6 Clavel Street. She is charging me 250 pesetas for Antonio's back accounts. If he is still living in the same house, pay the matron 100 francs on account and ask her for a receipt. Tell her that I will send the balance about the middle of September when I expect a letter from Manila. If Antonio is not living there anymore, do not give it to her but to Antonio. Pardon the trouble and a million thanks. I see that you are ready to go to the Philippines and settle in that paradise which is unknown to me. As for me, despite my great desire to return and embrace my parents, I believe that I cannot fulfill it for the present. And the second part of your celebrated Noli? I suppose that you will print it in Madrid. You know that if you need an illustrator, you can count on me as I did for Antonio's book, as an anonymous illustrator. You must have noticed among our compatriots much fondness for arms and it might be desirable for you to hold another bout so that this kind of sport would make of the Filipino youth a bunch of ready fighters for the honor of the much-reviled Egyptian race, as our immortal poet Mr. Perdo (P. A. Paterno) said. Tell me if you plan to stay there a long time, for I believe that I will have to go there in October. Country life is agreeable to all of us and now under the direction of . . . (illegible) one lives here as in Tondo or Antipolo; Patis, tuyu, and other victuals are made. From our vegetable garden we get the prosaic cabbage, string beans, sibuls, agurons, etc.; we also have apricots, apples, and a magnificent grapevine. Bathing in the sea is delightful, and my favorite sport is flying a kite that I have made and it is admired by the boys in the house as well as by outsiders. Greet Roxas, Apacible, and Bautista for del Pilar, as well as all my good friends and compatriots in general with whom I have spent some pleasant moments in Madrid. Regards from Paz and Doña Juliana, kisses from my children, and an embrace from your affectionate friend.
Luna
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224. Juan Luna, Benzeval-Houlgate, France, 26 August 1890
Unpleasant incident because of wine -- Antonio Luna has strong character and amour propre -- Time him if he gets drunk again -- Will Rizal please advise him as a good friend -- T. H. Pardo de Tavera is also learning fencing.
Benzeval Houlgate 26 August 1890
Dear Rizal: I have received your letter of the 23rd with the receipt of Antonio's boarding-house matron. I regret deeply the incident between you and Antonio and between him and other friends, because, in the final analysis, though he was drunk, these incidents are very unpleasant and the Manila Spaniards must have rubbed their hands with contentment upon hearing about it. I suppose that this incident will not be the cause of any resentment between the Filipinos and Antonio, for, having taken back what he had said and gave them permission to tie him if he got drunk again, he showed that he was repentant of the evil he had caused the gathering and his friends. It is true that Antonio has a strong character and he is very sensitive. This is very good if the cause is just. That is why I abstain from saying anything to him, as you suggest, hoping that some intimate friend of his give him counsel that I myself could give him. I beg you not to let him get drunk again on Thursday when you hold your next meeting. I am very sorry I cannot attend your reunions and enjoy the satisfaction of seeing gathered together our friends and compatriots. I pray you to please tell them on my behalf that their remembrance is very pleasant to me and from this corner of France, far from them; I greet them and drink with them to the Philippines and for the Philippines, wishing that Spanish wine would not poison them. Do you know that it would be painful if the fondness for arms should be used to destroy ourselves, there being over there Batangueño [91] Indios and others of the kind? Trinidad is also learning fencing. His professor is Gamorty of Paris who has two halls, one on Rue Balzac and the other on Boulevard Haussmann. Regards from the family, from Trinidad, Tula and family.
Yours, Luna _______________ [01] Men of Batangas Province -- Batangueños -- are noted for their bravery and readiness to use arms if they feel slighted.
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225. Catalino Dimayuga, Villa de Lipa, 8 October 1890
Thanks to Lauro's tutor -- Advises his son to
be a useful man -- Uneasiness about scrofula -- If a change of climate is
necessary, go abroad and study beside Rizal -- Dimayuga esteems Rizal --
Order for
Villa de Lipa, 8 October 1890
Mr. José Rizal Madrid
My dear and distinguished Friend: With the greatest pleasure I reply to your very welcome letter of 5 August and I appreciate very sincerely the wise counsel you give Lauro and the attention you show me. In almost all my letters, as you know, I have tried to convince Lauro of the advantages of preparing for a career, whatever it might be, so that he would become a useful man in society. He can pursue it there in Madrid or else abroad. I am glad now of your good decision that coincides with my wishes, though I am disturbed and uneasy about the disease, incipient scrofula, [tuberculosis of the lymphatic glands, esp. of the neck, characterized by the enlargement of the glands, suppuration, and scar formation -- rly] which you have noticed in him, even if it is not serious. If you think that his health will improve with a change of climate, you may please tell him that he can go immediately abroad [01] and study there any course which he likes. As I believe that your permanent residence is abroad and you stay there only for short periods of time, I should like him to study where you live so that you can advise him concerning his studies and in matters affecting his health. Pardon this egoism, which is natural in a father like me whose son is far from home and is exposed to all kinds of risks. I have to seek a support for him and no one else but you could do, because of your worth, disinterestedness, and the thousand qualities that you possess, as well as my very special esteem for you that I am pleased to express now and always. I am a little sickly as a result of my old ailment -- rheumatism -- but as soon as I get over it, I will go to Manila to arrange Lauro's pension, depositing it in Liege or in any other city in Europe that you will choose for your residence. Bernardo and I have received your affectionate regards and he asks me to reiterate to you his offer of his services, sending you at the same time a million thanks for having remembered him.
