15 October 1888

Cebú

Cebú 15 October 1888

MR. JOSÉ RIZAL

37 Chalcot Crescent, Primrose Hill, N.W.

London

MY DEAR BROTHER,

As I have told you in my previous letter of the 6th instant, I am banished as a preventive measure by decree of the Superior Government to the town of Tagbilaran, capital of the province of Bohol for being a filibustero, your representative, and other things that they have piled upon me. These were the object or the cause of that measure according to Mr. Quiroga,[1] director general of civil administration, who was kind enough to inquire of the general[2] in order to let me know, for as usual the proceedings were done behind my back or of the interested party, without hearing me… I suppose and it seems to me… that the syndic Father Francisco Gobeas was the one who denounced me to the civil governor of the province who succeeded Ordax, Mr. Eugenio del Saz Orozco, former professor at the University and friend of the Dominicians. The lieutenant of the civil guard of the town Mr. N. or Juan López, also a friend of the friars of the Hacienda and my enemy — who once, when we were talking, told me many things against you, that besides he saw that I was the only one who did not greet him, and that I was watching his steps – confirmed the denunciation of Panong [Cipriano Runio, former lieutenant and acting gobernadorcillo]. Capitán Lucas and Capitan Quico said the same thing. The first is resentful of me because when I was directorcillo [secretary] of the court there occurred a robbery with murder in which his son Isidro and the son of Periquet, relative or grandson of Capitan Quico, were involved… The second was an old enemy of mine in a lawsuit over tenants which he lost. I did not present any petition or complaint nor did I see the general, because all this is futile here. There it may be useful and so I sent you my power of attorney. If it can be fixed there soon, how I would appreciate it! But consider well the method which ought to be used, because the general can commit outrages, which is the normal thing here. If I were in another country, it would not matter to me. I remind you that when the Ministry, through the Senate, asked Vice Governor Moltó, acting governor general of these Islands, if filibusterismo existed in [the] province of Bulacan, he replied that not only in Bulacan but nowhere did filibusterismo exist. Moreover, the New Penal Code provides for the inviolability of domicile, the Laws of the Indies say that the native… on Saturday night, 6th instant, I arrived here by mail boat. On Tuesday, the 9th, we were made to endure three days of observations and we did not land until Friday the 12th. Tomorrow I shall continue my trip to Tagbilaran, which is six hours by banca. The trip has cost me or will cost me about ₱27 or 30, with one servant. When I left, Paciano and Mariano were convalescing from malaria. If you succeed, advise me by telegraph… that he may provide for my needs, as it is to be desired…. For me nothing… against me all the calamities… family. However, heaven willed that I should submit and do all that is humanly possible.

It has been two months since I wrote Mr. Eduardo Lete about the new publication España en Filipinas and until now I have not received an answer. From here your brother who loves you embraces you. At another time I shall send you money.

M. T. HIDALGO

03-337 [Reformists]