Madrid
Regrets the outrages against Rizal’s family – But not all Spaniards think alike – Some Spanish newspapers, above all those of the republican press, do justice to Rizal – Has little trust in Spanish politicians – Every Filipino should contribute something toward the education of his compatriots – Asks Rizal for articles for his periodical, La Vanguardia – Using a monthly subscription scheme – Sending Rizal a package full of issues.
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Madrid, 3 November 1889
DEAR AND DISTINGUISHED FRIEND RIZAL,
I received your esteemed letter of the 7 instant. It has been a great pleasure for me to read its content, because, through it, I have learned the truth about the present condition of our unfortunate country. What you write, feel, and the innumerable iniquities that you describe have touched my soul, especially the infamous conduct of the government towards your dear family.
But do not believe that all Spaniards think alike, because I, who have followed avidly the manifestations of the Madrid and provincial press following the events in Manila, have read some well-written articles and I remember that in some of them especially, in the republican press, they did you full justice.
Can we expect some day that there would be a radical change of government here? I believe so, though I do not trust much Spanish politicians. If I write you this, it is not to tell you that I have hopes, no, but that we ought, as you say, to influence the education of our compatriots in order to prepare them for a better future.
It is demonstrated that all of us should contribute our grain of sand to the education of the Filipino people and as it might happen that some issues of our humble weekly may reach their hands, I hope you will give us some article of yours which, as the product of your fine pen will be favor to the columns of the periodical.
Concerning what you say about the desire of many there to subscribe by the month, owing to their experience with other former periodicals which failed, I believe they are right and as I like to respect the opinion of everyone, I therefore agree to your suggestion inasmuch as the enterprise gains from it.
I thank you for your confidence in me and most sincerely for your active cooperation form which I expect good and profitable results for our periodical.
My regards to our friends and command your friend who esteems you truly.
S. JUGO VIDAL
P. S.
By today’s mail I send you a package of 25 copies and you will excuse me for not sending from here the issues for the subscribers for lack of wrappers and addresses that I have ordered printed. At any rate, besides the issues I sent previously to the subscribers there, I shall send you regularly a package to cover the losses in the post office.
The Same.
03-457 [Reformists]