CHAPTER 15 The Visionary Journalist to Paris and Brussels After completing his annotation of Morga’s Sucesos delas Islas Filipinas, Rizal moved to Paris. This was in time with the holding of the Universal Exposition in the city on May 6, 1889. Despite the numerous social parties he had to attend to, Rizal sustained his patriotic and literary pursuits. He took an active part in the campaign for reform in Barcelona and Madrid. He became a journalist—a visionary journalist. From Paris he moved to Brussels. Synthesizing Historical Materials About the Philippines After annotating Morga’s Sucesos, Rizal realized that numerous materials about the Philippines and Filipinos, particularly in the libraries and museums in Acapulco, Sevilla, Madrid, Paris, London, and Berlin (Guerrero, 1998). If we are to understand fully our past, Rizal felt that these materials have to be collected and synthesized. Aside from the aforementioned significant learning that he had, Rizal recognized the generous assistance extended to him by Rost and Blumentritt, as well as the friendliness of European scholars, like Virchow, Jagor, Nordmann and other German scholars.In order to address the problem associated with synthesizing these historical materials found in the different libraries and museums in Europe, Rizal conceived of the organization of an International Association of Philippinologists, with Rost, Blumentritt and himself as organizers. He communicated his plan to Blumentritt and suggested that Blumentritt be its president and himself as secretary. Rizal told Blumentritt that the organization of the international association would coincide with the Universal Exposition of 1899 in Paris. Aside from the formal organization of the association, he informed Blumentritt of the tentative agenda for the first conference — Philippines under Spanish rule before and after 1808 (Guerrero, 1998). Blumentritt accepted Rizal’s offer but suggested that independent tribes and regions of the Philippines be included in the agenda, Nonetheless, the plan did not materialize since the French government limited the number of conferences to be held in Paris during the exposition of 1889. In the words of Guerrero, ‘the organization remained an association of the best of friends — Rizal and Blumentritt. Rizal and the Exposition of 1889 To bring together the youthful Filipinos in Paris for them to enjoy their stay in Paris during the entire duration of the exposition, Rizal founded the Kidlat Club on March 19, 1889, upon his arrival in the city (Zaide & Zaide, 1999). The Filipino expatriates who joined this organization were Antonio Luna, Juan Luna, Gregorio Aguilera, Fernando Canon, Lauro Dimayuga, Julio Llorente, Guillermo Puatu, and Baldomero Roxas. The Paris Exposition was opened on May 6, 1889. The opening ceremony highlighted by the cutting of the ribbon by Sadi Carnor, the French president. Rizal and his friends attended the ceremonial ribbon cutting. Rizal, Felix R. Hidalgo, Juan Luna and Felix Pardo de Tavera participated in the international art competition. Rizal’s entry, which was a bust, did not win. Nevertheless, Luna, Hidalgo, and Pardo de Tavera’s entries copped major awards. Another society that Rizal founded in Paris was the Indios Bravos (Brave Indians), which replaced the Kidlat Club (Zaide & Zaide, 1999). The members of this organization vowed to excel in intellectual and physical prowess in order to gain the admiration of foreigners, especially Spaniards. Thus, they practiced enthusiastically the use of the sword and pistol. Rizal, on his part, instructed them on judo, the Japanese art of self- defense.In addition to the aforementioned society of Filipino patriots, Rizal founded the Sociedad R.D.L.M. (Redencion de los Malayos). Its aim as a secret society was the propagation of all useful knowledge in the Philippines (Zaide & Zaide, 1999), Nonetheless, another aim of this organization based on its acronym was the redemption of the Malay race. Other Activities and Accomplishments in Paris Aside from his participation in the Paris Exposition of 1889, it was in Paris where Rizal published his annotation of Morga’s Sucesos. He dedicated it to the Filipinos. Thus, he said. “if the book succeeds in awakening in you, the consciousness of our past blotted from memory, then I shall not have labored in vain, and with this basis, slight though it be, we can devote ourselves to the study of the future.” It was also in this city where he wrote the satirical essay, entitled Por Telefono under the pen name Dimas Alang, in answer to the attacks made by Fr. Font against his novel Noli Me Tangere (Zulueta, 2004). A project conceived by Rizal while in Paris was the establishment of a modern college in Hong Kong (Zaide & Zaide, 1999). According to him this college shall train and educate men of good family and financial means in response to the needs of the modern times and circumstances. The plan did not materialize although an initial capital of P40,000 was pledged by Mariano Cunanan, a Filipino resident in Paris. Meanwhile, Rizal continued contributing articles to the La Solidaridad. Two of his essays worth mentioning at this juncture are the: Sobre La Indolencia de los Filipinos (The Indolence of the Filipinos); and Filipinas Dentro de Cien Arios (The Philippines A Century Hence). Sobre La Indolencia delos Filipinos This was the longest essay written by Rizal, which was published in five installments in the La Solidaridad, from July 15 to September 15 1890 (Romero et al, 1978). As the most important analytical study made by Rizal about our society, during the Spanish Regime, this essay represents his defense of the Filipinos from the charge that they were inherently lazy or indolent. According to Rizal, whenever something goes wrong in the Philippines, there is a tendency to blame the Filipinos. On this basis, he tried to analyze the social and political conditions of the time to prove that indolence was the cause rather than the effect of backwardness in the country. While Rizal’s colleagues were on the opinion that indolence was non- Chapter 15: The Visionary Journalist to Paris and Brussels 211.existent in the country, Rizal believed otherwise. For him indolence, which he defined as inactiveness, little love for work, or complete disregard for work, had become a way of life for many Filipinos. Rizal’s thesis in this essay was simple: That Filipinos were not born lazy but had a predisposition to become lazy. Acknowledging the tendency for the Filipinos to become indolent due in part to the tropical climate, Rizal noted that it was the European, surrounded by servants, who was the paragon of laziness in the tropics, People in the tropics are expected to work less, Hot climate, however, was compensated by the fertility of the soil. As a consequence, the peasants did not have to work hard to insure good crops. Recognizing its existence, Rizal sought to look for the causes. The accounts of early Spanish chroniclers like Morga, San Agustin, and Colin clearly showed that Pre-Spanish Filipinos were noted for their activity and honesty. Consequently, industry, manufacturing, mining and commerce flourished among the people. The social malady was thus, not something inborn or hereditary. What, therefore, led to the collapse of this natural willingness of the Filipinos to work? The deterioration of the industry of the Filipinos can be attributed to two sets of factors: those attributable to the Spanish colonizers; and those attributable to the Filipinos’ own faults. What, therefore, were the factors that fostered indolence attributable to the Spanish colonizers? These were the following (National Heroes Commission, 1964): 1. Wars and Internal disorders that followed Spanish Conquest. Thousands of Filipinos were drafted as archers and rowers to repel the Dutch and Portuguese. Many were not able to return to the islands, thus reducing the number of potential farmers, fishermen and laborers. 