6 December 1888

London

London, 6 December 1888

My dear Friend,

Enclosed I am sending you the interesting articles on ancient conditions in the Philippines. I share your opinion. Don’t worry; I have not talked with any one about the matter.

I received the beautiful landscape of Dr. Czepelack and I thank him very much for it. Day after tomorrow I shall send him my exchange gift via the Continental Parcel Delivery and a long letter to our friend. May God keep the thing until I get there. Don’t say anything to the good doctor, as I wish to give him a surprise.

Multatuli’s book, which I shall send you as soon as I receive it, is extraordinarily interesting. Without doubt it is much superior to mine. But, as the author himself is Dutch, his attacks are not as violent as mine are. He is finer and more artistic, though he shows only one phase of the life of the Dutch in Java.

They write me from Madrid that despite my opposition I have been chosen director of the new periodical. They say that I am the only candidate who had the least adversaries. If the news is correct, I ought to leave for Madrid.

Where do you think the River Ituy ought to be situated? Is it in the territory of the missions of Ituy?[1] Is it the River Masalapa or the river that runs from Masalapa to the Magat? When you can investigate it, please write me about it on a post card.

Is not Dr. Hirth[2] a blond gentleman, of regular stature, with mustache and gold spectacles? He must be the same one who traveled with me from Japan to America. We talked about the Chinese manuscript and I asked him about the trade with the Philippines. He must be a customs official in Shanghai.

Greetings to Mrs. Blumentritt and the children.

I embrace you,

Rizal

03-355 [Reformists]