4 July 1892

Leitmeritz, Austria

“No Pilarista speaks ill of you” – An entente cordiale in the interest of all – Rizal should not found another newspaper or initiate revolutionary movements – Blumentritt recommends reconciliation – He receives regularly letters only from Rizal, Pardo de Tavera, del Pilar, Taga-Ilog[1] and Ponce – However, he will keep writing everyone – “I shall not be a deserter.”

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Leitmeritz, Austria

4 July1892

Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt

Mr. Jose Rizal

My Brother,

It is four days ago that I received your esteemed letter. I would have answered it at once, but I had to be an examiner in the final examination and so I had to postpone the answer for today.

Concerning what you write me in your letter, I have almost answered it in my last letter. Only I would like to call your attention to one thing and it is that none of the Pilaristas has spoken ill of you. On the contrary, especially del Pilar, writes always about you in terms of great appreciation, and since you never have said anything bad against del Pilar, I believe that I would be justified in my conclusion that in the interest of the Filipino movement, a modus vivendi could provoke misunderstanding that may result in complete antagonism. I’m not advocating peace between you and del Pilar but only a truce while we are fighting the enemies. They were not Pilaristas but Rizalistas who have written me that Rizal should found a revolutionary newspaper or start a revolutionary movement. I admonished them so that they would not advise you to do such a thing and so I wrote you at once. I have already advised the Pilaristas as well as the Rizalistas to be reconciled and forget their petty personal differences. I don’t know if my advice will be heeded – that I don’t know. The Peninsulars do not write me anymore, nor do many Filipinos write me now. From Filipinos living outside of the Archipelago, I receive regularly letters only form you, T. H. Pardo de Tavera, and del Pilar; once in a while from Taga-Ilog and Ponce. Sic transit Gloria mundi.[2]

But this does not matter; if they do not answer me, I will continue writing to them nevertheless, and perhaps someday, they will realize that I only have wanted the best for the unlucky country. Perhaps my words may be harsh and blunt, but my heart is tender and good. I will never abandon my poor Philippines; I shall not be a deserter.

I cannot agree with your opinion about La Solidaridad, inasmuch as its very enemies have recognized its importance and founded a fortnightly whose object is to fight it. We should not expect miracles from La Solidaridad. We cannot achieve in four years what it took other peoples four decades. Indeed we should not expect so much; towards the end of the century everything moves faster.

I repeat: A political party needs an organ, a newspaper, and the Filipinos have it and they should not despise it as it defends the honor of their country and their people. Through force the Filipinos cannot obtain absolutely anything at this time. Therefore, only with the pen can we fight. If we would write some pamphlets, these would represent only personal opinions. Only a newspaper can impress in our times.

I have sent you a few issues of La Solidaridad. Tell me what you lack and I will send them to you, inasmuch as I have several copies of each number. My latest article and especially Gulyasch and Tio Romualdo have made our enemies furious.

The parts underlined with blue pencil in the article titled Colonias Extrangeras are also mine.

Concerning that fool of an Englishman, Foreman, I shall not write him. If he likes to be a friar, what should I write to an irrational and infallible being?

We cordially greet your dear family.

Your brother embraces you,

F. Blumentritt

03-753 [Reformists]