17 February 1889

Barcelona

Birth of La Solidardad on 15 February 1889 – The campaign of the women of Malolos – “I request you to write to those girls.” – Rizal’s article “Los viajes” could not be published in the first issue for lack of space.

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Barcelona

17 February 1889

Marcelo H. del Pilar

Friend Laong Laan,

At last our little newspaper was born.[1] It is democratic in its opinion, but very much more so in the organization of its staff. One should see how the director writes, corrects proofs, directs the printing, distributes the copies, and even takes the packages to the post office. Naning,[2] the administrator, gathers the data, writes, corrects proofs, addresses the wrappers, answers the correspondence, and also distributes the copies. I am the only idler. Though the newspaper had me preoccupied during the period of its gestation and birth, for which reason I am behind in my correspondence with you.

I appreciate the data you have furnished me on the rebellion of Diego Silang and I shall bear them in mind. Now I cannot find any more at the Ateneo[3] the Diario de Manila that I had indicated to you. Perhaps your Museum has received a copy. Ours is quite Spanish.

Take note of the echoes from the colonies in La Solidaridad, written by Graciano with data received from Manila. The attitude of the girls of Malolos reveals that the campaign of our men there is regular. Those girls belong to the select class of the town, respected for their good reputation and they are daughters of maginoos.[4] If you could address them a letter in Tagalog, it would be another aid to our champions there and in Manila. Owing to the campaign that those girls are waging by word of mouth and by example, the idea that it is dishonorable for me and women to adhere to the friars is spreading and is producing very great effects. Have you read the verses Buhay Santa Clara? Your sister believes that they are written by a Malolos woman for she has been led to believe so, while the Malolos women think that they were written by your sister.

I departed from there at the moment when even the most fanatical women already were preaching hatred against the friars; and the last mail brought us a phenomenon that in the future may produce its results. It is said that one day eight friars were riding in one of the steam tramcars of Malabon, and one of our lads intoned the cry “Down with the friars” and this cry was seconded by numerous Spaniards who were there. Thus can be understood the cry of alarm that the enclosed article contains.

I request you to write to the Malolos girls.

Los viajes could not be published in the first number. The excess of articles and the trick of the compositors, who did the news in large type despite the order to put in size 6, did not permit us to open the literary section to which Los viajes belongs.

Goodbye.

Your affectionate friend,

Plaridel

[Note: this letter was taken from Copy Book, 1889-1890, page 1, of the Ponce Collection]

03-360 [Reformists]