22 September 1891

Ghent

El Filibusterismo of parallel tendency to La Solidaridad – Rizal indifferent to any criticism of his work – Notice from Manila to send Luna the prize of P50, transmitted by Rizal to del Pilar – Rizal retires completely from politics – In Manila or Hong Kong he will write.

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9 Rue du Hainaut

Ghent, 22 September 1891

MR. MARCELO H. DEL PILAR

[Madrid]

MR DEAR FRIEND,

Now we are sending there some copies of my work El Filibusterismo. I inscribe to you one copy. If you want more, you only have to write me.

I do not need to give you explanations, because you yourself will understand the purpose of the work whose tendency is parallel that of La Solidaridad.

Needless to tell you, I do not want La Solidaridad to praise it or take notice of it. You can have it judged by one who may find it worse or not judge it at all. That depends on you. Once a work is published it belong to the public domain. It is even desirable that my work be attacked in La Solidaridad so that it will appear as opposed to revolutionary ideas and achieve its purposes.

I have received a notice from Manila dated 10 July which repeats the notice to send Luna 50 pesos.[1] If you have received it, I request to send it to me because I have already notified Manila that I have received from you P200, and as La Solidaridad has made it known that the prize is not mine, it is good that things be in their proper places.

I am leaving next month, the 4th, I believe; if you have something to send along, prepare it. La Solidaridad may or may not announce my departure but it is better for it not to announce it, for, as it does interest any one, it is useless.

I am retiring completely from politics, as I have already announced to you, and I believe I am doing right. I need peace and tranquility, and as you are already doing well, and nothing is lacking, why should I interfere? In Manila or Hong Kong I write my works and I will never lose sight of your progress to keep up with you.

This is all, receive an embrace of your friend who cherishes you and wishes you success in all your undertakings.

Affectionately yours,

RIZAL

02-650 [Blumentritt V.2]