Ghent
Sympathy with the people of Kalamba – They are a credit to the native land – The outrage affects the whole country – Those of the Propaganda have vindicated Rizal by entrusting to him the management of La Solidaridad and our policy in Europe – Life in Ghent is very dull – Influenza in the city – Evangelista is devoted to his studies.
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Ghent, 8 January 1892
MR. JOSEPH RIZAL
MY DEAR FRIEND,
First, I wish you a Happy New Year with all the comrades who are around you who desire the prosperity and success for the campaign of liberal ideas which ought to bring to the Philippines the most beautiful day that I am dreaming of. We have learned here of the incredible conduct of the Spanish Government towards the Kalamba people who are a credit to the native land for their passive but imposing attitude.
We regret this misfortune of the Kalamba people which every Filipino ought to deplore, because it is a thing which affects the whole country. But, we are pleased with such despotic behavior as it will undoubtedly help to hasten the march of events.
We have learned nothing about the circulation of your Filibusterismo over there, whether it is free or prohibited; but we have learned with pleasure that those of the Propaganda have supported you in the question of the Filipino colony in Madrid by offering you the management of Solidaridad with excellent conditions, as well as the formulation of the policy of the Philippine Islands in Europe.
At the beginning of December I received money and I was able to matriculate at the University. The courses are not difficult and we can follow them fairly well. The work at times is entertaining; the internal administration is very excellent; the courses are more practical than theoretical; and the professors are amiable and clever.
Influenza has spread these days in this city; many people are sick, brought by the humidity of the south wind, but winter is very mild this year . . . ; the rate of mortality has increased a little but not in an alarming manner because those in the official list of deaths are aged people, children, and sickly. At present the university classes are suspended for the death of a professor of pharmacy, but he was already sickly when he was attacked by influenza.
I have not been able yet to remit any amount to Mr. Ventura in payment of my principal debt like my university matriculation fee, but without fail I will send him some money at the first opportunity.
Life in Ghent is very dull and for that reason I can devote myself completely to my studies.
Without anything more to tell you, my dear friend, a thousand regards to the Filipinos who are there and I am
Sincerely yours,
EVANGELISTA
04-691 [Misc.]
1892.1.13 British North Borneo
From: Ada Pryer
To: Jose Rizal
Mrs. Pryer hopes Rizal can go to Borneo – A Filipino colony as Rizal plans would be welcome.
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Sandakan
B. N. Borneo,
18 January 1892
DEAR DON JOSE RIZAL,
It is very unfortunate that the steamers have not been running quite as usual and that the correspondence between you and my husband has been delayed in the consequence. Still we hope all will turn out well and we hope you may be able to come to Borneo by the next voyage of the Memnon and see for yourself.
Pryer has taken on some Manila men here to go and from the nucleus of a Philippine Colony on the Byte River at no distance to the North of the Place; it is very accessible, and during this N.E. monsoon Gabon’s have been able to get there quite easily.
It will be a great advantage for B.N. Borneo if you are able to bring us a large Philippine contingent and we shall hail your advent with great pleasure.
Hoping you are well and with all best wishes for your undertaking.
I remain.
Yours sincerely,
ADA PRYER
P.S. My husband has so much writing to go through today he is quite unable to find time to send you a big cover.
04-692 [Misc.]