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Letters Exchanged Between José Rizal and Other Reformers - 1891 (January to June) |
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Letters Exchanged Between José Rizal and Other Reformers - 1891 (January to June) |
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235. Rizal, Madrid, 7 January 1891 || To Fr. Vicente Garcia
Defense of the truth, humanity, and justice is undeserved if it's to be thanked for -- We need the experience and the applause of the old -- Let us turn our eyes towards our elders -- Leave us our thoughts and the fruits of your experience in writing -- Many have died without bequeathing to us anything more than the fame of their name -- There's individual progress, but not national -- A tear and a just word when one succumbs -- "I've suffered harsh death for saving men. What have you done for your brothers and sisters?"
Madrid, Principe 7 January 1891
Father Vicente García Manila
My esteemed Sir, I have long wished to write you, not to thank you for the just defense that you, before anybody else, dared to write about my first book [The Noli me tángere], but to seek light for the uncertain road of the future. I say that I have no intention to thank you because that would offend you, and because the steps that you have taken in defense of the truth, of humanity, and of justice would loose their value if they are to be thanked for. May God reward them and men content themselves in admiring and imitating them! I belong to the young generation, anxious to do something for the country and uneasy about the mysterious future. I need to come to men who have seen much and studied more so that with their experience they may supplement our youth and limited knowledge. We need the blessing of the old, besides the applause, to encourage us in the colossal struggle and the gigantic campaign that we have thrown over our dwarfish shoulders. However great is our enthusiasm, however, confident in our youth, however promising are our illusions, we hesitate, nevertheless, in certain moments, especially when we find ourselves alone and abandoned. In the titanic task of common regeneration, without stopping in our forward march, from time to time, we turn our eyes toward our elders to read their judgment of our actions on their faces. For this thirst of understanding the past, of knowledge, to enter into the future, we go to persons like you. Leave us your thoughts and the fruits of your long experience in writing so that, condensed in a book, we may not have to study again what you have already studied and that we may increase the heritage that we receive from you either expanding it or adding our own harvest to it. The smallness of the advancement that the Filipinos have made in three centuries of Hispanism is all due, in my opinion, to the fact that our talented men have died without bequeathing to us nothing more than the fame of their name. We have had very great intellects. We have had a Pinpin, a Dr. Pilapil, a Father Peláez, a Father Mariano García, a Dr. Joson, and others. We have still a Benedicto Luna, a Lorenzo Francisco, and more. Nevertheless, all that these men have studied, learned, and discovered will die with them and end in them, and shall go back to recommence the study of life. There is individual progress or improvement in the Philippines, but there is no national, general progress. Here you have the individual as the only one who improves but not the species. In the twilight of life, when in the fresh afternoon breeze one reflects on the struggles and weariness of the day, how sweet it would be to communicate your thoughts to those who are preparing for the battles of the following day! The beautiful and immaculate career of your life, ending in the sublime work of the redemption of the wretched and the suffering, would be the most beautiful sanction of our sacrifices and a holy blessing to encourage us in the struggle. I do not wish to flatter you telling you that you will still live long. May you live longer than I for the glory of your native country and my satisfaction, for surely you will have a tear and a just word when I succumb for the cause I am defending! But, by the natural order of things, it seems that you are to die before me in a more or less distant time. What shall you say to your God, you, a priest of a religion that has declared all persons to be equal? What shall you say to God who has hated tyranny and has made human intellect free when He asks you, "What have you done for the unfortunate and the oppressed? In what have you employed your extraordinary intelligence and your enlightenment? Why have you not followed the impulses of your heart which has shuddered at seeing injustice, ignorance, abjectness, and sufferings everywhere?" What shall you reply to that God when He tells you: "I have suffered harsh death for saving others. What have you done for your brothers and sisters?" Pardon this frankness of my heart for there is no censure in it. Who am I? A youngster who is not yet a man, who has no other merit but to think according to his convictions and afterwards to express them frankly. Admiring you always and wishing that you impart to us a part of your learning, I close this long letter of mine wishing you to enjoy good health. Your affectionate servant who kisses your hand,
José Rizal
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236. Luis Habaña, Kalamba, 11 January 1891
Mr. Filipe Buencamino attorney of the defendants in the Hacienda de Kalamba case -- Displays his talent in the defense of the poor tenants -- Mr. Doroteo Cortes and those of Sta. Cruz [01] and Pansanjan are helping him -- The dispossessed of Kalamba are not afraid of any adverse judicial action -- They will fight for their rights until the end -- "We feel encouraged whenever we receive a letter of Rizal and read the name of Blumentritt."
Kalamba, 11 January 1891
Messrs. José Rizal and Marcelo H. del Pilar Madrid
Sirs, We wish to inform you that the lawyer of the defendants in the case of the Kalamba Estate is Mr. Felipe Buencamino. [02] Though we know of his former attacks against us, he has assured us that he is now on our side and he is thoroughly repentant of what he had done. He said he pitied himself after that incident for no one would even speak to him. We have also observed that he is working indefatigably, even far into the night, preparing the papers for the defense of the twelve defendants . . . (illegible). One of those who took pity on us was the procurator Mr. Mariano Buenaventura. We noticed nothing undesirable in both of them. Mr. Doroteo Cortes is also helping us greatly, as well as those of Sta. Cruz and Pagsanjan. The people here are not afraid of this case in the least. They are going to fight to the end. In addition to all this, we are very much satisfied and encouraged whenever we receive a letter from you, especially when we read the name of Mr. Fernando Blumentritt . . . . . . (illegible). This is all. Please greet Mr. Blumentritt on our behalf and give our regards and thanks to all the Filipinos. We shall let you know about the outcome of this case.
