Madrid
From: Linares Rivas
To: Jose Rizal
Attorney Linares Rivas deplores the affliction of the Rizal family – Will work to mitigate them – Politics delay the remedy – He has conferred with the Minister of the Colonies on the outrages in Kalamba.
* * *
Madrid, 17 January 1892
MR. JOSE RIZAL
HONG KONG
MY ESTEEMED SIR,
I have received the various letters that you have kindly written me and believe me that they have profoundly impressed me.
I am very sorry for the great troubles you and your family are suffering and I believe I have to contribute greatly towards mitigating them as well as preventing other new ones from occurring.
You are keen enough to understand how such things occur without the knowledge of the governments and afterwards they cannot remedy them as soon and energetically as they would like. A thousand official considerations hinder them, and it is the same in Spain as in England, Holland, and other colonial powers.
But rest assured that there is someone who takes interest in you and your family and is preparing all that is in his power to rectify so many outrages.
For your information and satisfaction, I wish to say that I have seen the Minister of Colonies concerning the Kalamba affair and I have informed him about all its details and also acquainted him with the exposition drafted by me and is found in that ministry.
My impression is that the Minister comprehends the injustice of the produce and he will seek means to repair so much damage done without hurting the authority and prestige of the governor general.
I, as your former lawyer, knowing the outrages that in no way I excuse, will continue giving you my support until satisfactory results are achieved which, though difficult, are not impossible.
I acknowledge the receipt of 56 pounds sterling. Have patience and be assured that you are esteemed by your servant who kisses your hand.
A. LINARES RIVAS
02-693 [Blumentritt V.2]