2. Piratical Attacks on Coastal Towns and Villages By Muslim Pirates. These attacks, instigated and encouraged by the government, further reduced the number of inhabitants on coastal towns and villages, As a consequence, people lost the interest as the frightful raids by the Muslims had deprived them the fruits of their labor. 3, Forced Labor in Shipbuilding. Because the Filipinos were required to render forced labor in the cutting of timber for the construction of galleons and to man ships going to Acapulco, they were hindered from cultivating their own fertile lands. Consequently, very few were left to till the fields.10. 11. + Government’s Neglect and Apathy to Agriculture, Industry and Commerce. There was no encouragement for the manufacturer or the farmer, It did not give aid when the harvest was poor, or when typhoon destroyed the wealth of the land, nor did it seek a market for the products of the colony. Only Galleon Trade was permitted, resulting into the isolation of the colony from its previous trading partners in Southeast Asia. . Absence of Material and Moral Incentives To Work Harder. Man works for a purpose; remove the purpose and you reduce him to inaction. Since Filipinos were aware that their work can cause them trouble and that only others will reap benefits from their exertion of effort, they lose interest to work. . The Teaching of the Spanish Missionaries That Heaven is for the Poor. The Filipinos preferred not to work hard and remain poor so that they could enter heaven easily the moment they die. . Too Much Government Restriction and Red Tape In The Approval of Permit To Transact Business. Native enterprises practically disappeared as a consequence of too many restrictions in the approval of permits in engaging in business. . Encouragement And Propagation Of Gambling. Government’s encouragement and propagation of gambling bred dislike for steady and difficult work due to its promise of easy money. . Ownership of the Big Estates by the Friars. Since the religious corporations controlled the best tracts of lands in some provinces, many towns did not prosper despite the efforts of their inhabitants. Example Set By the Spaniards in Disdaining Manual Labor. Dislike for manual labor reinforced by the practice of surrounding themselves by servants created among the Filipinos the desire to equal the Spaniards in their manners. In effect, this led to creation of an aversion and hatred of manual work. Deprivation of Human Dignity. The education of the Filipino from birth to death was brutalizing, depressing, and anti-human. For five or ten years the youth comes in contact with books chosen by the same priest who boldly declare that it is an evil for Filipinos to- know Castilian, that the Filipino should not be separated from his carabao and that he should not have any further ambition. Spanish educational system, therefore, failed in promoting economic enterprise and activity.As already pointed out, indolence of the Filipinos stemmed not only from factors attributable to the Spanish colonizers, there were also factors attributable to the Filipinos themselves, Notable among these are the following (National Heroes Commission, 1964): 1. Feeling of Inferiority. The prevalence of a feeling of inferiority among the Filipinos paralyzed all tendencies towards advancement and developed in them’ the idea of giving up without fighting or exerting effort. 2. Placing Hopes on Miracles, Nurtured with the st who lead a contemplative and lazy life, the giving money to the Church in the hope of miracles and wonderful things. 3. Lack of Spirit To Pursue Lofty Purposes. As their minds had been conditioned that they belong to an inferior race and that they should not aspire to be greater than the curate, Filipinos sealed and shaped their actions to be in conformity with the most pernicious routines not based on reason but imposed and forced. 4. Lack of National Sentiment. The lack of national sentiment breeds another evil, which is the scarcity of any opposition to the measures that are prejudicial to the people and the absence of any initiative that will redound to their welfare. To Rizal, a man in the Philippines is only an individual; he is not a member of a nation. Rizal concluded his essay by stressing the need for good education and liberty as the keys to achieving progress in the Philippines and in solving the problem of indolence, Thus, he averred (National Heroes Commission, 1964): Without education and liberty — the soil and sun of mankind—no reform is possible, no measure can give the desired result, Since some day or other he will become enlightened, whether the Government likes it or not, let his enlightenment be as a gift given to him and not as a spoil of war. We wish the policy to be sincere and consistent or highly civilizing without petty reservations, without distrust, without fear nor misgivings, wishing the good for the sake of good, civilization for the sake of civilization, without ulterior thoughts of gratitude or ingratitude, or if not, a policy of courageous, open exploitation, tyrannical, and selfish without hypocrisy or deception, withal a well thought out, and studied system for domination and compelling obedience, for ruling to get rich, and getting rich to enjoy. If the government adopts the first, it can rest assured that eome day or other it will reap the fruits and find a people who will be with it at heart and in 214 Chapter 15: The Visionary Joumalstto Paris and Brusselsinterests; there’s nothing like a favor to win friendship or enmity, or it is either hurled into his face or bestowed on fae in a of himself. If the government decides in favor of a systematic and regulated exploitation stifling the desire for independence of the colonists with the jingle of gold and the sheen opulence, paying with material wealth the lack of freedom let the government attend more to material interests rather than to the interests of the four friar corporations; let it send out intelligent employees to develop industry, just judges, all well paid, so that they would not pilfer and lay aside all religious pretext. This policy has the advantage in that while it may not completely lull to sleep the instinct of liberty, yet the day the mother country loses her colonies she will at least keep the gold amassed and not regret having reared ungrateful children. Filipinas Dentro De Cien Anos Cognizant of the relevance of historical events in the life of the people, Rizal felt that it was high time to remind Spain that the forces and circumstances that ushered in the French and Spanish Revolutions could have a telling effect for her in the Philippines. He, therefore, wrote Filipinas Dentro de Cien Arios or The Philippines A Century Hence to forecast the future of the country within a hundred years. The aforementioned essay came out as a series of four articles in the La Solidaridad from September 30 1889 to February. 