Brussels
Rizal would like del Pilar to sign his articles with his true name to prepare him to take his place – When Philippine representation is secured, Rizal will retire to devote himself to teaching – Our brains are our only redemption – However, representation will tie us to Spain longer – Indifference of Filipinos – Who is Hector Hartfield? – Del Pilar’s house burned down – Can no longer hope for peace – We or they.
* * *
38 Rue Phil. de Champagne
Brussels, 4 April 1890
[Mr. Marcelo H. del Pilar]
MY FAVORITE COMRADE:
I will return to you immediately the proofs[1] you have sent me. I have changed all that you have marked red. From now on I leave to your decision to change whatever will likely offend much, provided my ideas are not altered or the unity of the article destroyed.
It would please me if you would always sign your name because I want to withdraw little by little. I should like you, rather than somebody else, to succeed me. For this reason, I wish you would always sign the articles and I will withdraw gradually. If we succeed to have a representative [in the Cortes], I am going home and I will devote myself to teaching. I cannot accept the position, although two of my ancestors on my mother’s side had been representatives: Mr. Jose Florentino[2] and Mr. Lorenzo Alberto.[3] I am aloof from such matters. Therefore, I wish you get ready, in case we shall have representation. If we get that, then I have achieved my aspiration.
What is happening? Naning and Gomez have not written.
I am assiduously studying the happenings in our country. I believe that nothing can redeem us except our brains: materialiter vel idealiter sumptum [materially or ideally considered]. I still have faith in this belief of mine. Representation will bind the Philippines [to Spain] for a long time. If our compatriots are of a different mind, we should decline representation, but as we are now, with the indifference of our fellow countrymen, it is good enough. At least it is better to have the feet tied than the elbows. What can we do?
Who is Hector Hartfield?
I join you in regretting the burning of your house.[4] Charge them for every piece of nipa, flooring, and nail. Consider it good for them to pay you with at least one convent. We are already like ants; we can no longer hope for peace: We or they!
For the next issue I am going to write the article on “Justice”, about the killing in Iloilo.
This is all. Greeting to all.
Your friend,
RIZAL
**13 April 1890. 38 Rue Philippe de Champagne 38
Letter of Rizal to the Spanish Overseas Minister, Madrid.
Original in Archivo Historico Nacional, Madrid. Seccion de Ultramar, legajo 2253, expediente 55. Not in EpRiz and JRNCC. Transcription and translation first published by Fr. John Schumacher as “Due Process and the Rule of Law: Three Unpublished Letters of Rizal.” Philippine Studies Vol. 25, no. 2 (1977), p.250-253. Microfilm copy available in the Ateneo de Manila University Rizal Library Reel 350.
03-519 [Reformists]
[1] The proofs of Rizal’s article Seamos Justos (Let Us Be Just) which appeared in La Solidaridad , 15 April 1890.
[2] A cousin of Rizal’s mother.
[3] An uncle of Rizal’s mother.
[4] It was popularly believed that behind this case of arson were the friars who hated del Pilar for his anti-friar writings.