Paris
Rizal asks Mariano Ponce to come to Paris to see the Exposition – He propose a conference in Paris between Rizal, Plaridel, Apacible, Lopez Jaena, Blumentritt, Llorente, and Canon – Rizal breaks contract with Regidor for the printing of his Morga edition.
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10 Rue de Louvois, Paris
30 April 1889
[Mr. Mariano Ponce]
MY DEAR NANING,
I received your letter as well as my bills and I thank you very much for all that you have done for me. Everything is well done.
Henceforth address your letters to 10 Rue de Louvois. Please give this address to our countrymen.
I live near the Bibliotheque Nationale, which is not worth half of the British Museum.
Never send me letters or manuscripts inside newspapers. Mr. Justo Trinidad sent receipts to Felix Pardo and the post office returned them; but the second time he will be fined.
You ought to plan to come here for the Exposition; this is truly an exposition. At least you, Plaridel, Galicano, Graciano, and others should come so that we can hold a conference. Blumentritt is coming. I am going to see if Llorente and Canon would like to come also. For three pesos daily you can stay in Paris, little expenses, food, and lodging included. If you are economical with two pesos you would be all right. Tell me at all events when you are coming.
When I have unpacked my books, then I shall be able to write the article on Magellan. Tomorrow, the first of May, I will open my box.
I have broken my contract with Regidor for not publishing the book as he had promised.[1]
Luna says that you send his copy and that for Pardo to him directly so that it may reach him soon. Mine, that of Ventura, Abarca, and others may go together, either addressed to me or not to any other. I shall return to Chalcot Crescent.[2]
When what is being printed[3] is already in page proof, ask Plaridel, if he is not very busy, to read it and review it once more. But if you can send it to me before printing, I should appreciate it. I would prefer to read it once more. Send it to me printed.
How much is a copy of Soberania Monacal?
Yours,
RIZAL
03-390 [Reformists]
[1] Antonio Ma. Regidor, Filipino lawyer and capitalists, had promised Rizal to defray the cost of printing Rizal’s Morga edition. When the MS was ready, Regidor dillydallied, which compelled Rizal to take that step.
[2] Rizal’s London residence.
[3] Rizal’s article, A La Defensa (To La Defensa ).