Chapter 11 Back to Calamba, 1887-88

After the publishing of Noli and the uproar it cause to anti Filipino elements, Rizal
was warned by Paciano, Silvestre Ubaldo, Chenggoy and the other friend not to return
home.

There are four reasons why Rizal is eager to go home in the Philippines.

1. To operate his Mother eye

2. To serve his people who had long been oppressed by Spanish tyrant

3. To find out the effect of Noli

4. To find it why Leonor Rivera had remained silent

He also wrote Blumentritt why he needs to go home in the Philippines.

“I always like to return to the country of my birth”

DELIGHTFUL TRIP TO MANILA

Rizal left Rome by train for Marseilles, a French fort, which he reached without
mishap.

On July 3, 1887- Rizal boarded the steamer Djemnah, the same steamer which
brought him to Europe five years ago.

Rizal was the only passenger who could speak many languages, so he acted as
interpreter for his companions.

The steamer was Enroute to the Orient via Suez Canal.

On the board, he played chess with fellow passenger and engaged in lively
conversation in many languages.

After leaving Aden, the weather became rough and some of Rizal book got wet.

At Saigon, on July 30, 1887, he transferred to another steamer Hayfong, which was
manila bound.
ARRIVAL IN MANILA

Rizal voyage from Saigon to Manila was pleasant. On August 3, 1887 the moon was
full and he slept soundly the whole night.

On August 6 he arrived in Manila. He disembarked shortly after nine o’clock that

night.

He found Manila the same as when he left it five years ago. There were the same old
churches and buildings, the same hole in the roads, the same boat in the Pasig river,
and the same hoary walls surrounding the city.

HAPPY HOMECOMING

On August 8, two days after his arrival in Manila, he reached Calamba. His family
welcomed him affectionately, with plentiful tears of joy.

Rizal established a Medical clinic in Calamba. His first exploit as a physician was the
successful operation on his mother’s eye.

He removed the double contract from his Mother and the news spread far and wide.

They usually call Dr. Uliman because he came to Germany, who is busy attending his
lucrative medical practice.

He opened gymnasium, for young folk, where he introduce European sports

He tried to divert the interest of his town mates in cockfighting and gambling,
introducing to them the sport such as gymnastic, fencing and shooting.

But during his stay in Calamba. He failed to see his beloved Leonor Rivera. He tried to
go in Dagupan but his parent absolutely forbade him.

He was caught on the iron grip of the custom of time that marriage must be arranged
by the parents of bridegroom and bride.

STORM OVER NOLI

A few weeks after his arrival, a storm broke over his novel. He received a letter from
Governor General of Malacanan name Emilio Terrero informing him to report
immediately in Malacanan, because somebody has whispered to him that the novel
contained subversive ideas.
Rizal went to Manila and reported to the office of Governor General Terrero in
Malacanan. The Governor General told to Rizal the charge, but Rizal denied it,
explaining that the merely exposed the truth, but he never advocate subversive ideas.

The Governor General asked the author for the copy of the Noli, but Rizal had no copy.
Because the only copy he brought home was given to a friend. He promise to secured
one to the Governor General.

Rizal visited to Jesuit Father to ask for a copy he sent them, but they would not part
with it.

His former professor namely Fr. Francisco Sanchez, Fr. Jose Bech and Fr. Federico
Fauna were glad to see him.

Rizal discuss with them about the Noli and Fr. Fauna ventured an opinion “everything
in it was the truth, but you may lose your head for it”

Fortunately Rizal found a copy in the hand of a friend. He was able to get it and gave it
to Governor General Terrero.

The Governor General who was liberal minded, knew that Rizal’s life was in jeopardy
because in the friars were powerful.

For security measure, he signed a young Spanish lieutenant, Don Jose Taviel de
Andrade, as bodyguard of Rizal.

This lieutenant belonged to the noble family, cultured and knew painting and he could
speak English, French and Spanish.

Governor General read the Noli and found no wrong in it, but Rizal enemies were
powerful.

Arch. of Manila Msgr. Pedro Payo (Dominican) sent a copy of the Noli to the rector of
UST Fr. Gregorio Echavarria for examination.

The committee which was composed of a Dominican Professors submitted it report to

the Fr. Rector, who immediately transmitted it to the Arch. Payo.

The Arch. in turn lost no time in forwarding to the Governor General

The report of UST professors stating that the Noli was “ heretical, impious and
scandalous in the religion order, and Anti patriotic, subversive of public order,
injurious in the government of the Spain and its function in the Philippine Island in
the political order.”

Governor General Terrero was dissatisfied with the report of the Dominican, for knew
that the Dominican were prejudiced against Rizal.
He sent the novel to the Permanent Commission of Censorship which was composed of
priest and laymen.

The report of commission was drafted by its head Fr. Salvador Font, Augustinian cura
of Tondo.

It found that the novel contain subversive idea against church and Spain,
recommended “that the importation, reproduction, and circulation of pernicious book
in the islands be absolutely prohibited.

The banning of Noli only served to make it popular. Everybody wanted to read it. News
among the books spread among the masses.

Despite it prohibition, and vigilance of the cruel Guardia Civil many Filipinos were
able to get hold of copies of the Noli which they read at night behind closed doors.

Thanks to Governor General Terrero, there were no mass execution of Filipinos.

ATTAKER OF NOLI

The battle of the Noli took form of a war of words. Father Font printed his report
entitled Noli Me Legere (read me not) and circulated its copies, believing that his
critique of disputed novel would discredit it.

Another Augustinian friar, Fr. Jose Rodriguez, published a pamphlet entitled Caiingat
Cayo (beware) which attacked the Noli and warned the readers that if they read it “
they commit mortal sins inasmuch as the said book is full of heresy.

Another attacker of Noli was the Spanish writer, Vicente Barrantes, his bitter criticism
of the novel was published in a Madrid newspaper, la espana Moderna in January,
1890.

Repercussion of the storm over the Noli reached the session hall of the Spanish
Cortes. Two Spanish senator Vida and Pando, attaked the Noli during the
parliamentary debates. A member of the lower house of the Spanish Cortes General
Salamanca also came against Noli.

DEFENDER OF NOLI

The much maligned Noli had its gallant defenders. The fighting editor of La
solidaridad, MH del pilar, writing under the pen name Dolores Manapat, published the
pamphlet entitled Caiigat Cayo as an answer to Fr. Rodriguez Caiingat Cayo.
The similarity of the title and the physical makeup of the pamphlet of Del pilar with
that Fr. Rodriguez enable Del Pilar work to enter even churches were Rodriguez opus
was distributed to the church goers.

The title of Caiigat Cayo means (be a slippery as an Eel )

Father Francisco Sanchez, Rizal’s beloved Jesuit professor depended Noli in public.

The Spanish statesman, Don Segismundo Moret, former president of the council of
minister, read and like the book very much.

A brilliant defender of Noli came from unexpected source. It was Reverent Vicente
Garcia writing under the pen name Justo Desiderio Magalang , which circulated even
Singapore.

ARGUMENTS OF VICENTE GARCIA TO THE WORK OF FR. RODRIGUEZ

Rizal cannot be “ignorant man” as Fr. Rodrigues alleged, because he was graduate of
Spanish Universities and was recipient of scholastic Honors.

