Letters Exchanged Between José Rizal and Other Reformers - 1892

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293. Graciano López Jaena, Barcelona, 6 January 1892

Work of the Filipino colony of Barcelona in favor of Kalamba – Reply of the Minister of Colonies – Send letter to the unfortunate exiles – “I make much noise here. . . .” – Jaena wants to edit a newspaper affiliated with the Progressive Party – A fortnightly is useless – His financial problem – He is asking Deputies Muro and Ballesteros to interpellant the Government on the events in Kalamba.

 294. José Alejandrino, Brussels, 8 January 1892

The Rizal Party in the Philippines would like Rizal to return to Europe and be the leader of the Filipinos there – His pension will be sent regularly – offers condolence for the outrages in Kalamba – Convinced that nothing could be expected from Spain – Vicente Reyes and the sale of the Fili.

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293. Graciano López Jaena, Barcelona, 6 January 1892

Work of the Filipino colony of Barcelona in favor of Kalamba – Reply of the Minister of Colonies – Send letter to the unfortunate exiles – “I make much noise here. . . .” – Jaena wants to edit a newspaper affiliated with the Progressive Party – A fortnightly is useless – His financial problem – He is asking Deputies Muro and Ballesteros to interpellant the Government on the events in Kalamba.

Barcelona, 6 January 1892

Mr. José Rizal

Hong Kong

My dear Rizal,

            I received your letter on 2 December last.

            Here is the work done until now by the Filipino Colony of this city in favor of Kalamba.  In La Publicidad is published the text of the telegram to the Minister of Colonies.  I am sending you a copy of his reply.  I have written an article on the affair for La Publicidad and when it is published I will send you a clipping of it by the next mail.

            See to it that the enclosed letter reaches the hands of the unfortunate ones who are groaning in exile.

            I make a lot of noise here and if I could go to Madrid, I would make much noise there too.  The colony here has planned to collect funds to send me to Madrid, but nothing can be done as all are out of funds.

            Because of these events, an association has been organized here whose aims I will describe to you in detail in the next mail. 

            In spite of the fact that I have received the fifty pesos that the Filipino colony in Hong Kong has kindly sent me and the forty pesos that the new committee has sent me, I am, nevertheless, in a bad financial condition, full of debt, for you know how one lives here.  And as they have already suspended my pension since two months ago, I am suffering atrocious privations.  I have therefore asked Mr. Pepe Basa for passage-money to return to that port.  Here I have nothing more to do on account of the scarcity of my resources nor can I realize my personal aspirations.

            As to the proposal that I edit a fortnightly, I cannot accept it. Considering my position in the Progressive Republican Party, to edit a fortnightly is ridiculous, in addition to the fact that such a review cannot lead to anything useful.  I like to edit a daily or bi-weekly that is eminently political, affiliated with the Progressive Party in order that we, the Filipinos, can utilize it in favor of the chiefs, deputies, and senators of the party.  This is my project, described in a plan in the possession of Luzuriaga; you may read it.  It is a shame to offer a fortnightly to a political party.

            You know well the great expense that a daily, or even a bi-weekly, entails, so that if the Filipinos like to deposit the sum stated in my prospectus, I will establish and edit the newspaper.

            Because of the unbecoming treatment that the old committee has dealt me, I have lost faith and confidence in committees.  For this reason and also because my situation is becoming worse from day to day, I want to leave this place and go to that port.

            You know me already and I believe that you will know how to appreciate my resolution.  I have endured nine years of misery.  But now, considering my rank in the Revolutionary Party, it is no longer possible for me to endure poverty.  You know what it is to live in Spain.

            Today I am writing to Deputies Muro and Ballesteros to interpellant [to politically challenge members of an administration in legislative bodies – rly] the Government on the events in Kalamba.  I will give you an account of the result in the next mail.

            I send my regards to everyone.

Yours,

Graciano 

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294. José Alejandrino, Brussels, 8 January 1892

The Rizal Party in the Philippines would like Rizal to return to Europe and be the leader of the Filipinos there – His pension will be sent regularly – offers condolence for the outrages in Kalamba – Convinced that nothing could be expected from Spain – Vicente Reyes and the sale of the Fili.

Brussels, 8 January 1892

Mr. José Rizal

Hong Kong

My dear Friend,

            Today I am writing you in Spanish because I am quite in a hurry and, moreover, I am afraid that I may not make myself well understood in French concerning the important things I have to tell you.

            In the first place, my father has written me saying that many of your friends there have formed a society whose object is to counteract the disastrous policy of del Pilar.  This society wishes you to accept the leadership and to come to Europe and establish a more reasonable policy.  I believe, of course, that even for nothing else but for love of our unfortunate country you should accept this proposition and it would honor you greatly not to disappoint a whole people who hope to find in you the remedy for the ills they are suffering at present.

            Besides, this time I believe the pension they will assign to you will come more regularly, taking into account what my father says in his letter.  This is without prejudice of increasing your budget (au fur et a mesure) (01) as the society increases its membership and business there improves.  In short, I will not try to convince you, for I believe that with your clear judgment you will understand the usefulness of such a proposition.

            I give you my condolence for the outrages committed by the Kastilas in your town and more especially on the persons of your relatives.  When shall we avenge them?  Shall we remain eternally with arms folded?  I am getting very nearly convinced that we could not expect anything from Spain, these continuous outrages having completely dispelled my few remaining doubts, and I believe, like you do, that we cannot depend on anyone except on our own strength, 

            Of the one hundred pesos that I owe you I have already paid eighty-five pesos to Mr. Valentine Ventura and I hope that before this countryman returns to Manila I shall have fully settled our account.  Mr. Reyes (Vicente) has not behaved very decently (passes moi la mot). Well, he asked me for 12 copies of the Fili which I sent him by return mail.  Then he wrote me that the price of 7.50 pesetas was too dear, as if doubting my honesty.  Besides, he told me that the bookseller asked 35 per cent commission.  I replied that under these conditions I could not sell the books, inasmuch as I have to send you 5 pesetas for each copy and with the expenses of mailing a money order, and other things, I realized that I could not comply with the only condition you imposed upon me when you left me the copies of your book.  He wrote me again saying that he had sold 6 copies and he would send you the money.  To this I replied that you have given orders to deliver the money to Mr. Ventura, but if he had a contrary order from you, I am agreeable.  To this, the said gentleman did not deign to reply.

            My studies are going well; I have pretty good grades, for the lowest I have obtained is a 10 in some subjects and in the rest a 17.  The inspector has written my family saying that the result of my studies during the term is satisfactory.  It seems that Abreu will begin to study also, which makes me very glad, for I am sorry to tell you that, until now, he had done nothing.  The situation of friend Evangelista has improved and he studies with much eagerness and profit.

            I am here at Brussels taking advantage of the two or three days remaining of our vacation.  Abreu may come today or tomorrow.  I have not yet called on the family of Suzanne but I am thinking of doing so tomorrow.  Mr. Almeida tells me that he will write you as soon as it is possible.

            Without anything more for today, receive our good wishes for a happier year than the past.  You know that you can command your friend.

J. Aleandrino 

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295. Edilberto Evangelista, Ghent, 8 January 1892

Sympathy with the people of Kalamba – they are a credit to the native land – The outrage affects the whole country – Those of the Propaganda have vindicated Rizal by entrusting to him the management of La Solidaridad and our policy in Europe – Life in Ghent is very dull – Evangelista is devoted to his studies.

Ghent, 8 January 1892

Mr. Joseph Rizal

My dear Friend,

            First, I wish you a Happy New Year with all the comrades who are around you who desire the prosperity and success of the campaign of liberal ideas which ought to bring to the Philippines the most beautiful day that I am dreaming of.  We have learned here of the incredible conduct of the Spanish Government towards the Kalamba people who are a credit to the native land for their passive but imposing attitude.

            We regret this misfortune of the Kalamba people which every Filipino ought to deplore, because it is a thing which affects the whole country.  But, we are pleased with such despotic behavior as it will undoubtedly help to hasten the march of events.

            We have learned nothing about the circulation of your Filibusterísmo over there, whether it is free or prohibited; but we have learned with pleasure that those of the Propaganda have supported you in the question of the Filipino colony in Madrid by offering you the management of Solidaridad with excellent conditions, as well as the formulation of the policy of the Philippine Islands in Europe.

            At the beginning of December I received money and I was able to matriculate at the University.  The courses are not difficult and we can follow them fairly well.  The work at times is entertaining; the internal administration is very excellent; the courses are more practical than theoretical; and the professors are amiable and clever.

            Influenza has spread these days in this city; many people are sick brought about by the humidity of the south wind, but winter is very mild this year. . . .; the rate of mortality has increased a little but not in an alarming manner because those in the official list of deaths are aged people, children, and the sickly.  At present the university classes are suspended for the death of a professor of pharmacy, but he was already sickly when he was attacked by influenza.

            I have not been able yet to remit any amount to Mr. Ventura in payment of my principal debt like my university matriculation fee, but without fail I will send him some money at the first opportunity.

            Life in Ghent is very dull and for that reason I can devote myself completely to my studies.

            Without anything more to tell you, my dear friend, a thousand regards to the Filipinos who are there and I am,

Sincerely yours,

Evangelista

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296. Ariston Bautista, Paris, 27 January 1892

A post card from Ariston Bautista – Interest in Rizal’s Borneo project – If life becomes unbearable in Manila, he may join Rizal in Borneo – A society in Paris for the welfare of the country.

10 Tour d’Auvergnie

Paris, 27 January 1892

Mr. José Rizal

Hong Kong

Dear Friend,

            Although I have not received any letter from you, I have learned all about what is happening to your relatives as well as about your plan to go to Borneo and establish there an agricultural colony.  Perhaps, if life in Manila becomes unbearable, we shall meet there in Borneo.  We in Paris have a plan of a society also for the welfare of our county.  Do not forget to inform us (J. Luna) about Borneo and other things.

            Regards from

A. Bautista (01)

I am not yet returning to our country.

_______________

            (01) Dr. Ariston Bautista Lim (1863-1928): a Manila physician and philanthropist.