Luis Habaña ______________ [01] Capital town of the province of Laguna. It is also the name of one of the districts in the City of Manial. [02] Filipino lawyer who used to take the side of the friars but who seemed to have changed his attitude.
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237. Nicensio Elgasani, Kalamba, 11 January 1891
The Hacienda de Kalamba case -- Copy of the brief presented to the Supreme Tribunal -- Long account of the ejection of the tenants -- Cruelties and abuses -- Scenes of desolation -- Payment of rent as the only remedy -- They spread the information that Borromeo has been won by the friars -- Rizal, defeated, was not allowed to appeal to the Supreme Court -- Appointment of friar partisans to discourage the people and compel payment -- Another 13 defendants -- the same sword hangs over those of Sta. Cruz -- Rizal's father ejected from his house for questioning the payment of urban taxes.
Calamba, 14 January 1891
Messrs. José Rizal and Maracelo H. del Pilar
Dear Sirs, We have received the copy of the brief and we are very grateful for your great interest in this trouble. We are letting you know what the Dominicans, and including the justice of the peace are doing here. On 14 August they carried out the order of eviction and we were ejected from our respective houses. They listed our sugar cane and machinery and other implements. They didn't give us time to mill the cane, thus resulting in the loss of about one-half of the harvest. The entire crop should yield more than one thousand loaves of sugar but less than five hundred loaves were realized. The friar manager and the justice of the peace didn't allow me to mill the cane, so that I was unable to recover the capital I invested in the purchase of the carabaos, the loans to the tenants, and other expenses. My rice field suffered the same fate. When it was being planted no officer of justice or of the Estate stopped the workers. But when harvest was ready the friar manager made accusations of robbery before the judge of the court of first instance. The friar even accused my three servants, who harvested, of stealing four cavanes of palay. The entire harvest was sent to the Estate and the tenants were not given their share, which made the cry. Then the friars took a couple of Civil Guards there and confiscated all the palay, supervised the rest of the harvest, and collected as taxes seven cavanes for each cavan of seed. Many of the workers had not harvested enough and they begged the friars. The friars told them that the Civil Guards would take care of them. The poor workers could not do anything but cry. Our acting curate, Father Domingo, is going around the tenants urging them to pay their dues to the Estate. They told them that they can't do anything with the Dominicans because they are the owners of the land and that Mr. Fernando Borromeo is already on the side of the friars and your Don José [Rizal], whatever he can do, is already defeated, having been denied the right of appeal by the Supreme Court. Every Sunday Father Domingo preaches that we should pay our dues to the Estate and that the town is becoming poor because of our disobedience to the friars and our failure to give for masses or to light candles. Another threat is that we shall all die in exile, like the five who were deported to Mindoro who cannot come back to Calamba. The justice of the peace assigned here is Mr. Vicente Roque who is a teacher from Tanaway, chosen not by the town but by the Dominicans. Every case of eviction brought to him by the Dominicans was decided against the tenant, even if the tenant is right, and he denies all petitions for appeal, saying that any court cannot reverse his decisions. This is because the Dominicans give him money, a rice field producing twenty cavanes, and a piece of pastureland taken from the poor people. He tells the tenants that whoever is brought to him by the friars will loose. We should not go against the friars for we would be impoverished. Our brothers and fellow townsmen are also regretting that the mayor appointed here is Mr. Lucas Quintero, who is favored by the Dominicans, because he promised that he would make the tenants pay their dues by force. He sends for the tenants and drives them to the Estate. He also promises that if he were asked for a report on this estate, he would testify that this land belongs to the Dominicans. He favors the Estate. When the ditch in San Cristobal River broke down -- which should be repaired at the expense of the Dominicans -- he ordered more than one hundred laborers, working on the rice fields, do the word for free, which took them about a month. He scolds all who complain against the Dominicans. What he wants is for all of them to say that they will fight knowing that nothing will come out of it. And the Dominicans are now suing at the court of first instance in Sta. Cruz. Thirteen [sic. twelve are listed] tenants have been sued for eviction. They are as follows: Mr. Luis Havania, Mrs. Petrona Quintero, Mrs. Fernanda Casanias, Petronila Alviar, Mrs. Isabel Habacon, Mr. Pascual Alcaras, Ponciano Alviar, Vicente Ruvio, Victor Albiar, Narciso Abacon, Dionisio Alásegui, and Santos Alcaras. All of them are fighting the Dominicans for having been evicted from their land. The next batch will be thirty tenants also to be sued at Sta. Cruz. The Dominicans say that when all these cases are decided and our land is taken away from us, we shall be reduced to extreme poverty, and even if five hundred tenants are evicted, it will still leave three thousand, five hundred tenants. The fact is that four hundred workers on the land of the evicted tenants are now unemployed. The house of your father has been confiscated. When the order was received here, your father was ordered to pay the urban tax but he questioned it and he was ejected by court order. This is all. We are strengthening our spirit in our fight against the friars, come what may. Grant our supporters there in this case on our behalf and command us.