Have you received from Aguilera in Madrid a
draft for
I cannot say anything more to you except to express my gratitude and together we send you a thousand regards from this far-away land. I have forgotten to tell you that almost all towns in this province support the patriotic campaign that La Solidaridad has been waging in the interest of this unhappy country. Wishing you all kinds of happiness, I have the pleasure to remain your attentive and affectionate servant,
Catalino Dimayuga _______________ [01] At that time Filipinos did not regard Spain as a foreign country, "Abroad" meant to them countries outside of Spain.
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226. Juan Luna, Paris, 12 October 1890
Matriculation fee of Antonio -- Our detractors believe that the best painters in the world are of their race.
26 Villa Dupont, 42 rue Pergolese Paris, 12 October 1890
Dear Rizal: I received your letter day before yesterday and today that of Antonio His matriculation fees amount to 162 pesetas. Enclosed are 100 and the rest I hope you would advance, because today is Sunday and I cannot send a draft, and I have not found bills of 50 to enclose in this letter, which must get there quickly because Antonio says that the matriculation closes on the 16th. Please give him at once 162 pesetas and tomorrow I am going to send you a draft to cover the balance. Pardon a thousand times these troubles; but, chap, I could spare you all this by sending the money directly to Antonio. However, I sent him the payment for his diploma, which had come from Manila, and until now I do not know whether he has spent all of it or part of it, inasmuch as he has not written me yet if he now has his diploma. I am making this confession to show you why I am obliged to trouble you in this manner. Tell Antonio then that I have asked you this special favor, and if he does not like to accept the money, please matriculate for him and send him the papers. Doña Juliana is asking if all the works of St. Augustine are in Latin. If that is so, then she has no use for them, as you well understand. I am very busy with the house. What a mean and narrow criterion! It is true that ignorant people believe that the best painters in the world come from their race. Regards from Paz, Doña Juliana, and kisses from my children. Yours affectionately,
Luna
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227. Guillermo Puatu, Pontevedra, Spain, 1 November 1890
Rizal, "titular head of the Filipinos" -- Amicable settlement of the question between the Puatu family and M. H. del Pilar -- Praises Rizal's ability to amicably settle discord between compatriots.
Pontevedra, 2 November 1890
Dear Rizal: Madrid
My dear Sir and distinguished Friend: As you are what can be rightly what can be called "the titular head of the Filipinos," possessing the power of soothing irritated minds, settling amicably discord and bitter enmity, and bringing together in social gatherings, men who do not even want to look at each other in the street, I write you as a friend to entreat you to take care of the enclosed letter of my brother. I believe that my family has never been very fond of the friars -- and one of them has been -- and does not deserve to be treated in that way. And I, though I am nobody, have always been an enthusiast for the noble and legitimate cause that you now pursue. Really, I do not see the reason for this quarrel between brothers -- because we all belong to the same party. My brother never leased stolen land (Hacienda land), though he has been offered one, and he has always praised you and del Pilar for the cause you defend, which is also ours. I do not know the truth of what has happened. It might be a regrettable mistake of the rival party who did not notice that the other one bore the same independent badge. Though unfortunately you have known me in Paris as fickle, I have never been so in regard to my affection for you, despite the fact that I have seen the strong winds of envy blow around your stature. Of course these have favored you more than any other thing; for, unstable at first on the shaky pedestal on which you have been placed by the warmth of popular enthusiasm, you have more and more strengthened your hold, rocked by the very same winds. I believe that through an amicable settlement of this question we shall all gain, all of us who belong to your party. Besides, as you well know, all of us in this world, are useful in something, for we have been born for that. There is no greatness, however high it may seem, that we cannot attain with our power and constancy. Following this rule, I did not hesitate to trouble you. At any time in the future that you shall need me, you may command me with full confidence. You will understand by the enclosed letter that the person I am referring to who is at your side is our esteemed compatriot and friend, del Pilar.
