7 August 1891

Madrid

The order for Graciano will be carried out – Also what refers to the prize for Luna – The voice of Manila is “reconciliation” – There is really no resentment between Rizal and del Pilar – Appreciating Rizal’s congratulations to La Solidaridad – Invites Rizal to write again for it – Would defeat friars intrigue in the Philippines.

* * *

Madrid, 7 August 1891

MR. JOSE RIZAL

Ghent

MY DEAR FRIEND,

I have on hand your letter of the 4th instant and through it I have learned who has won the prize you proposed to Manila. I have yet to carry out the order you gave me as soon as I receive it. What I have received refers to Graciano, who is returning. Perhaps what refers to Luna may come by the next mail. In that case rest assured that our Taga-ilog[1] will not wait too long.

What they tell me from Manila is that we get reconciled; and as I understand that there is no resentment between us, I do not know how to begin. Many times I have wished to write you about this, but as many times I have had to desist, sorrowful and even dismayed at disagreeing with my best friend, “without eating it or drinking it,” as it is often said. In short, if you have any resentment, I beg you to put it aside; if you consider me at fault, and this fault is pardonable, forgive me.

I appreciate your felicitation to La Solidaridad, and I endorse it to the authors of the beautiful articles and the pungent hash. Our newspaper would have been more worthy of congratulations had you not deprived it of your articles. We would much like that you resume writing for it; not only would we strengthen La Solidaridad but we would defeat the friar intrigue in the Philippines, according to which complete disagreement reigns among us and Mr. Miguel Morayta has abandoned us.

Regards to Alejandrino and command your friend

PILAR

[Marcelo H. del Pilar]

03-638 [Reformists]