[?]
Contribution of 70 pesetas to the International Association of the Philippines – Rizal’s petition submitted to Minister Capdepon – Governor’s General report cannot be found – Pedro Serrano Laktaw in disgrace – Rizal should send copies of his books to Jose Ma. Basa at Hong Kong who can forward them to Manila – Rumors that two Filipinos are tampering with funds sent by Rizal – Comments on Rizal’s leaving Paris.
* * *
10 February 1890
[Mr. Jose Rizal]
MY FAVORITE FRIEND,
I received from Ariston the 40 pesetas that you sent on behalf of Pardo and others. My brother-in-law has asked me to contribute 70 pesetas to the International Association of Philippinists of Paris. To whom shall I send them? Tell me also to whom to send the money here for the purchase of or for ordering to be made a gift for Blumentritt.
I have alrady told you that Govantes returned to me Maneng’s power of attorney. Whom do you wat to take charge of this case? Your petition to Minister Capdepon resulted in a decree asking the governor general to render a report, but this report cannot be found; it seems that the governor general did not make a report.
According to the last letters to me form Manila, P. Dore has been removed and the father of Angel is in his place. His name is M. Montilla. His secretary to whom letters must be addressed is Mr. Candido Conrado, 8 right entresol, Sagunto Street, Tondo.
If you want to send many books, send them to our friend Pepe Basa and ask him to send them to Montilla, in accordance with their suggestion.
For several months now I have been trying to prevent the removal of P. Dore[1] but I failed. My supposition is that there is misunderstanding or else his enemies have influenced those who are against his administration. When Sandico arrived here, he was against him also, according to news. I did not mind it. What I do not understand is how it came to end that way.
While I am writing this, I received some disturbing confidential news. Your first or second draft for P500, it is said, has been received here but two young men of the colony are tampering with it, which if true, will certainly send them to jail. I have written Aguilera right now so that the draft may be kept in safety immediately; I do not know what is going to happen. I cannot go out because I have a cold and I am coughing. You ought to ask immediately for his draft.
I have received your article; good, good; Blumentritt is also going to reply.
Ariston showed me your letter; so you are going to stay there in Brussels. With regard to this matter, I remember that you said to me at Paris there was a reason for your departure from London. I say to myself there may be again a reason for your leaving Paris![2]
This is all, receive the embrace of your friend.
M. H. DEL PILAR
03-502 [Reformists]
[1] It refers to the dismissal of Pedro Serrano Laktaw from his teaching post at Manila.
[2] M. H. del Pilar suspects that Rizal is fleeing from women to avoid entanglements.
