24 May 1889

Barcelona

“La Verdad para todos” by Rizal and “Filibusteros” by Blumentritt in La Solidaridad – La Vanguardia Filipina is afraid of Philippine affairs – Another Asociacion Hispano-Filipina in Madrid? – Possible martingale to divide the Filipino colony – News of Panganiban – Awaited arrival of Pedro Roxas, wealthy Filipino.

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Barcelona, 24 May 1889

[Mr. Jose Rizal]

FRIEND PEPE,

I am following your fraternal suggestion, which is highly pleasing to me.

I am overjoyed at seeing how brilliant the next number of the Solidaridad will be. The articles “La Verdad para todos” and that by Blumentritt entitiled “Filibusteros?” will be the most serious and most contusing ? features of the fortnightly.

I observe that La Vanguardia Filipina, despite being a vanguard, is afraid of treating Philippines matters. It has already published two letters from Manila which must be the work of the staff. Though they bear the dates 30 March and 10 April, they do not make the slightest allusion to the events of 29 March, and yet these are mentioned by El Globo, La Patria, and La Solidaridad. For the attitude of La Vanguardia Filipina, El Diario de Manila is enough and more than enough.

They say they are intending to establish in Madrid a Circulo Hispano-Filipino. Do you know something about this? Could this not be a Font martingale? I do not know anything, but it is good to inquire about it. As the Asociacion Hispano-Filipina already exists with a president very enthusiastic if not for the Philippines, at least for analogous interests, I do not see the need for another circle unless it be to personalize and enlarge the divisions in the Madrid colony. If that circle is not genuinely Filipino, if it is Font’s martingale, it would effectively make our campaign difficult.

The articles on the University of Manila[1] are by Panganiban, alias Jomapa, former tutor in Sto, Tomas, and no one else as he can discuss the matter better.

Panganiban now lives with Galicano; he has a delicate health and he does not like the cooking of our landlady. However, we, Ponce, Graciano, and I, continue living in this house because it is the house known to our Filipino correspondents, and besides we are intending to move the horde to Madrid this year. Our plan is to rent a modest apartment and live together sharing all expenses. What do you think?

Please ask Pardo for scientific articles for La Solidariad.

It seems that the wealthy P. Roxas[2] is arriving there from our country. I understand that this gentleman has good sentiments and sincere desire for the betterment of the Philippines, but he is too careful for not knowing whom to trust over there. On the other hand, our own people fear to offend his sensibility. I wonder if you can try to persuade to support those who are working for the Philippines. On my part I should like the work of propaganda to be finished this year or next year, at the latest, and if we cannot count on the other elements, we cannot go on to the second part of our campaign. It is needless to suggest to you to go about cautiously in dealing with him for I may be mistaken in my estimate of his sentiments; my opinion is based solely on his family background. In short, you take care, chap.

Affectionately yours,

L. O. CRAME [Marcelo H. del Pilar]

03-401 [Reformists]