8 April 1889

Barcelona

Outrageous – Unrighteousness of negotiating for the prisoners’ release extrajudicially – Steps to cheer those who live in oppression and to deny the allegation of lack of civilization and indifference of the Filipinos – Discrimination against Painter Juan Luna.

* * *

Barcelona, 8 April 1889

[Mr. Jose Rizal]

DEAR FRIEND,

I find reasonable your estimate of the rich potentiality of the outrages they reported to us from Hong Kong and of the unrighteousness of negotiating extrajudicially for the release of the prisoners.

But as they know over there that we here are not in a position to obtain the release of the prisoners, their telegraphic request that we ask for it has been interpreted here as part of a specific plan not necessarily to obtain the prisoners’ release but to boost our campaign.

Perhaps it is their intention to brag to the government that they have a considerable number of compatriots scattered in Paris, London, and Spain who are watchful of every outrage in the Philippines and can stir up public opinion in Europe. They must have thought that such an attitude on the part of the Filipino colonies abroad which raise their voice under their impulse may influence the government to be less abusive or at least abandon the eternal pretext of the lack of civilization and indifference of the Filipinos for the maintenance of the status quo. At the same time such an attitude could encourage those who are living under that oppressive government if they are persuaded to believe that they are not completely alone.

Thinking of this, we are not abstaining from taking a step. In the name of La Solidaridad, newspaper, and La Solidaridad association, and of the Filipino colony of Barcelona, the following dispatches were sent out: A telegram to the Minister of Colonies requesting him to verify the truth of the Hong Kong dispatch transcribed for him; a letter to the same relating in detail our aspiration; another letter to Mr. Labra requesting him to influence the Ministry to heed the cry for help from the Philippines; another letter to Morayta asking him to call a meeting of the Asociation Hispano-Filipina so that he may rouse the Filipino colony. Labra replied regretting the lack of date; Morayta commented on the incident in the columns of La Publicidad.

In acting thus, we wanted to second and develop the plan of those over there, but this is insignificant to public opinion in Europe and Oceania if it is isolated. The attitude of a Filipino colony of secondary character as that of Barcelona cannot have importance. For this reason we would like to suggest the desirability of making all Filipino colonies do something for those unfortunate men. In case this suggestion is considered bobilis bobilis [without pain or merit], then it is withdrawn at once.

Last night we telegraphed Hong Kong inquiring if the imprisonment was a judicial order and requesting for details. We shall communicate to you the reply.

We deplore the injustice done to Luna.[1] Damaso Ponce, our young fighter who signs as Amado Pecson, indignant at what the Castillas are doing to Luna, said: “Infamous before death!” This morning a petition was presented to the Provincial Delegation in the name of La Solidaridad, association, and of some Spaniards asking that the Spoliarium be sent to the Exposition of Paris. The press will talk.

Your affectionate friend,

PLARIDEL

P.S.

Read the letter of P. Dore and return it to us afterward.

04-383 [Misc.]