8 January 1892

Brussels

The Rizal party in the Philippines would like Rizal to return to Europe and be the leader of the Filipinos there – His pension will be sent regularly – Offers condolence for the outrages in Kalamba – Convinced that nothing could be expected from Spain – Vicente Reyes and the sale of the Fili – He and Evangelista are studying well.

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Brussels, 8 January 1892

MR. JOSE RIZAL

Hong Kong

MY DEAR FRIEND,

Today I am writing you in Spanish because I am quiet in a hurry and moreover I am afraid that I may not make myself well understood in French concerning the important things that I have to tell you.

In the first place, my father has written me saying that many of your friends there have formed a society whose object is to counteract the disastrous policy of del Pilar. This society whishes you to accept the leadership and to come to Europe and establish a more reasonable policy. I believe of course that even for nothing else but for love of our unfortunate country you should accept this proposition and it would honor you greatly not to disappoint a whole people who hope to find in you the remedy for the ills they are at present suffering.

Besides, this time I believe the pension they will assign to you will come more regularly, taking into account what my father says in his letter. This, without prejudice of increasing your budget au fur et a mesure[1] as the society increases its membership and business there improves. In short, I will not try to convince you, for I believe that with your clear judgment you will understand the usefulness of such a proposition.

I give you my condolence for the outrages committed by the Kastilas in your town and more especially on the persons of your relatives. When shall we avenge them? Shall we remain eternally with arms folded? Very nearly I am getting convinced that we could not expect anything from Spain, these continuous outrages having completely dispelled my few remaining doubts and I believe like you do that we cannot depend on anyone except on our own strength.

Of the P100 that I owe you I have already paid P85 to Mr. Valentin Ventura and I hope that before this countryman returns to Manila I shall have fully settled our account. Mr. Reyes [Vicente] has not behaved very decently towards me (passez moi le mot.) Well, he asked me for 12 copies of the Fili which I sent him by return mail. Then he wrote me that the price of 7.50 pesetas was too dear, as if doubting my honestly. Besides, he told me that the bookseller asked 35 per cent commission. I replied that under these conditions I could not sell the books, inasmuch as I have to send you 5 pesetas for each copy and with the expenses of mailing, money order, and other things, I realized that I could not comply with the only condition you imposed upon me when you left me the copies of your book. He wrote me again saying that he had sold 6 copies and he would send you the money. To this I replied that you have given orders to deliver that money to Mr. Ventura, but if he had a contrary order from you, I agreeable. To this the said gentleman did not deign to reply.

My studies are going on well; I have pretty good grades, for the lowest I have obtained is 10 in some subjects and in the rest 17. The inspector has written my family saying that the result of my studies during the term is satisfactory. It seems that Abreu will begin to study also, which makes me very glad, for I am sorry to tell you that until now he has done nothing. The situation of friend Evangelista has improved and he studies with much eagerness and profit.

I am here at Brussels taking advantage of the two or three days remaining of our vacation. Abreu may come today or tomorrow. I have not yet called on the family of Suzanne but I am thinking of doing so tomorrow. Mr. Almeida tells me that he will write you as soon as possible.

Without anything more for today, receive our good wishes for happier years than the past. You know that you can command your friend.

J. ALEJANDRO

03-690 [Reformists]