LESSON 5 Rizal Left for Spain Impelled by his desire to learn to perfect himself and to become more useful to his people, Rizal left home and country and went to Europe in order to educate himself. “He was not moved by the wish to have a good time and enjoy life’, wrote Dr. Trinidad H. Pardo de Tavera. Secret Departure. Rizal's departure for Spain was kept in utmost secrecy; even his parents and sisters were not informed about it until his ship has lifted its anchor. He left Calamba by carromata in the early morning of May 1, 1882 and reached Manila after ten hours of travel. His travel passport, issued in the name of “Jose Mercado” was ready On May third he woke up early, heard mass at Sto. Domingo Church in Intramuros and then proceeded to the Pasig River to board his boat. Those who saw him off were his bi Paciano who gave him some money, Saturnina a diamond ring, uncle Antonio, and a few close fmends. He carned with him good recommendations from the Ateneo authorities te the Jesuit fathers in Barcelona. Rizal was almost twenty-one years old on the day he left. At his tender age, he was deeply touched at the moment of his parting from his family, friends, and loved ones Tears welled from his eyes and as the 5.5. *“Salvadora”™ sailed further away from Manila, he wrote in his diary. “My Country, my love, my people, | leave you now, you disappear. | lose sight of you.”Life, Works and tdeals To Bingapore. As the ship sailed for Singapore, Rizal could not help ¢ comparing the persons and the things around him, so that he would no longer feel the pain of being separated rom his beloved parents and country, he took Paper and Pencil and made some sketches. His fellow-passengers were foreign travelers and a few Spanish traders, students and laborers returning to Spain. He wrote in his diary, “Almost al} of those men,” speaking of Spanish Passengers, “spoke ill of the country to which they had gone for pecuniary reasons.” At the end of'one week sailing, the Singapore. Rizal was so impressed by i ind beautiful scenery. In his two days s he visited some historic places, the galleries and parks and write on his Salvadora reached ‘top-over in Singapore, botanical garden, art iary. From Singapore. ship, which was bigge was » Rizal boarder the T and better than { riling to Europe, Most of the speaking nationals. He spoke French with gesticulation to some passengers to be understood. The streamer made stops at Point de Galle, Colombo, Suez, Naples and Marseilles, Naples an Italian City impressed him because of its business activity, its gay and lively people indicative of life and energy and its lovely panoramic Scenery, Djemnah, a French he Salvador, which Passengers were French — Marseil les was a Part of his ¢ train fo exciting experiences. He took th, Barcelone arriving there on June 16, 1882. In Barcelona. Barcelona isa City of ¢, . : : a . a Spain second largest city. His impression of th talina, Spai i : © city was quite @ place where om ie merase fF e enjoyed by ita people ; celona, he met some of p: ; zi While in Barcelone ‘a Schoolmates at the Ateneo who gave a Sait welcome, They even invited him to take a walk on the park and visitor historical spots. He amused at the famous street, a Rami sere blas, in Barcelon@ waRizal Let for Spain 37 Rizal spent his time writing letters to his family, relatives and friends. He also wrote a nationalistic articles “Love of Country” (Amor Patria) and “Travels” (Los Viajes), were specially written for the Diariong Tagalog of Manila. “Love of Country” was well-liked by his countrymen for in it, Rizal hold fast to his idea that the Philippines (not Spain) was the Filipino’s own country. Rizal in Madrid. In September, 1882, Rizal transferred to the Spanish Capital in order to continue his medical studies. In the famous Central University of Madrid, he enrolled in two courses — in Medicine and in Philosophy and Letters. Aside from his hectic academic schedule in the university, his other activities included taking lessons in painting and sculpture at the Academy of San Fernando, hearing lectures sponsored by the university, attending classes in French and German, practicing fencing and shooting at the Hall of Arms of Sanz y Carbonell. He attended operas and concerts to enhance knowledge and taste of fine music, visited art galleries and museums and read a variety of books to broaden his cultural background and perspective. From Madrid, he wrote his father on October 28, 1883, in which Rizal stated: “I remember having told you in my former letter that from eight o’clock in the morning until eight fifteen at night, I have classes except for half an hour which luse for lunch, that is, from two thirty to three in the afternoon; the gymnasium is doing me good.” In the Spanish capital, Rizal met and associated with other Filipino students who formed the Spanish-Filipino Circle. He also wrote articles for its magazine. The members of the association requested Rizal to write apoem and this was entitled Me Piden Versos. The translation from Spanish to English was by Charles E. Derbyshire.eee 38 Li, Wes and ‘THEY ASK ME FOR VERSES You bid me now to strike the lyre, That mute and tom So long, has lain; And yet I cannot wake the strain, Nor will the Muse one note inspire! Coldly, it shakes in accents dire, As if my soul itself to wring, ‘And when its sound seems but to fling, A jest at its own low lament; So in sad isolation pent, My soul can neither feel nor sing There was a time — ah, ‘tis too true — But that time long ago has past — When upon me the Muse had cast Indulgent smile and friendship’s due: But of that age now all too few , ‘The thoughts that with me yet will stay; S of festive play Aa _ Rizal Let for Spain 39 While yet in childhood’s happy day, learn upon its sun to smile, And in my breast there seems the while Seething volcanic fires to play, A bard I was, my wish always To