18 March 1892

Manila

Books, drafts, and other effects sent to Rizal — Feast of the captain general celebrated with pomp — But he absented himself to avoid gossip — His wife received at the palace the principalia and other invited guests — The archbishop was aloof at the reception — Archbishop will be granted leave of absence to go to Spain, but he must resign first — Copy of the pardon — A great fire at Plaza San Gabriel — A house of a wealthy Chinese suspiciously demolished — Rizal’s sympathizers send him bank drafts.

* * *.

Sta. Cruz, Manila, Filipinas

18 March 1892

MR. JOSÉ RIZAL

Hong Kong

DEAR JOSÉ,

Justo and another boy from Kalamba are going there, bringing your books, which arrived here only yesterday by special request. These parcels and other effects are listed on the back of this. There’s a little bagoong sent to you by the de Hidalgo couple and please tell Tatay that I’m not sending yet his other orders, because the accounts due me are still unpaid. All the letters have been delivered to their respective addressees.

Here everything is going on well. Everybody says that the feast of the captain general was very animated, more so than the royal feasts; but the guest of honor went to Pampanga leaving a special message that all could go to the palace and his wife would receive them well, as if he were present and that his absence had no other purpose than to avoid criticisms from his adversaries. Hence, the palace was filled with Filipinos and all had been well received. They said that the archbishop was also there but seated in a chair, apart, without speaking with any one. Days later he applied to the vice-governor for a leave of absence to go to Spain, and he was told that there was no inconvenience in granting it so long as he presented first his resignation. Otherwise it was not possible to accede to his petition. In view of this opposition, the cunning rogue tried to disguise himself to undertake his voyage to Spain; but on account of the vigilance over him, he was unable to carry out his plan.

Enclosed is a clipping of the pardon. Four of them are excluded from it. Between the 5th and 10th of the coming month the three will be returned here. Everybody is advising me not to walk around much because that would be too much boldness and they might seize me. This advice is chiefly from Páez and Mr. Marcelino Santos and I answered them that at present I don’t hide myself, come what may, I’m ready for anything, observing that saying: Ang bayaning nasugatan, nag-iibayo ang tapang.[1] And so they see me almost every day walking through the streets or seated at the drugstores.

There was a big fire on the 14th instant, at seven o’clock at night, reducing to ashes all the buildings from the foot of España Bridge[2] at the left until Plaza San Gabriel, including Tuason’s house, and in front, the whole block until the front of Bazar de Velasco,[3] that is, all of that area now has been converted into a plaza, from Nueva Street until San Gabriel. The curious thing is that, after the fire, Palanca’s[4] house appeared demolished, despite the fact that it was situated fifth in a row of five houses which are not burnt down. It is said that it was the governor general who ordered its demolition by means of cannon shots. This is the current version and in fact now four houses in a row are seen standing and the fifth demolished. During the fire, according to what they say, the governor general ordered that the Filipinos be not employed in handling the pumps but all the Chinese of the vicinity be seized for this hard work with the assistance of the troops. All the thieves, including some Spaniards, were manacled and all the streets laid waste were watched by Filipino and Spanish troops. Only today the troops were removed.

You will receive at least two drafts from our good compatriots; one of them is from Sixto;[5] I know because they consulted with me about the way they ought to be sent. They all wanted to give me the money and I replied that my opinion is that he who offers a thing should not consult any one. And if they really wish to do so, they can do it according to their good judgment and that I cannot receive any amount of that nature. In view of this decision they will send you drafts and you answer them acknowledging their receipt. It ‘is possible that every month you would receive drafts. Let them help you. You sacrifice yourself for the common good, and I will encourage them much. As to British Borneo, we are studying it and I will let you know the greatest amount that we can get. For the present, you will receive what is in the list. The greatest refers to the good diamond jewelry, or rather, what Lu Cia and Trining loaned. They say that the amount you told me is small because afterwards, there might be scarcity. The manner of obtaining these jewels is being studied, for many are already convinced of it.

Effects and Drafts

For Tatay:

1 pair of sandals, 1 grindstone

1 pair of clogs, bottle of patis

From Hidalgo

1 jar of fish bagoong

From Kalamba

4 boxes, pillows, one suitcase

Drafts

— pesos that you gave me

— pesos for Lucia, deducted ₱3.35 for

50 packs of cigarettes at 4 cents — ₱1.10

50 packs of cigarettes at 8 cents — ₱2.25

₱155 for British Borneo. What is lacking to make up the ₱400 I will send by another boat. Today this is impossible even with great resolution. If you wish, you can go there now with Sixto’s ₱100; that is for you. I will take charge of this case of British Borneo.

The two boys cannot go simultaneously; today one goes, the other will go on the return trip of that boat.

Those of Taal, Balayan, and Batangas are very eager for information about British Borneo.

Many regards of your brother-in-law who values you.

S. UBALDO

P.S.

The draft today is 8-1/2%.

You will receive altogether ₱494.

03-712 [Reformists]