Leitmeritz, Bohemia, Austria
Appreciation for Rizal’s artistic present – Favored by God whose brow the genius of the sublime has kissed – His home, a treasury of Filipino art – The Austrian press gave much publicity to the change of ministry in Spain – All against Cánovas – Why did the queen choose him? – The poor Filipinos will have to pay the bill.
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Leitmeritz, Bohemia, Austria
7 July 1890
Prof. Ferdinand Blumentritt
Dr. Jose Rizal
Brussels
My Brother,
A thousand thanks for the beautiful gift with which you surprised me today. We all like it very much, especially the group which is distinguished for its magnificent conception and excites admiration. You are indeed a man favored by God whose brow has been kissed by the genius of the noble and sublime. I should accept it as the pauper receives alms, because I have nothing to give in return. My room is beginning to be converted into a treasury of Filipino art and I consider myself a fortunate being on whom Heaven showers beautiful gifts, though underserving. Again, a thousand thanks. Neither Dr. Czepelack nor the painter Eysert of this city has seen them yet. I’ll show it to them in the 15th, the end of the academic year.
The change of ministry in Spain has also been much commented in the Austrian press. With the exception of the clerical newspaper, Vaterland, all the German, Czech, Polish, Russian, Rumanian, Italian, Hungarian, Slovene, and Serbian newspapers of my country are opposed to Canovas. I don’t know if it is true, but a newspaper which is very close to the government without being an official organ, says that the queen has decided in favor or Canovas because he had pointed to Sagasta’s ministry as the protector of immorality in the administration. In my opinion, Canovas will not suppress the immorality, because immorality is an integral part of the national nobility.
The poor Filipinos will have to pay the bill.
This is enough for the present. With affectionate regards from all of us to you and your and an embrace of
Your
Blumentritt
03-556 [Reformists]