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297. Juan Luna, Paris, 30 January 1892

At Manila things consigned to Rizal are closely watched at the customs – A popular meeting in a Paris theater in protest against the outrages in Kalamba – He is not optimistic about its effect – Spain, always “on the side of her men of the sword” – 21 drawings of Luna for the Noli – Offers to illustrate also El Filibusterismo – Booklets with drawings for popular education – Inquiries about the Borneo colonization project.

Paris, 30 January 1892

Dear Rizal,

            They have written me from Manila that they have received the box containing the Lourdes, but they say nothing about having reimbursed you for the expenses.  For this reason, I beg you to collect from my family in Manila, as we have agreed.

            They tell me that they will send you the paintings through the mediation of another person for everything consigned to you is closely watched.

            Today they will hold a meting at the Martin Theater on account of the events in Kalamba.  Responsible and very famous personages will speak, but I am afraid that after the protests of the Spaniards of the opposition, everything would remain as protests and nothing more.  The outrages committed against your family will go down in history, but no justice can be expected from the Mother Country, who nearly always places herself on the side of the men of the sword to maintain the accursed prestige rather than justice.

            I am sending you the enclosed 21 drawings for the Noli.  I am sending them to you so that you can make use of them as you wish without waiting for those of the others to whom I have already given your order.  One is of what they call aqua fortis [= Nitric Acid; literally “strong water” -- rly].  I am also sending you, if it turns out well; of making use of it for other things of Philippine interest.

            Give me some news about the new Borneo Colony, for I, as well as the majority of those residing here, desire to know if your project is already a success.  What I am sorry about is that I am not in a position, as in other times, to help you materially.

            If you like, I will also illustrate El Filibusterísmo and if you like, give me a brief subject for propaganda, so that with ten or fifteen drawings in aqua fortis, a little book can be made in the style of children’s stories that are made here, sometimes in the form of a caricature, sometimes in more serious style.  I believe that some booklets in Japanese style with Spanish or Tagalog text will serve to educate the people who do not know how to read.  My work will be gratis and the only expense is for ordinary printing.

            Nothing more; may your enterprise be a success and with regards to that valiant colony, I remain

Affectionately yours,

J. Luna

P.S.

Regards from Paz, Mrs. Juliana, and Antonio; kisses from the children.

            Will you tell me if Antonio Marcaída is a Filipino?  He talks a lot about Philippine questions and of his brother-in-law Chuidian.

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298. Antonio Luna, [Madrid, January 1892]

Ready to defend our right without abandoning the campaign in Madrid – Spaniards give a political character to the events in Kalamba – Spanish policy is to reign by terror – “We ought to work together for independence” – Win partisans of independence – “Borneo will be a keystone for us.” – Luna may also join Rizal in Borneo.

[Madrid, January1892]

My dear friend Rizal,

            We have learned about the Kalamba question and all the happenings that occurred there and here goes what I think of it.  It is necessary that the Filipinos organize themselves now in another form to be ready to assert their rights in case they are attacked by force without abandoning therefore the campaign in Madrid.  What happened in Kalamba is a specific case, but the Spaniards in the Peninsula and the Philippines have given it a very notable political character.  Why?  Because Spanish policy before, now, and always is to reign by terror and in order to attain it, distrust in the colony will always be the first means.  So certain in this that with that distrust they made Novales rise in rebellion and with that same method arose that of Cavite.  They say that at the third the vanquished goes and the blow has to be well thought out, studied, and prepared in time, unfolding it when the noble and glorious Spain would become a righter of wrongs, with another nation or with one of her daughters, in the arrangement of her household.

            The assimilation propaganda is necessary and the separatist one should even be more active, because, if we do not attain the first and if we do not attain it (which will be almost impossible), we shall be worse off; the practical way will be to look for followers in order to shake off the yoke.  I am expounding then what I think, that is to say, that is to say, that we ought to work together for independence, converting ourselves into apostles, to win followers and to get funds.  For all this much study, great tact, prudence will be needed and no boasting of our being strong.  We shall achieve more by making them believe that we are inactive and that we have forgotten our duties than by showing a strength that we do not possess.  With constancy and silence we shall be some Jesuits in order to erect a house where we can drive a nail.  I offer, then, in this sense, my cooperation, but with the sole condition that I shall disentangle myself from the active campaign should I found out that it will only be a mutiny.  It is not that I am dreaming of success, but I am dreaming of demonstrating a resistance about which it can be said, “You are a virile nation.”  I believe that you understand me perfectly; if we are vanquished, it would be at the cost of much blood.  I will then go Manila and in all my actions I will always bear in mind my duty as a separatist.  Let there be no distrust.  If circumstances should place me on the side of the Spaniards in Manila, I might be forced to write for them.  However, I will earn my living but, at the same time, I will dig the ground at their expense until the fruit ripens.  So you will have here a satellite (if these ideas are also yours) who will work with steadfastness.

            With regard to your coming over to manage a newspaper: 1^st, if it is like La Solidaridad, it is not necessary; 2^nd, if it is a revolutionary paper, let it ask for independence.  This is for the good and it can be published anywhere, including Hon Kong.  For a newspaper such as this, count on me as one of its editors.  If it takes the position of pro-assimilation, I would accept (if they would ask me for assistance) writing for it in order not to displease my fellow countrymen, but, at the same time it will have a revolutionary sense as I will not hesitate to call the Spaniards canaille [a rabble mob like a pack of wild dogs -- rly], traitors, and all that they deserve.  In this case I will be an unconditional editor who will even attack La Solidaridad.

            Write me; well in my turn I will write you on all important questions.

            Borneo will be a keystone for us, and very probably I may also be one of its inhabitants, if circumstances compel me.

            We have toasted your father, brother, and family who have escaped, Borneo, etc. etc., where we shall have a new asylum.

            I have nothing more to share for today

Your good friend,

Antonio

P.S.

            I send my greetings to all our fellow countrymen and friends.

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299. Pedro Serrano Laktaw, Manila, 9 February 1892

A Masonic document making Rizal Honorary Venerable of Logia Nilad for outstanding services to his native country – Masonic reorganization – Signed by Panday Pira, Masonic name of Pedro Serrano Laktaw.

Al  G  D  G  A  D  U

Universal Masonry X Filipino Family

Liberty, Equality, Fraternity

            The Grand Lodge Central Nilad of A L and A Masons in federation of Gr Or Esp.: (office in Madrid) sends SFU to dear brother Dimasalang; and informs him that a meeting held on 31 January last it was resolved to appoint Honorary Venerable of this Respectable Grand Lodge the said brother to whom the undersigned Secretary G S addresses himself, as a prize for his outstanding services to his native country.

            Likewise he notifies him that at an appropriate time he will be informed of the plan of Masonic reorganization that the undersigned presented to the Gr. Order Esp. for which full powers had been requested to constitute ourselves into a separate family, and in fact we raise columns on 6 January last.

            I transcribe this for your information.

            Receive, dear brother, the kiss of peace that the workers of this workshop are sending you.

            Vall. De Manila, 9 February 1892 (e.v.)

Panday Pira

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300. Pedro de Govantes, Madrid, 17 February 1892

Regretting the moral and material disaster which has befallen the Rizal family – Confidence in Linares’ efforts.

Madrid, 17 February 1892

Mr. José Rizal

My esteemed Friend,

            You understand how much I regret the hardships that your family is suffering.  I did not have to do anything, for through Castro, I learned what Mr. Linares had obtained, which I would not have surely succeeded to get.  Thus, confining myself to applauding the good attitude of Mr. Linares and to deploring the deep sorrow you must have felt upon seeing your aged father banished I remain,

            You affectionate friend who kisses your hand,

Pedro de Govantes

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301. Graciano López Jaena, Barcelona, 18 February 1892

López Jaena in difficulties – Full of dread, without hope of help – The new committee does not even exist, the old one is agonizing – They asked him to return to his post and now they abandon him – Coincidence in the name of La Liga – Copies of El Filibusterismo for his brother at Iloilo.

Barcelona, 18 February 1892

My dear Rizal,

            I am a soul in purgatory here, full of dread, of restlessness and anguish, without knowing what to do, for Páez tells me in his letter that the new committee does not exist and the former one is agonizing.  As you see, I do not know where I will end in the midst of this painful situation.  I do not understand certainly how I, without meddling in the internal struggles f the committees, nevertheless have always to pay for the broken dishes.  I would not have returned her if that same committee had not begged me to do so.

            It seems incredible that without a previous agreement we have coincided in the name La Liga which should be given to the association that you are founding there and to the one here which also has begun functioning since the beginning of January, and it is eminently political.  When its bylaw is printed, I will send you a copy.

            Do me the favor of sending three copies of El Filibusterismo to my brother.  Wrap them up and label them in this manner.

Iloilo

Mr. Domingo López Jaena

7 Fajardo Street

Jaro

Through the kindness of Mr. Timoteo Páez

            Send this package through a messenger to Páez and he will forward it to my brother.  Páez will remit to you the expenses.  Thanks in advance.

            Regards to your father, mother, brother, and the whole Filipino colony in Hong Kong.

Yours,

Graciano

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302. Rizal, Hong Kong, 17 March 1892 || To La Solidaridad and Associación Hispano-Filipina

Grateful to La Solidaridad for its support of the Kalambeños – Rizal wrote on the happenings for English papers – Not an echo in the Spanish press – Linares Rivas promises redress for the grievances – Some pardoned – Difficulty of sending La Solidaridad to Manila – If comrades for the struggle are lacking, there are avengers – Would like “to go to Manila to see the bull at close hand. . . .”

2 Rednale Terrace Hong Kong

17 March 1872

To the Director and Editorial Staff of La Solidaridad and to the Asociación Hispano-Filipina

My dear Friends,

            I have read in the newspaper about the campaign you have waged on account of the events in Kalamba and I feel profoundly grateful, as all Kalambeños must be, for so patriotic a conduct.  Though I do not believe that you had any other purpose but to show that there is solidarity, if not active, at least latent, throughout the Philippines when one part of her is in danger, nevertheless I wish to express to you on my own and on behalf of my family our gratitude, for, as I have sometimes written for its columns and worked with you, I consider that I have a right to deserve your help when I try to defend something.

