9 November 1888

London

9 November 1888

Jose Rizal

[Mr. Mariano Ponce]

My dear Friend,

Many thanks for having sent me the clipping of La Oceania as well as for the letter of our friend L’Aktaw.[1]

Upon reading the attacks of the descendants of the Arabs[2] any one would say I am a dreaded person, known to all, because no one dares courageously to cite my name, neither El Pais nor Desengaños,[3] and they only content themselves with allusions. Is Desengaños afraid to mention my name, or does he believe that by mentioning me he will immortalize me in his funny articles? Do these simpletons believe that their empty words and blusterings are going to survive like Larra’s articles? But, laying aside this question, I am only surprised that Desengaños promised to publish his articles against me abroad and not in the Philippines where the work is more read and welcomed by many. But now I am wrong. He wants the people of Manila to know that he can write in foreign periodicals? Only that between saying and doing…. My attention is also called by the modest phrase: “As it is known that Blumentritt has not corresponded with us for some months!” now! Desengaños is going to instruct Blumentritt. Make yourself easy, that thanks to the instructive correspondence with the Desenganos, the unfortunate Blumentritt will come to have a little common sense. What a pity that Bismarck does not also correspond with Desengaños! If he did, you would see how he would conquer heaven itself! I don’t call these this great lies.

While these things make me laugh, the fact that Fr. Vicente Garcia defends me moves me and tells me that I ought to continue on the road that I have traced for myself. To have this old man beside me make me believe that I am not against the spirit of my country. It is the most pleasant news you have given me thus far.

As to the management of the periodicals, I am sorry not to be able to accept it on account of the impossibility of my going there. I shall favor whosoever may want to be manager, only that if it should be Lete, I shall have to renounce taking part in its editing, for this ex-friend had refused in the past to publish my articles. Notwithstanding, I shall defend by word of mouth your periodical.

I cannot vote for or against because I find myself in a very delicate position with regard to Lete and Llorente. One is a very good friend of mine and with the other I have had some troubles.

Yours,

Jose Rizal

Do I return to you the clipping of La Oceania?

I have to thank you very much for your toast; give thanks also to Friend Canon and to Mr. Morayta, if he is there.

I am going to write Friend L’Aktaw.

I write in haste because the houseboys are waiting to mail this letter.

Excuse me now. Next time I shall write more.

Yours,

Laong Laan

03-347 [Reformists]