Rizal does not attack the church and Spain, as Fr. Rodriguez claimed, because what
Rizal attacked in the Noli the bad Spanish official and not Spain, and the bad and
corrupt friars and not he church.

Fr. Rodriguez that does who read the Noli Commit mortal sin: since he(Rodriguez) had
read the novel he commit in the mortal sin.

Later when Rizal learned of the brilliant defences of Fr. Garcia of his novel, he cried
because his gratitude was overwhelming.

Rizal also defended his novel against Barrantes ignorance of Philippine affairs and
mental dishonesty which is unworthy of an academician.

During the height of controversy, the prices who was originally five pesetas (1 peso)
was rose to fifty pesos per copy.

RIZAL AND ANDRADE

What marred Rizal’s happy days in calamba with Lt. Andrade were.

a. The death of his older Sister, Olympia.

b. The groundless tales circulate by his enemies that he was a “German Spy, a
protestant, a mason, a witch, a soul beyond salvation etc…
CALAMBA’S AGRARIAN TROUBLE

Governor General Terrero influenced by certain fact in Noli ordered a government

investigation of the friars estates remedy whatever inequalities might have been
present in connection in land taxes and with tenant relation.

In compliance with Governor General ordered, dated December 30, 1887, the civil
Governor of laguna Province directed the municipal authorities of Calamba to
investigate the agrarian condition of their locality.

CONDITION OF CALAMBA AGRARIAN TROUBLE

The hacienda of Dominican order comprised not only the lands around calamba. But
also the town of Calamba.

The Profit of the Dominican order continually increases because the arbitrary increase
of the rental paid by the tenant.

The hacienda owner never contributed a single centavo for the celebration of the town
fiesta, for education of the children, and for improvement of agriculture.

Tenant who had spent much labour in clearing the land were dispose of said island for
flimsy reasons.

High rates of interest were charge for the tenant for delayed payment of rentals and
when the rentals could not be paid, the hacienda management confiscated their
carabaos, tools and home.

No action was taken by the government of the above mentioned grievances of the
calamba tenant.

FAREWELL CALAMBA

Rizal’s exposure of the deplorable condition of tenancy in calamba infuriated further

his enemies.

The friars exerted pressure on Malacanan Palace to eliminate him.

There were many threats against Rizal’s life and his relative and friends, thus they
advised him to leave Philippine because his life was in danger.

REASON WHY HE LEAVE CALAMBA

His presence in calamba was jeopardizing the safety and happiness of his family and
friends.
He could better fight his enemies and serve his country’s cause with greater efficacy by
writing in foreign countries.

POEM FROM LIPA

His friend in Lipa requested to him to write a poem in commemoration of the towns
elevation of a villa (city)

Gladly, he wrote a poem dedicated to the industrious folks of lipa. This was Himmo Al
Trabajo (hymn of labour). He finished it and sent it to lipa before his departure.

CHAPTER 12 – HONGKONG, MACAO, AND JAPAN, 1888

“I left my country in order to give my relatives peace. I am at any rate once more in a
free land, breathing the free air of Europe” Rizal

Hounded by powerful enemies, Rizal was force to go abroad for a second time in
February 1888.

He was then a full grown man of 27 years of age, practicing musician and a recognize
man of letter.

Rizal at 27 was embittered victim of human inequities, a disillusioned dreamer, a

frustrated reformer.

TRIP TO HONG KONG

On February 3, 1888, after short stay of six months in Calamba. Rizal left Manila for
Hong Kong a British colony.

He was sick and sad when he was crossing the choppy China Sea.

He did not ge6t off his ship when it made to stopover in Amoy for 3 reasons:

1. He was not feeling well

2. It was raining hard

3. He heard the city was dirty

In Hong Kong, Rizal stayed at victoria hotel. He was welcomed by the Filipino resident,
including Jose Ma. Basa, Balbino Mauricio and other exiles of 1872.
A Spaniard, Jose Sainz de Varanda, who was a former secretary of governor Terrero,
shadowed Rizal movement in Hong Kong.

It is believe that he was commissioned by the Spanish authorities to spy on Rizal.

VISIT TO MACAO

On February 18th, Rizal accompanied by Basa, boarded the ferry steamer Kiu Kang for
Macao.

He was surprised to see among passengers familiar figures- Sainz de Varanda

Macao is Portuguese colony near Hong Kong accdg.to Rizal Macao is a small, low and
gloomy environment.

There are many junks, sampans, but few steamers. It looks sad and almost dead.

In Macao, Rizal stayed in the house of Don Juan Francisco Lecaros, last Filipino
delegates to the Spanish Cortes, married a Portuguese lady resided on Macao.

During his 2nd day sojourn in Macao, Rizal visited the theatre, casino, cathedral,
churches, pagodas, botanical Garden and bazaar.

He also saw the famous grotto of Camoens, Portugal’s national poet.

February 19th he witnessed the catholic procession and on February 21th Rizal and
Basa returned to Hong Kong.

EXPIRIENCE IN HONGKONG

During his two weeks visit in Hong Kong Rizal studied Chinese life, language, drama
and customs.

Noisy celebration of the Chinese Year which lasted February 11th (Saturday) to 13th
(Monday), and continuous explosions of firecracker.

Boisterous Chinese theatre’s , with noisy audience and noisier music. In Rizal
dramatic art, Rizal observed the ff.

-A man astride in stick means riding in horseback

-An actor raising his leg means he is entering the house

- A red dress indicated a wedding

- A girl about to married covers his face in a fan even on the presence of her fiancé
- A raising a ship signifies he is about to ride a horse

- A marathon Lauriat party, wherein guest were served numerous dishes, he is longest
meal in the world

RELIGIOUS IN HONGKONG

The Dominican order was the richest religious order in Hong Kong

Hong Kong cemeteries belonging to the protestant, catholic and Muslims

-The protestant is the most beautiful because of its well-groomed plans and
clean pathway.
- The catholic cemetery was most pompous with its ornate and expensive
mausoleums and extravagantly carved sepulchres
- The Muslim cemetery was the simplest, containing only a little mosque and
tombstones with Arabic inscription.

DEPARTURE FROM HONGKONG

On February 22, 1888, Rizal left Hong Kong on board the oceanic, an American
steamer, his destination was Japan.

He did not like the meal, but he like the ship because it was dean and efficient
managed.

His cabin mate was a British protestant missionary who had lived in Calamba for 27
years and knew the Chnese language very well.

CHAPTER 13 – RIZAL IN JAPAN

Japan has pleased me. The most beautiful scenery, the flowers, the tress, the
inhabitants-so peaceful, courteous, and pleasant…..

One of the happiest interludes in life of Rizal was his visit to the delightful land of
cherry blossoms for one month and a half (feb.28-April13, 1888).

He was enchanted by natural beauties of Japan, the charming manners of the

Japanese people and the picturesque shrine.
RIZAL ARRIVES IN YOKOHAMA

Early in the morning of February 28, 1888, Rizal arrived in Yokohama and registered
in Grand Hotel.

The next day he proceeded to Tokyo and registered at Tokyo hotel, where stayed from
March 2-7 and he was impressed in the city.