            Here I have also written in English for some newspaper, but it is rather for record purposes and information and nothing more.  Without desiring to counsel either the newspaper or the Asociación, I believe that at present little can be expected from public opinion in Spain; there the water is up to the neck and it cannot pay much attention to the Philippines.  In a letter of 17 January that Linares Rivas (01) has written me he admits the outrage and promises repeatedly timely redress.  Already they have pardoned some.  As a conservative, Linares Rivas works to look after the prestige of the government and wants to fix things little by little.

            Here we encounter very great difficulty in sending La Solidaridad to Manila.  Through the mail none can be sent except one or two at the most.  I should like to systematize the remittance, but those in Manila refuse to give money and those who formerly took charge of it do not want to do it gratis.  I believe that you over there ought to think of introducing it in another way.  The Manila committee no longer writes me.  The campaign turns out to be useless.

            We send our sincere gratitude to the Director, Morayta, Lete, Cajigas (Tomás) and all those who have given attention to the Kalamba question.  The Filipinos will see that if they lack comrades for the struggle, at least there are avengers.  This is already something.

            Several times I have wanted to go to Manila to see the bull at close hand, but in view of repeated and panicky opposition, if it can be called so, I have had to desist at present.  The committee has a truly panicky terror each time I say that I am going.  I have always thought that only with great fear one goes to the corners.

            I should be grateful to Mr. Tomás Cajigas if he would send me the Mas, should he not need it anymore.

            With regard to Jugo and Lete, prize-winners, I will write to Manila.  I reiterate my compliments to the first and my very courteous congratulations to the second, because I believe he justly deserves them.  I will do everything I can so that the prizes would be awarded to them; the bad thing is that I no longer have my former prestige.  Whatever depends upon me will be done.

            Here you have me at your command.

José Rizal

_______________

            (01) Linares Rivas was a Spanish lawyer and politician who sympathized with the Philippine cause.

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303. Sixto López, Manila, 18 March 1892

130 pesos from S. López to settle accounts in Hong Kong; the balance to pay for copies of Filibusterismo – All refuse to accept the 25% commission offered by Rizal – Rizal’s circular will be taken to Balayan – Mrs. Trinidad Zobel advises Rizal not to return to the Philippines for he would be killed – Many Batangueñas are awaiting Rizal’s report on Borneo.

Manila, 18 March 1892

Mr. J. Rizal

Hong Kong

My dear Friend,

            You will receive the enclosed draft for the value of 130 pesos in the name of Basa with the request that you please settle my account with Mr. Robinson and the balance is in payment for the copies of the Fili in my possession.  No one of the many who helped me in selling it would accept the 25% commission you offer, so that if you will give it to me, I would be embarrassed and would get some money without having taken any trouble at all to earn it.  In the next trip I will send you the list of persons who helped me for your sake.

            I have your circular and I will take it to the province tomorrow afternoon.  I hope to be able to dispose of it in one day or else I will go there to visit you in the second trip instead of spending the Holy Week here.

            I have taken the fan to Doña Trinidad.  When she saw me downstairs, she shouted, asking me what it was, for whom it was, and from where it was.  I answered all her questions and afterwards she asked why you are there.  I replied that you are coming here.  She demonstrated upon hearing this and she told me to charge you not to come because they will kill you here.

            My sisters Clmencia and Juliana wish to be remembered to Trining, if she has not forgotten them yet.  Solís is also sending you regards and says he is going to write you when he gets back to Lipa.  I send my regards to your family and command your friend who kisses your hand.

S. López

P.S.

            Send me 12 copies of the Fili through the majordomo, and a dozen and a half through Ciriaco and the boatswain, because I need them.

            Buy me also a drill, any kind that you think is good.  Someone has asked me to order it.

            I consider it advisable for you to go to Borneo inasmuch as you wish to see it.  Here in Batangas many are awaiting your report on it.

            The draft for thirty-five pesos is for Basa, the value of the chest of drawers.  I will write him when another boat sails.

            Tell Robinson that I am always sick, so that I have not been able to write him.  This is true.  I am often sick when I am in Balayan and so I have done nothing or little for the country as I have promised you.

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304. Aristón Bautista, Paris, 24 March 1892

A post card from Bautista inquires about General Despujol’s treatment of Rizal – Del Pilar suggests congratulations to Despujol – Fee, for the issue of Rizal’s diploma by the Ministry of Fomento Development.  Presents Rizal with a book on diagnostic pathology by H. Virchon.

10 Tour d’Auvergne, Paris

24 March 1892

Mr. J. Ma Basa

For Dr. J. Rizal

Hong Kong

Dear Pepe,

            I am not in favor of congratulating you at once on account of the good news that we have received concerning General Despujol’s behavior towards you.  It is said that you had some correspondence with him and that it has give a good result.  We have received here Marcelo del Pilar’s telegram in which he suggests that we felicitate Despujol on the 11^th instant in accordance with an order-telegram from Hong Kong.  At first we hesitated whether to do it or not, for fear of making a mistake, but as the order came from there and you are there, all of us here decided to send it along.  We are impatient to know something about this matter.

            I have written M. Pilar telling him to advance the amount of 35 pesetas which the Ministry of Fomento Development is asking for the issuance of your diploma, and I believe it will be sent by this mail.

            As I have learned with great pleasure that you have established yourself there for the practice of your profession, I believe it is timely to send you as my contribution a work on diagnostic pathology which will be useful to you, and, above all, because it is very good.  It is by H. Virchow.  It is probable that I will go home by June.  J. Luna’s daughter has died.  I will be glad if you get along well there with your dear family whom I ask you to please greet in my name.

I embrace you,

Aristón Bautista

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305. Edilberto Evangelista, Ghent, 31 March 1892

Disappointed at the conservative ideas of our old folks – Dismal legacy of slavery – Family interests and patriotic ideas and liberty – To die for the country is a duty – Against the stupid expression: “What a waste of blood!” – May those conservative ideas not infect our youth – Voice of encouragement – Friends keep aloof because of his poverty.

Ghent, 31 March 1892

Mr. Joseph Rizal

Hong Kong

My dear friend Rizal,

            How distressed I am to learn from your letter that over there you are surrounded by opposition which prevents you from carrying out your ideas, instead of finding around you the solid support of those who seem to love their native land.  But in this regard you ought not to be discouraged; on the contrary, your zeal and your efforts should multiply.  In short, this effect generation that precedes us and which ought to pass away soon, still wants to leave us this dismal legacy of slavery.  It is because their ideas of patriotism and liberty are not clear, being influenced by the abominable consideration of interest and family.  In Europe n approaching war is incomparably frightful; everybody fears a massacre unprecedented in history, but at the word “Native Country,” no one would ever dare to retreat, for everyone realizes that it is his duty to die for his country.  You see, that to a patriotic man there is no sense in this stupid expression, “what a waste of blood.”  In short, I repeat your timely phrase: “. . . to the animals in their torpor.”  Now, it only remains for us to prevent that such conservative ideas which are never patriotic, spread among the youth and the next generation, for otherwise the salvation of our native land would become an insoluble problem.

            I thank you, dear friend, for your compliments on my progress in the study of French and, though I find that you flatter me a little, I appreciate your good intention to awaken in me the desire to learn more.  My scholastic record is not brilliant as you suppose but I study regularly, like Alejandrino and Abreu, and I am satisfied and proud of it.

The map of the Island of Luzon is yours from the moment I had the honor of offering it to you.  And I will try to send you the cartouches [a scroll-like ornament or tablet, esp. as an architectural feature -- rly] that you are asking for, but at the moment I am in a great financial difficulty due to the inexplicable neglect of my brother to send me money.  The allowance he sends me is never enough to pay my debts to Egermont and the cost of my studies.  Since two months ago, Abreu and Alejandrino have moved to another boarding house.  They want to be as far away as possible from my poverty, afraid, perhaps, to lose their prestige as rich men among the women of Ghent; but it does not matter.

I have written my brother to try to send you at Hong Kong the $15 [Probably in the British Hong Kong's monetary unit, the Hong Kong dollar - rly] that I owe you.

My dear friend, yours truly,

Edilberto

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306. José Alejandrino, Ghent, 13 April 1982

Favorable conditions for patriotic campaign – Confidence in Rizal’s ability to work for our liberty – He will know how to overcome obstacles to such a noble cause. – We cannot expect anything from Spain – Less from Spanish charlatans – Rizal purchasing some revolvers – He will send the Flobert cartridges ordered by Rizal.

9 Rue du Hainaut

Ghent, 13 April 1892

Mr. José Rizal

Hong Kong

My very dear Friend,

            I informed Manila immediately about the reasonable conditions that you demand in order to come here, and I believe that our friends there will do what is possible considering the confidence they have in your ability to undertake the difficult task of working for our liberty.  Would you refuse to return to Europe in case the result of the negotiations is favorable?  I do not believe so, for your deep love our country would not allow you to refuse her so great a service that she expects from you.  Why don’t you rise above certain trifles when it concerns a cause as great and noble as liberty?  My friend, I believe it is perfectly useless to insist now on it.  I ask you humbly to follow your aspiration and patriotic sentiments.  As to the rest, they will tell you what you ought to do.

            As for me, I have lost long ago my confidence in those who are at present directing our political affairs (you also, I am sure) and for that reason, we ought to work so that things will march differently.  As to the rest, I feel like you do, that we have nothing more to expect from Spain and less from some Spanish charlatans, and that the destiny of a country should not be the object of stupid words, and everything should be done with good intentions . . . . . . . . . . the Fannotte firm of Liege as well as the American firm, Smith, that I am sending you, so that you may be able to choose the weapons that suit you.  The wholesale prices are marked and they are the last prices. As to the manner of payment, they want payment at Brussels before the remittance of goods.  Consequently, if you wish to buy the revolvers, all you have to do is to send me the money at your convenience and I will take care of the purchase.

The Flobert No. 1 pistol cartridge was first developed in 1858.

            I would have like to send you the Flobert cartridges that you have ordered through Mr. Aristón Bautista, who is returning home at the end of this month, but he sent me word through Mr. Abreu that, as he was not planning to pass by Hong Kong, it would be impossible for him to please us.  The same thing happened to me in the case of Mr. Ventura.  While waiting for the departure of another compatriot, I will inquire at the Mesageries Maritimes about the best way of sending you what you are ordering.

