12 July 1889

Paris

He writes del Pilar in Tagalog and sends him the Contribution of 200 pesetas of the Calambenos to La Solidaridad – Issues of the periodical for the Philippines – “It is there that it ought to be read.” – Blumentritt’s Memoria – Regards to Sandico – Regidor’s article Diputado por Filipinas – Blumentritt’s defense of the Noli – For being Rizal’s brother-in-law, Mariano Herbosa was not allowed to be buried in Holy ground.

* * *

45 Rue de Maubeuge, Paris

12 July 1889

MR. M. H. DEL. PILAR

MY DEAR FRIEND,

I received your letter together with the translation, Denfensa of Blumentritt. The printing is good and neat so that I thank very much all of you there. I came from London so I did not receive your letter on time.

Enclosed are two hundred pesetas which my fellow townsmen of Calamba are presenting to La Solidaridad. They sent more than this amount for me to use at my discretion. I am keeping the rest for a certain purpose. Keep these two hundred pesetas for the periodical La Solidaridad. Do not forget to send copies to Calamba, to Mr. Mateo Elojorde, druggist of the town. They have a great affection for our courageous Solidaridad. Likewise, always send copies to Pedro Ramos at London, 21 Billiter Street, together with the copy for Regidor, because Ramos has paid me today 1.25 for his quarter. He says he lacks number 8. Abarca lacks number 1 and 8, and I lack number 10 or the conclusion of my letter to Desbarrantes[1]as you say. I would be pleased if you would always send me many copies because I am sending all to the Philippines. It is there that it ought to be read. Be careful with your remittance to Manila, because I am informed that the government generally [?] burns all the copies that are received there. Wrap them well and hide them. Likewise, they are very much pleased there with the booklets and other articles. Beginning with the next issue I am going to send an article for every number. In order that it may not cost you too much sending copies to Paris this is what can be done. Two bundles, one to Luna and the Pardos, and one to me, Ventura, Abarca, Trinidad, etc., etc., Tell me if La Solidaridad is short of funds.

I am going to send together Blumentritt’s Memoria,[2] which I shall print at my expense. I am going to correct the proofs. Tell me how much one thousand copies will cost.

Greet Mr. Teodoro Sandico for me. I believe that he is an old acquaintance of mine there in Pandacan or at the Ateneo Municipal. He is a tall man with an oval face and nimble in his movements. In case he is not that one, nevertheless tell him to look upon me as a compatriot and friend and an admirer of all that he had done in Malolos. To study philosophy and letters is a very good plan and young men like him can go to Madrid and can be depended upon not to be spoiled by the ill wind that blows there. Only he ought to return to the Philippines.

I have not yet spoken with Roxas, because I have just arrived from London, and I am tired and slightly indisposed.

Have the Desbarrantes printed quickly so that the booklets can be sent to Manila. I share the expenses. The same for por Telefono.

What is Graciano doing that he is not helping?

The article Diputado por Filipinas written by Regidor is good, but I told him that he should not stir up regionalism or provincialism. If we have some good custom or virtue, it ought to be attributed to all provinces, to all the sons of the Philippines.

I am enclosing with this Blumentritt’s letter. Send him the reply to him and the same with the reply to me. I hope that you sent Blumentritt many copies of the translation of his Defensa. Send many copies to Manila through the sailors who go there, through the mail, and through other means. Let us not forget that it is there where we ought to sow if we wish to harvest.

I revealed to the people of my province your true name and purposes. I hope that your example and your writings will awaken many people. Now you cannot back out any more.

A brother-in-law of mine[3] died of cholera and because of his relationship to me they did not allow him to be buried in the cemetery. I do not resent this; you know my attitude towards this matter, so do my family, but it is the bad intention that I ought to investigate.

This is all for the present and greet for me all our friends and compatriots.

How is Panganiban?

Your Friend,

RIZAL

I am pleased with your news that Rogers is going to cooperate. I guess that it is your example that has attracted him. There is nothing like a good example. Canon should also cooperate.

Let me know if you have received the money.

The Same

02-421 [Blumentritt V.1]