1, 1890 (Romero et al, 1978). As this essay was Rizal’s attempt at political prognostication or prediction, he tried to respond to the question, what would become of the Philippines within one hundred years? Would the Philippines remain a colony of Spain? Would it become a regular province of Spain? Would it become independent or would it be a colony of another nation? For Rizal, it is necessary to open the book that tells of our past, before its destiny can be predicted. This essay starts with an analysis of the causes of the miseries of the people.’ One of the causes identified in this article was Spain’s implementation of her military policies. As a consequence of these policies, the country was depopulated. Poverty became widespread. Families and farmlands were neglected. Thus, all phases of the life of the Filipinos were retarded. A second cause of this misery was the deterioration and disappearance of Filipino indigenous culture. With the conquest of the sword and the cross, came the destruction of native ways of living of the people. This, in effect, tesulted into the people’s lost of confidence in the past, lost of faith in the present, and lost of hope in the future. Chapter 15: The Visionary Journalist to Paris and Brussels 215A third cause of this miserable condition of the people was their passivity and submissiveness to the Spanish colonizers. They had resigned themselves to their fate since the friars had been very effective in developing a culture of silence among the people. What then had made the people realize their sad plight under the Spanish tutelage? As a result of racial discrimination, the Filipinos became aware that they were a distinct people. For the first time, they had come to realize the colonial policies and their resultant conditions could no longer be condoned. In effect, they accumulated grievances against the colonial masters, which culminated in the outbreak of uncoordinated. and unsuccessful revolts. One question raised by Rizal in this essay was, could Spain prevent the progress of the Philippines? Should Spain decide to do so, what could she possibly do: keep the people ignorant; keep the people in poverty; or exterminate the Filipino race? Keeping the people ignorant had failed. This can be attested by the awakening of national consciousness among the people, which had united them. Despite repression in schools to brutalize Filipino students, writers, artists, and free thinkers had emerged. With the spread of enlightenment, the ilustrado class arose. Recourse to impoverishment also was futile. Keeping the people in poverty created in the Filipinos the desire to change things. They became less attached to life and started exploring adventurous ideas. Extermination of the people as an alternative to hindering progress was an impossibility according to Rizal. Why? The people had survived in spite of the wars they had engaged in and the epidemics that had plagued society. In fact, they had multiplied threefold in the face of these wars and epidemics. Moreover, to wipe out the Filipino race would necessitate sacrificing a huge number of Spain’s manpower and definitely Spain will not allow this to happen. In addition to the foregoing, exterminating the Filipinos can also bring about the endangering of her other provinces, as well as of her independence in the European continent. Can the divide et impera or divide and rule policy still work to foster enmity between and among the natives? To Rizal, this would no longer be effective owing to the ease of movement in the archipelago brought about by improved means of transportation. With the facility of travel in the islands, the people’s opportunity to exchange ideas can be enhanced. This, in effect, can lead them to realized their common plight which can foster in them greater unity as a people. 216 Chapter 15: The Visionary Journalist to Paris end BrusselsThus, Spain has no way of blocking reforms and progress people sought for. What does this imply then? There is a need for Spain to change her colonial policy in the Philippines. This policy, according to Rizal has to be compatible with the needs of the people and relevant to the pace of the rising nationalism of the people. Should Spain.not alter her colonial policy, the people will then be forced by circumstance to seek civil liberties and national identity apart from the mother country. The third article of Rizal’s essay centered on the reforms and politi- cal changes needed for the Philippines to remain under Spanish rule. Nevertheless, he stressed that reforms have to be initiated by the govern- ment for them to be peaceful and effective. This was because “any change originated by the masses would definitely be fatal and violent.” What, then, are the reforms that the Spanish government should institute in the country, according to Rizal? These reforms were the following: freedom of the press in the country; representation of the Filipinos in the Spanish Cortes; granting of Spanish citizenship to the people; filling of government positions through competitive examinations; and reforms in commerce, agriculture and education; and greater security for the individual and other reforms. ‘The last article of this essay delved on the stages that would lead the Philippines to independence. As stressed by Rizal in this essay, independence would be unavoidable should Spain not assimilate the Philippines as one of its provinces. Inasmuch as the Filipinos are not ready for independence, Rizal predicted that Spain would be deposed or replaced by another power. Which colonizing power will replace Spain? Will it be a European power? An Asian power? To Rizal, European powers will definitely not be interested in taking over the Philippines. England was already controlling India, Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Germany, on her part, was avoiding any foreign entanglement as scattering her forces in a distant country would endanger her existence in Europe. France was already firmly entrenched in Indochina, while Holland was dominant in Indonesia. Moreover, these European powers were too preoccupied with their competition in dividing Africa among themselves. Asian powers would not be interested in gaining control of the Philippines. China, according to Rizal, was immersed in expelling Europeans occupying various parts of the country, Japan, another potential conqueror, was being harassed by Russia and England. If Spain will not be replaced either by a European or an Asian power, which country then will be interested in what Spain has to give up? To ‘Chapter 15: The Visionary Journalist fo Paris and Brussels 217Rizal, this country is none other than the United States of America, which he labeled as the Great American Republic, considering that her interests lie in the Pacific and which has