            As to your books, I must tell you that after the sale of twelve copies to Vicente Reyes, I have not been able to sell even one copy.  As you know, this gentleman told me that he would pay you directly and so I cannot settle my account with you until you have received the money from this irregular sale.

            We are now on vacation for 15 days until Christmas.  I take advantage of these days . . . . . . . . . .  My studies are going well and my grades last month are satisfactory. 

            The Horti and Waem families wish me to give you their compliments.

            Your devoted friend who embraces you.

José Alejandrino 

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307. Graciano López Jaena, Barcelona, 15 April 1892

Struggling with poverty and the gloomy future – His letter to Basa will tell him about his life – “What should I do?” – Recommend the Association in Hong Kong from which something good for the country will emerge.

Barcelona, 15 April 1892

Mr. José Rizal

Hong Kong

My dear Rizal,

            I have not received a letter from you for sometime.  I know nothing of your life or about your work.  I’m here struggling with poverty and a gloomy future.

            Read my letter to Mr. Basa and you will find out what is happening to me.  I ask you to advise me what I should do in my dubious and nebulous situation.

            I recommend to you the Association, develop it, and I believe that it will be the center from which something good for our dear Philippines will emerge.

            With regards to your family.  Laurel, and Mr. Sixto López, your friend who embraces you,

Graciano

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308. Aristón Bautista, Paris, 16 April 1892

Returns to Manila summoned by his mother – Presentiment of a great disaster – Awaiting Rizal’s instructions for the triumph of good aspirations – Unity of the divided party at home – Let us maintain our ideal – Trained in French boxing and wielding a sword, he will not allow the Kastilas to mock him.

Paris 16 April 1892

Mr. José M. Basa

For Dr. José M. Basa

For Dr. José Rizal

Hong Kong

Dear Friend,

The Caledonien, circa 1885

            I received your letter dated 7^th March.  I am going home to our dear country.  I will embark on the Caledonien on 1^st May at Marseille.  My mother as summoned me by telegram.  I have a presentment of a great disaster.  I request you to give me instructions on what I should do, so that our good aspirations may triumph.  We hope and we will endeavor to unite the parties at home that are said to be divided.  This division will endanger our aspirations.  We must maintain the ideal that can never be erased from our hearts.

            If you are going to write me with an enclosure, address it to Messrs. Baer, Senior, Manila.  I offer my services to you at Botica de Sta. Cruz, 10 Manila.

            For three months I studied and practiced French boxing, swift blows, and also the handling of the sword at the Ecole Pratique de Baudoy, 108 Richelieu.  It seems that I will not permit the Kastila to mock this face of mine.

            In the last mail I sent you a copy of Traité Diagnostique Metznikoff.  Have you received it?

            Give my greetings to your family.

            Command your sincere friend,

A. Bautista

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309. Edilberto Evangelista, Ghent, 29 April 1892

In the clutches of poverty – Encouraging words for Rizal – Organize a Revolutionary club in Hong Kong as do the Separatistas of Cuba, the Progresistas of Spain – Nostalgia.

Ghent, 29 April 1892

Mr. Joseph Rizal

Hong Kong

Dear Friend,

            Without any news from my family, my situation today is unbelievable.  My embarrassment increases in proportion to my need of the very necessities of life.  So pardon me for not being able to comply with your little request; I will do it at the first opportunity.

            I have heard nothing for a long time about the happenings in the Philippine Islands, especially what concerns you.  Believe me; I have a great desire to know something.  What has become of the cause of our adored motherland, overwhelmed with so much ill-luck!  Are the incredible vexations which she has suffered these last days not enough to awaken her heart, asleep and brutalized during three centuries, that today they should try to amuse her like a child with vain promises and sweet words?  When shall I have the happiness of admiring with eyes bathed in tears our valiant youth like true sons of the motherland, with their bosoms gasping at the gust of a sacred love, gathered together around their flag and sincerely ready to shed their blood for her, since this is the price we ought to pay for our liberty!  Oh, dear friend, pardon this unbosoming of my heart!

            Why don’t you make an effort to find out how many share your ideas and are moved by the same impulse?  I mean to say that we must give form to your thought, organizing, in defiance of the Government, a Revolutionary Club whose headquarters you can establish in Hong Kong or any other place.  Don’t the Separatistas (01) in Cuba have it?  Don’t the Progresistas in Spain have it?  In short, you are better informed than I, but I am sure that the principal and only obstacle that you would have to overcome in such an undertaking would be the opposition of our elders and of our rich men who tremble at the thought of seeing their interests threatened by government reprisals.  The rich and the powerful in our country will always be the principal tool in sowing fear and distrust in the most courageous hearts.  Think of the manner of winning them.  You would give a terrible blow to our enemies, which, if it would not have an immediate success, would at least alter the present situation.  I should not be the one to give you this advice as you might have already thought of it.  Remember what you said to us at our gatherings in your rooms at Hainaut Street: “The best and most modern policy is that which is evolved in the full light of the sun” and “Power is not in the government but in the people.”

            Little can be said about Ghent.  It is always a dead city, just as when you left it after your sojourn, so pleasant for me.  Winter is over, and spring is beginning to unfold its splendid panorama, letting us admire the charms of nature outside of the city, in the open fields.  Believe me, dear friend; never have I been so impressed by nature as now, after having been accustomed to look at her sad aspect during winter.  I admire it with the heart and my imagination is filled with faraway remembrances of the tropics and something resembling nostalgia transports my soul into reveries of the infinite amid the verdure of the leaves, of t fragrance and delightful colors of the flowers.  Oh, what memories make my eyes sometimes moisten when I plough in a canoe the tranquil waters of the Lys [a river in West Belgium -- rly], enchanting river that bathes the land of Ghent, similar to our lovely Pasig!

            I send many regards to your family and I remain

Ever yours,

Edelberto

_______________

     (01) Cuba was also under Spain.  The Separatistas were for Cuban independence.  

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310. Mariano Ponce, Madrid, 11 May 1892

Ponce sends Rizal and his family greetings – How sad it is not to be able to return to the motherland!  Let us help one another until the day of vengeance comes!

Madrid, 11 May 1892

Mr. J. Rizal

Hong Kong

Dear Friend,

            This has no other purpose but to greet you and also your family.  I hope that little by little tranquility is returning to you all.  Now you are saved from the greed and fierceness of the beasts.  It is very painful indeed that we cannot set foot in our own country.

            But the day of vengeance is coming.

            Now our duty is to help one another while the day of vengeance has not yet arrived.

            Give my deep respect to your family.

            You know that this friend and compatriot of yours is always at your service.

With a close embrace,

Naning

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311. Antonio Vergel de Dios, Paris, 14 May 1892

Wishes Rizal a large clientele in Hong Kong – His brother Eugenio Vergel inquires were Rizal’s books can be obtained in the Philippines – Strict customs regulations prevent him from sending Rizal’s book to the Philippines – offers his services to Rizal.

Paris, 10 Rue de la Tour’d Auvergne

14 May 1892

Mr. José Rizal

My dear Friend and distinguished Countryman,

            I return to you the affectionate greetings that you are sending me in the letter that I have received from Dr. A. Bautista.  I wish you a large clientele to make up for the mishaps that have befallen your family, which we deeply deplore.

            On 5 March last I wrote you requesting you to write my brother Eugenio Vergel de Dios at San Rafael, Bulakan, telling him where your books can be purchased in the Philippines, because he was asking me for some copies and I have not been able to send him on account of the difficulty of the entry of books there.  At the same time I asked you to give him your address so that he can write you when he wants.  I have not received any reply to that letter and I suppose you may not have received it.  I placed it in two envelopes: on the first I placed the name of Mr. José María Basa, Hong Kong, without street-name or number.  Mr. Ventura could not give them to me as he did not know his address.

            If you need some things from here, whether books or instruments and others, write me and I will take care of sending them over to you at once.

            Think then of how I can be useful to you.  It will be a pleasure for me to do for you whatever I can, and always count me as a true friend and servant.

Antonio Vergel de Dios

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312. Rizal, Hong Kong, 17 May 1892 || To Baldomero Roxas

At last Rizal receives a duplicate of his diploma – Licentiate in Medicine and Surgery – the original diploma sent to the governor general of the Philippines has been lost – Rizal graduated in 1884 – The Committee on Propaganda at Manila has not written Rizal – Blumentritt informs him that La Solidaridad will cease publication – At Hong Kong Rizal writes – The Noli is out of print – He asks for the return of unsold copies.

Rednaxele Terrace, Hong Kong

17 May 1892

My dear Friend Roxas,

            In reply to your affectionate letter that I have just received, I have the pleasure to inform you that I have received my diploma and I am keeping your letter as a remembrance of the indifference of the employees over there who dispatch so well the their offices.  I am only sorry that I do not have immediately on hand the 35 pesetas with which to refund you.  Here they do not sell drafts of that amount for Spain, but I will send the money at my first opportunity.

            Please announce to Lete that through the kindness of a private person I succeeded to get 15 pesos for his prize, a sum that I can neither send directly from here, for there is no money order available.  I have given orders at Manila.  The person who advances this amount for the prize is Mr. Eulalio Villavicencio of Taal.  The Propaganda of Manila has not written me since December, which makes me believe that it ignores me.  I am sorry, but I am not worried, and until a certain degree I am glad, for it proves to me that things can get along well without me, a thing I have always wished.

            Blumentritt has written me that La Solidaridad would be discontinued and it would be a pity, etc., etc.  I also believe that it would be a pity, but I cannot vent it.  For years, either for good or ill, I have not interfered in the policy of Madrid or of La Solidaridad.  I believe that I previously told you that I ought not to meddle in that private enterprise.  I have done enough by not accepting the management of any publication that might be the rival of or even a supplement of La Solidaridad.  I believe that those in charge of it should have the responsibility.  I absolutely refrain from interfering in it, not even to help myself.  I believe you were present when Pilar said that La Solidaridad was a private enterprise and that he alone was responsible for it.

            Here we work and write booklets.  The Tagalog translation of the Noli is about finished.  Now the 3^rd chapter of the Morga is being translated [into Tagalog ? -- rly].

            Please tell cousin Rianzares, if you see him, to send me here all the Nolis he has in his possession for the edition is out of print.  If some have been sold, will he please give the money to Pilar in payment of the loan of 35 pestas?

