31 January 1890

Manila

Directions for sending books to Manila – He is indignant at the deportation of Rizal’s brother-in-law Manuel T. Hidalgo – Obstructions to Becerra’s educational reforms – He sees plots to destabilize the Philippines as a way to accuse the reforms of evil – Regulation of public hygiene and prostitution also being opposed – There are Peninsular Spaniards in favor of Philippine progress – He signs the post script with his masonic name and rank.

* * *

Manila, 31 January 1890

MR. JOSE RIZAL

45 Rue de Maubeuge, Paris

MY DEAR SIR OF MY HIGHEST CONSIDERATION,

I received your letter of 14 December of last year to which I have the greatest pleasure to reply.

At the outset, if you approve of it, I shall take charge of the sale on commission of Ilustre espanol que fue Teniente de Gobernador en Filipinas.[1]

It is necessary that the copies in packages be sent from Barcelona or any other port of Spain to avoid the inspection of books in Spanish that come from abroad. They should be sent well packed by registered mail.

By no means do I resent the omission of my name on the envelope for I in your place would have done the same thing, if I did not remember the name. Besides, such an omission does not constitute an offense.

I have the greatest pleasure to remain your most affectionate grateful servant who kisses your hand.

MANUEL ARIAS Y RODRIGUEZ

This is personal and confidential with regard to my name. I am sorry to communicate to you another outrage. Through the instigation of persons you can imagine, the beloved and honorable citizen of Calamba, Mr. Manuel Hidalgo, has been banished to Bohol.

The governor of the province of Laguna gave excellent information on Mr. Hidalgo, but everything had been useless.

Congratulate the author of the little volume number 2 of the Biblioteca La Solidaridad. He had the most felicitous idea of the choice of subject, developing it in such a way that does not admit any refutation. The said booklet is little known here and it would be desirable to circulate it.

They are working through all possible means so that the educational reforms of Becerra[2] would not be carried out. We are very indignant at this and at thousands and thousands of scandals and vexations that we witness besides. In my opinion, they are being provoked so that if the social order is disturbed, it can be shown to the government that the evil proceeds from the (microscopic) freedom that it has granted.

Public hygiene, and with it prostitution, has been regulated, though badly. This has been opposed by certain elements who wish their fellowmen ill and the most complete ignorance.

So that you may see that there are Peninsular Spaniards who desire the greatest prosperity and the largest amount of education for the Filipinos . . . and all the benefits enjoyed by those who reside in Metropolis, I suggest that you read Cronicas de Filipinas which the Madrid daily El Dia published beginning in No. . . . . for 24 November of last in its afternoon edition.

Ever your sincere, grateful friend, and good brother.

RONCES VALLES 3

03-494 [Reformists]