no hand in the scramble for Africa. What Rizal envisioned in this essay came true. On May 1, 1898, the’ Americans entered the Philippines and wrestled from Spain the control of the Philippines. Fifty years after Rizal’s death, the independence of the country was recognized on July 4, 1946. This was in fulfillment of what predicted in his essay. He was a visionary and very prophetic when he said that “History does not record in its annals any lasting domination by one people over another, of different races, of diverse usages and customs, of opposite and divergent ideas. One of the two had to yield and succumb.” Rizal in Brussels Rizal left Paris for Brussels, Belgium on January 28, 1890. His departure from this city was brought about by two reasons (Zulueta, 2004). The cost of living in Paris has become so exorbitant. In addition to this, Rizal could not resist the gay social life in Paris, which interfered with the writing of his second novel, El Filibusterismo. Accompanied by Jose Alberto, Rizal transferred to Brussels and resided in a boarding house on 38 Rue Champagne managed by Suzanne and Marie Jacoby (Zaide & Zaide, 1999). Jose Alejandro, an engineering student, stayed with Rizal, when Jose Alberto left the city. As a surgeon, he spent time attending and treating patients, which enabled him to meet the basic essentials to survive in the city. To make him physically fit, he continued his gymnastics and target practice. Nonetheless, he spent a large bulk of his time writing his second novel, as well as articles for the La Solidaridad. Articles Written For the La Solidaridad. In defense of the oppressed Filipinos, Rizal wrote the following articles which were published in the La Solidaridad, while he was in Brussels (Zaide & Zaide, 1999): 1. A La Defensa (To The Defense) - This was his reply to an anti- Filipino writing of Patricio de la Escorura, which Rizal published on April 30, 1889. 2. La Verdad Para Todos (The Truth for All) - This was written on May 31, 1889 in defense against the Spanish accusations that the native local officials were ignorant and immoral.3. Vicente Barrantes’ Teatro Tagalo - This article was published on June 15, 1889, which exposed Barrantes’ ignorance on the theatrical art of the Tagalog, ’ 4. Una Profanacion (A Profanation) - ‘This was published on July 31, 1889 as a bitter attack against the friars for denying Christian burial to Mariano Herbosa, his brother-in-law, who died of cholera. 5. Verdades Nuevas (New Truths) - This was written by Rizal on July 31, 1889 to answer the letter published by Vicente Belloc Sanchez in La Patria, alleging that the granting of reforms in the can redound to the destruction of the peaceful rule of the friars in the Philippines, 6. Crueldad (Cruelty). This article was penned by Rizal on August 15, 1889 to defend his friend Blumentritt from defamatory and insulting attacks of the latter’s enemies. 7. Diferencias (Differences). This was written on September 14, 1889 as a reply on the attacks of the article entitled Old Truths, published in La Patria, which ridiculed the Filipinos who were then clamoring for reforms from the Spanish government. 8. Inconsequencias (Inconsequences) - This was Rizal’s deferise of Antonio Luna against the attacks of Pablo Mir Deas published in El Pueblo Soberano, a newspaper in Barcelona. The article was published in La Solidaridad on November 30, 1889. 9. Llanto y Risas (Tears and Laughters). This article was Rizal's denunciation of the racial prejudice of the Spaniards against the Filipinos published on Novermber 30, 1889. 10. Ingratitudes (Ingratitude). This was Rizal’s response to what Governor-General Weyler told the people on Calamba that they should not be fooled by empty promises of their ungrateful sons. This came out in the La Solidaridad on January 15, 1890. Criticism of Filipino’s Passion For Gambling. While in Brussels, Rizal was informed by Juan Luna and Valentin Ventura that many of his fellow expatriates in Madrid had become too much preoccupied with gambling. Consequently, they wanted Rizal to do something about this considering that they were in Europe not for the purpose of indulging in games of chance but to carry out a noble mission — that of working for the freedom of the country. Chapter 15: The Visionary Journalist to Paris and Brussels 219Rizal responded by sending Marcelo del Pilar a letter, dated May 28, 1890, reminding his fellow Filipinos that their mission in Europe was to work for the freedom of the Philippines. Thus, he said (Jose Rizal National Centennial Commission, 1961): Iam afraid that we dre serving the friars’ scheme. There is nothing to remind them that the Filipino does not come to Europe to gamble and amuse himself, but to work for liberty and for the dignity of his race. It is not necessary to leave the Philippines to gamble... If we who are called upon to do something...spend out time in these things precisely when the years of youth should be employed in something more noble and lofty for the reason that youthis noble and lofty, [fear much that we are fighting for @ useless illusion and that, instead of being worthy of liberty, we are worthty of slavery. I appeal to the patriotism of all Filipinos to give the Spanish people proof that we are superior to our misfortune and that neither are we capable of being brutalized, nor can our noble sentiments be defeaned with the corruption of customs. Disturbing News from Home. Rizal was disturbed by the news he received from Calamba, while in Brussels. He came to learn that the agrarian problem had worsened. Annual payment for land rental was increased resulting into the inability of many tenants at the Dominican hacienda, including his parents, to pay the unreasonable rents. This resulted into the forcible eviction of the tenants from the land they were tilling. To aggravate the bad news from Calamba, Paciano together with Antonio Lopez, the husband of Narcisa Rizal, and Silvestre Ubaldo, the husband of Olympia, were rusticated to Mindoro. Then came the deportation of Manuel T. Hidalgo, the husband of Saturnina, to Bohol for the second time. This illegal deportation of his brother and brothers-in-law made him very depressed The Premonition of Rizal. As a consequence of the despair brought about circumstances, which he was not able to cope with, Rizal experienced sleepless and restless nights. Although he was not a superstitious man, he could not help entertain that thought of dying. His only wish, nonetheless, to finish his second novel, El Fili, before he finally bid this world adios. The Plan To Return to the Philippines. Depressed and anxious of the misfortune suffered by his family in Calamba, Rizal planned to return to the Philippines, 220 Chapter 16: The Visionary Joualist to Pers and BrusselsWhen Rizal learned about Jaena’s plan to go to Cuba, he convinced the latter to go to the Philippines and die there in defense of his ideals. He even expressed his uncompromising determination to return to the country to Mariano Ponce despite the negative consequence this may bring about. Rizal’s compatriots and friends in Europe were stunned and horrified with his decisions, knowing that he was already a marked man for the friars. They, therefore, cautioned