            I know that Lauro is now at Lipa and they tell me that he has already a dispute with the captain of the Civil Guard.  The father-in-law, it seems, is returning.  Lauro does not write me.

            This is short for I received your letter at 9 and now at eleven o’clock the mail leaves.

            Regards to all my friends and commend yours,

Rizal

Regards to Doña Matilde, Elenita, etc.

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313. Rizal, Hong Kong, 23 May 1892 || To Marcelo H. del Pilar

Disgusted by the article of Lete in La Solidaridad – Rizal believed he was alluded to – “What animal has bitten you that you attack me?” – “I am not meddling in politics and I work only to prepare a place for refuge.” – “I made Simoun a dark figure so that those of Solidaridad would not appear as filibusteros,” – An article on Borneo is ready – Awaiting a satisfactory explanation.

Hong Kong, 2 Rednaxele Terrace

23 May 1892

Mr. Marcelo H. del Pilar

Friend Pilar,

            I have just written a letter and I am not satisfied unless I write you as well.  I have read Lete’s article against me. (01)  I have reflected much on the purpose you might have in attacking m and in truth I am lost in conjectures.  There are moments when I believe that you act following a most profound policy which is useless to explain, and there are moments when it seems to me that you operate with earnestness and on your own account.  I screw my wits useless, as they say, je donne ma langue aux chiens ["I give my voice to the dogs!" (that is, a people of low quality) -- essentially: "it is useless to argue, I give up!" -- rly] , and I do not know what to think.  If you act according to a refined policy, why not write me personally?  And if you act on your own account, why do you do it?  Had I not told you before leaving Europe that I would never undertake anything against you?  What animal has bitten you that you attack me when here I do not meddle at all in politics and I work only to prepare a free place for refuge for the Filipinos, devoting the rest of my time to writing some books?  Have I not told you that I was leaving you in politics so that you can earn much prestige?  Do you need to attack me for that?  I cannot explain myself.  So that I say to myself: If you have acted for political reasons, I applaud you and I should like you to continue, for it seems to me that you are on the right road.  That was my purpose in making Simoun a dark figure in order to show that those of La Solidaridad are not filibusteros.  I thought you had understood my ideas, only that in executing it you have played your role with such naturalness that you strike even me.  But then, why do you not name me at once so that the Spaniards who are not well informed about our affairs and may not know how to read the allusions may have no doubt that you are attacking me?  Why do you do it under so much cover?  Are the Filipinos going to say that there is hatred in the attack, real hatred, only that the author does not want to do it face to face?  If the attack has a political purpose, I confess that it is rash and imprudent, and I fear that La Solidaridad has staked in it its last cent.  May God grant that attack may be understood by my friends in the Philippines so that differences may not be exacerbated.  If I were sure that you do it for political reasons, I would not write to Manila to tell them not to take it in an ill mannered way.  But I am afraid to commit a mistake, for as I have said, I doubt and doubt.

            Blumentritt writes me that you fear that La Solidaridad may die, and this also makes me believe that you might have written the article in a moment of bad humor.  I do not know yet the consequences that this article may produce, but as it has I have not paid attention to politics for a long time I do not know the state of things in Manila, and I cannot prejudge anything.  Let the responsibility fall on those who have premeditated it without warning me.  If I were sure that it is a political trick, I would write now to Manila telling them not to take it in a bad way, that only a personal question is involved in it, and that politics has nothing to do with it.

            Nevertheless, I will write my friends and those who are not friends that I have written you and not to adopt any resolution until you answer me.

            This is not to say that I ask you for an explanation of the article; neither is it to say to you that I despise it; on the contrary, it attracts my attention very greatly and I esteem the courage of Lete in attacking me with so much fierceness and courage d above all with so much confidence.  I like determined men.  Give me an explanation If you wish; I warn you only that the step taken is most delicate and of great importance.    I wash my hands.

            I have already prepared an article for La Solidaridad, telling about Borneo and its colonization, and now I abstain from sending it.  The Governor of Borneo grants us 100,000 acres, port, government, and the like, all free for a period of 999 years.

            I am anxious to receive satisfactory explanations for it seems to me that we are entering a crisis.  To my regret you are making me enter again into politics and I shall have to write again letters these days to Manila and to other places in order to prevent a schism.  More and more I am getting convinced that in writing that article Lete has been too precipitate and you have allowed yourself to be dragged along.  Friend or enemy, if the article could hurt me, it will hurt the interests of the Philippines.  Who knows, however, if after all it is a blessing?  It awakens me and after a long silence, I enter the campaign again.  And here again I want to assure you: I enter the campaign but I will not attack you or any other Filipino.  I will reactivate the campaign and strengthen the Liga.

            You can read this letter to Lete ad you will tell him that, at the worse, I will consider his article an unbosoming in his moments of ill humor.

Yours,

Rizal

            I note that in the article, Edilberto de Leporel denounces himself by confessing his revolutionary plans, and it seems that he wants the mantle of asimilismo now only to prepare better for the revolution.  This makes me think that he did not have all with him when he wrote the article.  Why do I say this?  Why should anyone sell one’s self if nobody is buying?

_______________

(01)  Lete’s article is entitled “Iluso” (Visionary).  Rizal believed that he was alluded to within it.

X X X

Lete’s Explanation of his Article

And Comment on the above Letter of Rizal

 Lete denies having attacked Rizal – He is not the character criticized in his article – He caricatured the Iluso in La Solidaridad at the request of Plaridel – “A type of a revolutionary dreamer, without a practical means for action,” damaging to the cause in the Metropolis.

            This letter deserves a very long and minute commentary, giving a history of the facts since the beginning, which will explain its content without great effort.

            We in Madrid who directed the political campaign in a serene manner, without stepping out of the possibilities that the reality of the situation permitted us, within the bosom of the Asociación Hispano-Filipina as well as the Logia Solidaridad, and the review Solidaridad itself, saw, with a certain misgiving, fearing its damaging effects, the violence of some of our comrades, seemingly partisans of force, revolutionaries, among them the never sufficiently lauded López-Jaena; and in order to check in part the said tendencies, which did not seem to us prudent to make public in he very seat of the government of the metropolis, the manager of the Soli, Marcelo H. del Pilar – the supreme talent, serenity itself, prudence personified, illustrious diplomat, eminent politician, kindhearted man, loyal friend, the abandoned martyr who died in misery, who sacrificed his life on the altar of the Motherland – personally and with his own lips entrusted to me the drafting of the article which, under the title Iluso was published in one of the issues of La Solidaridad.  He explained to me his wish; he suggested that I stress the comical aspect (as I did later on in another work of the same kind in defense of Blumentritt, which the hate Retanan denounced to the Spanish government), and so I made it thus, caricaturing a type of revolutionary dreamer who had no practical means for action, without the living figure of anyone crossing our imagination.  And we said so successively in copious letters, as Marcelo and I swear by our honor.  So then this letter, on which I am commenting, became stale from that very moment when the inspirer of that work, whose honorable word no one has a right to doubt, belied it explicitly and categorically.  And that is explained by itself.  Do we not all know that Rizal never made any declaration in favor of violence?  Could we attribute to him any of this?  How, knowing him intimately, loving him dearly, the three having pursued the same policy publically, could we justly and logically attack him in that sense?

            In the same manner I had to express it to my dear friend Aristón Bautista (we fondly called each other cousins) when from Paris he sent me some observations on the misunderstood article.

            This letter of Rizal reveals once more in a clear manner the innate something that illuminated his soul as leader, apostle, redeemer, and the visible head of the patriotic movement.

            Why?  Who gave him that appointment?  When the people manifested in that manner their intentions?  Who appointed him with the attributes of power that are inferred from the writing of his letter?  Certainly it is his genius, destiny, and God himself.

            In no other way can his protest against the impersonal and the unnamable be explained.  All this seems to be so removed from his known procedure.

            His letter created a most profound impression on us and we deeply regret his error that we hasten to remove.  And I think that at the end we had the luck to achieve it through a letter of a later date that he sent to Marcelo H. del Pilar.  Luckily, our conscience was clean and we were at peace knowing the absolute honesty of our purpose.

            Please note an extraordinary fact: none of the Ilusos (perhaps only one) considered himself alluded to in the article.

            Afterwards, events rushed headlong.  Rizal, back in the Philippines, was banished.  Towards 1895 La Solidaridad lacked funds.  In the lodges and outside of them work was intensified, until an insignificant and fortuitous discovery, disclosed by a fanatical woman through the friar confessor, unexpectedly led to the outbreak of the Revolution, hatched in the lap of patriotic love and in the ardent desire for liberty.

            Such was the origin of that article inspired with the best of intentions by our sublime politician and which was so unfortunately interpreted by our national hero.

            Thus then, in order to do honor to the glorious memory of the most illustrious and self-denying public man, this commentary should be joined always to the letter that I comment on.  The death of our beloved colleague Mariao Ponce deprives us now of our most important and only witness.

            I beg the Filipinos, my countrymen, in charge of preserving these relics, to please perpetuate this desire of the only survivor of that triumvirate of La Solidaridad, who perhaps will soon also pay his tribute to death.

Eduardo de Lete

Madrid, June 1929

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314. Rizal, Hong Kong, 23 May 1892 || To Mariano Ponce

Unexpected attack of Lete – Why did del Pilar allow its publication?  -- They will think there is schism among the Filipinos – Rizal would not take offence so that things would not become worse – Do they pretend to attack him in order to show that they are partisans of assimilation?  -- “I will pursue my policy and will try to guess your purposes.” – Attacks improve he who wishes to improve himself.

