25 February 1890

Manila

He received the bill of lading of a box of copies of Rizal’s edition of Morga – Because of strict censorship he does not know when the books will be released and whether they will be allowed to circulate – Some copies of it are already circulating secretly – If difficulties arise, he will send the books to Hong Kong and they will be sent back to him in packages – His letters to Rizal will be posted at Madrid or Barcelona to prevent their confiscation – Rizal should keep secret their friendly relations.

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Manila, 25 February 1890

MR. JOSE RIZAL MERCADO

Paris

MY DEAR SIR,

With your letter dated 10 January last I found that bill of lading of a box of books consigned to me, shipped on the steamship Melbourne of Messageries.

Until this date that box containing, according to you, the History of the Philippines written by Dr. Morga,[1] former lieutenant governor general of this Archipelago, has not arrived at this port. You have not indicated the number of copies the box contains and its net weight, two facts that must be known in order to withdraw the box from the customs without inspection.

I am sorry that you did not wait for my reply to your previous letter as in that letter of last month I informed you of the need of sending the books by mail in registered packages or in a box shipped from Barcelona.

Everything coming from abroad is inspected very minutely at the customs in examining it for appraisal, so that I cannot be responsible for the manner and date that I can withdraw the box, the severity being great at present.

I do not know how I shall evade the censorship, for by no means will they permit the circulation of the book, inasmuch as already some copies are going from hand to hand and what is published under the signature of Mr. Fernando Blumentritt is being commented on very much.

Although postage is much higher than freight, it is desirable that the books be sent to me in registered, sealed packages, wrapped in special cloth paper for packing. The cost of all this will be added to the price of the book which those who want to get it will gladly pay.

If you still have copies of the Noli, let me know, as well as its price, for sometimes they ask for it.

My present letter as well as the following ones will be posted in Madrid or Barcelona, because if I mail them in the post office here they run the risk of not reaching your hands.

Your sincere, affectionate, and grateful servant who kisses your hand,

MANUEL ARIAS Y RODRIGUEZ

P.S

It is to be desired that nobody absolutely should know of our friendly relations, for many of your countrymen residing on that continent write here what they should keep to themselves. I do not know why tongues here lengthen and relate and enlarge things in such a way that redounds to the detriment of everyone.

03-508 [Reformists]