call upon the fleeting wind, “Go forth, and spread around its flame, From zone to zone with glad acclaim And earth to heaven together bind!” But it I left, and now no more — Like a tree that is broken and sere — My natal gods bring tht echo clear’ Of songs that in past times they bore; Wide seas I cross’d to foreign shore ‘With hope of change and other fate My folly was made clear too late, For in the place of good I sought ‘The seas reveal’d unto naught, But made death’s spectre on me wait, All these fond fancies that were mine, All love, all feeling, all emprise, Were left beneath the sunny skies; Which o’er that flowery region shine, So press no more that plea of thine, For songs of love from out a heart That coldly lies a thing apart; Since now with tortur’d soul I have Unresting o’er the desert waste, And lifeless gone is all the art. These young Filipinos used to meet and gather at the home of Don Pablo Ortega y Rey, former Mayor of Manila, during Governor Carlos dela Torre’s regime. Rizal used to visit the home of Don Pablo Ortega y Rey on Saturday evenings and with other Filipino students, playedRizal: Life, Works and Ideals certain games for amusement and laughed, and with his two daughters, Consuelo and Pilar. The spark of love smile ie Rizal’s heart by Consuelo’s refined manners and lovely smile was awakened. Occasionally, Rizal gave her fresh flowers which she affectionately cherished. Because of her endearing attachment to Leonor Rivera, he suppressed his emotion and did not allow the feelings he had for Consuelo. Before he left the city in the summer of 1883, he wrote a poem dedicated to Consuelo Ortega. Rizal Joined Masonry. In Spain, Rizal was exposed to liberal ideas and cultural influences postulating the maximum individual freedom’of action, especially on matters of personal belief and expression. Being young and idealistic, he was really impressed by the way Spanish masons spoke on progressive ideas and values befitting a freedom. It is believed that he joined Masonry for two inferential reasons.: e.g. (1) the abuse committed by friars against the Filipino people, and (2) the possible help the Masons could extend as a protective shield to use in his fight against evil forces of the tyranny and exploitation. He became a Master Mason in Lodge Solidaridad on November 15, 1890, and from then on, he ceased going to church regularly. Since at early childhood the Catholic doctrine and teaching were implanted deeply in his mind, he continued to have faith in God. Rizal’s Admiration for Luna and Hidalgo. The yee" 1884 was particularly important in Phi ippine history in the field of painting because that was the year when two Indios won the attention of the Spanish art establishment for the!” two entries in the Madrigal Exposition of Fine Arts, where both Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo wo® outstanding honors for their country. Luna's painting the Spoliarium, was awarded first prize and a gold medal, whil® Hidalgo’s Christian Virgin Exposed to the Populace earned &Sitheniaes . Rizal Let for Spain 41 _ silver medal. To commemorate the triumphant event, the _ community in that city tendered a fraternal banquet and _ rousing welcome to the two honored artists at Café Ingles on _ June 25, 1884, Rizal, who was the main speaker of the occasion, made a short allusion to the Spanish friars in the Philippines as the enemies of progress. A part of his speech, he assailed with refined sarcasm the bigotry and blindness of some unworthy Spaniards in the Philippines. Rafael Palma observed that “with his speech, Rizal launched a first attack that naturally produced alarm in the Philippines. He had alluded to the powerful religious corporation of his country, _ and they would not forgive him for the insolent allusion. The speech was novel and daring. Spain had been made to believe that the Philippines was a happy Arcadia where the Indios lived contented and submissive under the aegis of the missionary; and now this young little student of medicine, this vulgar mesticillo, revealed that his country, “humanity was subjected to brute force, that reason and aspirations are _ in open fight with prejudice, fanaticism, and injustice.” Rizal finished the two courses in Medicine and in _ Philosophy and Letters. He now thought of specializing in _ opthalmology either in England or in Germany. This plan was readily concurred in by his brother Paciano. He finished his medical education in June, 1884, both was not given his degree of Licentiate until 1887 because he did not have money to pay for the diploma and the degree whenZ the school year ended in 1884 Rizal Defends Thesis for a Philosophy and Letters Degree. When he graduated from the Central University of Madrid with the degree of Philosophy and Letters on June 19, 1885, Prof. Miguel de Unamuno, the Spanish political writer and scholar who was Rizal's sponsor when he wore the gown, When the time came for Rizal to read his thesis, the examiners composed of learned men of Spain were surprised42° inl: Life, Works and Ideals error in the translation of», i ject was tht Ewa to hear that his subject the Nativity. angels’ song over Bethlehem on Rizal, in a voice that could have been distinguished - a crowd of any size, began his discussion by pointing out t, error in the translation of the angels’ message. He said: | the translation of the church, the message is given as of gox: will. According to the original Hebrew, the message shou: run “Glory to god in the highest, on earth peace and to 2 men, good will.” . Rizal discussed his subject and answered questiox directed to him by the most learned men with profouz knowledge of Madrid and Barcelona for almost one hour. Af=, the oral examinations, he came out triumphant and was hig:> praised by the professor-examiners and the savants-men ¢ profound and extensive learning in the university. Rizal completed his studies in Philosophy and Let: and was awarded the degree of Licentiate in Philosophy =* Letters by the Universidad Central de Madrid on June 1! 