1 November 1888

Barcelona

1 November 1888

Mariano Ponce

Mr. José Rizal

My very dear Friend,

It is now two weeks that I owe you a reply and now I am settling my debt, for circumstances now permit me to do so. I will begin by telling you the name of the theologian who wished to defend you against the unjust attacks of Fr. Rodriguez. He is Fr. Vicente Garcia, a penitentiary[1] of the cathedral. On account of the ecclesiastical character of this learned doctor, it is convenient to conceal his name in matters of this nature under penalty of meeting the same fate as the never sufficiently lamented Fr. Burgos. After all, this good man, being a Filipino, in defending you does nothing more than fulfill his duty.

I am sending you a clipping of La Oceania which talks about you and our mutual friend Blumentritt. I don’t understand why it was given space in a newspaper which is almost managed by a Filipino. Pacience!….. The remittance of copies of the Noli to Basa will be done by the next mail.

By this time you must have read the account of the banquet given to Morayta by the Filipino colony of Barcelona. I had the honor of greeting this gentleman and Labra on behalf of the Filipino colony in Barcelona. I am not sending out my insignificant speech, for I have nearly forgotten it. I tried to be brief. It would have been unpardonable for me not to have given him proof of my admiration and affection in those moments. And I said at the end: “And before concluding, allow me, gentlemen, to mention at this moment a name loved and admired by the majority of those present as a just tribute to talent, industry, and patriotism – José Rizal!! For his profound love for that country, which has been his cradle, now he is compelled to beg for hospitality in a foreign land!” ……… I drink to his prosperity. Pardon me if I had been so modest about you in those moments.

The banquet was prepared in four days and therefore we did not have time to advise you in advance. However, Graciano López – who is at present with us in Barcelona – wrote to Mr. Luna so that he might inform you of the banquet, but I think the letter was not received on time, for Mr. Luna’s telegram was received the following day. Canon and Morayta also dedicated to you affectionate phrases in their respective speeches.

At this moment I receive your letter which is almost answered by me with regard to the banquet.

On the periodical. When I arrived last year at Barcelona, España en Filipinas was in the last moments of its life. I sent… and clippings to Manila and I wrote to friends… that they send funds so that its publication might be continued, for it was already tottering. They did not hesitate to do so; but unfortunately, despite their haste, the money arrived late. But in view of the enthusiasm of those over there, we have considered possible the formation of a capital that would insure the life of the periodical for a minimum period of five years. On the other hand, Serrano wrote me that I should ask from the management of the España an estimate of expenses. Lete ordered a circular printed on the point, which is enclosed herewith. Only a few weeks ago Serrano informed me that all the shares are about to be subscribed, and if they are delayed, it is because everybody is excited by the present occurrences there and by what you tell me besides that Lete has lost the sympathy of those there. I see that neither has he that of our countrymen in Madrid. All nominate you for the management of the periodical and therefore I dare to ask you if you are intending to move later to Spain. On the other hand, while we do not receive assurances of the capital formed in Manila, I do not think it prudent to make you a definite offer… as many wish to do it at an opportune time at the same time, we understand the great importance that you continue your studies on London. Surely you will not find in Spain the resources that capital offers for your very important studies and we do not want later the remorse of having deprived posterity of your works. We shall act by what they advise us from Manila and you will decide what would seem to you the best and most profitable for our dear country. I have not dealt personally with Rosario; I cannot tell you about him. My candidate cannot be other than you. Now, if for more powerful reasons you cannot accept your candidacy, and heeding the good information that I have about Mr. Llorente who, I understand, enjoys the sympathy of everybody, I shall have no inconvenience to give him my insignificant vote.

I am sending you mail from Manila sent to me by Serrano. Graciano…

Your affectionate friend and compatriot,

Mariano Ponce

02-341 [Blumentritt V.1]