Paris
Rizal sends his article answering La Defensa’s attacks — Could not find a copy of Escosura’s work in Paris — Article thus bereft of direct quotes or references — Praise briefly only true friends without calling them friends — Give exaggerated praise for fellow countrymen who are attached to the friars: call them friends and depict them as anti-friars.
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[Paris, before 18 April 1889]
FRIENDS,
Enclosed is the article.[1] I have ordered Escosura’s work in London and they have not answered me. There is none here in Paris; I have searched for it in the library and in the homes of friends, but they do not have it. Thus I cannot quote paragraphs; I shall order a copy in Madrid. It is a pity, but what are we going to do; the periodical cannot wait and the article may arrive late. The citations will be for the next number.
I received P. Dore’s letter but I will keep them for a day, for I want to write an article for the Cologne Gazette. Try always to praise and mention in La Solidaridad with brief and rather delicate tributes true friends without calling them friends; and give exaggerated praise to our stupid countrymen who are attached to the friars, call them friends and depict them as filibusteros, or at least anti-friars always, if they have brains and are worthy. This is my opinion.
Yours,
[JOSE RIZAL]
Correct the article for me, for it was done in a hurry, and if you wish to delete or add something, do it.
03-386 [Reformists]
[1] “ A La Defensa ” (To La Defensa ), was the title of this Rizal article answering the attacks of the pro-friar periodical. It was unsigned. Published in La Solidaridad in its issue for 3 April 1889.