Nicasio Eigasani
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238. Rizal, Madrid, 21 January 1891 || To José Ma. Basa
Conspiracy against Rizal -- del Pilar, the tool -- The Propaganda is against Rizal's return -- Project of establishing a school in Hong Kong with Rizal as the director -- To teach languages, science, and the arts -- Kunanan will be the manager and will leave for Hong Kong to choose a site and an adequate building.
Madrid, 21 January 1891
[Mr. José Ma. Basa]
My dear friend Basa, Happy New Year and better luck! Through the enclosed you will learn about the plot against me, using as a tool our friend del Pilar, who allowed himself to be used unknowingly. I won, however, but the incident disgusted me very much. As the Propaganda did not want to go home [that is, to the Philippines], we have conceived here the idea of establishing a school or college in Hong Kong, directed by me, to teach languages, science, and the arts, in the style of the Jesuit colleges. What do you think of the idea? On the 8th of February, my friend Kunanan [01] will leave for Hong Kong and study the project on the spot with respect to the selection of a site, the building, and the like. He will be the manager and will invest part of his capital in it. I am leaving Madrid soon. This is all for now. I beg you to do me the favor of forwarding the enclosed to the Propaganda.
Yours affectionately, Rizal _______________ [01] Mariano Kunanan (Cunanan) was a wealthy Pampango capitalist who promised 40,000 pesos to start the school. Rizal drafted the regulations of the proposed school.
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239. Eduardo de Lete, Madrid, 27 January 1891
In order to dispel doubts and bitterness – Interest in their removal – Lete justifies himself – Meanness – Spirit of rivalry and envy? – Concerning the appointment of “one who would direct our work and our life” – Lete did not vote for Rizal to maintain his prestige – He entrusts himself to the good judgment of Rizal – Has no intention of overthrowing him – Nor did he ridicule his laudable project – Lete’s act of vindication.
Madrid, 27 January 1891
Dear Pepe, So that certain statements of mine would not appear now untimely, I have preferred to keep silent. However, I wish my attitude to be well defined. A good friend of mine has suggested to me the desirability of dispelling certain doubts or bitterness that you harbor and I am going to do it because I am more interested in their removal than in their retention. As there is someone who is discrediting me, let there also be someone who will tell about my good faith. Concerning the desirability of appointing one from among us to direct our work and our life, logically I decided against voting for you. Why? Let us see. If I had recognized your leadership, I would have told you: “Your name is being questioned and this is not good. We recognize you morally as our chief and it is necessary that you be appointed legally so that henceforth you will not be questioned.” According to you, this would have been logical, that I should have supported your candidacy, inasmuch as if someone else wins, the grumblings or the discussion of your name or your acts could not be avoided. I believe so and I am going to prove it. Whoever had been elected would the purpose be attained? How? First, because the elected one would endeavor to avoid any kind of discussion, backbiting, or dissent in trying to perform his duties. Second, no act of yours would be considered authoritative nor would they bother were it a command until you are invested with authority with the right to legislate. Third, you, knowing your true position, though you might feel impelled (which I do not believe) to express an opinion that be interpreted as authoritative, you would have carefully avoided it, because you know how to strictly fulfill your duties and engagements. Is my conduct logical? I am waiting for your impartial opinion. That I did not endorse your candidacy? That is true. Why did I do it? I have already stated it more than once; because I did not consider your character the most appropriate to fit into the manner of being the colony and because you have expressed your determination to leave. . . (missing). I am not accustomed to doubt your words and so I did not wish to nullify my vote. This is all. But let us go to another point, for it seems to me that this is clearly stated. I am surprised that I, being of very little worth and my “personal equation,” as the Germans say, being so insignificant they should pay attention to my words or my acts, interpreting them maliciously. It has been said that I have no other purpose but to overthrow you. I ought not to object to this assertion; I leave it to the consideration and the judgment of those who know how to think loftily and to feel deeply. In order to venerate or to like anyone, I do not use pedestals. On this reason, overthrowing is necessary. Besides, I have learned that however high is the head, the feet are always on the same level as are mine. For what then should I think of irrelevant downfall? But there is still more. My plan to enter the contest has been attributed to mockery, supposing that I was ridiculing your laudable project. If my denial is not more than enough, I invoke the testimony of my friends Luna, Reyes, Rosario, and others to evaluate my affirmation. Upon my arrival not many days ago, I was surprised still more by another statement which, if anything, reveals a very bad intention. The saying attributed to me that the Noli is “written with the feet” [1] has been revived. What is the purpose of this? I do not know nor do I care; but I pity the defamers whom I detest. But I am very sorry because they attribute to me a sentiment that I have never harbored – envy. If I consider myself an opaque body, how am I to pretend to radiate light that I do not possess? Other people’s laurels ought not to hurt me, much less when I esteem the persons who deserve them. Moreover, my acts and words were always a faithful reflection of my opinions and thoughts and I always stand by whatever I say, so I regret that they attribute to me things I have not said. On my honor I swore at a former occasion that I had not expressed such a course opinion. Should I spend my life in perpetually giving the lie? Now more I challenge the one who attributes to me such a statement to defend it in the field of honor as he had done it in the field of calumny to show him that I can defend my convictions and I know how to tell him that he lies . . . (missing) the same to the one who invented the phrase who is equally responsible. Perhaps in this way I may succeed to seal for all time my complete denial; perhaps thus such a thing may not be revived with such wretched intentions; perhaps thus peace of mind may be achieved. Add this Act of vindication to the many I have already made and to the one who is compelling me to do it, to my regret, who believes that he shows better his affection for you by reviling me. Render your verdict in the last instance and tell me if I am right. To others perhaps all this would seem impertinent; to you, I believe, it will not seem so. I did not wish to keep this all to myself, because I wish to spare us asperities that are unjustified and not conductive to making more sincere the ties of affection between us. I lay aside these wretched things. It is your turn to make all this clear to your friends, since at every relapse into error, I am obliged to issue statements daily. Command me as a friend and countryman who does not cackle any of these ideas because he trusts in time as the best proof.
