26 August 1890

Benzeval-Houlgate

26 August 1890

Juan Luna

Dear Rizal:

I have received your letter of the 23rd with the receipt of Antonio’s boarding-house matron. I regret deeply the incident between you and Antonio and between him and other friends, because in the final analysis, though he was drunk, these incidents are very unpleasant and the Manila Spaniards mush have rubbed their hands with contentment upon hearing about it.

I suppose that this incidents will not be the cause of any resentment between the Filipinos and Antonio, for, having taken back what he had said and gave them permission to tie him if he got drunk again, he showed that he was repentant of the evil he had caused the gathering and his friends.

It is true that Antonio has a strong character and he is very sensitive. This is very good if the cause is just. That is why I abstain from saying anything to him, as you suggest, hoping that some intimate friend of his gives him counsel that I myself could give him. I beg you not to let him get drunk again on Thursday when you hold your next meeting.

I am sorry I cannot attend your reunions and enjoy the satisfaction of seeing gathered together our friends and compatriots. I pray you to please tell them on my behalf that their remembrance is very pleasant to me and from this corner of France, far from them, I greet them and drink with them to the Philippines and for the Philippines, wishing that Spanish wine would not poison them. Do you know that it would be painful if the fondness for arms should be used to destroy ourselves, there being over there Batangueño[1] Indios and others of the kind?

Trinidad is also learning fencing. His professor is Gamoty of Paris who has two halls, one on Rue Balzac and the other on Boulevard Haussmann.

Regards from the family, from Trinidad, Tula and family.

Yours,

Luna

04-572 [Misc.]

1890.9.6 Calamba
From: Matias Belarmino
To: Jose Rizal

Money order for ₱200 as remembrance to Rizal of some of his fellow townsmen – What will be the fate of the appeal of the Kalamba tenants to the authorities in Madrid?

* * *

Calamba, Laguna,

6 September 1890

MR. JOSE RIZAL

MADRID, ESPAÑA

MY DEAR SIR,

Enclosed is an order for 200 pesos which are a remembrance of some of your fellow townsmen, Tano, Marcos, Luis H., Tinting [Tininting] Pascual Dagat, Aquilino, and others.

I and Tano are now in court for ejection. We have rejected Badiola and now the case is before the new justice of the peace, Mr. Vicente Roque. I hear that the receiver Paulino Valle refuses to entertain it, alleging that it is on appeal at the Supreme Court.

On the 6th of this month Paciano, Ubaldo . . . . . . . . Dandoy, and Mateo Elejorde embarked on the steamer Brutus for Mindoro as exiles. I hear that the passport . . . . . . . Civil Governor . . . . . . . . . . At their request, the five were allowed to stay in Mindoro.

Your family here, thank God, are well.

Many people here are awaiting the decision of the Supreme Court there.

Many regards to you and all the Filipinos there, and command your servant who kisses your hand.

MATIAS BELARMINO

01-573 [Family]