Hong Kong, 2 Rednaxele Terrac

23 May 1892

Mr. Mariano Ponce

My dear Friend Ponce,

            Today I received an issue of Solidaridad of 15 April and I have read its articles, including that of Lete attacking me.  I cannot express either contempt or indifference upon reading such an article, for after all, he is a Filipino, and among the good ones, inasmuch as he has been awarded the prize of patriotism.  Neither can I show indignation nor dismay, for, as I have not told anyone for sometime what I am doing or what my political thoughts are, it is possible that Lete may not know what I am doing or what my political thoughts are.  Moreover, I take into account the state of your minds and of the Madrid atmosphere.  Judging by what Blumentritt writes me, it seems that some believe that I am the cause why Solidaridad lacks funds or is about to die.  There is noting in this, for I always bear in mind that I have promised Pilar that I will never join any conspiracy against him or against the publication.  Until now I have fulfilled this promise and will continue to fulfill it.  I am very sorry that Pilar has allowed the article to be published, for this will make many believe that there is a schism among us.  I believe that we can well have little displeasures and personal differences among us without the necessity of making them extend to the party.  We should keep them to ourselves and respect one another.  This is what I believe, but Pilar and Lete can believe otherwise, and I admit that there is liberty for all.  I do not know the effect of this article on the Filipinos in the Philippines.  I, on my part, will not consider myself offended so that matters will not become worse and I will not write a single word as I have not done for a long time.  I do not write either Pilar or Lete for reasons you can understand, as they are he persons directly interested in the matter and because a letter of min can protest against this procedure, ad then they have to give me explanations, or it can advise and then I would appear as a counselor or semi-protector.  Tell them only that I am very sorry, but neither do I despise it nor am I indignant about it.  What fault do they have if they have not understood me better?  Perhaps I am to blame for having supposed they would understand my purposes without the necessity of explaining them.  However, for the ends I am pursuing, I prefer not to give explanations.  Perhaps they are pursuing a more profound policy, and they are pretending to go against me and attack me furiously in order to play better the role of pro-assimilation partisans.  In this regard I praise them, but in this case, I believe they ought to attack me strongly mentioning my name, because many Spaniards who are not well informed about our inside affairs do not understand Lete’s allusions and the article does not achieve its purpose.  I only warn them that the idea is somewhat risky, but if it were thus, they may believe that I sincerely applaud them and they can increase the attacks with my secret congratulations.  Only I observe that in following that policy Lete sells himself and sells us.  In making my enraged Simoún speak, I have warned to pursue the same end, setting a darker background so that the Filipinos of Madrid may appear white, but in doing so, I did not sell any secret.  In short, you may say whether my conjectures are false or true.  Whether true or not, I will purse my policy and will try to guess the purpose of your movements in order to adjust my steps to that of yours and achieve the best end. 

            As I have heard that you and Selong are thinking of withdrawing, I do not understand that policy.

            As I have announced before to friend Roxas so that he may inform Lete, a friend of mine, Mr. Eulalio Villavicencio, is sending him fifteen pesos, which I do not know how much they will be with this blessed drafts.  As here they do not send drafts to Spain, I send the raft to Paris to Friend Luna so that he, in turn, will send it to Lete.  Also five pesos from Friend Basa for Solidaridad will be sent along.

            Friend Basa says that you sent him five or six copies each of Solidaridad.  As for me, I that of Lete really goes, you need not send me copies of each issue; only when there is some article against me, for I am interested to know what they write against me, because at times they contain truth that is beneficial.  I have always wanted to hear attacks against me because they improve anyone who wants to improve himself.

            Against wind and tide I will always be the same with regard to the friar’s affair of the Philippines.  The interest of the Philippines is above me.

Ever yours,

Rizal

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315. Rizal, Hong Kong, 24 May 1892 || To Juan Zulueta

Rizal informs the secretary of the Committee of Propaganda at Manila about Lete’s article, Iluso – it is indiscreet.

Hong Kong, 24 May 1892

[Mr. Juan Zulueta]

Brother Teuluz

Manila, Philippines

            Rizal, after censuring an article of Lete in La Solidaridad that he found offensive and whose apology he leaves to the discretion of the Committee, adds: “I repeat once more: I do not understand the reason for the attack, inasmuch as I devote myself now to prepare our countrymen for a secure refuge in case of persecution (the agricultural colony of North Borneo) and to writing some propaganda works which will shortly be published.  Besides, the article is highly indiscreet and prejudicial to the Philippines.  Why say that the first thing we need is money?  What is known need not be said and dirty linen is not washed in public.  Fraternal greetings to all.

Affectionately yours,

Dimasalang

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316. Graciano López Jaena, Barcelona, 26 May 1892

Rizal’s post card from Borneo – Congratulations on the foundation of the Filipino colony – López Jaena wishes to move there and cultivate sugarcane – Filipino colony at Madrid in a lamentable state – La Solidaridad is languishing.

Mr. José Rizal

My dear Rizal

            I received your post card which you sent me from Borneo.  I congratulate you on the attainment of the purposes that have brought you there, and the Filipino colony congratulates you also, the same as I do.  All are congratulating themselves and congratulate you on your idea of founding in that new colony a town of Filipinos, the center from which later will spring the redemption of our Archipelago.

            I wish very much to join you there.  Prepare for me a piece of land where I can plant sugarcane; for I will go there when you advise men in order to devote myself to the cultivation of cane and the manufacture of sugar.  Give me detailed information about everything.

            The Madrid colony is in a worse state than before, according to Morayta’s information.  All, more or less, are engaged in. . . . . . . and gambling.  La Solidaridad is languishing and its publication is distressing.

            I await your announcement and your orders in order to move there.

            I send my regards to your family and brothers.

Your grateful friend,     

Graciano

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317. Aristón Bautista, Saigon, 31 May 1892

A post card from Bautista asks Rizal to send him “instructions for the guidance of those working for the realization of our ideals.”

10 Plaza Sta. Cruz

            Or Senior et Cie., Manila

                        Saigon, 31 May 1892

Mr. J. M. Basa

For Mr. J. Rizal

Hong Kong

Dear Pepe,

            I have been here for four very dull days, at the rate of three pesos a day.  We are shaking hands and I am very sorry, indeed, that I cannot do it in person for lack of time.  I want to reach Manila soon to find out what is happening to my family.

            Do not forget to send me instructions for the guidance of those there who are working for the realization of our ideals.

            My greetings to your family and Don Paciano and for you a close embrace from

Yours truly,

A.B.

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318. Rizal, Hong Kong, 15 June 1892 || To Mariano Ponce

The idea of a Tagalog printing press is good – It can disseminate quickly what we want – What are needed is courage, character, and diligence.

Mr. Mariano Ponce

Madrid

My favorite Friend,

            Through your letter of 18^th of May that I have received, I have learned of your good wishes for me and I see that you do not forget me.

            My relatives and parents are thanking you for your regards and sincerely return them.

            If the news that I have received about your return is true, it seems that it will not be bad for you to establish a Tagalog printing press, because we really need it.  What we need in the Philippines is a printing press that can disseminate quickly any news, anything we want.  I believe that you are one of the few who can do this thing.  What is needed is courage, character and diligence and a small printing press that is portable and a large one that can be installed in a shop for cover.

            We have already some finished work here.

            This is all and I am always at your service.

Your compatriot and friend,

Rizal

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319.  Rizal, Hong Kong, 15 June 1892 || To Marcelo H. del Pilar

Attacking me in Solidaridad. . .  would be equivalent to disowning its own principles in its last days – “Rizal does not believe that the reformists are more useful abroad, than in their own county – Can a patient be cured more quickly by having the physician and the medicine far from him?”  Rizal’s return to the Philippines is strongly opposed.

Hong Kong, 15 June 1892

Mr. Marcelo H. del Pilar

Madrid

My dear Friend,

            I see by your letter of 10 May that you are not responsible for the article attacking me that Lete has published.  Perhaps I may be mistaken, which would make me very glad, for a wide breach would have been opened to the enemy.  Attacking me in La Solidaridad would be for La Solidaridad like a renunciation of its principles, and if contradicting and attacking one another are done by Spanish newspapers, we should not follow their example.  But you, better than I, know what you are doing. I note only that it is somewhat puerile to make known to everyone, urbi et orbi, that arms, ships, and money are necessary to make revolutions.  It is a discovery which if it is not very old, at least it was already practiced in many places in the world that are not very civilized.  Friend Lete can be excused from telling us such a novelty, though perhaps he has supposed that I am much more stupid, more ignorant and more candid than I am.

            I am glad of what you tell me that you will be more useful in the Philippines.  I do not ignore the services you  are rendering there and that you are the only one at present who can render them, but, as La Solidaridad reaches Manila with great difficulty, your efforts are very much paralyzed.  It is the belief of many of our countrymen that we are or we will be more useful abroad than in our country.  When they can prove to me that a patient is cured more quickly by having the physician and the medicine from him, then I will believe them.  Cavour [Conte Camillo Benso di Cavour (1819-1881) was an Italian statesman that lead in the movement to unify Italy -- rly] said that one does not serve the native country by staying out of her but within her.  I have encountered strong opposition to my return.

            I, too, am ready to settle disputes notwithstanding and with everybody, and I have so expressed it to the Committee, which answered me talking to me about my giving explanations.  As I answered it rather vigorously, it stopped writing me.  Perhaps it was also due to the difference in our views, for I believe that we ought to adopt a different policy and other principles.

            I have written Manila that they should not decide anything until you write me about Lete’s article.  They have not replied.

            I wish to see you in Manila or here so that we can come to an understanding and again become what we had always been.  I hope that once out of that atmosphere, and seeing ourselves more closely, we may understand each other.

            My parents as well as my brother are grateful for your regards.

            The colony greets you.

Yours,

Rizal

=====

320. Timoteo Páez, Manila, 19 June 1892

Publication of Lete’s article, “Iluso” resented – Páez will name his son after Rizal – Masonry is progressing – Will send Rizal a good copy of Florante at Laura.

ECHEITA Y PORTUONDO [see footnote 4 -- rly]

Manila, 19 June 1892

Mr. José Rizal

My dear Friend,

            I received your letter of 24^th May last in which was enclosed another for Moy. (01)  From this letter I learned what has happened to you, because I have not received La Solidaridad for some time.

            Two days after I delivered the letter to Moy, I learned from Mr. Español (02) that many are resentful of del Pilar, even Mr. Cortes, for having allowed that article (03) to be published, and Español told me that when the issue in which the said article appears arrives, he will not distribute it, because it would kill the Propaganda at once.

            I have not been able to write you sooner on account of the duties I now have.  Besides the office (04) where I stay the whole day, I have another one in the afternoon until eight o’clock at night, and these are the affairs of the Masonic lodge.  As I lack time, I was not able to announce to you my wife’s delivery, which occurred on 20 March last, and I only asked my brother-in-law Maneng to tell you about it when he would write you.

