01-054 [Family]
1882.11.27 Madrid
From: José Rizal
To: Manuel T. Hidalgo
Race between an Italian named Barghosi and an Aragonese called Bielsa — Poor behavior of the Madrid public.
* * *
Madrid, 27 November 1882
MR. MANUEL T. HIDALGO
MY DEAR BROTHER-IN-LAW:
I received your letter on the 19th instant. I rejoice at the happy news it brought, regretting that I cannot in any way share the common joy.
As to news about myself, I have few to give you, having already told them in my letter to our parents. Political news may be found in the Diariong Tagalog to which I sent a review.
However, I’ll tell you about an incident which has attracted much attention, because it is a characteristic and graphic portrayal of a people. There was here an Italian runner named Barghosi who is called a human locomotive. He went to Zaragoza and they say he was beaten by an Aragonese called Bielsa. Again they held a contest in Madrid and Barghosi won. The public, furious because their fellow-countryman has been defeated, turned against the Italian, throwing stones, bottles, shoes, bread etc., etc. at him. What would the Italian say?
Please present my condolence to the families who lost relatives or friends; that is to say to the families who understand and expect this formality.
Tender embraces for all and a little kiss for Alfredo and try to give him good care so that he would grow healthy
Your brother,
RIZAL