Rizal not to push through with his plan. While no amount of advice, even from Blumetritt, had convinced Rizal to back down from this decision, a letter he received from his brother Paciano led Rizal to change his mind. In the aforementioned letter, Paciano informed Rizal that the case against the Dominicans was lost. The case, however, was appealed to the Audiencia Real Madrid. With this informa- tion, Rizal sought the assistance of Marcelo del Pilar, for the latter to handle the case in Madrid. Instead of going home, Rizal decided to move into Madrid to supervise the handling of the case. A Mi Musa (To My Muse). This poem was written by Rizal in 1890 as a result of his disenchantment over the lukewarm attitude of the Filipino expatriates in Spain working for reforms from the Spanish government. According to Romero, Romana, and Santos (1978), this poem expresses Rizal’s bitterness over land troubles in Calamba. Softened by his disappointment, he bids the Muse to depart from him. But as the Muse leaves, he asks her to go back and bring his faith, vigor, and victory. The poem as translated by Charles Derbyshire, runs as follows (Craig, 1913): To My Muse Invoked no longer is the Muse The lyre is out of date; The poets it no longer use, And youth its inspiration now imbues With other form and state. If today our fancies aught Of verse would still require Helicon’s hill remains unsought; ‘And without heed we but inquire, Why the coffee is not brought. ‘Chapter 15: The Visionary Journalist to Paris and Brussels 221.In the place of thought sincere That our hearts may feel, We must seize a pen of steel, And with verse and line severe Fling abroad a jest and jeer. Muse, that in the past inspired me, And with songs of love has fired me; Go thou now to full repose, For today in sordid prose Imust earn the gold that hired me. Now must I ponder to deep, Meditate and struggle on; E’en sometimes I must weep; For he who love would keep Great pain has undergone. Fled are the days of ease, The days of Love’s delight; When flowers still would please And give to suffering souls surcease From pain and sorrow’s blight. One by one they passed on, All I love and moved among; Dead or married — from me gone, For all Iplace my heart upon By fate adverse are stung. Go thou, too, O Muse, depart, Other regions fairer find; For my land but offers art For the laurel, chains that bind, For a temple prisons blind. But before thou leavest me, speak: Tell me with thy voice sublime, Thou couldst ever from me seek A song of sorrow for the weak, Defiance to the tyrant’s crimeRizal’s Affair with Suzanne Jacoby. Being lonely in Belgium, Rizal had an affair with Suzanne, one of the pretty nieces of his landladies. Suzanne fell in love with him due to his charm and dignified manners, just like the other women in the life of Rizal — Segundina. Katigbak, Leonor Valenzuela, Leonor Rivera, Consuelo Ortiga y Rey and Nellie Boustead. Rizal enjoyed her company. Nevetheless, Suzanne shed her tears of sadness and grief upon knowing that Rizal had left for Madrid. This she clearly expressed in her undated letter to Rizal (Quirino, 1940), which runs as follows: Where are you now? Do you think of me once in a while? Reading your letter, cold and indifferent as it is, I am reminded of our tender conversations. Here in your letter I have something which makes up for your absence. How pleased I would be to follow you, to travel with you, who are always present in my thoughts! You wish me all kinds of luck, but forget that in the absence of a loved one, a tender heart cannot be happy. A thousand things serve to distract your mind, my friend, but in my case, Iam sad, lonely, always alone with my thoughts — nothing, absolutely nothing, relieves my sorrow. Are you coming back? That is what I want and desire most ardently — you cannot refuse me. I do not despair and I limit myself to complaining against time, which goes so fast when we aie to be parted, but goes so slowly when we are together again. I feel very unhappy thinking that perhaps I may never see you again. Farewell! You know that with one word you can make me happy. Aren't you going to write to me? Suzanne Jacoby CHAPTER REVIEW 1. What significant learning did Rizal have after annotating Morga’s Sucesos? 2, How did he propose to. address the problem of synthesizing the various historical documents about the Philippines that were scattered in different libraries and museums in Europe?10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. . What was Blumentritt’s response to Rizal’s proposal on the establishment of the International Association of Philippinologists? Did the plan materialize? Why, or why not? . What organizations or societies did Rizal establish while he was in Paris? Why were these socictics established? . What was the nature of the participation of Rizal and the other Filipino expatriates in the Universal Exposition of 1889 in Paris? What was its outcome? . . What were the factors that led to the collapse of the will of the Filipinos to work based on the essay, Sobre La Indolencia de los Filipinos? Enumerate and explain each of these factors. . What must be done to solve the indolence of the Filipinos, according to Rizal? . What were the causes of the miseries of the Filipino people as identified in Rizal’s Filipinas Dentro de Cien Arios? . What can Spain do to prevent the progress of the Philippines? Were these measures successfully implemented by Spain? Why, or why not? Why was there a need to change Spanish colonial policy based on the aforementioned essay in number 8? What reforms should Spain undertake in the Philippines for the Filipinos to remain loyal to her? Can we consider Rizal a visionary journalist? Why, or why not? Why did Rizal leave Paris for Brussels? What were the articles Rizal published in La Solidaridad while he was in Brussels? Why did he publish these articles? How did Rizal respond to the information relayed to him by Del Pilar and Ventura on the preoccupation of his fellow Filipinos in Madrid with gambling? How was Rizal affected by the bad news from the Philippines while he was in Brussels?17. Why was his plan to return to the Philippines, while he was at Belgium, not pushed through by Rizal? 18. What was the theme of Rizal’s poem, A Mi Musa? 19. Who was Suzanne Jacoby? Why did she fall in love with Rizal? REFERENCES — Capino, D. G. et al (1977). Rizal’s Life, Works and Writings: Their Impact on our National Identiy. Quezon City: JMC Press Inc. Craig, A. (1913). Life, Lineage, and Labors of Jose Rizal, Philippine Patriot. Manila: Philippine Education Company.. Guerrero, L. M. (1998). The First Filipino. Pasig City: Anvil Publishing Inc. Romero, M. C. S. et al (1978). Rizal and the Development of National Consciousness. Quezon City: JMC Press Inc. Qurino, C. (1940). The Great Malayan. Manila: Philippine Education Company. Zaide, G. F. & Zaide, S. M. (1999). Jose Rizal: Life, works and Writings of a Genius, Writer, Scientist, and National Hero, Quezon City: All Nations Publishing. Zulueta, F. M. (2004). RIZAL Life, Works and Ideals. Mandaluyong City: National Book Store, Inc. (1964). Political and Historical Writings of Jose Rizal. Manila: National Heroes Commission. (1961). Rizal-Blumentritt Correspondence Vol. 1. Manila: Jose Rizal National Centennial Commission1 ' ' 1 ' ' ' 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ' ' 1 1 ' 1 1 1 ' 1 1 1 1 ' ' ' ' ' ' ' 1 ' ' ' 1 1 ' ' 1 1 ' 1 ' 1 ' ' 1 ' ' 1 ' ' Name Course and Curriculum Year A. EXERCISE 15 Score Rating Date To what does each of the following refer? 