17 March 1892

Hong Kong

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 exists avengers – Would like “to go to Manila to see the bull at close hand . . . “

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2 Rednale Terrace Hong Kong,

17 March 1892

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

MY DEAR FRIEND,

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 for 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 Asociacion, 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[1] has written me he admits the outrage and promises repeatedly timely redress. Already they have pardoned some. As a conservative, Linares Rivas wants 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.

Our sincere gratitude to the Director, Morayta, Lete, Cajigas [Tomas] 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 [does] one go to the corners.

I should be grateful to Mr. Tomas Cajigas if he would send me the Mas, should he not need it any more.

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.

JOSE RIZAL

01-711 [Family]