1885, during his 24% birthday. His sch ic grade We “Excellent” (Sobresaliente). eae 3LESSON 6 Rizal to Paris and to Germany Rizal went to Paris and Germany in order to especialize in ophthalmology, a branch of medical science dealing with the anatomy, functions, and diseases of the eye. He has special interest in this branch of medicine so that he could restore his mother’s sight. In Berlin, he met with prominent German scientists. In Paris. Rizal who was then 24 years old and a full- pledged surgeon decided to go to Paris in order to further his study and acquire adequate knowledge in ophthalmology. On the way to Paris, he first stopped at Barcelona to visit a friend, Maximo Viola, a medical student belonging to an affluent family of San Miguel, Bulacan. They planned to tour Europe together after Viola got through with his medical studies. Rizal stayed in Paris for almost four months. While in Paris, he kept busy writing his novel. He became a clinical assistant of Dr. Louis de Weckert, a noted ophthalmologist. During his free time, he visited his fellow-countrymen — Pardo de Taveras (Trinidad, Felix and Paz) and Juan Luna. The Ilocano artist later became the husband of Paz Pardo de Tavera Juan Luna painted a historical canvass, The Blood Compact in which Rizal posed as Sikatuna and Trinidad as Legaspi. He also posed for a group picture called “The Death Of Cleopatra,” wherein he dressed as an Egyptian priest.Rizal to Paris and to Germany 4% In Heidelberg. Weckert’s clinic, Rizal left Paris and moved to Heidelberg, a German City, where he arrived on February 7, 1886. With After working as an assistant in Dr some German law students, he lived in a boarding house, who later found out that Rizal was a good chess player. His German friends recommended him to be a member of the Chess Player’s Club whose members were mostly law students. While some biographers say that Rizal studied Law in the University of Heidelberg, others claim that he only attended some lectures on various subjects about law to have a working knowledge on this branch of learning. While in Heidelberg, Rizal had the privilege to work in the clinic of a noted Polish ophthalmologist, Dr. Javier Galezowsky. Heidelberg is a city in Baden-Wurttemberg in West Germany, is famous for its old universities and beautiful sceneries in the countryside. During his sojourn in this city, Rizal used to take a walk along the cool banks and crystal clear water of the Neckar River and marveled at the picturesque sceneries that give character, life and kaleidoscopic colors in its landscape and teeming flowers of various sizes, shapes, colors and pleasing scents. On August 6, he attended the celebration of the fifth centenary of the foundation of the University of Heidelberg, Before leaving the beautiful city, he wrote an ode — a lyric Poem expressive of exalted emotion entitled “A las flores del Heidelberg.” TO THE FLOWERS OF HEIDELBERG Go to my native land, go, foreign flowers Sown by the traveler on his way And there, beneath its azures sky Where all my affections lie, There from the weary pilgrim say What faith 1s his in that land of ours!Go there and tell how when the dawn, Her early light diffusing, Your petals first flung open wide; His steps beside chill Neckar drawn, ‘You see him silent by your side, Upon its Spring perennial musing, Saw how when moming’s light, All your fragrance stealing, Whispers to you as in mirth, Playful songs of Love's delight, He, too, murmurs his love’s feeling, In the tongue he leamed at birth. That when the sun of Keeningstuhl’s height Pours out its golden flood, And with its slowly warming light Gives life to vale and grove and wood, He greets that sun, here only upraising, Which in his native land is at its zenith blazing, And tell there of that day he stood, Near to a ruin’d castle gray By Neckar’s banks, or shady wood, And pluck’d you from beside the way Tell, too, the tale to you addressed, And how with tender care, Your bending leaves hé press’d “Twixt pages of some volume rare, Bear then, O flowers, love’s message bear, My love to all the lov’d ones there, Peace to my country — fruitful land — Faith whereon its sons may stand, And virtue for its daughters’ care; All those beloved creatures greet, That still around home’s altar meet.Rizal to Paris and to Germany 47 And when you come unto its shore, This kiss I now on you bestow, Fling where the winged breezes blow; That bome on them it may hover o’er All that I love, esteem, and adore. But though, O flowers, you come unto that land, i And still perchance your colors hold: So far from this heroic strand, Whose soil first bade your life unfold Still here your fragrance will expand Your soul that never quits the earth Whose light smiled on you at your birth ‘The translation from Spanish to English was by Charles E. Derbyshire. To Frankfurt and Leipzig. Frankfurt and Leipzig are cities in East Germany where Rizal visited by boarding a train. He also went to Manheim and Cologne, where he had some sight-seeing at the Stadel Art Institute, the zoological garden, and the synagogue at Jew’s Alley. In Leipzig City, he came to know Dr. Hans Meyer, eminent German scholar, who once visited the Philippines in 1882. Rizal stayed in Leipzig for quite sometime from August 14 to October 29, 1886. It was about time that he wrote with Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt of | Leitmeritz, Austria, the noted ethnologist whom he longed to meet. Rizal wrote his first letter in German to Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt, Director of the Ateneo of Leitmeritz, Austria on July 31, 1886. He had heard of this Austrian thnologist who had a keen interest on the branch of thropology that analyzes cultures, especially