Excerpts From Rizal's Letters (i).pdf

Manifiesto A Algunos Filipinos (excerpts) José Rizal Real Fuerza de Santiago 15 December 1896

“Upon my return from Spain I learned that my name was being used as a rallying cry by some who had taken up arms…if so, wishing to put a stop to this abuse.” “From the very beginning, when I first received information of what was being planned, I opposed it, I fought against it, and I made clear that it was absolutely impossible.” “When later on, in spite of my urgings, the uprising broke out, I came forward voluntarily to offer not only my services but my life and even my good name in order that they may use me in any manner they may think opportune to smother the rebellion.” “this ridiculous and barbarous uprising.” “I have given many proofs that I desire as much as the next man liberties for our country; I continue to desire them. But I laid down as a prerequisite the education of the people in order that by means of such instruction, and by hard work, they may acquire a personality of their own and so become worthy of such liberties.”

Advocate Judge Nicolas Dela Peña’s recommendation to suppress the publication of the Manifesto:

“The manifesto can be summarized in these words: Faced with a clear prospect of defeat, my fellow countrymen, lay down your arms; later on, I will lead you to the promised land.”

J. Rizal to F. Blumentritt 26 January 1887 “A peaceful struggle shall always be a dream, for Spain will never learn the lesson of her South American colonies. Spain cannot learn what England and the United States have learned. But, under the present circumstances, we do not want separation from Spain. All that we ask is greater attention, better education, better government [officials], one or two representatives [in parliament], and greater security for persons and our properties. Spain could always win the appreciation of Filipinos if she were only reasonable.”

J. Rizal to F. Blumentritt 21 February 1887

“The Filipinos had long wished for Hispanization and they were wrong in aspiring for it. It is Spain and not the Philippines who ought to wish for the assimilation of the country.”

J. Rizal to F. Blumentritt 19 June 1887 “I assure you that I have no desire to take part in conspiracies which seem to me very premature and risky. But if the government drives us to the brink, that is to say, when no other hope remains but seek our destruction in war, when the Filipinos would prefer to die rather than endure their misery any longer, then I will also become a partisan of violent means. The choice of peace or destruction is in the hands of Spain, because it is a clear fact, known to all that we are patient, excessively patient and peaceful, mild, unfeeling, etc. But everything ends in this life, there is nothing eternal in the world and that refers also to our patience.”

Fragments of J. Rizal’s Letters in Europe (Sgd. as Laong Laan) October 1891(?) • “If our countrymen are counting on us here in Europe, they are very much mistaken…The battlefield is the Philippines: There is where we should meet…there we will help one another, there together we will suffer or triumph perhaps. The majority of our compatriots in Europe are afraid, they flee from the fire, and they are brave only so long as they are in a peaceful country! The Philippines should not count on them; she should depend on her own strength.”