Yours, E. de Lete
_______________
[1] Literal translation of escrito con los pies meaning that a work is very badly written.
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240. Mariano Ponce, Madrid, 4 February 1891
Llorente is leaving – Plaridel elected Responsible [1] – Waiting for a Rizalian article – “Everything the same as when you were here” – Souvenir of Chambery – Everybody is asking for Rizal.
Madrid, 4 February 1891
Dear Friend, I received your letter of the 30th of last month and everybody is glad of your safe arrival there. Some issues of our newspaper are going with this. Llorente is leaving in the evening. Perhaps they have already written you that Plaridel was elected Resp. (Responsible). Tomorrow he takes the oath. Selong is hoping that you will send an article for the issue for the 15th. Here it is the same as when you left. At the gathering at Chambery at Felisa’s house your absence was conspicuous. Everybody was asking for you. My friendship with Pepa continues. All are eagerly awaiting the continuation of the Noli. Alejandrino [2] gave me the enclosed draft and card for you. There are no charges here that should be reported to you. Receive a close embrace of your
M. Ponce
P.S. In the continuation of the Noli the o may be changed into E. Be very careful not to let that happen or may it be so. Please greet mother and daughter for me, especially the E in Noli. Selong ______________ [1] The title given to the director of the Filipino colony at Madrid. [2] José Alejandrino was then studying chemical and industrial matters. Later he became a general in the Philippine Revolution of 1896 and senator of the Philippines under the Commonwealth (1935-1946).
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241. Felipe Buencamino, Kalamba, 7 February 1891
Attorney of the defendants – Convinced of the justice of the case – Interesting account of the case – The technique of the defense – Incidents which excited the authorities – Most lamentable condition of the property of the Rizal family – The Governor offers his help –Suspension of judgment for six months – For a conciliatory formula – Bases of a settlement – Power of attorney given to Mr. Yriarte.
Kalamba, 7 February 1891
Mr. José Rizal I am writing you in the house of your good sister Sisa after conferring with your very dear and respectable parents and also after hearing the opinion of your good fellow townsmen, worthy of a better lot, to whom I owe the honor of staying in this house for the defense of the lawsuit with the Dominicans. The incidents that occurred complicated the case and I had to come here to see for myself the situation and talk with the persons involved in so difficult as well as delicate question. Your fellow townsmen requested me towards the end of December to defend twelve men indicted for dispossession. Convinced of the justness of their plea, I accepted their defense with the proper frankness and loyalty of my profession. I was also counting on the support of the Audiencia because this is now functioning as the Supreme Court, and I had called the attention of the justices that Mrs. Petrona Quintero and Mrs. Petronila Albiar have been summoned and indicted without marital consent, being, as you know, married women. At the trial my clients were attended by Mr. Juan P. Tagle, my friend, and the only man with the courage to face the danger that you do not have there, but which we all have here in abundance, making many men timorous and those who rush against it are unfortunate. Tagle brought with him my written instructions and was going to read them during the trial, but at the request of the opposing party, the judge denied Mr. Tagle that form of exposition, because he pays that everything must be in the spoken word in an open trial, as if reading what is to be said is not to speak orally. The law prohibits the presentation of briefs in due form but not oral exposition for reading as it necessarily had to be done for a referee who is not a lawyer. Through the procurator, Arquiza, I presented in an opportune time a petition for the nullity of the summons to the married women mentioned above for lack of marital permission. The judge rejected the briefs alleging that he had already decided the matter before their presentation. This is false because the opposite is recorded in the notes of presentation and can be proved also by the receipts issued by the clerk of court. At once he made known the decision through the court rooms the accused not being present. For his reason I again presented a petition for the nullity of the decision for the error in its publication, because it is proven by the date of the presentation of the first brief for nullity on the judge’s decision could not have been published on the 9th because the principal proceedings have been suspended since the said day of the 8th. I asked for the restoration of the decree denying the brief of nullity, and after great distress and extraordinary efforts and exhausting all resources with the efficacious cooperation of Mr. (Pedro) Gobantes, I succeeded in convincing the judge not to again reject this new petition and I delivered the writ of proceedings to Mr. Vicente Reyes so that he may take note of the sentence. I breathed freely on the 22nd of January . . . for on that date the judge handed down the sentence confirming the new petitions. The opposing side used two extraneous happenings to stir the minds of the authorities. I refer to the final coincidence of the crime committed in the Procuración of the Franciscans with the unfavorable nullification in the Supreme Court of the case of Nicasio Esagani. The Dominicans spread the news of their victory throughout the town and their partisans, Lucas and Eusebio, frightened your fellow townsmen. The same men took to the Hacienda house of Mr. Vega, the Director General, who lost no time in recommending to the governor and other officials who called on him a greater zeal for the cause of the Dominicans. With these circumstances and without waiting for the decision on the pending complaints, they summoned thirty-one other persons for the 3rd of this month. Your fellow townsmen brought them also to me and I likewise accepted their defense. I note that despite the care exercised by the opposing side in including the husbands of the women in the citation, they committed their former error again in the case of Martina Alcaraz, wife of one Agapito and sister of Pascua Alcaraz. Perchance it may occur to you to ask why, as a lawyer, I give more attention to the question of form rather than to that of substance. This is a natural curiosity and I am going to satisfy it now rather