He wrote to Blumentritt “Tokyo in more extensive than Paris. The walls are built in
cyclopean manner. The streets are large and wide”

RIZAL IN TOKYO

Shortly after his arrival in Tokyo, he was visited in Juan Perez Caballero, secretary of
Spanish Legation. The latter invited him to live at the Spanish Legation.

Rizal being an intelligent man , realized that the Spanish diplomatic authorities were
instructed from Manila to watch out hi movement in Japan.

He invited the invitation for two reason:

a. he could economize his living expenses by staying in the legation

b. he had nothing to hide from the prying eyes of the Spanish authorities.

On March 7, Rizal checked out in Tokyo hotel and lived in Spanish Legation.

He and Perez Caballero became good friend. He described Rizal as “a young, fine and
excellent writer and able diplomat who had travel much.

During his first day in Tokyo, Rizal was embarrassed because he did not know to
speak Japanese language. He looked like Japanese but he could not talk. He had also
hard time shopping, for he could not understand and the Japanese children laughed
at him.

To avoid further embarrassment, Rizal decided to study the Japanese language. Being
a born linguist, he was able to speak it within a few days.

He also studied Japanese drama (kabuki), arts, music and Judo (Japanese Self
Defence)

He also browsed the museums, libraries, art galleries and shrine.

He visited Meguro, Nikko, Hakone, Miyanoshita and charming villages of Japan.

RIZAL AND THE TOKYO MUSICIANS

One cool afternoon, while he was promenading one of the streets of Tokyo, he heard
the Tokyo band playing a classical work of Strauss.

He was impressed by the superb performance of the western music; he stopped and
listed in rapt attention.

He wondered how these Japanese people have assimilated the modern European
education to the extent of playing so well the beautiful musical masterpieces of the
great European composer.

The band stopped playing, and Rizal was greatly surprised because they were Tagalog.
He approached by inquiring in Tagalog “ taga saan po ba kayo?”

The musicians were equality surprised and delighted to meet him.

They told him that they are Filipino and some of the band members are Japanese but
they just playing the secondary instrument.

RIZAL’S IMPRESSIONS IN JAPAN

Rizal was favourably impressed by Japan. He was keen observer, taking copious note
of the life, customs and culture of the people.

He was no silly, light headed tourist who merely enjoys attractive sight that appealed
only to the senses,

a. the beauties of the country-its flowers, mountains streams, and scenic panoramas.

b. the cleanliness, politeness and industry of Japanese people.

c. the picturesque dress, and simple charm of Japanese women

d. there were few thieves in Japan so that the houses remained open day and night,
and in the hotel room one can safely leave money on the table.

e. beggars were rarely seen in the streets, unlike manila and other cities

However, there is one thing which he did not like in Japan, and that was popular
mode of transportation by means or rickshaws drawn by men.

His sensitive soul recoiled at seeing human being working like horses, pulling carts.

He felt disgusted at the way a human being is employed like a horse.

ROMANCE WITH OSEI SAN

One spring morning, in March 1888. Rizal entered a big store in Yokohama, to buy
something.

This was a biggest store in that port city which was dealt on western goods and was
owned by Usui-San, former samurai.

A lovely young woman was then at the store at that time, seeing that she was a
member of the store he approached her, and Rizal asked her if she knew English.

She replied in affirmative. In fact she was fluent in three languages-Japanese, English
and French.

Rizal was glad to converse her in English and French.

After what he needed, he left, he was impressed by the girls cameo-like beauty,
charming, tenderness and high intelligence.

She told him that her name was Seiko Usui.

She had told him that she was a daughter of the store owner, and she learned the
three languages by her private tutors.

In succeeding days, Rizal made daily visits to the Usui store. He and the store owner’s
daughter became good friends. O Sei San, her pet name was then 23 years old and
Rizal was 29.

In due time their friendship bloomed in romance, The sweet scented cherry blossoms,
the balmy soft breezes and romantic atmosphere of springtime contributed to amorous
relationship.

O Sei San loves Rizal with all their heart, and her love was reciprocated by the latter.

Lonely and homesick in a foreign land, Rizal succumbed to the siren call of the
romance.

He was but human, endowed by god with emotion that responds normally the
feminine charm and beauty.

O Sei San, was more than a hero’s sweetheart, being an artist and linguist, she
taught Rizal art of Japanese painting and improved his knowledge in Japanese
language and literature.

Rizal and O Sei San, both theatre addict, attended several kabuki plays, such as
Sendaihagi, Manjiro, Nakahama and Chushingura.
Rizal was deeply moved by the chivalrous spirit of Amagawaya Gihei, hero of the play
Chushingura, so that the painted a scene depicting his heroic death to save the life of
the lord.

O Sei San, beauty and affection almost tempted Rizal to settle down in Japan. At the
same time, he was offered a good job.

If he were a man of less heroic mould, of less power, he would live permanently in
Japan-and happily at that O Sei San; but then the world, and general and the
Philippine in particular would have lost a Rizal.

SAYONARA JAPAN

On April 13, 1888, Rizal boarded the Belgic, an English steamer at Yokohama bound
for the United State.

He left Japan with heavy heart,for he would not see O Sei Sananymore.

One Rizal’s fellow passenger was Tetcho Suehiro, a Japanese newspaperman who had
jail twice for writing article against government.

He did not know the foreign language so that he could not talk the other passenger,
Rizal who could fairly talk with Japanese help him.

Rizal and Suehiro of the Japanese misrule the Philippine, his effort to depend his
people from Spanish abuses and his novel Noli me Tangere which was banned by the
Spanish authorities.

Rizal and Suehiro both exiles travelled together across the pacific through the United
State and parted in London.

CHAPTER 14- RIZAL IN AMERICA

I visited the great cities of America, with their grandiose edifices, their electric light, and
their great conception. America is, undoubtedly a great country, but it has many defects.

Rizal first saw America on April 18, 1888. His arrival in great country was marred by
racial prejudice, for he saw the discriminatory treatment of the Chinese passengers by
the American passengers.

He take noted on what he observed and truly in this chapter Rizal is a man of truth,
and he wrote a reality of what he had seen and experience.
ARRIVAL IN SAN FRANCISCO

The steamer Belgic with Rizal on board, docked at San Francisco on Saturday
morning of April 28, 1888.

All passengers were not allowed to land because the American authorities put the said
steamer in a quarantine on the ground that it came in far east were cholera epidemic
was alleged to be raging.

Rizal was surprised because he knew there were no cholera epidemics at that time in
Far East.

He joined the other passenger in protesting the unjustifiable action of health

authorities.

The American consul of Japan had given the ship a clean bill health, and the British
governor of Hong Kong certified the absence of cholera cases in China.

He discovered soon that the placing of the ship under quarantine was motivated by
politics.

The ship was carrying 643 Chinese coolies because at that time public opinion on the
pacific coast was against cheap coolie labour because the coolies from China were
displacing white labourer in railroad constructed camps.

To the vote of whites in California (for election was near) the administration impeded
the entry of Chinese coolies.

Rizal noticed that contrary to quarantine regulations 700 bales of valuable Chinese
silk were landed without fumigation, that the ship doctor went ashore without protest
on the part of the health officers and the customs employees ate several time on board
the supposedly cholera-infested ship.