            We are going then to put your name on your new servant, whom I offer you from that day, inasmuch as we cannot be compadres. (03)  Perhaps you may be surprised that my son has not been baptized until now.  On the first day of May we were ready to do it, but since that day until now he has been suffering from coughing I do not know what I should do.  Mr. Zamora (06), who treated him, would like to apply a kind of caustic on his throat, but, as he is very young, we did not approve of it, and, in order not to tell him to stop attending him, we asked him to give him vaccination, which did not grow  either.  He is now better, only he has no voice.

            Your brother-in-law and his family have moved to Calle Lacoste some days ago.

            Masonry has progressed much during these six months.  We count on 120 to 140 active members distributed in 19 triangles and 9 to 10 lodges.

            Now I remember I should send you another copy of Baltazar’s awit, (07) because the one I sent you lacked some pages.  I will send it to you on the next boat on the Don Juan through the physician Mr. Ruiz.

            With nothing more for now, we send our regards to your family.

Your friend and servant,

T. Páez

_______________

            This letter of Timoteo Páez was addressed to Rizal at Hong Kong.  Timoteo Páez was an active Mason and reformist, and was imprisoned by the Spanish government.

(01)  Moisés E. Salvador, fellow reformist of Rizal, member of La Liga Filipina, who was executed by the Spanish government.

(02)   Modest Español y Evangelista.

(03)   An article written by Eduardo Lete and published in La Solidaridad, 15 April, 1892

(04)  The name of his office is the letterhead: Echeita y Portuondo.

(05)  The sponsor at the baptism or confirmation of a child becomes a compadre of the parents of the child.  Páez named his son José after Rizal.

(06)  The Manila physician Dr. Felipe Zamora

(07)   He refers to the metrical romance in Tagalog, Florante at Laura by the celebrated poet, Francisco Baltazar (also known as Balagtas).

=====

321.  Rizal, Hong Kong, 20 June 1892 || To the Filipinos

Determined to go to the Philippines – “I cannot live knowing that many are suffering unjust persecution on my account.”—“Seeing my people persecuted like criminals” --  “I offer my life gladly to free so many innocent persons”  --  “Let those who deny us patriotism see that we know how to die for our duty and convictions.”  -- “What does it matter to die, if one dies for what one loves, for the Native Land?”

Hong Kong, 20 June 1892

To the Filipinos:

            The step that I have taken or I am about to take is undoubtedly very perilous, and I need not say that I have pondered on it a great deal.  I realize that everyone is opposed to it; but I realize also that hardly anybody knows what is going on in my heart.  I cannot live knowing that many are suffering unjust persecution on my account; I cannot live seeing my parents suffering in exile, deprived of the comforts of their home, far from their native land and their friends; I cannot live seeing my brothers and their large families persecuted like criminals.  I prefer to face death cheerfully and gladly give my life to free so many innocent persons from such unjust persecution.

            At present I know that the future of my country gravitates in some degree towards me, that at my death, many would rejoice, and consequently many are longing for my downfall.  But what am I to do?  I have duties of conscience above all else; I have moral obligations toward the families who suffer toward my aged parents whose signs pierce my heart; I know that I alone, even with my death, can make them happy by returning them to their native land and to the tranquility of their home.  My parents are all that I have, but my country has many sons who still can take it to advantage.

            Moreover, I wish to show those who deny us patriotism that we know how to die for our duty and our convictions.  What matters death if one dies for what one loves, for native land and adored beings?    If I know that I were the only pillar of Philippine politics and were I convinced that my countrymen were going to make use of my services, perhaps I would hesitate to take this step; but there are still others who can take my place, who can take my place to advantage.  Furthermore, there are perchance men who find me superfluous and my services are not needed, inasmuch as they reduce me to inaction.

            I have always loved my poor country and I am sure that I shall love her until my last moment, should men prove unjust to me.  I shall die happy, satisfied with the thought that all I have suffered, my past, my present, and my future, my life, my loves, my joys, everything, I have sacrificed for love of her.  Whatever my fate may be, I shall die blessing her and wishing her the dawn of her redemption.

            Publish these letters after my death.

José Rizal

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322. José Alejandrino, Gand, 7 July 1892

Abreu dies of tuberculosis -- How sad it is to die young!  For one who has a rosy future!  Professors and friends of the deceased expressed sorrow – He will help in the distribution of El Filibusterismo.

9 rue du Hainaut, Gand

7 July 1892

My very dear Friend:

            I received your last letter and I wrote at once to Mr. Valcke about your order.  This gentleman replied that on the 25^th of last month, two packages left Anvers (Antwerp) addressed to you, containing all your orders.

            Through the note that I sent you, you must have already learned of the loss which we have just suffered.  Mr. Abreu has left us too soon, a victim of galloping tuberculosis, and all the cares that we lavished on him had been futile.  I never believe that his slight indisposition of which he complained at the beginning could have so fatal a result.

            In my last letter I told that his sickness was not serious, and when the doctor told me of the gravity of his ailment, I could not believe it.  I hardly had time to send a telegram to his poor family.

            He died as he lived; that is to say, serene and affable.  Until his last moments his mind remained lucid, speaking about the journey that he planned to undertake in order to return to our country.  But death has prevented him from carrying out such rosy plans!

            To all of us, the death of a friend like Abreu is cruel, because it will be hard to find a young man as pleasant and agreeable as he was.  Indeed, it is very sad to die young, having a beautiful and rosy future before him!  I cannot imagine the sorrow of his poor parents on receiving such news.

            But although he died far from his family, he was very well taken care of by all, especially by Madame (01) who did not leave his bedside during his illness.  I have written his parents about Madame’s services so that they may express to her their gratitude.

            The rector, the inspector, and all the liberal professors attended his civil funeral, as I did not like to give the priests even a cent.  The foreign students have been very attentive to us, sending very beautiful wreaths so that his casket was covered with flowers.

            The ribbons were held by four foreign students, representing their respective countries.  In spite of the rain which was then falling, they did not like to ride so as not to leave the casket alone.

            At this moment, the owners of the house have just presented me their bill for damages, for the purchase of a new bed, etc. etc. that amounts to 00 francs, including the services rendered to Mr. Abreu.

            My father has written me again concerning the conduct of our affairs, but I have already informed him of your plans and your opinions.

            As to the second edition of your work, I will attend to it as soon as my examinations are finished because now, I am very busy, having lost much time with the illness and death of our mourned Abreu.  The examinations will take place within ten days and I believe I shall be the only one who will take them because the others will wait until September.

            I beg you to please give my greetings to your family as well as to our other compatriots.  With a handshake from

J. Alejandrino

_______________

(01) It refers to the landlady.

(02) Note by Mariano Ponce: “Rizal did not get to read this letter, having arrived at Hong Kong on 9 August 1892, when Rizal was already in exile in Dapitan.

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323. Eduardo de Lete, Madrid, 20 July 1892

Lete is surprised that Rizal believed himself alluded to in his satirical article – Rizal is not the revolutionary Quixote combated by him – Rizal is not one of those who believe that with a sentry-box a revolution can be started.

Madrid, 20 July 1892

Mr. José Rizal

Dear Pepe,

            I am bewildered by your various letters that I have read concerning my unfortunate article of the 15^th April last.  I am sorry, indeed, that you should continue with your procedure little consistent with good friendship.  If you believe yourself offended, why do you not write me, author of the article, and not as you do, writing to everybody except to the one who can explain to you his idea?  Is it disdain?  Is it anger? I do not like to think of such stupendous things about you who boas of being reflective and do not allow yourself to be controlled by more or less unpleasant impressions.  At any rate, I do not have to alter my purposes for that, nor do I consider my self-esteem lessened by communicating with you; I dispense with it whenever it concerns you; also because I know you.  You write Pilar, Ponce, Rojas, Reyes, and I do not know who else and you do not bother writing me even one word.  What is happening to you?  What is the matter with you?  What are your complaints?  Oh what do you base your grievances?  Why should you be the target of my article?  Sad is my mission if I do not do anything that is not directed against you!  It is odd!  How is it that no one has considered himself offended except you?  Are they your actions that are depicted in my article?  Are you by chance an imprudent man?  Are you among those who believe that a revolutionary movement can be started with a sentry-box?  Are you among those who believe that patriotism does everything?  No?  How is it then that it hurts you so much?  Yes?  Then, what fault do I have that, without intending to allude to you, you consider yourself alluded to?  It is necessary not to rush to judging a question.  But before continuing, I must reject indignantly your insinuation. I don’t know if it is your letter to Reyes, that the article was written in anger because of what was being said that you were depriving us of our means of livelihood.  Never have we subordinated to our personal interests, the higher interests of our country.  We work with full consciousness that we are doing good, guided by the best good faith, without thinking that anyone would take away our bread, which, after all, matters little.  Do we not have perchance, each one f us, a house in the Philippines where we can live more or less comfortably?  Do we not know how to work to earn our living?  We do not attack any idea for the sake of our bread and less for this did it ever occur to us to attack anybody.  Our friendship and our patriotic sentiments are more important that our stomach.  Moreover, who said that you were the cause of the lack of funds of La Solidaridad?  Who told us that you took away anything from us?  Your eternal suspiciousness makes you see shadows where there are none and you look for reasons without thinking that some of then can do us harm.  Let us look back.  We know well who is undermining the peace; it is not you.  News of hostile and provoking tendencies reached us, of actions, separation, bands, and pessimism capable of bringing to naught whatever advancement has been made on the road to freedom.  The optimists or, better, the prudent, resigned ones, call them what you please, favored caution, the continuation of the work we have been doing while another comprehensive plan, surer of success, is being prepared.  The pessimists, the skeptical, rejected every kind of open work.  To them the press is useless, as well as everything done in the demand for progress.  They say that the only thing that can save us is force; let us abandon peaceful methods and throw ourselves into the battlefield.  That was the state of mind when the director inspired me and ordered me to write the article.  The optimists are in my article, those who oppose the pessimists, who commit the madness of surrendering.  That was the true state of our camp when I arrived and I told the skeptical: I am enamored of your ideas as I hold the opinion as you do.  But, have you means to fight? Have you thought of preparing them?  Does it not seem to you that while we cannot fight with some probability of success we ought to suppose ourselves to be good assimilistas, possibililists, or opportunists, as you like, and obtain four our people a lenitive medicine [a medicine to alleviate pain -- rly] for their sorrows or at least to bestow reason on them so that they will never be accused of having lost it?  That the press is doing nothing?  Read the Manila newspapers and you will see that they now ask what formerly we alone asked: deputies.  In short, I appeared and said to them: How? When? With what? While we are preparing other things shall we stand by with folded arms?  Shall we throw out of the window what is done and won?  In order to fight we need something more than patriotism.  I said then.  But sir, my idea can be understood by merely taking note of two words in my article – Anverso y Reverso.  Indeed this reverso (reverse) gives the measure of my good faith, patriotic sentiments and methods.  What more?  Indeed, this article is intended to lash the ideas of those who believe that with scanty means everything can be achieved.  Indeed, that article is an appeal to reflection so that they may act reflectively.  It is, to say it at once, the same intention of adding up the forces of defense, guiding the ends towards a common ideal, taking advantage of all the resources, all the combined initiatives without excluding any.  It is, how can it be said better, to endeavor not to endanger the success of the designs in favor of the common cause.  Why do you consider yourself hurt when nothing in it is against you?  Why attack you when we know that you have left the field free, as you yourself said?  If the attach were against you, why should I not do it face to face?  Do you believe maybe that I do not have enough courage to act openly?  Your character Simoun says that those who ask for reforms deceive the country; do you think we would have done well to be offended?  What more?  Indeed, my exclamation.  “And Villalusa remained enslaved!” is the synthesis of my sorrows and my hardships with respect to my enemy.  How must I make a profession of my faith so that no one may doubt my good intentions?  I do not pretend to have made any discovery because what I say is in the mind of sensible persons, but believe me, I have written the article for those who persist in their ideas, for whom profiles and the strokes must be enlarged in order that they may understand by the rough contrast that the good road is another.  That I have sold myself?  May it be at the proper time.  At least I have done it on gratuitous pretense for the same reason that nobody busy.  Anyway, everybody knows what my ideas are and I do not act modestly in making them public on an honorable pretense to the extreme of becoming an enemy of some friend of my family.  That . . . . .