in regard to their historical development and the similarities and issimilarities between them. Rizal had the perception that ne of the Professor’s interests was on culture and about Philippine languages. Rizal in his letter said:48 Rizal: Life, Works and Ideals —__ e studying our ady published to send you a try man in ion is mediocre I have heard that you ar language, and that you had alre: some works about it; permit me valuable book written iat coun’ our lan; e. The Spanish vers! ; because ti the author fe only a modest writer but the Tagalog part is good, and it is precisely the language spoken in our province. ; The book he sent with his letter was entitled Arithmetica (Arithmetic), published in two languages — Spanish and Tagalog. This was published by the University of Santo Tomas Press in 1868. To reciprocate, Blumentritt sent Rizal two books. This was the beginning of their frequent correspondence and eventually blossomed into a beautiful and lasting friendship. It was in Leipzig where he was inspired to translate Schller’s William Tell from German language to Tagalog version so that the Filipinos might understand the story of the legendary Swiss patriot who championed its independence. It might be of interesting to note that William Tell was forced by the Austrian governor to shoot an apple of his son’s head with bow and arrow. He also translated into some of the Danish author, Hans Christian Tales. Tagalog version Andersen’s Fairy His next trip was Dresden, a: Germany on the Elbe River where he m Director of the Zoological and Ethnogr: also became his friend. nother city in East et Dr. Adolf B. Meyer, ‘aphical Museum, who Life in Berlin. Rizal liked Berlin, by | , environment, the warmth of the people ate of its oa racial discrimination. In this historic city and ca ee a ra ad Germany various accomplished Professionals tik Dr Feodor Jagor, German scientist and » like Dr. Fe raeeee author of the book d in the Phil i " ntitle Travels in tl lippines, which Rizal Tead with inteect duringRizal to Paris and to Germany 49 his students days in Manila. Mentioned in this book was the downfall of Spanish rule in the Philippines and the coming of America to her shores. Rizal came to know Dr. Rudolf Virchow, a well-known anthropologist and his son, Dr. Hans Virchow, a distinguished professor of Descriptive Geometry, and Dr. Joest, a famous German geographer through Dr. Jagor. He also worked in the medical clinic of Dr. Schulzer, a renowned German eye specialist. Rizal was also invited to give a lecture on the Tagalogs before the Anthropological Society of Berlin. The paper which he presented in April, 1887, drew encouraging and favorable comments from various professional scientific journals. Some biographers deduced that the reasons why Rizal lived in Berlin was because of the following reasons, ¢.g., to gain further knowledge in ophthalmology, to gain more insight and understanding in various sciences and languages, to observe the prevailing political, social and economic conditions, to observe and to learn new knowledge from German scientists and scholars, and to finish writing his novel, Noli Me Tangere. Rizal led a realistic life in Berlin as a student and as a tourist. He attended lectures of various interesting subjects in the University of Berlin. He also did his daily exercises in the gymnasium to keep his body physically fit. During his free time, he toured the country side of Berlin and observed with interest the way of life of the German people. Occasionally, he made some sketches of views and other interesting scenic spots. On German Women. Rizal was deeply impressed with | the qualities of the German women. He has a high regard ind admiration for they were diligent, hardworking, active, ducated, kind-hearted and friendly. Their mode of dressing s modest; they do not give emphasis to expensive clothes ind jewelry.SO _ Rizal: Life, Works and Ideals — In contrast, Rizal regretted that in the Philippines some Filipino women are more interested in beautiful clothes and fine jewelry than the value of education. However, he Praiseq the fine manners, hospitality, spirituality and devotion of Filipino women to their families. Other German Way of Living. Rizal noted that the German workers were protected by insurance against the hardships of sickness, accident, and old age. The laws on labor hoped to increase the worker’s loyalty to the government, Railroad were placed under national control. Schools made patriots of German youth, and the Kaiser (a German emperor; the title used from 1871-19 18) tried to make Berlin the center of intellectual life of the nation by giving large funds to its University and to organizations of writers and scientists. National unity was further increased by the economic growth of Berlin. Hamburg, at the mouth of the Elbe, was a busy port in Germany and the chief outlet of various businesses for all central Europe, Berlin was the economic metropolis of the nation. Rizal was delighted on the German customs in observance of the Christmas season, when he wrote: “On Christmas eve, the people take from the bushes a pine tree, selecting one which must not only be Straight, but also must have leaves that do not fall in spring; I mean that dry leaves are not leaves at all in this particular case, but are a kind of small needle. It is adorned with lan lights, dolls, candies and fruits; and shown at night to the children (who had not seen it being Prepared). Around this beautiful tree is made the family observance,” terns, colored papers; In one social gathering Rizal a that his attention was caught of the Self-introduction to the guests when # man ettends a party or social fancdon whet nobody introduces him to the Buests, he bows his hi ad and shakes the hands of everyone in the room, Tt ig vad 2 ttended, he was amusedRizal to Paris and to Germany SL rude manner for a guest to remain