After a week of quarantine, all first class including Rizal was permitted to land, but the
Chinese and Japanese passenger on the second and the third class accommodation
were force to remain on board for a longer quarantine period.

RIZAL IN SAN FRANCISCO

On Friday afternoon, May 4, 1888, the day Rizal was permitted to go ashore; Rizal
registered at the palace hotel, which was considered a first class hotel in the city.

He paid $4 a day with bath and everything and this hotel is located in 312 stockton
street
Rizal also mentioned in his diary the name of Leland Stanford, who was a millionaire
senator presenting California in the US senate at that time, he is the founder of
Stanford University of Palo Alto California, and the President of US at that time is
Glover Cleveland

ACROSS THE AMERICAN CONTINENT

On May 6, 1888, Sunday at 4:30 pm Rizal left San Francisco for Oakland, nine miles
across San Francisco Bay, by ferry boat.

In Oakland, he boarded the train for his trip across the continent. He took his dinner
at Sacramento for 75 cents and slept in his coach.

Early the following morning (May 7) he awoke and had good breakfast at Reno, now
glamorized by American high pressure Propaganda as “ the biggest little city in the
world”

RIZAL IN NEW YORK

On Sunday morning May 13, 1888, Rizal reached New York, thus ending his trip
across the American continent.

He stayed three days in this city, which he called the big town.

He visited the scenic and historic place, he was also inspired and awed by the
memorial of George Washington and to his letter to Ponce” he is the greatest man who,
I think, has no equal in this century.

On May 16, 1888, he left New York for Liverpool on board the city of Rome, the second
largest ship in the world at that time.

He saw with trilling sensation the colossal Statue of Liberty Bedloe Island as his ship
steamed out New York harbour.

RIZAL’S IMPRESSIONS IN AMERICA

Rizal had good and bad impression in the US the good impressions were:

a. the material progress of the country as shown in great cities, huge farm, flourishing
industries and busy factories.

b. the drive and energy of American people.

c. the natural beauties of the land

d. the high standard of living

e. the opportunities for better life offered to poor immigration.

On bad impression, Rizal noticed that American lacked racial equality. There existed
racial prejudice which is inconsistent with the principle and democracy of freedom
which the American talk so must but do not practice. Thus wrote to Ponce “they do
not have true liberty. In some states the Negro cannot marry a white woman, nor a
white man a Negress. Hatred against the Chinese leads to difficulty for other Asiatic
who, like the Japanese, is mistaken for Chinese by the ignorant, and therefore being
dislike too…

In 1890, two years after Rizal visit to U.S, Jose Alejandrino, who was then studying
engineering in Belgium, roomed with him on 38 Rue Philippe Champagne Brussels,
Alejandrino who had never been in America asked Rizal “what impression you have in
America”?

“America “, Rizal answered is that land par excellence of freedom but only for the
white”

CHAPTER 15 – LIFE AND WORK IN LONDON

“l am dedicating myself night and day to certain studies about our country, its history;
its administration… the very rich collection of the British Museum, a collection which
cannot be found anywhere else is serving my purpose. For this reason, I will stay here
for a long time.”

After his travel in US, Rizal lived in London from May 1888 to March 1889. He close
this English city to be his new home for three reason:

a. to improve his knowledge of English language

b. to study the annotate Morga’s Sucesos de las Isla Filipinas a rare copy of which he
heard to be available in British Museum.

c. London was a safe place for him to carry on his fight against Spanish Tyranny.

He complete Morga’s book and wrote many articles for La Solidaridad in defence of
people against Spanish critic.
TRIP ACROSS THE ATLANTIC

The trans-Atlantic voyage of Rizal from New York to Liverpool was pleasant one,
becaused he won many friends of different nationalities on board the palatial City of
Rome because of his friendly in nature and linguist ability.

Rizal entertained the American and European passengers with the marvellous skills
with the YOYO as an offensive weapon, YOYO is use by Filipino children as a toy, but
he manipulated it as weapon of offense.

On board, Rizal discussed with the current and social problems of mankind, and
found them to be inadequate of Geo politics. He could not enjoy the companionship
because they were intellectually inferior to him.

Rizal arrived in Liverpool, England on May 24, 1888, and stayed one day in the port.

ARRIVE IN LONDON

On May 25, 1888 after a day in Liverpool, Rizal went to London.

He stayed at the home of Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor, an exile of 1872 and a practicing
lawyer in London.

At the end of May he found modest boarding place at 37 Chalcot cresents,

Primrosehill, he was a boarder of a Beckett family.

The Becketts were the Mr. Beckett an organist of Saint Paul church, Mrs. Beckett his
wife and three charming daughters’, the oldest was Gertrude, called Gettie by Rizal.

The Beckett home was to Rizal was conveniently located. It was near the public parks
and was within easy walking distance to the British Museum where he expected to do
much research.

Rizal came to know Dr. Reinhold Rost, the librarian of the ministry of the Foreign
Affairs and an authority in Malayan languages and custom.

Dr. Rost was impressed by Rizal’s learning and character; and he gladly recommended
him to the authorities of the British Museum and he called Rizal ”a pearl of a
man”(una perla de humbre).

Rizal spent much his time in the British Museum poring over pages of Morga’s
Sucesos and other rare historical works on the Philippines.

He frequently visited Dr. Regidor and discussed with him a problems pertaining to the
Philippine affairs.
He spent Sunday on the house of Dr. Rost, with whom he had much pleasant
discussion on linguistic.

He also played cricket (popular English game) and box with Dr. Rost’s sons.

NEWS FROM HOME GOOD AND BAD

Both Good and Bad news reached Rizal in London.

The bad news were injustices committed by the Spanish authorities on the Filipino
people and Rizal family. Among which are the ff.

Persecution of the Filipino patriots of Manila and the surrounding towns who signed
by petition of 1888 which was presented to Don Jose Centeno, Civil Governor of
Manila, on March 1, 1888, the petition was addressed to the Queen regent of the
Spain, requesting the expulsion of the friars, including Archbishop Payo of Manila.

The calamba agrarian trouble of 1888 which the tenant including, Rizal’s were being
persecuted by the hacienda management.

Manuel Hidalgo (husband of Saturnina) was exiled in Bohol.

Another brother in law of Rizal, Mariano Herbosa (husband of Lucia) was denied
Christian burial because of malicious Rumor that he had not confessed since his
marriage.

A friend of Rizal, Laureano Viado, a medical student at the UST was imprisoned
because a copy of Noli Me Tangere was found in his possession.

One Good was cheered Rizal, and that was Rev. Vicente Garcia defence Noli against
attacks of the friars.

He heard this Good news from Mariano Ponce, Rizal was deeply gratified by the
courteous actions of Fr. Garcia, thus in his famous letter he said:

“We young Filipinos are trying to make over our nation and must not halt in our
onward march, but from time to time turn our gaze upon our elders. We shall wish to
read in their countenance approval of our action. We are anxious to learn of the
Philippine’s past which we need to understand in order to plan intelligently for the
future. We want to know all that our ancestors, knew, and then odd our own studies
to theirs. Thus we shall progress the faster because we can go on from where they left
off.
ANNOTATING OF MORGA’S WORK

Rizal greatest achievement in London was the annotation of Dr. Morga’s famous
historical work entitled Sucesos de las Isla Filipinas (Mexico 1609)

He spent many days in the reading room of the British Museum poring over pages of
his book and laboriously studying the old histories of the Philippines, such as those
written by Fr. Chirino, Fr. Colin, Argensola, Placensia etc.

