19 March 1889

Paris

19 March 1889

My dearest,

Here I am in Paris and forthwith I shall continue my translations. As I have no time to publish immediately the Morga, I am going to print the Ethnography of Mindanao together with your Defense. I already have money for this. For this reason, I ask you to send me a copy of the Letters of the Missionaries, if you have two copies, so that I can fill in the gaps. I am afraid that there is no copy in the Bibliothèque Nationale; but if you have only one copy, do not send it to me as it might be lost. I shall try to get one.

Today we have formed a Kidlat Club. Kidlat in Tagalog means lighting, as this club will last only during the Exposition. We have thought of it and formed it in one hour. It will disappear also like lightning.

As I have perspired, talked, and written much today, allow me to close here and bid you good night.

I kiss the little ones, especially my little girl friend.

Yours,

Rizal

03-373 [Reformists]

[1889.03.19] Paris

From: Jose Rizal

To: Graciano Lopez Jaena

Club Kidlat – Enthusiasm for La Solidaridad at Paris – Advice to Lopez Jaena – Rizal promises to support La Solidaridad and send articles – The periodical is improving.

* * *

Paris, March 1889

FRIEND GRACIANO,

Here I am in Paris and I have spent my time profitably. I arrived yesterday and already we have formed a Filipino club called Kidlat for those who come here so that we Filipinos may meet each other. If you come, you will be made an exception and you will not have to pay because here you are appreciated on account of your work for the country. The newspaper will be supported; there is enthusiasm here; and all of us want it to live.

Do not forget to send copies to Pedro Ramos, 21 Billiter Street, London. He is a subscriber and he has already paid for one quarter.

Forward with the newspaper. Conduct yourself as you have conducted yourself thus far, liberal and generous towards all, and I assure you that you will be supported by all. See that the newspaper does not stumble and take care that the title of “Manager” does not make your head swell and make you treat your friends with contempt, and thus discord arise.

Regidor promises to send you articles. I too will write a colonial review of what occurs throughout the world.

Be economical because who knows, if the newspaper continues to live, it may become your fortune. Treat it then as if it were your first-born and only hope.

All of us will support your efforts and I shall write to Madrid so that they may do the same. Union, goodwill, and good feeling – these are all we need.

Here everybody is of the opinion that the periodical improves progressively with every number. Be careful not to publish exaggerations or lies or imitate others who avail themselves of dishonest means and of vulgar and ignorable language to attain their ends. See that the periodical is just, honest, and truthful so that its opinion may always be respected. It is necessary that we show our enemies that we are more worthy than they, morally and humanly speaking. Should we tell the truth we shall have won our cause, because reason and justice are on our side. There is no need for knaveries.

Excuse me for giving advices, but the existence of that periodical is to me so dear that I jump over all conventionalities.

Send me some copies of Soberania[1]

Yours,

RIZAL

03-374 [Reformists]

[1889.03.?] Paris

From: Rizal

To: Graciano Lopez Jaena

Though ill, Rizal sends an article to La Solidaridad – He orders more copies of Soberania and Vision.

* * *

[March 1889]

FRIEND GRACIANO,

I have been sick and still am. Enclosed is an article to fill a gap.[2] I have kept it until the last hour in order to have some more news.

Send me some copies of Soberania and Vision. Tell me the price.

I received the telegram. Thanks!

My address:

Hotel de la Pensee

18 Rue de Rochechouart

RIZAL

03-375 [Reformists]

[1889.03.?] Rambla Canaletas, Barcelona

From: Mariano Ponce

To: Jose Rizal

Fruitless search for Escosura’s reports – Los Defensor, is silent – The Filipinos at Barcelona will need Rizal’s advice regarding their association.

* * *

2-3° Rambla Canaletas, Barcelona

March 1889

[Mr. Jose Rizal]

MY VERY DEAR FRIEND,

I send you 25 copies of La soberania and 50 of La vision.

We have searched in vain in the libraries here for the reports of Escosura. Neither do we have them, so that we let slip that good opportunity. Enlighten us about this question. We may need it someday and it is good to be prepared.

All that is published in the periodical is the only thing P. Dore wrote us about the Recollect.

La Defensa said nothing more in its last two issues.

We shall bear in mind your advice concerning the Association.

Yours,

NANING

03-376 [Raformists]

[1889.03.] Paris

From: Jose Rizal

To: Mariano Ponce

Success of La soberania – This work has no chaff but all grain – “We shall fight Font” – Write Rizal first before they attack an article so he may look for data – Always cite Blumentritt, Pilapil, Pelaez, or Burgos, etc. in every issue of La Solidaridad – Build a reference library.

* * *

Hotel de la Pensee, 18 de la Rochechouart

Paris, March 1889

[Mr. Mariano Ponce]

I received the copies of La soberania and La vision. Tell me how much they cost.

Great success for La soberania. Everyone here finds the work admirable and felicities the author. Send it to Manila.

We shall fight Font; we shall write to Madrid.

Today I am going to the library to make extracts of Escosura’s book. When there is some article to be attacked, write me first and perhaps I may be able to furnish you with data.

Try to mention in every issue some old or modern Filipino, citing his works. Always talk about Blumentritt and cite him as a Catholic and friend of Spain who defended her rights to Borneo, the Carolines, etc., and in many other works has defended always Spain. Quote Pilapil, Pelaez, Burgos, etc. Little by little build a reference library.

I reiterate here the congratulation to the author of La soberania.

I have read it again and all agree with my observation that the work has no chaff but all grain; that is, it is not adulterated like the writings of the Spaniards. Grain, grain, the essence – this is the character of the writings of the Filipinos. May Plaridel imitate himself and not some Spanish “straw vendor.”

JOSE RIZAL

03-377 [Reformists]