indifferent oF alool, a wait for the host to make the proper introduction This is observed and in accordar to the German code o conventional requirements as to social behavior and appropriate for a person of good breeding. Rizal Got Sick. Rizal found himself in Berlin, almost penniless although richer in experience. While he was in this city from early November, 1886 to th of May of the following year, he tried to economize by placing himself ona strict vegetarian diet. For sometime, he failed to receive his monthly allowance from brother Paciano. In dire need of money, he even loaned the diamond ring given by his Saturnina to a pawnshop and sold some of his books to second-hand book stores. He could not even pay his landlord his monthly due. Rating only once a day, he soon became sick with chills, fevers and coughs — symptoms of tubercul He was extremely discouraged and disappointed that he was on the point of burning the manuscript of his novel, Noli. The Noli Is Published. “Noli Me Tangere... means ‘do not touch me.’ The book contains things of which no one among ourselves has spoken up to the present; they are so delicate that can not be touched by anybody... | have endeavored to answer the calumnies which for centuries had been heaped on us and our country: | have described the Social condition, the life, our beliefs, our hopes, our desires, our grievances, our griefs.., the facts I narrate are all true and they actually happened; I can prove them.” . Jose Rizal slim ese was desperately despondent because he had a ate of having Noli published for he was pe ere it ad set in and his sickness would have been Worse hot for the timely arrival in December of his wealthy nniless wfrien iola. Upon the insistence of thig intraday nga Miguel, Bulacan, who loaneq P300 to Rizal, Noli was finally printed in March, 1887. The author gave away complimentary copies to Viola, Blumentritt, Resurreccion Hidalgo, Lopez Jaena, Juan Luna, Marcelo del Pilar and Regidor. Blumentritt said: “This is the first impartia] and daring book on the life of the Tagalogs... The government and Spanish friars will probably fight the book, that is, they will attack it, but I confide in God and the truth and in the People who have seen our sufferings at close range.” Rizal Was right his novel raised a tempest and he made more enemies in his country. Rizal received formal expression of high praise for his novel’ and these were sent by Antonio Regidor and Prof. Ferdinand Blumentritt. Regidor, a Filipino exile of 1872 in London, said that “the book was superior” and that “if Don Quijote has made its author immortal because he exposed to the world the sufferings of Spain, your Noli Me Tangere will bring you to equal glory.” Blumentritt, after reading Rizal’s Noli, wrote and congratulated its author, saying... “Your work as we Germans say has been written with blood of the heart. Your work has exceeded my hopes and considers myself happy to have been honored with your friendship, Not only I, but also your country, may feel for having in youa patriotic and loyal son. If you continue so, you will be to your people one of those great men who will exercise a determinative influence over the progress of their spiritual life.” attacking and condemning the same. Probably no other work or writing of another Filipino author has aroused as much acrimonious debate not only among the Filipinos but also among the reactionary foreigners as the Noli Rizal. In the Philippines this novel was attackeq and condemned by 4 Faculty Committee in 1887. The Committee said that it found the book “heretical, impious, ang Scandalous to the religiousRizal to Paris and to Germany 53 al to Paris on 6 —— order, and unpatriotic and subversive to public order, libelous to the Government of Spain and its political policies in these Islands, “while the Commission recommended that the importation, reproduction, and circulation of this pernicious pook in the Islands be absolutely prohibited.” It should be noted that coming down to our contemporary political time, during the Congressional discussion and hearings on the (Noli-Fili) bill in 1956, the proponents and opponents of the bill also engaged themselves in a heated, bitter and long-drawn-out debate that finally resulted in the enactment of a compromise measure, now known as Republic Act No. 1425 (Rizal Law) and signed by President Ramon Magsaysay on June 12, 1956. The attacks on Rizal’s first novel were not only confined in the Philippines but were also staged in the Spanish capital — Madrid. Senator Fernando Vida, Deputy and ex-General Luis M. de Pando, and Pramides Mateo Sagasta were among those who unjustly lambasted and criticized Rizal and his Noliin the two chambers of the Spanish Cortes in 1888 and 1899. It is interesting and comforting to learn, however, that about thirteen years later, U.S. Congressman Henry Allen Cooper of Wisconsin delivered on June 19, 1902 an eulogy of Rizal and he even recited the Filipino martyr’s Ultimo Pensamiento (last thoughts) on the floor of the United States House of Representatives in order to prove to his colleagues the capacity of the Filipinos for self-government. The U.S. Congressman said in part: “It has been said that, if American institutions had done nothing else than furnish to the world the character of George Washington, that alone would entitle them to the respect of mankind, so, I say categorically to all those who denounce the Filipinos indiscriminately as barbarians and savages, without possibility of a civilized future, that this despised raced proved itself entitled to their self respect and to the respect of mankind when it furnished to the whole world the character of Jose Rizal.” Such statements reverberated in the Halls of U.S. Congress. TheS34 Rizal: Life, Works and Ideals results of this speech and the appeal of Representative Cooper, in effect, were the resounding