Affectionately yours, Guillermo Puatu
P.S. I cannot give you any other address except the general delivery in the post office of Santiago (Galicia) because I am only in Pontevedra en route to that city. I congratulate you on the order for the release of your relatives given by the Minister.
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228. Juan Luna, Paris, 8 November 1890
Concerning "A Reply to I. de los Reyes" --Isabelo made a mistake in refuting Anotaciones a la Historia de Morga -- Luna dedicates to Rizal a sketch of the death of Magellan -- A more appropriate title would be "Victory of Lapulapu and Flight of the Spaniards."
Paris, 26 Villa Dupont, 48 Rue Pergolese 8 November 1890
Dear Rizal: A thousand thanks for our very detailed report. You are priceless as a proxy, but I also realize that it is bothersome, so that you are really doing me a great favor. Enclosed is a draft for 120 pesetas, which, together with the 40, would make the balance 160 pesetas. Please give one hundred and fifty pesetas to Antonio's boarding-house matron, and the remaining 10 pesetas to Antonio, which, together with the 40 he receives from La Soladaridad will be enough for his pocket money. I congratulate you on the campaign being waged in the newspapers of that city and may they attend to your complaints for the welfare of your family and of our country. I am sorry, however, about your article, "A Reply to I. de los Reyes," [01] because, though you have very many reasons in your favor, this discord will make the Spaniards in Manila burst with joy. Isabelo (who is also my friend) has done harm, but a great harm, in refuting your "Annotations" [to Morga's history -- rly], perhaps exaggerated, because of your excessive patriotism, but this does not detract anything from your merit and you should have let one of these españoladas, if one can call thus the cheek that some writers have to contradict facts for the simple reason that they imagine differently. Chap, I do not know what makes me say these things to you, but I am saying this as I have said before because the castilas (The Spaniards) of Manila will celebrate it. I have made a sketch of the death of Magellan according to the description of Pigafetta; it is a very important event in our history. If I give it the title of "Death of Magellan," it is a tribute of admiration for this great man (A Portuguese to boot, as Blumentritt would say); but if I make it, as it should be, "Victory of Lapulapu and Flight of the Spaniards" instead of "Death of Magellan", every ridiculous fellow will criticize it, and the painter will be finished and the poor citizen will find himself against the wall. At any rate, I am dedicating this sketch to you if you like it. Regards from everybody in my home and Pardo's family. Kisses of Luling and Bibi. An embrace of your friend,
Luna
P.S. Do you know Osorio of Resumen? He is a very good man so tell Antonio to introduce you to him, or, if you prefer, I will send you a letter [of introduction ?]. _______________
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229. Raimundo de Perio, Paris 9 November 1890
I uphold and will uphold our political ideas, but without money I will have to ask favors from persons who perhaps entertain opposite ideas.
Paris, 9 November 1890
Mr. José Rizal
My distinguished Friend and Countryman: With my greetings I am sending you a million thanks for the favors you have done me. Concerning the political ideas that we have talked about, I uphold and will uphold them always; but while I have no money, I will have to ask favors from persons to get me a job, who perhaps entertain ideas opposite mine, but discretely I will do whatever I can for the realization of our ideas. On Friday of this week I will depart from here for Marseille. Goodbye.
Your comrade, Raimundo de Perio
P.S. Many regards to Don Marcelo and all our countrymen.
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A savage act of a Spaniard angers Lete -- A fellow countrywoman was the victim -- An attorney and prosecutor should be appointed to file a case against the offender.
Date ?
Mr. José Rizal
Friend Pepe: Before I return home I have had to come back for personal reasons. I wish you would suggest to our friends and countrymen to gather at your house to discuss a proposal of mine, which might be considered bad because it is mine, but it is not. It is accompanied by something which all hold in high esteem. I am sorry I cannot explain it personally, for I have much to do and I wish to leave on Monday. Moreover, I do not meet our compatriots as you do in your classes. Speaking then "ex cathedra," tell them that I have read this morning in El Liberal, an incident that made me very indignant. It was entitled, "A Savage Act." The criminal assault committed by a Spaniard of Alazar deserves our energetic condemnation because it hurts our human sentiments, our decorum, and our dignity, which I urge we must protect. Even were it not so -- after all, it concerns an unfortunate countrywoman -- the victim of the savagery of those who ironically are "civilizing" us. Let us give an example of vitality and energy by prosecuting the criminal publicly as the law concedes to us as citizens. Let us get our own attorney and prosecutor, paid by ourselves, who will see to it that justice is |
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from the sale of his book -- Ponce is opposed to Rizal's return to the
Philippines -- His life is in danger -- It would be better if he should
go to Spain, joining del Pilar and Ponce in Madrid -- Serrano is in
Europe to meet Rizal -- Jaena granted free passage to Cuba by the
Ministry of Colonies.
