Paris
At Manila things consigned to Rizal are closely watched at the customs – A popular meeting in a Paris theater in protest against the outrages in Kalamba – He is not optimistic about its effect – Spain, always “on the side of her men of the sword” – 21 drawings of Luna for the Noli – Offers to illustrate also El Filibusterismo – Booklets with drawings for popular education – Inquires about the Borneo colonization project – Is Antonio Marcaida is a Filipino?
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Paris
30 January 1892
Juan Luna
Dear Rizal,
They have written me from Manila that they have received the box containing the Lourders, but they say nothing about having reimbursed you for the expenses. For this reason, I beg you to collect from my family in Manila, as we have agreed.
They tell me that they will send you the painting through the mediation of another person for everything consigned to you is closely watched.
Today they will hold a meeting at the Martin Theater on account of the events in Kalamba. Responsible and very famous personages will speak, but I am afraid that after the protests of the Spaniards of the opposition, everything would remain as protests and nothing more. The outrages committed against you family will go down in history, but no justice can be expected from the Mother Country, who nearly always places herself on the side of the men of the sword to maintain the accursed prestige rather than justice.
I am sending you the enclosed 21 drawings for the Noli. I am sending them to you so that you can may use of them as you wish without waiting for those of the others to whom I have already given your order. One is of what they call aqua fortis. I am also doing the same drawing according to this process, which I will send you, if it turns out well; of making use of it for other things of Philippine interest.
Give me some news about the new Borneo Colony, for I, as well as the majority of those residing here, desire to know if your project is already a success. What I am sorry about is that I am not in a position, as in other times, to help you materially.
If you like, I will also illustrate El Filibusterismo and if you like, give me a brief subject for propaganda, so that with ten or fifteen drawings in aqua fortis, a little book can be made in the style of children’s stories that are made here, sometimes in the form of caricature, sometimes in more serious style. I believe that some booklets in Japanese style with Spanish or Tagalog text will serve to educate the people who do not know how to read. My work will be gratis and the only expense is for ordinary printing.
Nothing more; may your enterprise be a success and with regards to that valiant colony, I remain
Affectionately yours,
J. Luna
P. S.
Regards from Paz, Mrs. Juliana, and Antonio; kisses from the children.
Will you tell me if Antonio Marcaida is a Filipino? He talks a lot about Philippine questions and of his brother-in-law Chuidan.
03-696 [Reformists]