? Madrid
Ready to defend Filipino rights without abandoning the campaign in Madrid – Spaniards give a political character to the events in Kalamba – Spanish policy is to reign by terror – “We ought to work together for independence” – Win partisans of independence – Would rather be part of a large well-thought out movement for independence than a mere mutiny – Conditions working for a newspaper again – “Borneo will be a keystone for us.” – Luna may also join Rizal in Borneo.
* * *
[Madrid, January 1892]
MY DEAR FRIEND,
We have learned about the Kalamba question and all the happenings that occurred there and here goes what I think of it. It is necessary that the Filipinos organize themselves now in another form to be ready to assert their rights in case they are attacked by force without abandoning therefore the campaign in Madrid. What happened in Kalamba is a specific case, but the Spaniards in the Peninsula and the Philippines have given it a very notable political character. Why? Because Spanish policy before, now and always is to reign by terror and in order to attain it, distrust in the colony will always be the first means. So certain in this that with that distrust they made Novales rise in rebellion and with the same method arose that of Cavite. They say that at the third the vanquished goes and the blow has to be well thought out, studied, and prepared in time, unfolding it when the noble and glorious Spain would become a righter of wrongs, with another nation or with one of her daughters, in the arrangement of her household.
The assimilation propaganda is necessary and the separatist one should even be more active because, if we do not attain the first and if we do not attain it (which will be almost impossible), we shall be worse off; the practical way will be to look for followers in order to shake off the yoke. I am expounding then what I think, that is to say, that we ought to work together for independence, converting ourselves into apostles, to win followers and to get funds. For all this, much study, great tack, [and] prudence will be needed and no boasting of our being strong. We shall achieve more by making them believe that we are inactive and that we have forgotten our duties than by showing a strength that we do not possess. With constancy and silence we shall be some Jesuits in order to erect a house where we can drive a nail. I offer, then, in this sense, my cooperation, but with the sole condition that I shall disentangle myself from the active campaign should I find out that it will only be a mutiny. It is not that I am dreaming of success, but I am dreaming of demonstrating a resistance about which can be said; “You are a virile nation.” I believe that you understand me perfectly; if we are vanquished, it would be at the cost of much blood. I will go then to Manila and in all my actions I will always bear in mind my duty as a separatist. None of distrusts. If circumstances place me on the side of the Spaniards in Manila, write for them. I will earn my living and I will dig the ground at their expense until the fruit ripens. You have here already then a satellite (if these ideas are yours) who will work with steadfastness.
With regard to your coming over to manage a newspaper: 1st, if it is like La Solidaridad, it is not necessary; 2nd, if it is revolutionary paper, let it ask for independence, good and this latter one can be published anywhere, including Hong Kong. For this one, count me as one of its editors. If it is pro-assimilation, I would accept (if they would ask me for assistance) writing for it in order not to displease my fellow countrymen, but better in a revolutionary sense that will call the Spaniards canaille, traitors, and all that they deserve. In this case I am unconditional editor who will attack even Solidaridad. Write me; well in my turn I will write you on all important questions.
Borneo will be a keystone for us, and very probably I may also be one of its inhabitants, if circumstances compel me.
We have toasted your father, brother, and family who have escaped, Borneo, etc. etc., where we shall have a new asylum.
Nothing more for today.
Your good friend,
ANTONIO
P. S.
Greeting to all our fellow countrymen and friends.
02-697 [Blumentritt V.2]