than later because it is better to do so for a complete understanding of my conduct. The question of substance in this litigation is a legal chaos. The friars cannot justify their ownership of the lands in Kalamba, but neither can your fellow townsmen prove their right to them. What is true is the historical fact of the lease and the narrow patterns of the common laws allow the opposing side to petition the judge, first, for the implementation of the order of dispossession and second, or afterwards for the decrees of ownership. This is my private opinion, not yet decisive, because there is no clear law on my opinion, or on the contrary. In view of this, I have attended more to the weapons of form because with them I can forestall for many months the course of the principal proceedings, gaining time, so that my clients can harvest their crops, so that the oppressive atmosphere already alluded to may be dispelled, so that over there they may have a change of government, and so that slowly I can be informed of so complicated a case and gather historical data of convincing probative force that I can use in replaying to the complaints. As I have said before, and going back to the principal purpose of this letter, on the 3rd, the day designated for the trial, I petitioned the judge for the suspension of the trial already begun by a reading of the complaint, after an understanding with my clients, Arquiza, and Vicente Reyes. I asked for it not in behalf of my clients but in my own, offering myself to search within six months for a solution and practical to all. I wished to show through my attitude that my clients and I were not the promoters of the litigation – the principal charge that the friars had imbued in the minds of the authorities – and that, on the contrary, we desire nothing more than peace within the law. I succeeded to create in the minds of all the desired effect. I have come to this town to explain the new turn of the lawsuit to my clients and also with the object of feeling the real and true state of thing at close hand. My impressions are the saddest. I should like to spare you the bitterness of knowing them, but, on the one hand, the need for you to know the true situation and, on the other hand, the demand of your estimable family and fellow townsmen compel me to report to you all that I have seen and heard without comment, leaving to your good judgment what to make of it. Your elderly parents, your sisters and nephews are all in good health. The first received me tearfully for they already knew me as a friend in youth of your brother Paciano, my unfortunate and most dear Paciano. Tears also welled up in my eyes as well, and when this intense, brief moment passed, we began our intimate conference. I say nothing about your brother-in-law who, with Paciano, is exiled in Mindoro. According to the latest news brought by your cousin Ticio they are all well. I have already written three letters to my friend and received one from him, which I am enclosing. I say nothing about the loneliness of your parents and sisters, though I must say your sisters are courageous, strong and most worthy to be yours. But I must tell you about the condition of your property which is most lamentable as these sources of wealth and well being are completely abandoned and soon will turn into forest and parasitic brambles because of their own fertility. This is because your parents are old, your dear sisters have their own interests, and the loyal ones to Paciano are being constantly excited. Your fellow townsmen, broken by fatigue and penniless, intimidated besides by the new incident that occurred at the provincial capital in the afternoon of the trial which ended in the imprisonment of one Fausto, clerk of the notary, who, becoming enthusiastic about the insignificant speech that I delivered during the trial, went out announcing it through the streets and squares of the town. The opposing party took advantage of his act and denounced him as a filibustero to the governor and all of us were almost thrown into jail had it not been for Mr. Yriarte who placed himself unconditionally on our side and thanks also (pardon my lack of modesty) to my energetic attitude denying the suspicions of the governor and offering to give myself up as a prisoner wearing my toga and soliciting at once the drawing up of administrative proceedings or a military council as suggested by the commandant of the Civil Guard who came here to watch me on the 4th when I called on your parents for the first time. As your fellow townsmen, I repeat, were already weakened, without strength, and without money, I decided at once to seek the postponement of the trial. In order to win the opposing party to our side, I proposed a settlement through the mediation of Mr. Francisco Yriarte who offered to us his services generously and unconditionally which I accepted because I knew that he did nothing without the advice of Mr. Vicente Reyes. The governor was extremely pleased with such an attitude and offered his cooperation. Your parents and fellow townsmen, after three days, approved the enclosed bases and also a copy of the power of attorney granted in favor of Mr. Yriarte. After you have read them, you will be convinced, in my opinion, of the little advantage that I can get as a lawyer, considering the facts already stated. I have no hope of getting anything. On the contrary I believe the lawsuits will soon come. Whether the intervening period is fifteen or thirty days, it will always be a respite during which my clients can devote their time in harvesting the crops (the evil-intentioned opposing side had timed the filing of the order for dispossession precisely for the harvest season) and rest and review their strength for the coming season. (Though by what I see and observe, they are already completely exhausted.) As for me I also need to rest, for I have spent more than a month working on this case alone. The case has been difficult not only because of the complicated questions of law but also the malice of the opposing side which keeps us on the alert for all kinds of details and circumstances that may arrive. It is indispensable to have considerable tact to guide this affair. Thanks to my prudent precautions (pardon again this new lack of modesty) I have already achieved two principal objects: First: to change the attitude of the governor and the other officials towards my client. They have already removed Captain Lucas, replacing him with First Lieutenant Procopio Pabalan and ordering the Civil Guard to refrain from taking harsh measures and order the court to furnish me with all kinds of aid as its agent to