January 1889

London

Basa’s example of writing in defense of the Philippines is inspiring to other Filipinos – To serve a country there is nothing like being in it – Marcelo H. del Pilar did not need to come to Europe – Filipinos are afraid to buy the Noli – He asks Basa to keep the remaining copies lest they be burned – “If the present generation does not like to read me because of fear, I shall keep what I have written for the coming generation” – He does not know if what he is writing will be published.

* * *

37 Chalcot Crescent, Primrose Hill

London

January 1889

Jose Rizal

Mr. Jose Basa[1]

My distinguished Friend and Countryman,

Yesterday I received your welcome letter together with the printed matter about Sta. Clara.[2] I have sent copies of them to Paris and Spain.

I am exceedingly pleased to see how your example and activity echo here. Regidor writes daily articles for newpapers in Spain; some of them are published and others are not. But, certainly, this may perhaps be of some use, though it seems to me that when these articles are read in Spain many would say: So long as you do not go beyond complaints, everything will be all right.

Two friends have arrived here – Marcelo H. del Pilar[3] and another from Sta. Ana.[4] I welcome them; nevertheless they could serve the country more if they were in the Philippines. To serve our country, there is nothing like staying in it. It is there that we have to educate the people, it is there that we have to work. It is all right for young men to come here to study, but those who have already finished their studies ought to return and live there. Marcelo H. del Pilar has already finished his studies and he did not need to come to Europe.

As you advise me that on account of the persecution of Viado, many now avoid having the Noli, it would be desirable that you hold the copies that you have and do not send them to the Philippines, because they may burn them. No one should be compelled to read the Noli. He who is afraid and prefers to read Fr. Rodriguez may do so. Keep then in your possession all the copies of the Noli and do not give even one to anyone without previous request and payment. Very few copies of the work remain. Do not give anyone any copy if he does not order it. They can burn it.

The articles in the Hong Kong Telegraph are very well written; we commend them. I sent to Blumentritt a number that I received.

Here I devote myself to the study and writing of books on the Philippines. I don’t know when what I have already written can be published. If the present generation does not want to read me because of fear, I shall keep what I have written for the coming generation, but I continue and will continue working. What are we going to do? Our countrymen are afraid to spend two or three days in prison for the sake of enlightenment; perhaps the coming generation may be more daring. Let us hope.

I felicitate your daughter as well as Mr. Jose Cecilio whom I know and who ought to know me. I was a very good friend of his brother Luis, my college companion.

I should like to send you something published here about the Philippines; I am going to look through my papers.

What the Cologne Gazette published had been reprinted by nearly all German newspapers and translated by two Spanish periodicals. Unfortunately they did not send me a copy.

Wishing you long life and Happy New Year, I bid you farewell for the present.

Your affectionate friend who esteems and admires you,

Jose Rizal

I wonder if you can do something for Graciano Lopez;[5] a monthly pension of 15 or 20 pesos would help him.

03-351 [Reformists]