Miscellaneous Letters Exchanged Between José Rizal and Others in 1889

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051. José Rizal, London, 14 February 1889 || To Adolf Bernhard Meyer

Meyer is on the Executive board of the International Association of Philippinists – Appointment of a Dutch member left to Dr. Meyer.

37 Chalcot Crescent,

Primrose Hill, N.W.

London, 14 February 1889

D. A. B. Meyer

My dear Sir,

My friend Blumentritt has just written me informing me that you have deigned to honor us with your valuable cooperation by becoming a member of the Executive Board of the International Association of Philippinists, and I, as its secretary and as a Filipino, hasten to thank you on behalf of the other members and of my country, which already owes so much to European scholars.

Likewise I have the honor to write you in behalf of the rest of the members that the election of a Dutch member be left to your choice, requesting you to let me know the most convenient way through which I can communicate with the member that you may choose.

As soon as your choice accepts, the Association will then become constituted and I shall then have the honor of informing the members officially and properly.

I am your attentive servant who kisses your hand.  

José Rizal

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052. José Rizal, London, 27 February 1889 || To Adolf Bernhard Meyer

Dr. Niumann declines the post of counselor of the International Association of Philippinists.

37 Chalcot Crescent,

       Primrose Hill, N.W.

              London, 27 February 1889

Dr. A. B. Meyer

My dear Sir,

I regret to inform you that I have just received a very cordial letter of Dr. Niumann in which he says that on account of his numerous duties he cannot accept the post of counselor of the Association.

If you think that it is not possible to find another school to take his place, I would appreciate it very much if you would let me know so that I could present it to him for consideration.  Otherwise, we shall be compelled to dispense with the valuable cooperation of the Dutch, which is very regrettable.

Begging you for a thousand pardons for these troubles, I have the honor to offer myself, our attentive servant, who kisses your hand.

José Rizal

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053. Valentin Ventura, Paris, 3 March 1889

Hotel prices in Paris rising on account of the forthcoming exposition – Offers Rizal a room in his house.

Paris, 3 March 1889

Mr. José Rizal

London

Dear Friend

Immediately after receiving your letter I started looking about for a room according to your specifications.  I have been to three hotels and a furnished house.  In all of them, they asked me approximately from sixty-five to seventy francs a month for this month and the next, but beginning this May until the end of the Exposition, which will be in November, [Actually October 30 -- rly] the same room for which you will now pay sixty-five [francs] will then cost fifteen francs more, or eighty [francs].

Among all those I have seen, it seems to me that the one that is most suitable to you is the one where our compatriot, Justo Trinidad, ex-gobernadorcillo of Sta. Anna, lives and eats.  In that hotel, which is in Faubourg Poissonniere, they ask me for one room, decently furnished, . . . francs until May and after this month . . . francs.

I say that it is suitable to you because you will find there two compatriots, one who lives, and eats there, Trinidad, and another (who eats there only), Abarca.

If you choose this hotel and eat there, life in Paris will cost you in the most expensive season, less than forty pesos a month, according to the following budget:

Room . . .  80 francs

Food . . . 110   “

Tip . . . .     5   “

Total . . . 195   “

I believe that you will decide to come for, as you see, your stay in Paris will not cost you more than there; on the contrary, you will save one hundred francs.  If my memory does not fail me, it seems to me that you wrote me that it costs you sixty pesos a month to live there. [in London, England – rly]

It is said here that you are fleeing from a fire for fear of being burnt. [a reference, perhaps, to Rizal’s ill fated romance with Gertrude Beckett ? - rly] You are doing well; it is better to apply a remedy as soon as possible. . . . to dispose of the room that will soon be vacant, because precisely a woman friend is expected from Madrid to spend a season here, abandoning that city where she had the great misfortune of losing a son of eighteen years who shot himself.

 However, as you are our close friend, if you would be satisfied if we place a bed and washstand in my office, which you have seen, we shall be very glad to have you at home.

It is up to you, as we say over there.  You know that it is offered to you most sincerely and it is a Filipino who is doing it.

Whatever you may decide, write me, if possible by return mail.

With regards from Elisa and a close embrace of your friend,

V. Ventura