Barcelona
The search of Ponce’s house discussed in the press in Madrid and Barcelona – It reaches the senate, the congress, and the council of ministers – Asks for Rizal’s advice – The decision of the court of honor buries Mir in the garbage can – Sends Rizal receipt for the copies of Noil sent to Hamburg.
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2-3 Rambla de Canaletas, Barcelona
16 December 1889
DEAR PEPE,
Never have I imagined that the search of my house would arouse so much debate. The Madrid and Barcelona newspapers devoted to it many articles and the correspondence sent long telegrams. Fortunately, the sensible portion of the press defended us. Figure out for yourself our humiliation had it not been for this. Through the newspapers that I have sent you, you must have been able to follow step by step this question. Now the case depends upon the judge’s decision. I suppose it will be favorable to us inasmuch as they have nothing to hold on. Advise us what we ought to do. They have taken this up in the senate, the congress, and the council of ministers.
I send you the enclosed clippings of El Dia and of a telegram we sent Becerra.
In both cases public opinion is on our side. It points to Mier Das as the informer.
The decision of the court of honor lacks only two signatures which will be taken this afternoon. It will be published in the newspapers. With this, Mir will be buried in the garbage can.
Galicano sends you regards.
I send you the receipt of the box of 25 copies of Noli sent to Mr. C. Boysen, Hamburg. It goes on the ordinary train. Send him this receipt.
An embrace from your,
NANING
03-478 [Reformists] 1889.12.27 Madrid
From: Antonio Luna
To: Jose Rizal
Congratulates Rizal for his edition of Morga – In view of the persecution of his family, it is not strange that Luna has sometimes wavered – Luna explains his actions – Eager to retain Rizal’s good opinion of him – Inquires about Miss Nelly Bousted.
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6 Clavel, Madrid
27 December 1889
DEAR RIZAL,
I received your letter but I could not answer it in due time on account of dengue, or whatever the current sickness is called.
First of all, I ought to congratulate you on your new book, though I already did it by telegram day before yesterday, as you must have seen. I have not yet been able to read your work but I am going to do it with the greatest pleasure when its owners, by special favor, will let me have it. However, on the sly, I have been able to pick up something which has pleased me immensely.
About what you say in your letter, in truth it deserves to be answered. God save me from answering the charges you level against me; those do not exist and for that reason I pass them over. I never go back when I have begun a thing, but you will not fail to understand that after my case, when I saw that, acting as I did, rightly and justly, I was placing my brothers who are in Manila and my parents themselves in the alternative of being harassed savagely, you will not be surprised that I should recover my senses and though not guilty, I should believe myself to be so for the misfortunes that might befall them. Is this to be dispirited? I, in my opinion, do not believe so. Will you deny that for having acted thus this time, as I should, I myself have written my name among the enemies of the friars and my whole family among their victims? I am not sorry for myself. It is enough that my conscience is tranquil for having acted with dignity. But, they? This is the dreadful dilemma which makes me despair. To live without honor, without dignity, name and race trampled on, or be that indirect cause of the misfortune of an entire family. I am not sorry for having done what I did; I will always act thus should I find myself again in the same situation, but they, what fault have they if they are later taken as anti-friars and are persecuted? Having expounded theses reasons then I believe that you will not doubt that my spirit has wavered sometimes about what is done. I repeat that I never turn back, that I am convinced that I have acted rightly, and if they brand us for not having this or that, the best argument is the deed; against this, there cannot be any doubt.
Moreover, I wish you would give me some news about Nelly. Your friend and compatriot is asking you. Does she still love me? Since 16 November I have not heard from her. I wrote her a letter 20 days ago. Write me clearly, though this is secondary. But I should like to know if I am making myself ridiculous by believing candidly in a love that no longer exists. This is really ridiculous. I would not want this after what had occurred with her mother to whom I was exceedingly attentive.
Wishing you happiness and congratulating you on your book. I embrace you.
ANTONIO
Del Pilar is sick in bed.
03-479 [Reformists]