Madrid
Govantes, Spanish lawyer born in the Philippines, who holds the title of Conde de Albay, is grateful to Rizal for his letter of sympathy on the death of his father, Felipe Govantes – Ideas are not an obstacle to the mutual admiration between political adversaries, he says.
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Madrid, 13 June 1889
MR. JOSE RIZAL
MY DEAR FRIEND AND COUNTRYMAN,
I received your affectionate letter in which you expressed to me your sorrow for the loss of my dear father. I am very grateful to you for remembering me on such a sad occasion. What you say about the deceased is correct, for it is difficult for the very sons of that country to surpass him in his desire for the welfare and prosperity of that land. On the other hand, he was and is a vivid example that the political ideas he held could not be other than those belonging to his generation, for as you well know the ebb and rise of tides are also observed in the intellectual seas. These political ideas when they are professed in good faith and with so refined integrity, as my poor father did, I repeat, are not an obstacle to his political adversaries to render him a tribute of admiration.
I reiterate to you the expression of my gratitude for the affectionate tenor of your letter, and believe me.
Ever your affectionate compatriot,
P. GOVANTES
04-407 [Misc.]