For nearly two years (1888-1889), Rizal was deeply immersed in his historical studies
in London.

During which time his compatriots in Spain were waging crusades for the Philippine
reform.

At one time, Mariano Ponce who had never yet and who was then living in Barcelona,
urge to him edit a newspaper which would defend the Filipino interest from the
scurrilous attacks of Spanish detractors. He refused Ponce’s request because he was
busy. . “Today” he wrote to Ponce on October 12, 1888, “ I am dedicated day and
night to certain studies, so that I do not want to edit any newspaper.”

SHORT VISIT TO PARIS AND SPAIN

Early in September, 1888, he visited Paris for a week, in order to search for more
historical materials in the Bibliotheque Nationale.

He was entertained in this gay French metropolis by Juan Luna and his wife who
proudly showed him their little son Andres (luling), and after the pouring the old books
and manuscript the returned to London.

On December 11, 1888, he went to Spain visiting Madrid and Barcelona. He contacted
his compatriot and surveyed the political situation with regards to the agitation for
Philippine reform.

For the first time he me MH del Pilar and Mariano Ponce two Titans of the propaganda
movement.

He exchanges the ideas with the new friends and promise to cooperate in the fight for
reform.
CHRISTMAS IN LONDON

Rizal returned to London on December 13, and spent Christmas and New Year’s with
the Beckett.

He experienced the delightful Christmas Eve his first on English soil.

That night he wrote “it is now Noche Buena” it is a holiday, I like the best to celebrate.

ROMANCE WITH GERTRUDE BECKETT

Rizal had a romantic interlude with the oldest of the three Beckett sister’s Gertude,
Gettie, as she was called by her was a buxom English girl with brown hair, blue eyes
and pink cheeks.

She was attracted to the brown skinned doctor undoubtedly she was in Love with him.

A picnic stories

In rainy day Rizal stayed at home, she help him mixed his colors for painting or
assisted in preparing the clay for sculpturing.

Being a normal man, found a great delight in Gertrude’s companionship. He was

verge of love himself; but of loyalty to Leonor Rivera, he could not reciprocate the
English girl affection.

It was this romantic affair drove Rizal to Paris in 1888, leaving London because he
could not marry Gertrude.

WRITING IN LONDON

Aside from annotating Morga’s work, Rizal wrote many things about London, including
article or La Solidaredad.

Informed by Fr. Rodriguez attack on his Noli, in a series of leaflets under the general
tittle Cuestiones de Sumo interest, Rizal wrote a pamphlet entitled La vision del Fray
Rodriguez (Barcelona 1888) under his pseudo name Dimas Alang.

In La vision Del Fray Rodriguez demonstrated two things.

a. His profound knowledge of religion

b. His biting satire

in London, Rizal wrote a famous letter to the young woman of Malolos (Feb 1888)in
tagalog.

He penned it, upon the rquest of MH Del Pilar to praise the young ladies of Malolos girl
their courage to establish a school where they could learn Spanish despite the
opposition of Fr. Felipe Garcia, Spanish priest of Malolos.

The points of the letter were.

a. The Filipino mother should teach her children love of god, fatherland and
mankind.

b. Filipino mother should be glad, like Spartan mother, to offer her son in the defense
of the father land.

c. Filipino woman should know how to preserve he dignity and honor.

d. Filipino woman should educate herself aside from retaining her good racial virtues.

e. Faith is not merely reciting long prayer and wearing religious picture, but rather it
is living the real Christian way, with good morals and good manner.

WRITINGS IN LONDON

Dr. Rosts, editor of Trubner’s Record, a journal devoted of Asian studies, requested
Rizal to contributed some article.

In response to his request, the letter prepared to article.

a. Specimen of Tagal Folklore (May 1889)

b. Two eastern Fables (June 1889) this is a comparative study of the Philippine and
Japanese Folklore.

It attracted the attention of Dr. H. Kern, a Dutch orientalist, who mentioned it on his
paper read before the international congress of Orientalist held in Stockholm in the
same year. (1889)

RIZAL AND LA SOLIDARIDAD

On January 12, 1889, while Rizal was in London, the Filipino patriot and their
Spanish friends in Madrid founded a society called Asociacion Hispano-Filipina, for
the purpose of the working the needed reform which were they aims for which the
propaganda Movement was being waged.
President: Don Miguel Morayta-Spanish statesman, professor and historian

VP.Gen. Felipe de las Cortes

Secretary: Dr. Dominador Gomez (Ramiro Franco)

The need for an organ of the propaganda to combat the calumnies written by
Spanish detractor.

Mariano Ponce invited Rizal to join the said organ but he decline because he is busy
annotating the work of Dr. Morga.

Lopez Jaena, who was not a busy, founded La Solidaridad on February 15, 1889 and
became the organ of the propaganda.

MH del Pilar wrote to Rizal; “editor Garciano edit a reports, correct proofs. Direct
painting distributed the copies and even takes them to the mail; and manager Maning
(Mariano Ponce) collect data, edit, correct proofs, write the leads prepare
correspondence and also distribute the copies.

Rizal congratulated G Lopez-Jaena and his assocites in founding a propaganda

Movement

As a proofs as his approval and cooperation, he became active contributors to La

Solidaridad, using the two pen names Dimas Alang and Laong Laan.

ADIOS TO LONDON

He carved several fine sculptural works.

a. Prometheus bound

b. The triumphs of death over life

c. The triumphs of science over death

d. Composite carving of three Beckett sisters

in the middle of March 1889, Rizal departed for Paris he was a sad to crossed the
English channel for he had many beautiful memories.
CHAPTER 16 IN GAY PARIS, 1889-90

“The truth is that Paris is not the Perfect city imagined by many Parisiennes”

In the spring of 1889, Paris is bursting with gayety and excitement because of the
international exposition.

Thousands of visitors from all corner of the world crowded every hotel, inn the
boarding houses.

Rooms for rent were rarity, and even everywhere in metropolis the hotel rates and
house rents were roaring sky-high.

Indeed Rizal was caught in Parisian life.

DIFFICULTY IN FINDING LIVING QUARTER

In March, 1889, it was extremely difficult for visitors in find living quarter in Paris.

The international exposition attracted thousands of tourists so that all hotel

accommodation was taken.

To9 the great disgust of Rizal. The cost of living spiralled high because the French
landlords took advantages to the event.

For a short period of time, Rizal lived in the house of his friend Valetin Ventura, at no.
45 Rue Maubeuge, where he had polished his annotated Morga’s work.

He transferred his residence several time, moving from one hotel to another and from
one boarding to another.

Finally he lived with the two Filipino’s in a little room,-Capitan Justo Trinidad former
Governadorcillo of Sta. Ana Manila and a refugee of Spanish tyranny and Jose Albert,
a young student from Manila.

In his spare time, Rizal use to dine at the homes of his friend such as the Pardo de
Taveras, the Venturas, the Ramirezes and Rochas, etc.

