18 October 1891

Marseille

18 October 1891

MY DEAR FRIEND ROXAS,

At last I receive a letter from you and I give you a thousand thanks for what you tell me in it.

I am very sorry for what is happening to you, but what can we do? I advise everyone to be very prudent, to avoid scandal. I too knew that my name was being exploited in the Philippines, but I hope things will be placed in their proper places. I am going to look into this also.

It is not that I am resentful of the [Filipino] colony of Madrid, no, very much the contrary. I owe it very many courtesies that I shall never forget. I disregard completely its policy, but never its members. They are always my friends. I pay no attention to its policy because I foresee that it is leading us to our perdition, and frankly I do not want to be ruined by a foolishness. I wat to save what remains. I ignore its policy and its present organization, but my friends, never.

Please tell my dear cousin Rianzares that I am sorry that he is resentful because I have not thanked him for the bagoong. When I received it, I was told only by Alejandro that Tomas was sending it to me. Afterward, when Abreu came, I learned that Ruiz was also sending it, and I wrote to the latter thanking him for it. Now I learn that Pablito also is one of the donors, but only now, and I hasten to thank him likewise. Just in case, I thank Sucgang also.

Please tell Mamang Tetoy that I received the books and that Cord de Cruz will pay for them. Gratias agimus.[1]

This afternoon I embark for our country.

Regards to Aguilera and tell him that I received what they had promised me only that, on account of the exchange fees at Barcelona and from Barcelona to Paris, the 500 pesos were reduced to 360 pesos, more or less. What a pity to waste such money on bankers.

Many regards to Doña Matilde, Elenita, Mme. And Mlle. Angele, also to our orator, the future judge, and to Homero dormitanti.[2] Goodbye!

Affectionately yours,

RIZAL

05-665 [100 Letters]