Pontevedra
Pontevedra, 2 November 1890
DEAR RIZAL:
Madrid
MY DEAR SIR AND DISTINGUISHED FRIEND:
As you are what can be rightly called “the titular head of the Filipinos,” possessing the power of soothing irritated minds, settling amicably discords and bitter enmities, and bringing together in social gatherings men who do not even want to look at each other in the street, I write you as a friend to entreat you to take care of the enclosed letter of my brother.
I believe that my family has never been fond of the friars – not one of them has been – and does not deserve to be treated in that way. And I, though I am nobody, have always been an enthusiast for the noble and legitimate cause that you are pursuing. Really, I do not see the reason for this quarrel between brothers – because we all belong to the same party. My brother never leased stolen and [Hacienda land], though he has been offered one, and he has always praised you and del Pilar for the cause you defend, which is also ours. I do not know the truth of what had happened. It might be a regrettable mistake of the rival party who did not notice that the other one bore the same independent badge.
Though unfortunately you have known me in Paris as fickle, I have never been so in regard to my affection for you, despite the fact that I have seen the strong winds of envy blow around your statue. Of course these have favored you more than any other thing; for, unstable at first on the shaky pedestal on which you have been placed by the warmth of popular enthusiasms, you have more and more strengthened your hold, rocked by the very same winds.
I believe that through an amicable settlement of this question we shall all be the gainers, all of us who belong to your party. Besides, as you well know, all of us in this world, are useful in some thing; for that we have been born. There is no greatness, however high it may seem, that we cannot attain with our willpower and constancy. Following this rule, I did not hesitate to trouble you. At any time in the future that you shall need me, you may command me with full confidence.
You will understand by the enclosed letter that the person I am referring to who is at your side is our esteemed compatriot and friend del Pilar.
Affectionately yours,
GUILLERMO PUATU
P. S.
I cannot give you any other address except the general delivery in the post office of Santiago (Galicia) because I am only in Pontevedra en route to that city.
I felicitate you on the order for the release of your relatives given by the Minister.
03-585 [Reformists]