Zaragoza
An admirer calls Rizal a “Model Filipino” – Notes his devotion to study and exceptional talents – Will order a copy of his book Noli me tangere – Offers to attend to the sale of Rizal’s works – A printing press – He has become quite wealthy after his marriage – A Business prospect in Paris.
* * *
Zaragoza, 25 October 1889
MR. JOSE RIZAL
(Paris)
MY DEAREST AND EVER DISTINGUISHED FRIEND,
Four days ago our mutual friend Graciano with various others passed through our capital city and my joy as you can very well understand was great. We talked about an infinite number of things . . . . I wanted likewise to know something about you, your life there, and he came to relate to me your departure and vicissitudes from our separation in Madrid to the present. Having listened to this attentively – for you know that what relates to you interest me – I hasten to write you to express to you my present satisfaction and happiness in knowing that you are a model Filipino. Your devotion to study and your talents have placed you on a height that I respect and admire. You are the personification of Spanish Oceania.
I know you have written a book which I shall order to Barcelona for I have already the bookstore’s address. I shall read it with reverence because you have written it and therefore for me there should be no censorship.
I have also learned that you are writing the history of our native land. I shall rejoice on the day you finish it and count on me in this city and its neighboring provinces for its advertisement and sale. I offer my services to you if they can be of use to you. You know me, I do not beat about the bush and I speak plain language.
I own a printing press and accept all kinds of printing and so that you may be better informed, I send you my prospectus and business card on which you will see that I style myself Publisher’s Representative, because military laws forbid us to engage in business except as representatives.
I am glad to tell you that I have married . . . . My wife is a native of . . . called . . . Roldanes, young and . . . . beautiful. I am well off, I tell you, for on my wife’s side I own houses, orchards, vineyards, and olive groves; in short, dear Pepe, you will be glad that my status has changed and as a good friend you will congratulate me.
I intend to engage in a business and I resort to your judgment, advice, and energy. In that city there is on L’Armaille Street, number 22, a manufacturer and inventor called Richard Schneider who proposes to me that I represent him in this city for the sale of his washing machines. I enclose his prospectus for your examination and I request you to see if the machines are perfect, if they will sell or not, and if you think they will be profitable. I hope you will enlighten me on this matter, giving me your opinion and advice. I wrote to that firm accepting its offer but asking for more advantages in the contract. I beg you to do something for me and give my personal antecedents so that they will favor me, for my premises cost me 3, 000 reales a year in addition to taxes, lighting . . . .
I hope you will answer me . . . if you plan to return to Spain.
A close embrace from your good friend and comrade who sincerely loves you.
FERNANDO ACEVEDO
03-455 [Reformists]