8 June 1890

Madrid

Del Pilar wants Rizal to continue writing for La Solidaridad – Rizal’s collaboration is very much appreciated – Filipinos now abstain from gambling on account of Rizal’s advice – Villalva Hervas will speak to the Republican and Conservatives to favor La Solidaridad’s bill – When will Rizal come to Madrid? – They are waiting for Rizal’s reply concerning the case of his exiled brother-in-law.

* * *

Madrid, 8 June 1890

[Mr. Jose Rizal]

MY FAVORITE FRIEND:

I have received your letter of 28 May and your statement in it that you have purposely refrained from sending us any article and that you will stop helping La Solidaridad is worrying me. If I have failed you in something – a thing which I would not do intentionally – please explain it to me so that I could repent. Meanwhile, believe me that amid the mounting misfortunes that embitter my life, I cannot accept your desertion.

Enclosed is Dominador’s letter to me. Our young compatriots listened to your advice on gambling. It seems your advice has borne good fruits.

Tell those in Paris to write here if they lack copies of the paper, for we never fail to send some there. If not for your letter, I would be thinking all along that they were receiving it.

As Calvo Munoz has not returned yet since he went to Alhama, the bill has not been introduced until now.

The substance of the bill is published in La Solidaridad, though the number of deputies is only sixteen and the tax is P30.

Villalva Hervas (republican deputy) promises to get the support not only of his own party but also of the conservatives. He is depending on Silvela. Kunanan will take care of Gamazo.

Juan Luna has arrived here; when are you coming? We are waiting for you. I asked Kunanan about Maneng’s[1] case and he said that he has written you and is waiting for your reply.

M. H. DEL PILAR

03-545 [Reformists]