Rizal In America.docx

RIZAL’S TRIP IN AMERICA (1888) “I visited the cities of America, with their grandiose edifices, their electric lights, and their great conceptions. America is, undoubtedly a great country, but it still has many defects.” -Jose Rizal Arrival in San Francisco      

Aboard the steam ship Belgic, Rizal landed in San Francisco, USA on April 28,1888 However, at that moment, his arrival in America wasn’t too welcoming especially to the Chinese. American Health Authorities placed the ship under quarantine. All the passengers from the ship were not allowed to land because the ship came from the Far East where cholera epidemic was alleged to be raging. Rizal was surprised and protested along with the other passengers because they knew that there is no outbreak of the disease in the Far East. Around 800 Chinese collies (unskilled oriental laborer) boarded the ship. The reason for placing the ship under quarantine was motivated by politics.

Rizal in San Francisco 

Now that he was free to go, he booked his spot in a grand hotel called Palace Hotel for $4.00!!

Across the American Continent    

Oakland Sacramento Reno, Nevada Utah

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Colorado Nebraska Missouri River Chicago

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Albany New York

Rizal’s Good Perceptions on America 1. Economic progress and development of the country as shown in the flourishing industries, great cities, huge farms, and busy factories. 2. The natural beauty of the land 3. The high standard of living 4. The great opportunity offered for poor immigrants Rizal’s Bad Impression on America 1. There is no true civil liberty. In some states, a Negro can’t marry a white woman and vice versa 2. The existence of racial prejudice/lack of racial equality as shown in their hatred against Chinese, Japanese and Negros. 3. Valuing of money over human life. America for Rizal “The land par excellence of freedom but only for the whites.” – Jose Rizal