Barcelona
The Filipino colony of Barcelona congratulates Rizal on his novel El Filibusterismo – A gem of Spanish literature – Decalogue of political redemption and human dignification – If your precepts are followed, they will make an enslaved people master of its destinies.
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Barcelona, 2 October 1891
MR. JOSE RIZAL
Ghent
DISTINGUISHED PATRIOT:
The Filipino Colony of Barcelona has read with unusual enthusiasm your work whose style, being original, is comparable only to the sublime style of Alexander Dumas, senior. It can be presented as a model and precious gem in the now decadent Spanish literature. The novel has vigorous and energetic passages which recall to memory the impetuosity of the . . . .[1]
Its pages are a torrent of lofty as well as redeeming thoughts.
Like a new Moses, with your immortal work you have endowed the Philippines with the Decalogue for her political redemption and human dignification.
If the Philippines would know how to follow the commandments, precepts, and counsels beautifully transcribed in your novel, she would quickly make of an abject, enslaved people, a people free, great, prosperous, and master of its destinies.
Consequently this Colony has the greatest pleasure in congratulating you, wishing El Filibusterismo a flattering success in all its varied manifestation, trusting that our common mother, the Philippines, will support the efforts and respond gallantly to the lofty purposes of its author.
Your most affectionate Friends, countrymen, and admirers.
Santiago Barcelona Graciano Lopez Jaena
Enrique Magalona Santiago Ycasiano
Isidoro de Santos Jose Gustilo
Raymundo Andres Ramon Riego
Emiliano Camacho Felino Cajukom
Bernbe Bustamante Vicente Reyes
03-657 [Reformists]
[1] Words missing.