9. ———— 1 8. An organization Rizal proposed to establish in order to synthesize numerous historical documents about the Philippines . A poem written by Rizal in 1890 due to his disenchantment over the lukewarm attitude of the Filipino expatriates in working for reforms . An organization of Filipino expatriates to foster unity among them in the Universal Exposition of 1889 . Founded by Rizal to work for the redemption of the Malay race . The vehicle for the expression of the political views of the propagandists in Europe . An organization established by Rizal for the purpose of gaining the admiration of the Spaniards and other foreigners through intellectual and physical prowess . Rizal’s pen name in the satirical essay entitled Por Telefono. Founder of the newspaper of the propagandists President of Asociacion La Solidaridad 10. The sequel to Rizal’ s Noli Me Tangere eeB. Specify on the blank before each number the article written. by Rizal referred to by each of the following items. 11, Rizal’s reply to Gov. Weyler’s statement that the people should not listen to empty promises by their ungrateful sons 12. Rizal’s answer to the anti-Filipino writing of Patricio de la Escosura —___________ 18. Rizal’s defense of Blumentritt from the attacks of his enemies 14. Rizal’s denunciation of Spanish racial prejudice against Filipinos in 1889 15. A response to Sanchez’ letter asserting that the granting of reforms could ruin the peaceful rule of the friars 16. A defense of Antonio Luna against the attack of Pablo Mir Deas 17. An article which exposed the ignorance of Barrantes on the theatrical art of the Tagalogs 18. Rizal’s defense against the Spanish charges that the native local officials were corrupt and ignorant 19. An answer to the article Old Truths, which ridiculed Filipinos clamoring for reforms 20. An attack against the friars for denying Christian burial to Mariano Herbosa in Calamba C. Ineach of the following sets, one items the cause and the other two are the effects. Select the letter of the CAUSE in each case. . (A) Failure of Spain to change its colonial policy (B) Seeking of civil liberties by the Filipinos (C) Seeking of Filipino national identity apart from Spain 22, (A) Neglect of families and farmlands (B) Depopulation of the country (C) Implementation of Spain’s military policies 228 Chapter 15:The Visionary Joumalist fo Paris and Brussels24, 25. 26. 27. 29, 30. topics. 23. 28. (A) Lost of confidence and faith in the past and the present (B) Disappearance of indigenous culture (C) Lost of hope in the future (A) People’s awakening to their sad plight (B) Accumula- tion of grievances against Spain (C) Racial prejudice and discrimination (A) Improved means of transportation (B) Ease of movement into the islands (C) Fostering of unity and exchange of ideas (A) Absence of initiative for the welfare of the people (B) Lack of spirit and national consciousness (C) Non- existence of opposition to measures prejudicial to the Filipinos (A) Petition of 1888 to the Queen Regent (B) Rizal’s advocacy of the people’s welfare (C) Mass Eviction of Tenants (A) People’s exploration of adventurous ideas (B) Creation of the Desire to change things (C) Keeping the people ignorant (A) Piratical attacks of coastal towns (B) Reduction of inhabitants on coastal towns (C) Lost of interest to work (A) Decision to return to the Philippines (B) Misfortune suffered by Rizal’s family (C) Appealing of the Lost Case in the Audiencia Real . Outlining. Provide the necessary details to complete each of the following \ Aims of La Solidaridad 31 32 33 ‘Chapter 15: The Visionary Joumalis to Paris and Brussels 229CHAPTER 16 The Resolute Propagandist Abdicates Leadership As pointed out in the previous chapter, Rizal gave up the idea of going back to Philippines upon learning that his family lost the case against the Dominicans in Manila. He, thus, decided to go to Madrid to supervise the handling of his family’s appeal of the case at the Audiencia Real. This chapter is focused on the misfortunes Rizal experienced while in Madrid from 1890 to 1891, which culminated in his abdication of leadership in the reform movement in Europe. Rizal Seeks Justice For His Family Upon arriving in Madrid early in August 1890, Rizal exhausted all available legal remedies to seek justice for his family and the farmers of Calamba. He sought the assistance of the Associacion Hispano-Filipina and used the liberal newspapers in Madrid to ventilate the grievances of his family and the oppressed tenants in his hometown, With the assistance from Marcelo H. del Pilar and Dominador Gomez, he sought an audience with Sefior Fabie, the Minister of Colonies to air the injustices committed by Governor-General Valeriano Weyler and the Dominican friars againstthe powerless and poor farmers in Calamba. This audience proved to be futile. Rizal, therefore, sought the help of former liberal statesmen of Madrid. Again, he was frustrated as what he got from them were empty promises. Blumentritt came to learn of Rizal’s dilemma. He, therefore, prodded Rizal to. bring the case to the Queen Regent of Spain. Rizal considered Blumentritt’s suggestion but was faced with the problem of how an audience can be sought considering that he had no financial logistics for the purpose nor influential friends in Madrid who had access to the Queen. On the whole, all the attempts and efforts exerted by Rizal and his friends ended up in failure. Rizal’s family was, thus, denied of justice which he sought in Madrid. The Death of Jose Maria Panganiban Rizal had not yet recovered from his disappointment with what happened with the plight of his family, when he learned of the death of Jose Ma. Panganiban. Since Rizal recognized the efforts exerted by Jomapa (pen name of Jose Ma. Panganiban), he felt sad hearing that the former had passed away. This event led him to write a eulogy for Panganiban. In the said eulogy, Rizal praised Panganiban for his extraordinary talent, intelligence and industry and considered the latter’s demise as a lost for the country. Aborted Duel with Antonio Luna Rizal attended a social gathering of Filipino expatriates in Madrid in the latter part of August 1890. One of the practices of the Filipinos when they congregate was to offer wine to those in attendance as part of the fun and merriment. After numerous jigger shots, Luna became intoxicated and started blaming Rizal for his failure to win Nellie Boustead’s heart. Rizal in many occasions had explained to Luna that he had nothing to do with Luna’s failure to win Nellie’s affection. Luna, however, started uttering nasty comments about Nellie. This irritated Rizal because of his high regard for women. Rizal, therefore, challenged Luna to a duel. Those who attended the gathering were stunned and tried to pacify Luna and Rizal for the consequence of what Luna and Rizal will do can have serious repercussion to