approval of what is Popularly known as the Philippine Bill of 1902, which granted th. Filipinos a large measure of participation in running the Social, economic and political affairs of their government.LESSON 7 Touring Europe with Dr. Viola After the publication of Noli Me Tangere in Berlin, Rizal and Dr. Viola left the City on May 11, 1887. May is an ideal month for travel since the season of Spring started to fill the air and flowers of various sizes, shapes and colors with pleasing scents start to bloom that excited admiration. They first visited Potsdam. In this city, they saw the fantastic and imposing Mausoleum enclosing the marble statues of Frederick the Great and his consort and the magnificent palaces and the historic windmills. They next visited Dresden, The city has botanical garden: exhibited for viewing and scientific study; monuments and landmarks maintained with their aesthetic and historical significance; museums where beautiful work of art and other objects of paramount importance and permanent v: Aiea are displayed and kept; and Magnificer ildi A classical splendor. nt buildings adorned with one of the cities in Germany. 's were different plants are Rizal and Viola were impressed wi : ’ with iful and educational things, objects and structures ane aay overjoyed to see them. In Teschen (now Decin) iv lace in central Europe, they wired professor Blumentritt to infor him of their arrival at Leitmeritz (Litsmeric, oh mia: Professor Blumentritt received their wire rc) Bones and waiting for Rizal and Dr. Viola at the ree ae stepped down from the train and recej se arm welcome from Professor Blumentritt. ae ey 562 peace one Rizal was overwhelmed with joy, because finally he and Blumentritt who came to know each other through correspondence, met in person as he introduced Dr. Viola to the kind-hearted Austrian professor. The Professor was delighted to see Rizal and spontaneously embraced him like a loving son. After an exchange of pleasantries, Blumentritt helped the two Filipino doctors to get a room at Hotel Krebs, after which he invited them to his house. “and from that time on his home was also ours,” wrote Viola in his diary. “His wife Rosa, whose generosity equaled only that of her husband's, gave us her complete attention during our stay in the city.” In one of their conversations, Blumentritt remarked to Viola, “that Rizal was the greatest product of the Philippines and that his coming to the world was like the appearance of a rare comet, whose rare brilliance appears only every other century.” It was also Blumentritt who said: “Not only is Rizal the most prominent man of his own people, but the greatest man the Malayan race has ever produced. His memory will never perish in his fatherland, and future generations of Spaniards will yet learn to utter his name with respect and reverence. AN ENEMY OF SPAIN HE HAS NEVER BEEN.” During their week’s stay at Leitmeritz, Rizal tutored his kind- hearted host in Tagalog. While in Leitmeritz for a few days, Rizal met another well-known scientists of Europe, Dr. Czepelak and Dr. Klutschack. Both scientists were highly pleased to met the Filipino scholar. They had some pleasant conversations about the Philippines and Leitmeritz. Rizal and Viola were also invited to a meeting of the Blumentritt was the Tourists’ Club of Leitmeritz, where Secretary. In this occasion, Rizal spoke extemporaneously in an almost perfect German to the officers and members of the club , praising Austria’s idyllic scenes - favorite subjects of fitists, writers and poets and its warm, hospitable , nature- “Ving, and noble people. The audience was extremely impressed by his fluency and eloquence in German that they, de a pencil sketch gave him a resounding applause. Rizal ma‘ of his host and gave it to him. Blumentritt was pleased with the fine gift as a gesture of their mutual friendship. Blumentritt was a gentle great tourist guide. He visiteq and showed the picturesque sceneries and historical spots of Leitmeritz to Rizal and Viola. On their last night in Leitmeritz, Rizal and Viola invited the Blumentritt family in their hotel and tendered a farewell dinner. The dinner was memorable for it was an occasion for Rizal and Viola to express their profound gratitude to their host. The next day, May 17, at around 9:30 in the morning, Rizal and Viola left Leitmeritz by train. Viola observed “the whole Blumentritt family and their friends were at the railroad Station to see us, as the train moved on slowly. Tears were shed by everyone present as we left for Prague.” In Prague. From Leitmeritz, Rizal and Viola went to Prague, a historic city and the capital of Czechoslovakia on the western part of the Moldau River. Blumentritt gave the two Filipino doctors letters of recommendation to Dr. ‘sting spots. They visited the eee i ate the famous Polish astronomet the museum of natural history; the bacteriological laboratories; the famous and Widely celeb a erie oe San Juan Nepomuceno, the Catholic sai cane was incarcerated, and the bridge where ie acing a co the river. Saini thro After staying a few days at ists went to Vienna via Brunn. For Viola, ete. the a nt happened” in Brunn. thing of impoTouring Europe with Dr. Viola 89 f In Vienna. Rizal and Viola arrived in the City of Vienna, capital of Austria. This beautiful city is famous in songs and beautiful stories that impressed the two doctors. They spent four days visiting beautiful buildings and examining sacred images and statues. In Vienna, they lodged at Hotel Metropole. They also visited interesting places, e.g., art galleries and museums, churches, public parks and recreation centers. To change the panorama, in the course of their travels, they decided to take a small boat that traveled along the famous and romantic Danube River to see the beautiful sceneries. As the boat traversed along the river, Rizal was astounded to the