seek an agreement with the dissidents of the neighborhood. A lieutenant has been placed at the stairway of the house of your sister Sisa and other clients utilize him. I have not asked this for myself because I want to reestablish their prestige in the town which has been all but lost and destroyed by the iniquities of Monpeon, Lucas, Eusebio, and Aviles. May God punish all of them. I have found Mr. Leopoldo Molano, who is governor of this province to be very noble, loyal, a gentleman, and a lover of justice and righteousness with the people. He is impressionable as a newcomer but because he listens he is willing to learn of deception. I say this because all the Spaniards here tell me that had it been Monpeon, I would now be in jail for my energetic attitude on the 4th, an attitude which cleared the atmosphere created by the Fausto incident. He also saved this man from the immediate danger which was facing him. It is needless to tell you about the panic that spread throughout the provincial capital and this town, but everything now is calm, and it can be said that since yesterday, the 6th, when I came for the second time, we breathe with peace and quiet. I have taken advantage of these few moments of rest to write this troublesome letter, written hurriedly to reach Manila on time for the mail boat sailing on the 10th. Summary:
Ah! I have forgotten to tell you that Mr. Molano has made a special statement that he would not follow the harsh measures used by his predecessor without proven facts and due process of law; that he offers is services to your parents whenever they may need them; that he has tried to appease the minds of the officials to undo the impression created by the news of disloyalty against your family; and that he offers you all kinds of security from there to here if you wish to come to your country. He has also promised to pay your parents a visit on the day that I shall tell him. Here is all that I have accomplished in one month’ work in favor of my clients, your parents, and fellow townsmen. This is still little for what the unhappy ones deserve in justice and for what I owe them for their affectionate attitude towards me, and for how well they pay me. But I have already used all my resources and the little intelligence that God has given me in handling lawsuits. Conclude praying you to forgive the trouble I am giving you for my poor penmanship and hurried writing, and accept the highest distinction and sincere friendship that I offer you. Felipe Buencamino Pardon me for lack of time this letter should have amendments. On another occasion I will write you in a better manner. A favor. An embrace for my brother-in-law Abreu and may he study hard to avoid the mockery of returning here just as he left.
X X X
Bases 1. Liberation of the center of the town, recognizing each one as owner of the lots occupied by their houses, warehouses, and orchards. 2. Examination of the titles of property and unconditional acceptance of the unanimous opinion of three lawyers appointed with the approval of both parties. In case of disagreement, another three will be appointed and the opinion of two of them will be deciding. 3. Authorization . . . . . . (missing) so that they can temporarily occupy their houses and lands, agreeing to give them up immediately if the negotiations should fail. 4. Equitable conditions of lease if the titles should be found legal. 5. Settlement of accounts until the date of the negotiations. 6. The costs will be divided equally between both parties.
X X X
Special Power of Attorney In Kalamba, a town of this province, 6 February 1891: Before me Mr. Procopio Pabalán, First Lieutenant of the same and accidental gobernadorcillo by permission of the landlord, acting with my witnesses who are listed below, appeared the principales [1] Mr. Francisco Rizal Mercado, Mr. Luis Habaña, and Mr. Nicolás Llamas, all ex-gobernadorcillos, Mr. Máximo Ustaris, Mr. Basilio Aguilar, and Mr. Aquilino Gecolea, all present Heads of Barangay, [2] each with a personal certificate, expounded: That they as principales know their neighbors and originators of their summons, that those present are involved some in pending lawsuits and others obstructed in the Court of First Instance of the province, and administrative reclamation before the Civil Governor of the same province concerning dispossession, property, and ownership of all the lands and lots within the jurisdiction of Kalamba with the representation of the religious corporation of the Dominican fathers of the Most Holy Rosary of Manila, and counseled and admonished in the first place by the Civil Governor of this province Mr. Leopoldo Molano and in the second place by other respectable persons to bring about a reasonable and equitable compromise between both parties, and taking advantage of the generous intervention offered them by His Excellency, Mr. Francisco de Yriarte, [3] inspired by true Christian charity which has always characterized before and now the actuations of His Excellency, for themselves and in the name of all their fellow townsmen grant him ample and sufficient powers and whatever is necessary by law so that in conformity with the bases attached hereto he may bring action, negotiate, and conclude the desired compromise with the representatives of the Dominican fathers expressly and specially authorizing him to submit the said compromise for approval of Mr. Leopoldo Molano, Civil Governor of this province, that he may proceed to its registration and implementation. They also authorize him to transfer this special power to the person or persons he may choose and as many times as he wishes to do it. They bind themselves life and heart to His Excellency Mr. Francisco Yriarte for his fatherly intervention in this difficult case, as much for the importance of the litigants as for the magnitude of the subject involved, not doubting that the said gentleman will work in their favor with the love, zeal, and charity characteristic of the Spaniards, as he has demonstrated during the eleven years that he was the beloved chief and governor of this province, binding himself to adhere to the clauses of this power of attorney. They ratified the contents of this public instrument after Attorney Felipe Buencamino has explained it literally and wholly to them, all signing it after the Gobernadorcillo, which we hereby certify. ______________ [1] A principal was a Filipino who had held some public office under the Spanish regime. [2] Balangay in Tagalog, barangay to the Spaniards was a group of families, an ancient social unit preserved during the Spanish regime. [3] Then Alcalde Mayor (Governor) of Laguna Province.