NOTE:  The last page of the above letter is missing which must have been lost while it was still in the presence of Mr. Ponce.  The letter therefore has no signature.  But by the handwriting and style it seems to be an authentic letter of Lete.

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324. Marcelo H. del Pilar, Madrid, 20 July 1892

Grieved by the deportation of Rizal -- "Soon I will follow you; let us see if we can scatter the seed" -- Pi y Margall and the European colony deplore it -- According to del Pilar it is not Rizal whom Lete attacks -- It was a call to reflection and duty -- Machiavelli divides us.

Madrid, 20 July 1892

Mr. Jose Rizal

Manila

My dear Pepe:

    The news of the outrage done to you has impressed me painfully.  I prefer to be the victim than to devour this anguish that takes away my sleep.  Well, soon I will follow you and let us see if there were they send us we can scatter the seed and succeed to popularize its sowing.  The European colony, including Pi y Margall and family, sympathizes with us.  With the first, I have had long conversations about the case; it is very eager to do something, but its ignorance of the motives that led to or justified the outrage prevents it from taking a definite attitude.  Don Miguel is out of Madrid on his summer vacation, but I wrote him asking him for his advice.  We are expecting any time now the Assistant Minister of Colonies who has been also out of town but will return soon.

    I received your two letters in which you affirmed your belief that you have been attacked by the article of Lete in La Solidaridad, dated April 15.  You are mistaken.  How could I allow him to attack you when I am interested in your prestige? How, when in spite of whatever has happened between us (better said "in you"), I have not stopped wishing for the renewal of our former ties, for I believe that slight differences in procedure are not enough to destroy our common principles, purposes, and feelings?  How, when my mode of action depends on the unity, fraternity, mutual tolerance, and mutual support of those who uphold the same ideal?  For what have I swallowed in silence the attacks, insults, and bitterness that I have received from many?  For the sake of harmony, I repeat, you are mistaken.  I am sure that when Lete wrote the article he did not intend to allude to you and much less to molest you.  He described an individual whose methods are diametrically opposed to yours.  You do not reject the methods that contribute to your own; you yourself have told me repeatedly: "No more means are left for us to try;" how can you imagine yourself portrayed by a person who rejects and destroys all means of preparation?  Had I believed you as such, I would have insulted you and you already know that neither for anything nor for anybody will I offend you.

    Whether my words are of value or not, I would like to enlighten you about this affair.  But first, be assured that Lete's article was inspired by the news which arrived on that date from Manila about the active and effective campaign intended to destroy every instrument of our propaganda: Destroy La Solidaridad, destroy the committee, and destroy finally all means for the preparation of further solutions, in order not to think of anything more but of these. Although there is bad faith on the part of the hidden agitator of this movement, those who follow him are undoubtedly working in good faith, believing that they are serving their country.  For that reason Lete thought of issuing a call to reflection and the medicine that he used was not opium but a caustic substance.  But believe me, he did not allude to you, for you had nothing to do with that campaign.

    And now let us refresh our minds: You will remember that, walking on the Pasco de Recoletos, you were going from the house of Cunanan and I to that of don Miguel.  I told you: "Watch out, for some fine day we shall wake up quarrelling without knowing why."  You laughed at my witticism and so did I; you could not believe that, determined as you were not to offend me, and I, not to offend you, we would ever quarrel; but that occurred to me without reason as a vague presentment.

    The fact was later we were on bad terms.  After you have gone, I got on bad with both elements of the Filipino colony; and I had to swallow in silence all the bitterness I received in order to maintain harmony among us.  It is because neither you nor I had suspected the designs for revenge of the one who was determined to avenge with Mephistophelian devices the affronts of the committee.

     I have no proofs to show you that the same hand that disunited us in Madrid is the one that continues to divide our own men in the Philippines; but I know his trade mark; and whether my words be of value or not, in any case I let you know them in case they may be of help to you in the evaluation of the matter.  You, as well as I, my partisans, as well as yours, are victims of a base campaign.  I do not know whether the purpose of this campaign is solely for revenge, or the friar policy has also something to do with it.

        Had they accepted my resignation since before and had you relieved me here, we could have exercised his Mephistophelian campaign.  Because, revealing myself there as your partisan, his Machiavellism would have been crippled.

        Well, we shall have an occasion to talk together.  I’m glad of the spirit of benevolence that I note in your last letter.  You already know that no other spirit animates me except that of unity and fraternity with our colleagues.  Let us reserve our energies for the enemies of our tranquility.

Your affectionate friend embraces you,

Marcelo

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325. Ildefonso Lauanila, 3 September

Deploring the unfortunate deportation of Rizal – Our people consider you their redeemer and savior – All are ready to shed their blood for the Motherland.

Manila, 3 September 1892

Mr. José Rizal

Dapitan

Dear Friend and Compatriot,

       Upon my arrival at this city I learned, in the bay, about the mishap that has befallen you.  One night when I was at your house on a visit, your father told me that you will be pardoned shortly.  How happy we would be if the news turns out to be true!  Our excited people always trust in you, considering you their redeemer and savior.  Do not doubt the loyalty of your fellow countrymen, for all bewail the treachery of which you have been a victim and all are ready to shed their blood for the salvation of our motherland and of yours.  All greet you through me and send you an embrace of patriotic love with which some day all united they wish to die.

Ildefonso Laurel

P.S.

Our mutual friend Deodato Arellano (1) told me that he has received two letters from Madrid addressed to you, which, until now, for lack of means, he has been unable to send you.  He awaits your decision on the matter.

______________

       (1) Deodato Arellano, Filipino reformer and revolutionary, who, with Andrés Bonifacio, Ildefonso Laurel, Ladislao Diwa, Valentin Diaz, and Theodoro Plata was one of the founders of the Katipunan which started the Philippine Revolution of 1896.

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326. Anacleto del Rosario y Sales, Manila, 13 October 1892

His analysis of the waters of Luzon – Gift to Rizal: a bottle of Fehling’s liquor and tubes for experiments – Reminds Rizal of happy days of the Marian Congregation – the value of religious sentiments in adversity – Without them, what would life be?

Manila, 13 October 1892

Mr. José Rizal

My dear Pepe,

          I received your esteemed letter of 1^st September through the Very Reverend Father Superior, and I am informed of its content.  I am glad you like my insignificant work on the Waters of Luzon; but I must inform you that in that report only the chemical part is mine.  All studies pertaining to the geological, climatological, and therapeutic matters belong to the president and physician of the Commission.

          I have added to the remittance of Father Sánchez one bottle with 100 grams of Fehling’s liquor for the analysis of urine and six tubes for experiments of which you asked me.

          On Sonchier telemeters, like the ones I furnished Father Sánchez, I have none left, nor are there any in the market.  They have to be ordered in Paris.

          As to payment, you have nothing to think of, for Fehling’s reagent and the tubes cost me nothing; use them as my remembrance.

          May you continue in good health and . . . may you remember, now and then, those happy days when we were fellow members of the Executive Board of the Congregation of the Immaculate Conception at the Ateneo!  I know that you have forgotten or despised them, but on my part I assure you that several times a day those happy days cross my imagination.  Will you be a good enough friend of mine to remember them also?

          My life and children return your affectionate regards.  As to Mama . . . your letter, received on the 6^th instant arrived at the precise moments when the poor one was entering the period of agony of her long and chronic illness.  On the 9^th, at 7:30 in the morning, it pleased God to call her to His glory. May she rest in peace, she who, with solicitous care, maintained, educated, and taught me the right road since the age of five, when I lost my father!

          It is in these cruel moments, Friend Pepe, that one appreciates the value of religious sentiments!  What would human life be without them?

          Pardon me for speaking to you of this; it is an unbosoming of your friend who loves you,

Anacleto

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327. José Ma. Basa, Hong Kong

Basa’s account of Rizal’s books for March 1889 – December 1891

Mr. José Rizal, Hong Kong

To the undesignated, DR

Save error or omission

Hong Kong, 3 December 1891

J. M. Basa

Note:

       I have received from Mr. Antonion López 200 for the balance in my favor.  30 Nov. 1892