LECTURE NOTE SEVEN
London to Brussels until El Filibusterismo
✓ After Rizal’s trip to the United States, he left New York City on May 16, 1888 and arrived in Liverpool,
England on May 24 of the same year. He stayed for a day at Adelphi Hotel and left for London the
following day. He was welcomed by Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor on May 25, 1888 and stayed as a guest in
their home. He had reasons why he chose to stay in London:
o He wanted to enhance his knowledge in the English Language
o He wanted to do research on the Philippine History
o He wanted to further study and annotate Antonio de Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas
o He wanted to continue to write for La Solidaridad in defense of his people against the Spanish
tyranny.
✓ Rizal met Dr. Reinhold Rost, the library of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in England and also an
authority on Malay languages and customs. Dr. Rost helped Rizal undertake his research at the British
Museum, which gave the latter a chance to annotate de Morga’s book.
✓ While he stayed in London, he continued to receive bad news.
o Persecution of his fellow Filipinos who signed the Anti – Friar Petition of 1888 that was
submitted to the Queen Regent for the expulsion of the friars in the Philippines;
o Persecution of the tenants of Calamba, including the Rizal family and relatives because of their
petition for the reforms in the government
o The exile of Rizal’s brother – in – law, Manuel T. Hidalgo in Bohol
o Furious attacks of the Spanish senators in the Spanish Cortes
o The arrest of Rizal’s friend, Laureano Vida, for keeping copies of Noli Me Tangere in his home;
o The good news that Reverend Vicente Garcia defended the Noli against the attacks of the friars.
✓ In September 1888, Rizal went to Paris to continue his research on the Philippine history in the
Bibliotheque Nationale or National Library. There, he polished the annotated version of Antonio de
Morga’s book.
✓ He stayed with Valentin Ventura during his time in Paris, and despite the good life that he had in Paris,
he kept himself busy at the National Library. He also studied French language and made plenty of
lesson drills for students.
✓ On December 24, 1888, he spent his Christmas and New Year with the Beckett family. That time, Rizal
was attracted to Gertrude, known by her nickname as Tottie and Sissie. Like Segunda Katigbak,
Gertrude was small and chubby. But unlike Leonor, Gertrude was not as appealing. Rizal came to
admire Gertrude since they had a close relationship, and they have a happy family. However, he chose
to prevent his feelings for him when he found out that Gertrude was already falling in love with him.
✓ While he was busy in his historical studies in London, Rizal learned that the Filipinos in Barcelona
were planning to establish a patriotic society which would cooperate in the crusade for reforms.
✓ This society called Asociacion La Solidaridad or the Solidaridad Association, was inaugurated on
December 31, 1888 with the following officers:
o Galicano Apacible as President
o Graciano Lopez Jaena as Vice President
o Manual Santa Maria as Secretary
o Mariano Ponce as Treasurer
o Jose Maria Panganiban as Accountant
✓ By unanimous, Rizal was chosen honorary president, in recognition of his leadership among all
Filipino patriots in Europe.
✓ As the newly appointed leader of the Ilustrados in Europe, he wrote a letter addressed to the members
of Asociacion La Solidaridad, expressing his gratefulness for making him the honorary president. He
then gave his advice:
o “No one should resent defeat. When any opinion is rejected, its author, instead of despairing
and withdrawing, should wait for another occasion in which justice may be done him. The
individual should give way for the welfare of the society.”
o “No member should expect rewards or honors for what he does, for he will be dealt with
integrity and much good will.”
o “Thrift. Seriousness and justice for all.”
La Solidaridad
✓ On February 15, 1889, Graciano Lopez Jaena founded the patriotic newspaper called La Solidaridad in
Barcelona where he was residing. This was fortnightly periodical which served as the organ of the
Propaganda Movement.
✓ Its aims were as follows:
o To work peacefully for political and social reforms
o To portray the deplorable conditions of the Philippines so that Spain may remedy them
o To oppose the evil forces of reaction and medievalism
o To advocate liberal ideas and progress
o To champion the legitimate aspirations of the Filipino people to life, democracy and happiness.
✓ Rizal congratulated Lopez Jaena and his associates in founding La Solidaridad and as evidence of his
approval and cooperation, he prepared articles for the periodical which were subsequently published.
✓ In his letter to Lopez Jaena, he advised him that great care should be taken in publishing only the truth
in the underground newspaper.
“Be careful not to publish exaggerations or lies or imitate others, who avail themselves of dishonest means and of
vulgar and ignoble language to attain their ends. See that the periodical is just, honest, and truthful so that its
opinions may always be respected. It is necessary that we show our enemies that we are more worthy than they,
morally and humanly speaking. Should we tell the truth we shall have won our cause because reason and justice
are on our side. There is no need for knaveries.”
✓ His first article for La Solidaridad was titled Los Agricultores Filipinos. It was published on March 25,
1889, six days after he left London for Paris. In this initial article, he depicted the deplorable conditions
in the Philippines which cause the backwardness of the country.
Writings in London
✓ While he was busy with his historical studies at the British Museum, Rizal received news on Fray
Rodriguez’s unabated attack on his Noli Me Tangere.
✓ In defense, he wrote a pamphlet titled La Vision del Fray Rodriguez or The Vision of Fray Rodriguez
which was published in Barcelona under his nom-de-plume Dimas Alang.
✓ This is a satire depicting a spirited dialogue between Saint Augustine and Father Rodriguez. Saint
Augustine told Father Rodriguez that he was commissioned by God to tell Father Rodriguez of his
stupidity and inform him of his penance on earth, that he shall continue to write more stupidity so that
all men may laugh at him.
✓ In his pamphlet, Rizal demonstrated two things:
o His profound knowledge of religion
o His biting satire