their struggle in Spain.When Luna regained his normal sense, he came to realize that what he did was wrong. He asked Rizal for an apology. Rizal accepted the apology and forgot the incident. A Duel with Retana As a press agent of the friars in the Philippine, Wenceslao Retana published numerous articles in the anti-Filipino newspaper in Madrid, La Epoca. One of the articles he published at the time alleged that Rizal’s family and relatives were ejected from the lands they were tilling for their failure to pay their annual rent to the Dominican friars. Rizal was insulted by what Retana published. He, therefore, challenged Retana to a duel to vindicate the good name and reputation of Rizal’s family. Knowing that Rizal was an expert in both the sword and the pistol, Retana did not accept the challenge. Instead, he retracted what he published in the La Epoca, which to Rizal was Retana’s way of apologizing for his unfounded allegation about Rizal’s family and relatives in Calamba. The News About the Marriage of Leonor Rivera Rizal had not yet recuperated from the misfortunes he had suffered in Madrid, when he received a letter from Leonor Rivera in the early part of December 1890. This letter shocked and saddened Rizal so much as Leonor informed him that she will be married to an Englishman, chosen for her by her mother. It took him several weeks before he was able to divulge to Blumentritt his broken-heartedness and despair. Blumentritt, cognizant of Rizal’s misfortunes consoled Rizal. He tried to make Rizal realize that Leonor Rivera was not the woman for him. Moreover, he stressed the point that even though he lost Leonor, Rizal had nobler object of love, which was none other than his Motherland. Rizal’s Break with Del Pilar At the outset, Rizal was the undisputed leader of the Filipino expatriates in Europe. As the recognized leader of the propagandists, Rizal endeavored to imbue his fellow reformers with his brand of idealism. He was on the belief that to gain the respect of the Spaniards and their government, they ought to demonstrate a high sense of morality and dignity and be willing to make sacrifices for their country. Nonetheless, Rizal’s Chapter 16: The Resolute Propagandist Abdicates Leadership 235.idealism was something unacceptable to his fellow reformers. Instead of heeding Rizal’s call, they indulged so much in drinking and gambling. What was worst was that many of them became preoccupied with women, The foregoing had a telling effect on Rizal’s leadership in the Propaganda Movement. Some of his former supporters started shying away from Rizal. This was because they felt that Rizal was intruding on their private lives as individuals. Some of them, therefore, started shifting their loyalty to Del Pilar. According to Guerrero (1998), Del Pilar was the only rival of Rizal for leadership in the reform movement. This was because Del Pilar was quite modern in his concept of political activity, belief in organization, as well as in his efficient and skillful employment of mass propaganda methods, Moreover, Del Pilar was an epitome of a modern politician, lawyer, journalist, and a civic leader, fused into one. The rift between Rizal and Del Pilar was accentuated by the editorial policy of the La Solidaridad under the latter’s management (Zaide & Zaide, 1999). Rizal objected to the editorial policy of Del Pilar, as it ran counter to his political views. To prevent the break-up between the two, a meeting was held on January 1, 1891 to settle the differences between Rizal and Del Pilar and bolster the campaign for reforms. The meeting attended by 90 Filipino expatriates in Madrid resolved to elect a Responsable to direct the affairs of the Filipino community and, at the same time, agree on the editorial policy of the La Solidaridad. Del Pilar contested the proposal that the Soli be placed under the control of a Responsable as the publication was a private venture. Nonetheless, he agreed to publish articles expressing the aspirations and demands of the Filipino people. At any rate, the Filipino expatriates in Madrid proceeded with the business of the day. The ground rules were set for the election of a Responsable. For anyone to be elected two-thirds vote of the members of those in attendance had to be secured. Voting took place with Del Pilar and Rizal as contenders. This divided the Filipinos in Madrid into two camps: the Rizalistas; and Pilaristas. The balloting that ensued resulted in three inconclusive ballots, with two more the following day. Annoyed by the situation, Rizal walked out. To prevent further division of the Filipino community, Del Pilar directed Mariano Ponce to convince the Pilaristas to vote for Rizal. Rizal was finally elected, as a consequence of what Ponce did.Rizal, nonetheless, did not accept the coveted position. For him, the election that took place was an insult on his part. As pointed out by Guerrero (1998), Rizal wanted his leadership to be recognized and accepted on the pasis of his merits and readiness to serve. As a leader, he did not expect any opposition from his compatriots in Madrid. As he was the recognized leader of the Filipino community abroad, Del Pilar should have withdrawn his candidacy at the very beginning of the balloting (Schumacher, 1997). Aware of the fact that the Pilaristas hated him, Rizal felt that leading the Filipino community in the struggle would only heighten disunity among the expatriates. Rizal, therefore, abdicated the position of leadership conferred to him by his fellow reformers. While Rizal was so bitter with what happened in Madrid, there was something he overlooked. At that time that the plan of organizing the Filipino colony in Madrid was being conceptualized, the Filipinos there already had a de facto leader in the person of Marcelo H. del Pilar and that the latter had already established a name for himself among the Filipino expatriates. To forget the insulting experience he had in Madrid, Rizal soon left the city for good. Del Pilar, therefore, took over what Rizal gave up. Rizal’s abdication of leadership brings to fore the question of who was a better politician. Was it Rizal? Was it Del Pilar? Del Pilar was a better politician than Rizal (Guerrero, 1998) for he possessed the qualities necessary to succeed in politics: cautiousness in making commitment; discretion in taking advantage of an opportunity; skillfulness in moving people into action. Thus, Rizal for Guerrero was a politician without ambition considering that he did not have the personality and disposition essential to be successful in politics. He was too touchy to challenges to his leadership and insensitive to the feelings of his fellow expatriates. He was ambitious but unwilling to take the risk of being challenged. The rift between Rizal and Del Pilar soon intensified. Rizal informed Del Pilar that he would no longer contribute articles to the Soli. News of the rivalry between Rizal and Del Pilar soon reached Manila. Filipinos supporting the cause of the propagandists in Spain commissioned Juan Zulueta to reconcile the two on the issue that had soured their relationship. Del Pilar, on his part took the initiative of convincing Rizal to reconsider his position before leaving