river that couldn't help composing beautiful melody. He was so charmed by the scenario and the lovely waltzes. As they traveled, Rizal observed interesting spots — the various plants and flowers growing along the river banks, boats loaded with passengers who were traveling, barges joaded with passengers and products that are being towed, archaic villages on the riversides that are serene and peaceful, a favorite subject for photographers, writers, artists, and other lovers of art. In Lintz (Linz) and Rheinfall. The end of Danube River voyage of Rizal and Viola ended in Lintz. They left Austria from Salzburg, a city in West Austria and the birthplace of Mozart and re-entered German soil upon arrival at the beautiful city of Munchen (Munich) on May 27. Since the best beer in all Germany was brewed there, they drank much of Munich beer in the famous beer gardens of that city, From Munich, they went to Nuremberg, a city in central Barabia in West Germany and the site of trials (1945-46) of Nazis accused of war crimes. They 52¥ the horrible torture machines used by authorities in investiga! ing cases on political or religious nature, c terized by lack of regard for ot ed judi of the examiners and recklessly cruel ee pant Viola had a close look on this dreadful machine, While in Nuremberg they visited a factory whosebiggest industry is the fabrication of beautiful dolls that invade all markets of the world. From Munich, they went to Ulm, a city in East Baden. Waurttemberg in Germany. At this city, they visited the biggest and tallest cathedral in Germany. They climbed its many hundred steps. Viola related as they ascended the steps, he Tested twice on the way to the tower to catch his breath, While Rizal climbed continuously without having a stop until he finally reached the top. The last day of May found them at ‘Stuttgard, another city in Germany, then Baden and finally to Bin Waterfall, “the most beautiful waterfall of Europe.” In the part of June, Rizal and Viola crossed the Swiss border, making brief stops successively at Schaffhausen, Basle, Bern, and Lausanne. They disembarked at Geneva, seat of the League of Nations. The people of Geneva speak Prench, Italian and German. In this beautiful and most visited city of Switzerland, Rizal and Viola spent some afternoons on exciting boat trips. It was on these boat tps that Rizal showed his skills in rowing and steering a boat which he acquired during his boyhood days by the shore of picturesque Laguna de Bay. The genius trom Calamba celebrated his 26 birthday in this wonderful city. On the following day, the two bosom friends parted at the Swiss border. Rizal went to Italy, while Viola returned to Barcelona, 4 Rizal in Rome. Rizal was enticed of Italy, ancient capital of the Roman Vatican City, and seat of the authority of Church. In one occasion, he went to view by Rome — capital Empire, site of the the Roman Catholic St. Peter’s Dome by 8 Very much impressed by the fine example of Renaissance architect 'P} Se ae ea Ria slo tay ation. In of his delightful avai re c and beautiful city, he also witnessed the ‘aithtans Catholicsjam St. Peter's s, blessings of the Ss _ the outpouring _ Supreme Bein, & quare at the Vatican City to receive the ‘upreme Pontiff. He was deeply touched by Manifestation of faith by the Catholics on the '8- While he t in Vatican. He took advantage of "attending the can, : fiesta of St. Peter and St. Paul. i ,.. .. On June 27, he wrote two letters from Rome: one to his parents, the oth ; er to his friend, Blumentritt. He said; “I vas in Turin, in Milan, in Venice, in Florence, and for some » the Roman Forum, the Capitoleum, » the Catacombs, the Palatinum, the and other remarkable tourists spots and _ Memories of Rome.” Describing to Blumentritt, the “grandeur of Rome” part f his letter follows: “I cann ot describe the impression Rome _has produced on me; I can only say that my feet are swollen id blistered, but tomorrow I shall go forth anew on foot to see the ruins. Here, I breathe the same air which Roman heroes have breathed. I salute reverently each statue and to me, humble inhabitant of a small island, it seems that I am He was extremely delighted with the Coliseum and the ‘oman Forum. There, he remained se: C ated for hours, ontemplating everything and recreating life to the ruins. He stayed in the Forum until 8 o'clock in the evening. He was plone contemplating the spot, until it had grown dark. He so visited the Capitoline Museum, the Church of Santa Maria - In Rome, the word lorious is inadequate. He wanted to stay j 562 Rizal: Life, Works and Ideals as Truly, Ancient Rome attracted and enticed Riza| tremendously and he regretted having spent @ long time in Geneva. But in spite of his five years sojourn in Europe, Rizal still remained a true Filipino in soul and at heart. He said, “Still | am not Europeanized like other Filipinos in Madrid say: I always like to return to the country of my birth. Indeed, Rizal was a true Filipino. Back to Calamba. The fascinating and beautiful places Rizal had seen and the pleasant memories of his sojourn in various foreign lands could not make him forget the land of his birth and affection. Indeed, there is no place like home. After almost five years of memorable temporary stay in Europe, he left Rome by train headed for Marseilles on July 3, 1887. He boarded Djemnah, the same ship that brought him to Europe five years ago. There were about fifty passengers — composed of Englishmen, Germans, Chinese, Japanese and Frenchmen. The streamer has electric light and was very comfortable. He slept on the upper deck, heard soft music and played chess with other passengers. He was the only passenger in the boat who could speak many languages, 5° he acted as interpreter for the Germans, Japanese, Chinest and Italian. After leaving Men, a seaport in the People’s Republic of Yemen, the sea became rough because