January 1889

London

January 1889

Jose Rizal

Mr. Marcelo del Pilar

My dear Friend,

How sorry I am that you did not arrive in time for our first reunion of the 31st December. You would have enjoyed it, at least I imagined so. But [it is] fine, for you it is not a question of theaters, stages, or places, or time; you belong to those who are always timely.

I have read the restrained but strong article of “Piping Dilat”.[1] It is a very beautiful article which would have flattered me greatly had I been its author. Only that, though Piping Dilat is dumb (pipi), he is open-eyed (dilat). Though M: n :ng has used this pseudonym apparently, it seems to me the style is of the translator of Laong Laan and author of numerous and beautiful articles and booklets, I do not know if I am mistaken.

I am glad that you are Sol:[2] You can help much that association until it becomes strong and comes of age.

When you write to our friends over there, please tell them to have a little patience. My manuscripts are ready and I only lack something for their publication. I have had to make preliminary studies in order to familiarize myself with the past of the Philippines and that is why I have been delayed.

It would not be bad that before old age comes you learn French or English, in case you already knew one of these two languages. This will open to you the treasures of a country; that is, the knowledge, the learning, treasured in the language. Thus you can read the complete works of Voltaire whose beautiful, simple and correct style is admirable, besides being in harmony with your manner of thinking. I do not advise you to learn German because its study will rob you of many precious months. Moreover, not being in Germany, it is difficult to learn this language, but if you like, why not?

It is my ardent desire that without becoming enemies or disunited, six or seven Filipinos get to eclipse me completely and make everybody forget me. As I shall not stop working for our country, if these Filipinos get to eclipse me completely, it will be because they have worked more than I did and had rendered more services than I, which for the present is my immediate desire. I wrote the Noli me tangere to stir the patriotism of my countrymen. I would be happy if among those I have stirred, I shall find more notable champions. I am not counting you anymore because you were already among the awakened beforehand.

Ever your friend, compatriot, and fellow Sol., I bid you adieu for the present,

Yours

Rizal

03-343 [Reformists]

1889 London

From: Jose Rizal

To: The Filipinos at Barcelona

Address to the Filipinos at Barcelona signed with his pseudonym, Laong Laan – Rizala rejoices at the unity of the Filipinos – How to prevent disunion – Clear words, clear conscience – A Rizal Project – Buy, read critically, all published books on the Philippines – Study and be prepared.

* * *

37 Chalcot Crescent, Primrose Hill

London

[January?] 1889

Jose Rizal

Dear Friends:

Your flattering praise of my few lines of 31 December satisfies more my hopes than my self-esteem. It tells me that we are united and for me our union signifies more than literary ability, oratory, and the like. I trust that we shall march forward always united, friendly to one another, mutually advising and helping.

United, we can do much or little and this much or this little can hurt our enemies who will try to disunite us, as they did in Madrid, and after succeeding to do so, to make them enemies of one another through little talks, quibbles, pricking and offending self-esteem, and so forth. To avoid this, it is good to be very wary, and when it is about discrediting our friends, we should always be incredulous; and in case the charge is serious or has an appearance of probability, instead of augmenting the little tales, it is advisable to ask the accused to give explanations. And as perhaps I may be one of the persons whom our enemies will want to attack or discredit, because for good or ill I favor our unity that they do not like, I suggest to you that when you hear accusations or slander against me, you ask me for explanations and I shall give them to you with my usual sincerity before the Solidaridad whose authority I want henceforth to recognize. Clear words, clear conscience.

As I have in mind a project that is about to be finished, I ask you to send me as soon as possible a report on all the Filipinos – military men as well as civilians – in Spain that you know, stating their occupation, studies, and addresses. Within a few days I shall give you an account of it.

I suggest that you try to buy, read, but critically, the books about the Philippines that you may see there published. It is necessary that you study the questions that concern our country. Knowledge of a thing prepares for its mastery: Knowledge is power. We are the only ones who can acquire a perfect knowledge of our country, because we know both languages and besides we are informed of the secrets of the people among whom we had been raised. The Spaniards will never get to know us well, because they have many preoccupations, they do not mingle with the people, they do not understand well the language, and they stay a short time there. The most that they can know is what is going on in the government offices, and these are not the country. Study so that when the hour comes it will not find you unprepared.

Laong Laan

03-344 [Reformists]