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242. Tomás Aréjola, Madrid, 9 February 1891
Rizal’s moral influence on the Filipinos – Regrets for Rizal’s absence from Madrid – The path of glory means sacrifices – They support Rizal’s ideas – Suggests that Rizal marry the beautiful Adelina Boustead and live in Europe.
Madrid, 9 February 1891
Mr. José Rizal Thanking you for the regards you sent me in your letter to Palico, I take pleasure in writing you not only to fulfill my promise when I took leave of you but for the special pleasure that it gives me to correspond with one for whom I have great sympathy and profess a profound admiration. Here are my impressions. Scarcely have you turned your back, we missed you very much in our gatherings, especially at Chambery. It is needless to tell you who is the soul of those Friday gatherings. In our dinners . . . (missing) we always talk about you, and there are some who say: “If the good Rizal were only here.” Others, remembering you say: “With greater pleasure we would eat beside our illustrious countryman Rizal.” The rest, we observe, find special pleasure in honoring . . . (missing) the mother country and your countrymen . . . (missing) all kinds of consideration. In short, in the Filipino colony in general and at the house of B . . . (missing) in particular, you have left behind most pleasant and undying memories. I say in the colony in general in the sense that not all are in accord with you on account of some old resentments, the effect of an unreasonable pride; others, for antipathy, which can only be explained by the spirit of envy which has taken hold of their hearts; and many others have been deceived by your rivals who attributed to you a certain sternness . . . (missing). The path to glory always involves sacrifices. Suffer them for the sake of the native country; ignore the grudges and resentments; after all, we who admire you and adhere heartily to your ideas and convictions, and who recognize your worth, are ready to support your principles concerning the Philippine question. The truth is this: Your moral influence on us is indisputable. The first meting we held after your departure was inaugurated with an unpleasant incident. We met to elect the Responsible, and I don’t know why Kanoy (01) and Modesto had a verbal tiff and M. Rosario joined in until he came to blows with Kanoy. In spite of Chief Tetoy (02) being Responsible and of Lete being counselor by majority vote, they were unable to maintain order or to endow the colony with the seriousness it should have. The tact and persuasiveness of a Rizal is necessary in order that what we want to do for the common welfare of our motherland should confirm to our desires. We are confessing all this to you and as time goes on some three or four others may do the same. Your cousin Pablo is an unhappy man, in the good sense of the word. He felt your departure so deeply that scarcely have we reached home coming the station that he began crying like a child at suppertime. We advised him to go to bed and sleep quietly. Another day, joking with Ruiz, he ended crying bitterly. The day before yesterday, piqued by some jokes of mine, he tried to throw a tumbler at my face, but later he made his peace with me, embracing me, and, in tears, asking for my forgiveness. A man in this condition is truly unfortunate and so I like him more. In your letter you talk repeatedly of [Adelina] Boustead who can be a madame or a mademoiselle. Several times here since last year I have been told about this young woman who, according to your letter, is also a Filipino. They told me that she is highly commendable for her very thorough education, her very beautiful moral and physical qualities, and, in addition, for being a Filipino. On this occasion and all the time you are there (03) exposed to the warmth of the treatment and attentions of that family, may I take the liberty of making the following reflections. Through you, yourself, I know that you are now free from your engagement in the Philippines. (04) On the other hand, while conditions there are not altered, your permanence in our country is not advisable; and even if it were so, they would never leave you in peace at your home. Consequently by marrying there, I fear that instead of happiness, you would only find bitterness and troubles. And what is the remedy? What is the proper solution in the face of such well-founded fears? See if Mlle. Boustead suits you, court here, and marry here, and we are here to applaud such a good act. Lauro left on the 6th instant and Llorente three or four days later. D . . . (missing) P . . . (missing) escaped from Madrid; nobody knows his whereabouts; he has left many debts amounting to 500 pesos. We are ashamed of such behavior which impairs the prestige of this colony. [I send my friendship ?] until another letter. Count always on the esteem and adhesion of your friend,
Tomás _______________
(01) Galicano Apacible, Rizal’s cousin. (02) M. H. del Pilar’s pet name. (03) Rizal was then sojourning at Biarritz. The Boustead family was also there. (04) Rizal’s fiancée, Leonor Rivera, had broken her engagement to Rizal to marry an English engineer, Charles H. Kipping.
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243. Rizal, Biarritz, 11 February 1891 || To Mariano Ponce
Rizal cannot send articles for the present – Will write again if necessary – He hopes he may no longer be indispensable – He believes in their ability to handle all the work that has to be done – at Biarritz his health is improving.
