23 February 1892

Rednaxela Terrace, Hong Kong

Any political change – “If the Germans pity us so much, why do they not come to liberate us?” asks Rizal’s parents – “What did we get from La Solidaridad’s campaign?” Weyleradas, Banditry law, and the drama of Kalamba – To discuss with the Government is time wasted – “Always ready to serve the country with the pen and give my life for her,” say Rizal. – “In Borneo I shall not be a planter but the leader of the planters.” – “If I cannot give freedom to my country, at lease I should like to give it to my compatriots in other lands.” – “We shall found there a new Kalamba.” – Pilar managing La Solidaridad well – Rizal dislikes Madrid life – Wishes to reflect in peace and observe – Rizal works as a physician – Shall about the suffering of Kalamba’s people.

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2 Rednaxela Terrace, Hong Kong

23 February 1892

Jose Rizal

My Brother,

One time I received your letters of the 1st and 5th of January which I translated to my family so that they may have a consolation in their exile.

We are grateful to you, indeed very grateful for your sympathy, and grateful also to Lieuternant Colonel von Koller. Yes, the poor Filipinos feel so unfortunate under the present circumstances that they welcome any change. My parents say: “If they (the Germans) have so much pity for us, why don’t they come to liberate us from the hands of the friars?” This candid statement of my parents will give you a measure of how the others feel.

I thank you for the novel you have written about Simoun. Even if all the newspapers, the whole world of literature, clamor four out rights, it seems to me that it would be in vain, taking into account the blindness of the government! I turn my eyes toward another direction. What have we obtained from the campaigns of La Solidaridad more than Weyleradas,[1] Banditry Law, and the drama of Kalamba? It seems to me that it is a waste of time to discuss with the government.

In Borneo I shall not be a planter but the leader other planters who are thinking of emigrating there with me. I feel flattered but [for] the thought that I can still serve my country with my pen. You know very well that always, at all times, I am ready to serve my country not only with the pen but also with my life whenever my country would demand of me this sacrifice. But I see that I am getting old, my ideals and my dreams are vanishing. If it is impossible for me to give freedom to my country, at least I should like to give it to these noble compatriots in other lands. So I am thinking of immigrating to Borneo. There are vast fields over there where we can found a new Kalamba. When the exiles and persecuted have found an asylum in Borneo, then I shall write in peace and shall be able to look towards the future, if not happy at least consoled.

What you tell me about the periodical is surprising news to me. Nobody has written me about this; there were some rumors about the matter, but we do not need two periodicals for our cause. If one periodical seems to me superfluous, why should I establish another? Pilar fulfills his duties very well; he is better qualified for such a position; and moreover I do not like Madrid life. I have to think and reflect in peace and I have to observe.

I am here at present as a physician. I have some patients. Sometimes I perform operations.

Dr. Jargon is here. I went to call him but I did not meet him. I shall try to see him again.

Your suggestion that I write about the suffering of the people of Kalamba is an excellent idea. I want to work on this at once. Only I have to gather some data.

Here we live in a small house which costs us $40 a month. We have furnished and decorated it. The hall is also my library; we have few callers. Everywhere I have hung pictures, arms, photos; I see you and your children every day.

My sisters take care of the domestic chores; my father contemplates the sea and watches the boats.

All greet you and are grateful for your sympathy. Greet on my behalf Frau Rosa, Miss Loleng, and the two Blumentritt boys.

Yours,

Rizal

01-707 [Family]