He was good friend of three Pardo de Taveras- Dr. Trinidad Pardo de Taveras-
physician by vocation and philologist by avocation. Dr. Felix Pardo de Taveras also a
physician in vocation an artist, and sculptor by avocation and Paz Pardo de Taveras
wife of Juan Luna.

These Pardo de Taveras were children of Don Juaquin Pardo de Taveras, an exile of
1872 who escaped from Marianas and lived in France.

Accgd. To Dr. Felix, Rizal is “very fond of Philippine dishes.

Rizal was also frequent visitor of the Bousted family at no. 3 Rue de Bassin.

Mr. Edward Boustead was born in the Philippine, the son of the rich French
businessman of Singapore, and had married a daughter of a prominent Geneto family
of manila.

Because of his happy sojourn in manila and his charming Filipina wife, he welcomed
all Filipinos at his home in Paris and his villa in Biarritz (France).

He had two daughter Nelly (Nellie) and Adelina.

In Paris Rizal continued his study of languages, he perfected French, thus he speak
and write like Frenchmen.

He was able to prepare a volume of French exercises as a textbook for a student of

French language.

He attended together with Trinidad on Lectures on Oriental languages in the

University of Paris.

On Sundays, he attended fencing lesson at the studio of Juan Luna which was a good
French fencing.

He fenced with Luna brother (Juan and Antonio), Valentin Ventura and the Boutead
sisters.

Nelly was good fencer and Rizal enjoyed crossing foils with her.

Moreover, he carried artistic hobby, he made two statues- “the beggar” and the maid
with the Basket” which he sent to Blumentritt together with artistic wallet (petaca)
made of Philippine vine (nito)

THE KIDLAT CLUB

Towards the end of March 1889, shortly after his arrival in Paris, Rizal organized his
paisanos into society called Kidlat Club.

Among the members were.

 Antonio and Juan Luna

 Lauro Dimayuga
 Baldomero Roxas
 Gregorio Aguilera
 Fernando Canon
 Gregorio Pautu
 Julio Lorente
The Kidlat club was purely a social club of temporary in nature.

It was founded by Rizal to bring together the young Filipinos in the French capital so
that they could enjoy their sojourn in the city during the international Exposition.

He wrote to Blumentritt “ Kidlat in tagalog means lightning” and same reason this club
will live only during the exposition.

INDIOS BRAVOS

Rizal and the member of the Kidlat club usually went sightseeing at the exposition
grounds in one group, Rizal who speak French acted as their interpreter.

In one of their sightseeing, they saw Buffalo bill’s troupe and were impressed by the
American, Indian, wearing war pants and feathers, proudly riding their horses like
centaurs.

The tall, dignified, proud, and powerfully built Indians ignited Rizal’s imagination.

He told he friend “why should we resent being called Indios by the Spaniards, look at
the American Indians. They were ashamed of their race. Let us be the Spaniards revise
the conception of the term. We shall become Indios Bravos!”

Thus, a new society of Filipino- Indios Bravos-was born in Paris.

It replaced the Kidlat club.

The members Aguilera, Dimayuga , Pautu, Canon, Antonio and Juan Luna, Lorente
and Roxas- pledge to excel in intellectual and physical prowess in order to win the
administration of the Spaniards.

They practice with greater energy the use to swords and pistol.

Rizal taught them jiujitsu, the Japanese art of self-defence, which he learned in Japan.

ANNOTATED OF MORGA PUBLISHED

Rizal outstanding achievement in Paris in January, 1890 was publication of his

annotated edition of Morga’s Sucesos which he wrote in the British Museum.

It was painted by Granier Fereres- hi dedicated this historical work “TOP THE
FILIPINOS” and the prologue was written by professor Blumentritt, upon request of
Rizal.

In his prologue, Blumentritt commented Rizal for his fine historical scholarship.
However, he frankly censured Rizal for two things which revealed Rizal’s error, namely:

 Rizal commits the error of many historians in appraising the events of the past
in the light of present standard.
 Rizal’s attack the church were unfair and unjustified because the abuses of the
friars should not be construed to mean that Catholicism is Bad.

Notwithstanding of two blemishes of Rizal’s work, it is by far and large, a splendid

piece of historiography.

Rizal annotated and published Morga’s Sucesos because it is the best of many
histories of the Philippine written by the early Spanish writers, being accurate in the
narration of events, unbiased in judgment, and unmarred by childish fantasies.

In this historical works, Rizal proved that the Filipino were already civilized before the
advent of Spain.
They had clothes, government, law, writing, literature, religion, art, science and
commerce with neighbouring Asian nations.

Thus, Rizal blasted the historical heresies of the Spanish writers who claimed that the
early Filipinos were savages and was a low mentality.

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FILIPINOLOGIST

Taking advantage of world attention which was then focused at the international
Exposition of 1889 in Paris, Rizal proposed to established an “international
association of Filipinologist” and have it inaugural convention in the French capital.

He first broached mentioned hi idea to Blumentritt in a letter dated January 14, 1889,
and the latter gladly supported him.

The association aims to study the Philippines from scientific and historical point of
view.

OFFICER

President- Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt (Austrian)

V. President- Mr. Edmund Plauchut (French)

Couselor- Dr. Reinhold Rost (Anglo-German)

Couselor- Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor (Filipino-Spanish)

Secretary- Dr. Jose Rizal (Filipino)

Rizal scheduled the holding of the inaugural convention of the IAF in Parish in August
1889. He invited renowned scholars in Europe and prepared agenda for the said
inaugural, but the convention did not materialized because the French government
discourage the holding of conference by the private organizations during the period of
the international exposition.

FILIPINO COLLEGE FOR HONG KONG

Another magnificent project of Rizal in Paris which also fizzled out was his plan to
establish a modern college in Hong Kong.

He wrote to his friend, Jose Ma. Basa about to this matter. Accdg. To Rizal, this college
aims “to train and educate men of good family and financial means in accordance with
the demand of modern time and circumstances”

A rich Filipino family in Paris, Mr. Cunanan, promised to help him raise 40,000 pesos
as initial capital for the college.

However, this project was not materialized.

POR TELEPONO
Rizal wrote again satirical work entitled Por Telepono on 1889 as a reply to another
slander work of Fr. Salvador Font, who also masterminded the banning of his Noli.

Por Telepono was published in booklet form in Barcelona 1889. Rizal received the
printed copies from Mariano Ponce, as revealed by his letter to the latter, dated Paris,
August 13, 1889.

This satirical pamphlet under the authorship of “Dimas Alang” is a witty satire which
ridicules Fr. Font.

It describes in comical vein Fr. Font and a friar in San Agustin in Convent Manila.

Incidentally Por Telepono demonstrates not only Rizal’s sparkling wit, but also his
prophetic insights.

It is amazing how he foreseen this phenomenon which we enjoy now.

RIZAL AND THE BOUTEAD SISTERS

Rizal had another romantic affair in Paris.

This time it was Adelina Bousted the younger sister of Nellie.

He grew fond of her instead of the athletic Nellie, because he was quiet, dignified and
refined on the other hand, Antonio Luna is so much in love to Nelly.

Both Rizal and Luna were frequent visitors at the Bousted home in Paris.

Nelly was attracted by the talented Rizal, with who she was infatuated.