Villa Eliada, Biarritz 11 February 1891
Mr. Mariano Ponce
Dear Friend, I received your letter together with copies of La Solidaridad. Thanks. Do not ask me yet for articles for the Soli because I am still very busy. In case there is something to be answered that Selong, Luna, and others cannot attend to – which is unlikely to happen – then I will try to do it. Thank God that my ardent hope that I may not be needed seems to be on the way to fulfillment, for I believe that all of you are capable of doing all the work there. I am withdrawing little by little, but I will do what I can. Greet all my friends and acquaintances who may inquire about me. Go ahead with your friendship with my namesake. Only do not fake the mistake of substituting a for e in my name when you write me. Selong is luck that, though he may make a mistake, he will remain as bright as day or dawn. I have put on much weight since I arrived here; my cheeks are no longer sunken as before for the reason that I go to bed early and have no cares. If Mamang Piro (01) has already arrived please greet him on my behalf and tell him that I am sorry that I had left without seeing him. That is all.
José Rizal ______________ (01) Mamang is a Tagalog term of address for men. Mama means man; ng is added for the sake of euphony. Piro is a common Tagalog pet name for Pedro. Rizal refers to Pedro Serriano Laktaw.
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244. Rizal, [Paris, April 1891] || To Eduardo de Lete
Rizal sends Lete his visiting card with felicitations on his patriotic articles.
[Paris, April 1891]
[Mr. Eduardo de Lete Madrid]
José Rizal (Philippine Islands)
Sends felicitations to his friend Lete for his active campaign in La Correspondencia Militar in favor of our country and wishes sincerely that he may continue in such a noble as well as a disinterested undertaking. Needless to say, the columns of La Solidaridad are open to his pen.
NOTE: Sic. The wording of paragraph above in the third person. To the knowledge of the webmaster, Rizal does not customarily write letters in this way and it suggests to him that this is a summary of the original writing. This was form open to him when he copied it to this website. -- rly.
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Lete appreciates Rizal’s congratulations – He is on the staff of La Reforma – Continues his patriotic labors – The task is common, the goal only one – “May fortune guide us!
Eduardo de Lete esteems very much the congratulations of his friend Rizal, so much more as they seem to him undeserved, for if his writings can win some esteem for their author, it is because they are a most faithful portrayal of the tortures or the hatred in which his mind nourishes. He did not expect any applause nor did he try to break the isolation in which fatality or his dullness has placed him to his regret, and therefore he esteems them much more. He fulfilled and fulfills a sacred duty, in the penumbra, indeed, but it is what always animated his decisions and he was and is satisfied. And he would have done more had he more chance. He did not merit the applause therefore, because it will belittle him more than flatter him. Applause is bestowed on the exception or on merit, but not on one who never learned to love the native country exceptionally or occasionally nor valued it as a singular virtue. This is not a stroke of haughtiness; he knows full well that his friend Rizal never harbored such purposes; quite on the contrary, he believes without reservation that his congratulations are a reflection of friendship and of patriotic enthusiasm. But he will agree that they could be interpreted by that epigrammatic applause that he received on another occasion expressed in ingenious but precise words: “I didn’t expect such a thing from you” with which he wished to say undoubtedly that he did not expect less . . . As for the rest, he is grateful also for the offer of the columns of La Solidaridad, but probably he cannot, though with regret, avail himself of the generosity, for he is very busy and, in addition, he is on the editorial staff of another newspaper, La Reforma. The task is common and if the routes are diverse, the goal is only one where the good ones will inevitably meet on the day of the triumph or defeat, all the forces being joined together in one common effort. May fortune guide us! May it not always be antagonistic or disdainful! Friendship is also the same and when it is deep knows how to overcome the miseries of reality. Receive a fraternal embrace from one whom you know loves you like a brother.
Eduardo
NOTE: Sic. The wording of the first three paragraphs above in the third person. The last three paragraphs are in the first person. -- rly.
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246. Rizal, Paris, 4 April 1891 || To José Ma. Basa
Rizal determined to join the patriot Basa in Hong Kong – He is detained in Paris for lack of traveling expenses – If Basa would be so good as to advance him the passage money – He plans to practice ophthalmology there and earn his living through it.
4 April 1891
Grand Hotel Boulevard des Capucines, 12 Paris Mr. José Basa Hong Kong
My very dear friend Basa, In reply to your letter, I wish to tell you that I would very much like to join you there as soon as possible. Only the lack of traveling expenses keeps me here. If you could kindly advance me the amount through an order to the Messageries Maritimes for one first class ticket until Hong Kong, I could realize my idea. The truth is that I shall not be able to reimburse you until after a few months in Hong Kong, for I have to earn the money. If this will hurt your interests, or cause you great trouble, I beg you not to do it. In case it may be possible, you may send it to me at Paris, 4 bis Rue de Chateaudun (chez Mr. Ventura). The letter should be a kind of order payable there for only the amount of the passage in case I embark, because, as I may die or something may happen to me and I cannot embark or my trip is delayed, I do not want you to lose anything. Enclosed is a letter for my family with a photograph inside which I beg you to please see that it reaches its destination. Please remember to put this condition of “if I embark,” because I fear that something may happen and the trip is postponed. At Hong Kong I plan to practice ophthalmology and earn my living through it. Wishing that you are well and healthy in the company of your whole family, I take leave until the next.
José Rizal |
100
of the Propaganda Movement for January and February – Rizal refuses the
pension in order to go home and practice his profession – Philippines,
Hong Kong, or Japan – Europe seems to him a place of exile – That the
Propaganda Movement defray the expenses of a student with his $50
pension – When he becomes independent he will again fight with more
vigor.