28 March 1891

Leitmeritz, Bohemia, Austria

Rizal’s silence – A German (strong) reply of Blumentritt to the pamphlet The Philippines, a Fundamental Problem believed to be by Quioquiap – Whole phrases from his satirical letters in the Noli – He writes anonymously fearing that some Filipino rattan cane may lash him on the back – His motto: “Stick for the Filipinos and gold for the Castilas” (Spaniards) – Revista filibustera: an idea to render useless the plan of the Quioquiaps – News of illnesses amongst Rizal’s Leitmeritz friends.

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Leitmeritz, Bohemia, Austria

28 March 1891

Prof. Ferdinand Blumentritt

My Brother,

It has been an eternity since you last wrote me. We hope that the cause of your silence is nothing else but your work and not any indisposition. I’ve been so buried in work and nervous that I can’t sleep. I had to take bromide of sodium to be able to sleep. At present I’m better.

Yesterday I sent to La Solidaridad an article in which I give the anonymous author of [the] pamphlet The Philippines, a Fundamental Problem a German reply, that is, a strong reply. The Filipinos in Madrid seem to believe that Father Font[1] is the editor or author of the pamphlet. I have no doubt that Father Font has inspired and put it on the stage, but the pen that wrote the article is Retana’s. His style, ideas, and ignorance, are repeated in this pamphlet; there are whole phrases which are copied from the letters that he wrote me occasionally concerning the Noli me Tangere. He already said in Manila that he was going to write in Madrid a book on the Tagalog novel and I have always wondered why he had not done it yet. Now he has done it. He writes anonymously because he fears that some Filipino rattan cane may dance the fandango on his back; he is an advocate of the regime of the stick, but his motto is “The stick for the Filipinos, gold for the Castilas.”

The fortnightly of the Quioquiaps has very beautiful paper but without substance or sense. It would be good if in London or Paris there should be published now a review with truly revolutionary ideas and articles – a Revista filibustera which would fulfill the following purposes:

La Solidaridad would appear to the Spaniards as a moderate review.

The Quioquiap fortnightly would have to devote its attention to the Revista filibustera and will be compelled to support La Solidaridad in case the said organ of the filibusteros attack violently La Solidaridad, you, Pilar, Jaena, Reyes, me, and others.

There ought to be printed a limited number of copies of the Revisita filibustera, only enough to send gratis to Spanish newspapers. There ought not to be sent to the Philippines more copies than those for the reverend fathers and government officials. This is only an idea.

Professor Klutschack and his brother have been sick. Doctor Czepelack is well, as his chronic illness permits. All greet you fondly.

My first-born has been quite sick; he had something like influenza, but he is now better. We have very bad weather, snow mixed with rain, cold, and wind.

All greet you affectionately. Your brother embraces you.

Fernando Blumentritt

02-607 [Blumentritt V.2]