Europe. Rizal, nevertheless reiterated his stand of retiring from politics: I have marked out my norm of conduct, which is to leave to the Filipinos of Madrid the conduct of our politics, they who understand and know it so well. What can I do with my impatience and my despotic pretensions? I understand the desire of every Filipino to do what he Chanter 16 Tha Resolute Pnanandist Abdicatas | eadershin 22°7pleases, and I renounce my idea of forming with my countrymen the close-ranked phalanx I dreamed of. Perhaps the iron of compressed molecules is inferior to the air current of free-moving molecules; I was mistaken, and I present my resignation. Continue there, now that you are on top; make use of your power to put into practice your ideas, so that there may remain nothing untried (Epistolario Rizal, Vol. 3). Rizal soon left Madrid for good to forget what to him was a betrayal of his presumptive right to leadership. He then proceeded to Biarritz, a resort city in French Riviera An Affair with Nelly Boustead Rizal arrived in Biarritz in the early part of February 1891. He stayed with Boustecds. Having lost Leonor Rivera, Rizal became attracted to Nellie, the younger daughter of Mr. Boustead. For Rizal, Nellie was an epitome of a real Filipina, virtuous, highly intelligent, and full of life. Thus, he even communicated to his friends his intention of marrying Nellie. Luna, upon learning of Rizal’s plan, convinced Rizal to push through with it. Owing to the encouragement he received from his friends, Rizal seriously courted Nellie. He succeeded where Antonio Luna failed. He won the love and affection of Nellie. Unfortunately, however, the affair that blossomed between the two was not consummated for two reasons. Rizal did not give up his Catholic faith in exchange for the love of Nellie, who was a devout Protestant. In addition to the foregoing, Rizal was not acceptable to Nelly’s mother. Cognizant of the financial status of Rizal and the dangers Rizal was facing as an enemy of the friars, Mrs. Boustead did not want her daughter to lead a miserable life with Rizal. Thus, the love affair between Rizal and Nellie failed on account of the foregoing reasons. The two, however, parted ways as good friends. Nonetheless, it was in this city where Rizal completed the manuscript of his second novel, which he entitled El Filibusterismo. annTo Paris and Brussels Once Again Rizal left Biarritz.on March 30, 1891. From there, he traveled to Paris by train. For the meantime, he stayed in the residence of his friend Valentin Ventura. Upon arriving in the city, he wrote letters to Jose Maria Basa in Hong Kong and practice ophthalmology to support himself (Zaide & Zaide, 1999). From Paris, Rizal went to Brussels. He was received by the Jacoby sisters. Here, he again met the Petite Suzanne, with whom he had a love affair before. It was while Rizal was in this city that he informed the Propaganda authorities of his decision to retire from the reform movement. Thus, he told them to stop sending him monthly allowance. Consequently, he stopped contributing articles for the Soli. Free from the activities of the Propaganda, Rizal concentrated his time and effort in revising the manuscript of the El Filibusterismo, which he finished in Biarritz. By May 30, 1891, Rizal’s sequel to the Noli was ready for printing. CHAPTER REVIEW 1. Why did Rizal move to Madrid instead of returning to the Philip- pines? 2. Did Rizal succeed in seeking justice for his family and the helpless farmers in Calamba, while he was in Madrid? Why, or why not? 3. How was Rizal affected by death of Jose Ma. Panganiban and the news of Leonor Rivera’s marriage? 4, What were the reasons behind Rizal’s aborted duel with Antonio Luna and Retana? 5. Make a flow chart showing the events that led to the break up Rizal with Del Pilar. 6. Why did Rizal abdicate his leadership of the Filipino colony in Madrid? Was he justified in his decision of abandoning the Filipino cause? 7. Why can Del Pilar be considered a better politician than Rizal? (anit Si Thais Patines Dindiaites dite ib8. How did the propagandists try to win back Rizal to the fold of the Propaganda Movement? Did they succeed in their attempt? Why, or why not? . 9, Why did Rizal become attracted to Nelly, while he was at Biarritz? 10. Why was Rizal’s love affair with Nelly a failure? 11. What was Rizal’s notable accomplishment while he was at Biarritz and Brussels? REFERENCES Guerrero, L. M. (1998). The First Filipino. Pasig City: Anvil Publishing Inc. Qurino, C. (1940). The Great Malayan. Manila: Philippine Education Company. Schumacher, J. N. (1997). The Propaganda Movement 1880-1885. Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University Press. Zaide, G. F. & Zaide, S. M. (1999). Jose Rizal: Life, works and Writings of a Genius, Writer, Scientist, and National Hero. Quezon City: All Nations Publishing. Zulueta, F. M. (2004), RIZAL Life, Works and Ideals. Mandaluyong City: National Book Store, Inc. . Epistolario Rizalino. Manila: Bureau of Printing, 1930-1938.Name EXERCISE 16 Score Rating Course and Curriculum Year zat A. TRUE-FALSE, Write True, if the statement is true; False, if it is false. RIGHT MINUS WRONG. 1, Rizal moved to Madrid in order to seek justice for his family and relatives who were ejected from the Dominican hacienda in Calamba 2. The liberal statesmen of Madrid helped Rizal obtain justice for his family in Calamba. 3. The death of Jose Ma. Panganiban led Rizal to write a eulogy praising the former for his contribution to the cause of the Propaganda Movement. 4, Luna’s unsavory remarks about Nellie at Rizal’s hearing led him to challenge the former to a duel. 5. Retana defended Rizal’s family in an article he published in Madrid. 6. Blumentritt advised Rizal not to forget Leonor Rivera, as she was the right woman for him. 7. The election of a Responsable in the Filipino colony in Madrid fostered unity among the propagandists. 8. Rizal’s love affair with Nellie ended up in failure owing to his refusal to give up his Catholic faith. 9, Rizal completed the manuscript of the Fili in Madrid. 10, Rizal wanted his leadership to be recognized and accepted on the basis of his merits and readiness to serve, Chapter 16: The Resolute Propagandist Abdicates Leadership 241.B. Arrange the following chronologically by using the letters A to J. a —_.. 15. 16. 18. 19. ll. 12. 14, 17. 20. Rizal’s objection to the editorial policy of La Solidaridad Meeting of Filipino Expatriates to avert the break up between Rizal and Del Pilar Rizal’s Abdication of Leadership of the Filipino colony in Madrid Emergence of Del Pilar as the leader of the Filipino expatriates Del Pilar’s objection of the proposal of placing the Soli under the Responsible Election of a Responsible to direct the activities of the Filipino colony Division of the Filipino colony into Rizalistas and Pilaristas News of Rizal-Del Pilar Rivalry reached Manila Attempts By the Propagandists in Manila to patch up the rivalry Rizal’s Retirement from the Propaganda Movement Prove or contradict each of the following statements. 21-25 Marcelo del Pilar was a better politician than Jose Rizal. 26-30 Marcelo del Pilar was the only rival of Rizal in the leadership of the reform movement in Europe.