Rizal, however, loved Adelina. Luna as madly in love with Nelly, but Nelly did not
reciprocate his affection.

Luna became jealous of Rizal because Nelly was apparently in love with him (Rizal).

He rashly thought that his friend Rizal was alienating Nelly affection for him.

To preserve their friendship, Rizal had to tell Luna that he had no amorous interest on
Nelly. As a matter of fact he tried his best to promote Luna’s suit, but it was hopeless
because Nelly did not love the passionate Ilocano.

On November 16, 1889-Luna wrote to Rizal, announcing his trip to Barcelona to seek
a duel with Mr. Deas, Spanish newspaperman who was writing article against the
Filipinos.

Later, in 1889, when Rizal grieving over Leonor Rivera’s coming marriage to an
Englishman. Mr. Hendry C Kipping, he visited the bousted family in Biarritz to
propose marriage to Adelina

Fortunately or unfortunately his marriage proposal did not prosper for three reasons:

 Adelina was not sure he loved her because of his broken engagement with
Leonor Rivera.
 Rizal refused top accept the condition that he became the protestant like her.
 Adelina’s mother opposed the match because Rizal was not rich enough to
support a family in style.

Despite the failure of his marital plan, Rizal remained a fiend of the bousted family. He
was welcomed guest at villa Eliada, the bousted villa in Biarritz.

CHRISTMAS IN PARIS

December 25, 1889- Rizal and Jose Albert prepared a Christmas dinner with fried
chicken, rice and vegetables.
This dinner proved to be Rizal’s last Christmas dinner in Paris.

Shortly after New York, Rizal made brief visit London.

To compared hid printed annotated edition of Morga’s Sucesos with original copies in
British Museum

To visit Gertrude Beckett for the last time

By the middle of January, 1889, he was back in Paris and complained about a terrible
headache, at that time influenza epidemic is ravaging Europe, fortunately he was not
stricken with flu.

CHAPTER 17- RIZAL IN BRUSSELS, 1890

Now must I ponder deep, Meditate, and struggle on; E’en sometimes I must weep; for
he was loved would keep great pain has undergone.

On January 28, 1890, Rizal left Paris for Brussels, capital of Belgium. There are two
reasons why he leaved Paris, there are:

 The cost of living in the Paris was very high because of international exposition,
 They gay social life of the city hampered his literary work specially the writing
of his second novel El Filibusterismo.

His friend MH del Pilar and Valentin Ventura taught that he will left because was
running away from a girl as what happen when he left London.

When he told them that the reason for his leaving Paris was because his money was
dwindling, Ventura generously invited him to live with him in Paris without paying
rent.

He could not accept the invitation of Ventura, for he had a high sense of dignity and
would not accept charity in any man.

LIFE IN BRUSSELS

Rizal was accompanied by Jose Albert when he moved to Brussels

They lived in the modest boarding house on 38 Rue Philipe Champagne which was run
by Jacoby sisters.

Later Jose Albert lived the city and was replaced by Jose Alejandrino, an engineering
student.

In Brussels, Rizal was busy writing his second novel El Fili, the continuation of Noli.
Aside from writing its chapter, he wrote articles for La Solidaridad and letters to his
family and friends.

He also spent many hours in a medical clinic because he was a physician.

For recreation, he had gymnastic at the gymnasium and practice target and fencing in
the armory, thus he wrote to Antonio Luna

“I go to the clinic, I read, I write, I go to the gymnasium and to the armory” Speaking of
his frugality, Jose Alejandrino, his roommate in Brussels said “in Brussels we took our
meal in a house and Rizal one occasion suggested that we eat pancit. We are spending
so much day a purchase the necessary ingredients, but Rizal miscalculated the value
of ingredients, thus they eat pancit for two days.

RIZAL’S ARTICLE IN LA SOLIDARIDAD

1. La Verdad Para Todos (the truth for all)- issue of May 31, 1889. First article of
Rizal written for LS
2. “Versades Nuevas” (New truth), July 31, 1889
3. Una Profanancio (A Profanation), July 31, 1889- a bitting against the friars for
refusing the bury Mariano Herbosa in the catholic cemetery.
4. Diferecias (Differnces)- sept. 15, 1889
5. Filipinas dentro de Cein Anos (the Philippine A century hence), published
serially on September 30, October31, December 15, 1889 and February 1,
1890- it contains a prophecy that someday Filipinos will rise in revolution
against Spain and win the Independence, but later the Philippines shall come
under the rule of the US
6. Ingratitude’s (ingratitudes)- January 15, 1890- a reply to the GG Weyler who,
while visiting Laguna Province in company with the Dominicans, said that the
people “should not let themselves be deceived by the vain promises of
ungrateful sons”
7. Sin Nombre (Without name)- Feb. 28, 1890.
8. Sobre La Nueva Orthografia de la Lengua Tagala (On the new Orthography of
the tagalog language)- April 15, 1890- Rizal advocates the use of the new
spelling tagalog
9. Cosas de Filipinas (things about Philippines) April 30, 1890.
10. Sobre La Indolencia de los Filipinos (on the indolence of the Filipinos), July 15-
Sept.15,1890- a brilliant essay in defence of Filipino Indolence
RIZAL CRITICIZES MADRIS FILIPINOS FOR GAMBLING

In Brussels Rizal received news From Juan Luna and Valentin Ventura that the
Filipino in Spain was destroying the good name of their nation by gambling too much.

This two compatriots urge him to do something

Accdgly., Rizal wrote to MH del Pilar on May 28, 1890 to remind Filipinos in Madrid
that they did not come to Europe to gamble, but they work for their fatherland’s
freedom.

The gambling Filipinos were angry when they learned of Rizal moralizing, thereafter
they called Rizal “papa” instead of Pepe

BAD NEWS FROM HOME

Letter from home which received in Brussels worried him, because the calamba
Agrarian trouble was getting worse.

The management of the Dominican hacienda continually raised the land rent until
such time that Don Francisco Rizal (father) refused to pay his rents. Other tenant
inspired by Don Francisco’s courage, refused also to pay their rent.

The Dominican order filed suit in court to dispossess the Rizal family of their land in
Calamba.

Meanwhile the tenant including Rizal family were persecuted and ejected from their
land

Paciano, Antonio Lopez (Narcissa). Sivestre Ubaldo (Olympia) were deported to

Mindoro

Another brother in law Manuel Hidalgo was banished for second time in Bohol.

The sad news from home depressed Rizal. His heart bled to know the sorrowful plight
of his parent, brother in Laws, thus he wrote to Soledad on June 6, 1890.

PRESENTATION OF DEATH

In his moment of despair Rizal had a bad dream during the night in Brussels when he
was restless because he was always thinking of his unhappy family in Calamba.

Although he was not a superstitious, he feared that he would not live long. He was not
afraid to die, but he wanted to finish his second novel before he went to his grave.
PREPERATION TO GO HOME

In the face of sufferings which affected his family, Rizal decided to go home.

He could not stay in Brussels writing a book while his parent, relatives and friends in
distant Philippine were in despair.

Hearing that Garciano Lopez Jaena was planning go to Cuba. He wrote Ponce dated
July 9, 1890, opposing plan of Jaena.

