Leitmeritz
Blumentritt approves of the changes made by Rizla in his “Prologue” — The rudeness of the Quioquiaps does not offend, but their duplicity does — Lairs are the same as thieves — Becerra’s reforms — One column of Rizal’s article is worth more than all the articles of Barrantes and company — Currently studying the Subanos of Mindanao.
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Leitmeritz, (Bohmen), Austria
23 November 1889
Dr. José Rizal
45 Rue de Maubeuge, Paris
Dear Friend and Brother,
Your dear letter made me very happy. I agree to all the changes you have made. I only feared that, for delicacy, you did not wish to tell me what should be changed in my work. Everything is very good as you have made it.
Also you are right with regard to the Desengaños affair. I’ll see how I can withdraw. I do not believe that I shall succeed because I know how to attack and return blow for blow, but I am very poor in backing out.
The rudeness and attacks of the Quioquiaps do not irritate me but their endless, huge mendacity does indeed. These people lie and invent bad things; that is despicable and deserves punishment. I believe that he who lies so much also steals. The thief and the perverted liar are emanations of the same manner of being.
I am pleased with the reforms of Becerra. I learned about them through a Spanish friend who loves the Philippines very much, but he added that everything gained can be lost if Becerra is succeeded by some reactionary minister.
Your articles in number 18 are of transcendental importance; one column of it is worth more than all the journalistic articles of our friends and of Messers. Barrantes and company. Speaking of Barrantes, I must tell you that my second article (No. 19) contains many disturbing errors.
I have translated some articles of Dr. Czepelack; he always sends you regards.
At the present time I am studying the Subanos of Mindanao.
With affectionate greetings from all of us to you and yours, and an embrace of your
Blumentritt
03-466 [Reformists]