of ba weather so he became seasick and some of his books got wet: At Saigon on July 30, he transferred to the $.S Hayforg (Haiphong) which reached Manila on August 6. He stayed in Manila for a few days to take a rest and later went home © Calamba in the bosom of his beloved family. He was welcomed affectionately by his family. In his letter to Blumentritt of 1s homecoming, he said: “I had a pleasant voyage. I found ™ family enjoying the best of health anq ourtiees iness wes great in seeing each other again. They shed ieeeee by and! had to answer the thousand que; ars ot yoy ‘stions at the same time63 h Dr. Viola Touring Europe = i ety, $0 Rizal’s family was apprehensive er ee him . i . is arriv: Paciano did not leave him after his father did not allow from any untoward incident. Even his ved him to go out alone for something bad might happene*- Rizal kept busy during his entire stay in his hometown: He opened a medical clinic and his first patient was NV mother. With adequate knowledge about the science 0 ophthalmology and his surgical skill acquired in the best eye clinics in Europe, he successfully removed the cataract from his mother’s eyes. He cured the sick, performed operations and visited many patients in Calamba and neighboring towns. He became famous as an eye specialist and surgeon, and even called Doctor Uliman because he was mistaken by the ignorant folks for a German. His professional fees were reasonable, sometime even gratis to the poor. Within a short time he was able to earn $900, as a physician. Rizal kept himself busy and other times he painted beautiful landscapes in his hometown and even translated Von Wildernath’s poems in Tagalog version. . Rizal was different from many successful medical practitioners, because he did not selfishly devote all his tim to enrich himself. He opened a gymnasium for the you: ie in Calamba and introduced various European sports. ne men to induce his town mates to indulge in gymnastic. , ne ; 5 and shooting to discourage them from engaging i ing é ‘ in, Goht _ and other types of gambling because these active enting long been regarded by many Filipinos to be the jes have pastimes Ir favorite Summoned to Malacafian. A month after } Calamba, Rizal received a letter from Gov MS return ilio Terrero to come to Malacanan. Py ethaps Sor Gener al ve reached his ears that the “Noli” conta, e°Y Must ughts inciting the Filipinos to go against ned Subversiy, G 7 the the palace, the Governor-General inf Rovern, ormed Ri. Ment. zal th_ G4 Rizal Life, Works and Meds Noli Me Tangere caused much uproar among the goverr rank authorities and that he wanted to have @ COPY hn hi and wanted to read the novel if he could furnis! a One, After having the book and read, apparently, ace nee sarero saw nothing wrong in the novel. He even assigned a poeeanel bodyguard to protect Rizal during the duration of the author's stay in the Philippines. The Governor-General who was board- minded was aware that Rizal’ s might be in danger because the friars were very powerful. For security reasons, he was given a bodyguard. This bodyguard was Don Jose Taviel de Andrade, a Lieutenant of the Civil Guard, of a noble family, who could speak English and French and could draw pretty well. Powerful Enemies. A copy of the much-talked about “Noli” was sent to father Rector Gregorio Echavarria of the University of Santo Tomas b to the religious order, impiou: : and libelous to the Government of Spain ees oe policies in the Philippine. The enemies of a its politic: 2 because the novel was absolutely Prohibited mt were happy of the Noli only served to make it mon’, ut the banning everybody would like to have a copy and Popular because the government prohibition, many Filin: Tead it. In spite of Noli which they read secretly, "Pinos got hold of the Calamba’s Agrarian ordered a government investigates » The Chief Executive into the sources of the agrarian onebe riar estates to look bain estates allected Was a ‘alamba. One of Civil ‘Governor of Lager Governor. me acienda owned govermnent of Calamba io inves ni ce directing ordered a, in their jurisdiction, Stigate the : ay a ae . ‘an conditio!. iti te The tenants of Calamba listed their legitin’s : - t the grievances against the hacienda management and a Tne the government on the legitimate grievances of the te: Calamba. What was even unfortunate, the Dominic: in retaliation, persecuted the helpless tenants. Calamba because his stay might expose his fami to danger causing worry and anxiety and The hacienda of the Dominican Order comprised not = iz the lands around Calamba, but the town of Calamba. The profits of the Dominican Order continually increased because of the arbitrary increase of the rentals paid by the tenants. The hacienda owner never contributed a single centavo for the celebration of the town fiesta, for the education of the children, and for the improvement of agriculture. Tenants who had spent much labor in clearing the lands were dispossessed of said lands for flimsy reasons. High rates of interest were arbitrarily charged the tenants for delayed payment of rentals, and when the rentals could not be paid, the hacienda management confiscated their work animals, tools and farm implements. It should be noted that there was no action taken by Nants in ‘an friars, ily and frie, Perhaps he could66 Rizal: Life, Works and ideals better expose the excesses of the government and the gr wedy and ruthless friars through his pen in foreign countries. 1. was also advised by Governor-General Terrero to leave the Philippines for his own good. In September, 1887, he wrote his bosom friend Blumentritt and told him that he was decided to leave his country again and return to Europe, simply because his powerful enemies made his stay not endurable, He said: “The take me for a German Spy, an agent of Bismarcic a Protestan: @ mason, a witch, and a condemned soul.”