He said that Garciano should not go to Cuba to die with yellow fever, instead he
“ought to go to the Philippines to allow himself to be killed in defence of his ideals”

And Rizal ways “ we have only once to die and if we do not die well, we lose on
opportunity which will not again present to us”

Another letter to Ponce dated July 18, 1890 he expressed his determination to go
home.

All his friends warned him the danger awaited him at home.

ON MADRID INSTEAD OF HOME

Rizal did not heed the warning of his friends; no threat of danger could change his
plan.

Something however happened changes his mind and that was the letter to Paciano
that they lost the case against the Dominican in Manila, but they appealed in the
supreme court of Spain. Hence lawyer is needed to handle it in Madrid.

Rizal wrote to MH del Pilar on June 20, 1890 retaining that he will go to Madrid in
order to supervised the case.

ROMANCE WITH SUZANNE JACOBY

Niece of his landlady

Lonely in a foreign land he was deeply in love in a Belgian girl and because he missed
Leonor Rivera that much.

He might have flirted with Suzanne Jacoby, but he could not stop low deceptive
amorous relationship. Although Rizal was in faraway Madrid, Suzanne could not
forget him, she wrote him in French.
CHAPTER 18 – IN MADRID, 1890-1891

“Madrid is one of the most pleasant cities of the world; it partakes of the same time of
the spirit of Europe and of the Orient.

FAILURE TO GET JUSTICE TO HIS FAMILY

Upon arrival in Madrid (August, 1890), Rizal immediately sought for the help of the
Filipino colony, the Asociacion Hispano-Filipina and the liberal newspaper (La
Justicia, El Dia, El Globo, La Republica etc.) in securing justice for the oppressed
Calamba tenant including his family.

Together with him are MH del Pilar (acted as his lawyer), Dr. Dominador Gomez
(secretary of AHF), he called on the minister of colonies (Sr. Fabie) in order to protest
the injustice committed by GG Valeriano Weyler and the Dominican against the
Calamba Folk.

But sad to say nothing came out in his interview with minister Fabie, as El Resumen,
a Madrid newspaper which sympathized with the Filipino cause, said “to cover the
ears, open the purse, and fold the arms – this is the Spanish colony policy.

More terrible news reached Rizal in Madrid as he was waging futile fight for Justice.

From his Brother in law Silvestre Ubaldo, he received a copy of the ejection order by
the Dominican against Don Francisco and other Calamba tenants.

From his sister Saturnina, he learned the deportation of Paciano, Antonio, Silvestre,
Teong(Mateo Elojerde), and Dandoy (relative) to Mindoro, these unfortunate deportees
were arrested in Calamba and were shipped out of Manila on September 6, 1890.

He further learned from Saturnina that their parents had been forcibly ejected from
their home and were then living in the house of Narcissa.

In his desperation, Rizal sought the aid of liberal Spanish Statesman, who was former
member of the ministry, such as Bacerra and Maura etc. again he was disappointed
because they just gave him honeyed swords of sympathy and nothing else.

Blumintriit upon hearing of his friend plight, urge him to the Queen Regent Maria
Cristina (ruler of the Spain during the minority of the Alfonso XIII), but he could see
the Queen? He had neither powerful friend to bring him into the Queen’s presence nor
gold to grease the palm of the influential countries.

DUEL WITH JUAN LUNA

Toward the end of August, 1890, Rizal attended a social reunion of the Filipinos in
Madrid.
As a customary in this weekly reunion of the pasianos wine was served

After drinking the guest became more loquacious and the conversation flow freely.
One of them was Antonio Luna who had become drunk.

At that time, Luna was bitter because of his frustrated romance with Nelly Boustead.
Deep in his hearts blaming Rizal for his failure to win her.

In a fit jealousy, which his alcohol be fogged mind could not control; Luna uttered
certain unsavoury remarks about Nelly.

Rizal heard him, his high sense of chivalry could not tolerate any slur against the
honor of any woman.

Angered of his slanderous remarks, he challenged Luna, his friend in a duel.

Rizal was a better pistol shot than Luna, but Luna was a superior as a swordsman.

Luna as a challenged part, had a choices of weapons

The Filipinos were shockedt by the incident. They tried to pacify Rizal and Luna
pointing out to both that such a duel would damage their cause in Spain.

Fortunately, Luna, when he became sober, realized that he had made a pool of himself
during his drunken state.

He apologize his bad remarks about the girl, and Rizal immediately accepted his
apology and the two became good friends again.

RIZAL CHALLENGED RETANA TO DUEL

Retana, a Spanish scholar, was then a press agent of the friars of Spain. He used to
attack the Filipinos including Rizal in his various newspapers in Madrid and the other
cities of Spain.

One day he imprudently wrote an article in La Ecopa, an Anti-Filipino newspaper

asserting the realities and friend of Rizal that they had not paid their rent so they were
ejected from their lands.

Such as an insult stirred Rizal action; he challenged him in a duel.”only Retana’s

blood or his apology could vindicate the game name of Rizal’s relative and friends”

Because he believed that discretion is the better part of valour and more to save his
own skin, Retana at once published a retraction and an apology in the newspaper.

The incident silenced Retana’s pen against and developed a great a administration for
Rizal.
RIZAL’S EULOGY TO JOSE PANGANIBAN

Jose Panganiban was a member of Propaganda Movement and died because his illness

He is from Bikol

INFIDELITY OF LEONOR RIVERA

In the autumn of 1890, Rizal was so feeling bitter at so many disappointments he

encountered in Madrid.

One night he and some of his friend attended to play Teatro Apollo, and there, he lost
his gold watch chain with a locket containing picture of Leonor Rivera his beloved
sweetheart.

The loss of the locket proved to be a bad omen because early of December, Rizal
received a letter from Leonor Rivera announcing her coming marriage to an
Englishman and asking for his forgiveness.

He was stunned, his eyes dimmed with tears and his heart broke.

Several agonizing weeks passed before he could confide his best friend Blumentritt.

RIZAL DEL PILAR RIVALRY

Toward the closing day of 1890 there arose an unfortunate rivalry between Rizal and
Del Pilar for the supremacy.

Rizal, the most talented Filipino in his time, was then the leader of the Filipinos in
Europe.

However, his influenced declined because he had no patience with his more frivolous
paisanos especially those who loved woman.

On New Year day, 1891, the Filipinos in Madrid met the reorganization the AHF and
elect new leader who could act as a spokesman of the Filipinos in Europe.

The Filipino were divide into two camps- Rizalistas and the Pilaristas.

Feeling run high during the balloting, On the first balloting, either the candidate failed
to garner the necessary 2/3 votes for election.

A second vote was taken the next day with the same result.
Rizal counted a vote in his favour which were nineteen.

There upon he said “Good” I see that I have a nineteen friends in the colony, farewell
senores, I am going to pack my bags- until we meet again “he took his hat and walk
away.

His compatriots, fearing that he meant what he said, at once elected him. Mariano
Ponce, Antonio Luna, Teodoro Sandiko, and other Pilaristas changed their vote in
favour of Rizal.

But it was too late; Rizal really meant what he said. His present in Madrid only served
to split the Filipinos, hence he though it better of the cause to depart and leaved Del
Pilar without rival.