Download Jose Rizal's Travels and the 'Noli Me Tangere' Controversy and more Lecture notes Literature in PDF only on Docsity!
RIZL 211 – Midterms Week 7: First Homecoming to Side Trip to the USA August 1887 Rizal decided to return to the Philippines. Left Rome by train for Marseilles Boarded the Djemmah bound to Saigon. July 30, 1888 arrived in Saigon, where he transferred to the steamer Haifong. August 6, 1888 Rizal arrived in Manila Noticed that Manila has not changed that much. August 1888 he reached Calamba, where there was a dramatic meeting He turned the ground floor of their house as a medical clinic His first patient was his mother who could hardly see He successfully restored the eyesight of his mother which had double cataracts. The good news spread like wildfire as many sick people flock to seek medical help. His professional fee was very simple: o If the patient is poor, a simple “thank you” is enough. Some patients gave him vegetables, fruits, chickens, etc. If the patient is rich, he would charge in the European way. The people called him Dr. Uleman having arrived from Germany. Rizal shared his blessings to his townmates: o He built a gymnasium for the youth to discourage them from engaging in different forms of gambling. o He wanted them to spend time on productive activities. But he failed to see Leonor in his six months’ vacation due to the conflicts of his parents and Leonor’s. Noli Me Tangere Controversy Rizal received a summon from Governor- General Emilio Terrero regarding the novel which has become a hot issue. He went to Malacañang to answer any question surrounding his novel. He denied that he was a spy from Germany. He explained that he was only expressing the truth of what is going on in the society in his novel. The Governor was satisfied with his answer and asked for a copy of the novel, since he had not read the novel himself. Rizal’s enemies kept doing everything to persecute him They accused the novel to have subversive ideas against the church and the Spanish government The kind Governor assigned a bodyguard for Rizal, to protect him from danger o His bodyguard was a young Spanish Lieutenant, Don Jose Taviel de Andrade. o The two became true friends in no time at all because they have common interests. The Noli Me Tangere got banned o The powerful friars put the novel under strict scrutiny headed by Manila Archbishop Msgr. Pedro Payo. o He sent a copy to the UST Fr. Rector Gregorio Echevarria for examination. o The latter found the novel heretical, impious, and scandalous. o The Governor sent the novel for further assessment to the Permanent Commission on Censorship composed of priests and laymen headed by Fr. Salvador Font, Tondo parish priest. o The body found the novel with subversive ideas against the Church and the Spanish government. o The Commission recommended that the book be banned and have its circulation in the islands be totally stopped. o The move boomeranged because it only made the Filipinos more curious in reading the novel. o Thus, the novel’s price was exorbitantly priced. o No arrests were made, thanks to the liberal-minded governor. Rizal’s Enemies from the Church o Manila Archbishop Msgr. Pedro Payo o UST Rector Fr. Domingo Echevarria o Fr. Salvador Font – head of the Permanent Commission on Censorship
o Fr. Jose Rodriguez – who published an anti-Noli pamphlet entitled “Caiingat Cayo.”
- The pamphlet stated that “whoever reads the novel commits a mortal sin.” o Another attacker of the Noli was Vicente Barrantes, a Spanish writer who openly criticized the novel in the Spanish newspaper La Esperanza Moderna. Allies of Dr. Jose Rizal o Marcelo H. Del Pilar – using the pen name Dolores Manapat, published a pamphlet entitled “Caiigat Cayo” that refuted and ridiculed Fr. Rodriguez’ “Caiingat Cayo.” o Fr. Francisco Sanchez, Rizal’s beloved Ateneo teacher Rizal’s Second Travel Abroad A glance of East Asia o On February 3, 1888, for the second time, Rizal sailed to Hongkong as a frustrated being who wanted the utmost reform in his native land. o He left on board the steamship Zafiro. o He registered at the Victoria Hotel. A Hong Kong Visit o In Hongkong, he was accompanied by Jose Maria Basa to Macau. o They had a short trip to Macau, a former Portuguese colony on board the ferry Kiu-Kiang. o The two visited Don Juan Francisco Lecaros, former Filipino delegate to the Spanish Cortes. o Terrero’s former secretary, Jose Sainz de Varanda, spied on Rizal in the said colonies Impressions about Hong Kong o Noisy celebration of New Year o Noisy audience in a theatre and boisterous music o Marathon lauriat meal o Dominican friars are the richest investors and estate owners o Catholics owned the most extravagant cemeteries Unforgettable Japan o After almost three weeks, on board the American steamer, Oceanic, he left Hongkong and sailed to Japan where he was invited by Secretary Juan Perez Caballero to live at the Spanish Legation. o His instinct told him that it was a bait – a way for the Spanish officials to keep track of his activities. o And since it was economical to stay at the legation and he believed that he had nothing to hide, he accepted it. Filipino Entertainers in Japan o While strolling around at a park in Tokyo, Rizal went to listen to a group of performers playing the Western Strauss music, a rare occasion in this Oriental country. o To his surprise, the musicians started to talk in Tagalog. o They were Filipinos and Rizal introduced himself. An Affair to Remember o Rizal was impressed by the scenic Japan and had keenly observed the life, customs and culture of the people. o He had fallen in love not only with the view but more to its women, particularly with the 23-year old Seiko Usui or O-Sei- San. o The friendship bloomed to become a romance. o The relationship became so intimate that Rizal believed that it was the best affair he had so far. o Rizal was tempted to settle down in Japan and stay with O-Sei-San but his love for his country was more important than self. o O-Sei-San understood the feeling of Rizal, and so she let him leave her. A Tomodachi o Tomodachi (友達; ともだち; or トモダ チ) is a Japanese word meaning "friend(s)". o Rizal boarded the ship Belgic going to the United States o He met a Japanese journalist who was sent to exile for his anti-government articles o His name was Tetcho Suehiro. o They became friends, having many things in common.
exiled to Bohol
- Laureano Viado,
a UST medical
student and
friend of Rizal
was jailed for
having a copy of
the Noli
Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas o Knowledge of the country’s history was an essential tool needed by Rizal to effectively campaign for people’s honor and pride. o He engaged in extensive research about the Philippines at the British Museum o He copied and annotated the 1609 edition of Antonio de Morga’s “Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas.”
- A 17th century Spanish official and historian in the Philippines
- His historical accounts were considered as one of the most objective during the Spanish period.
- His book contained accounts of two of the earliest writings of pre-colonial Philippines. o Rizal had been always wanted to write about the previous history of the Filipinos to study their culture. o However, while on the British library he found the “Sucesos De Las Islas Filipinas”. o After reading the book, Rizal have decided to just annotate its contents as he saw that Antonio De Morga’s work was fair and reliable about the views on Filipino culture, so he preferred using it. Not only as a reference but as a main material of his work. Historical Accounts o Antonio Pigafetta – Chronicler of Ferdinand Magellan’s Expedition o Gaspar de San Agustin – Served during Governor Miguel Lopez de Legaspi’s Administration o Their writings described the early life and industry of the Filipinos that proved the following points:
- That the early Filipinos were engaged in trade with other Asian neighbors.
- That the dominant religion in Manila, the Visayas and Mindanao was Islam
- That there was already an organized political government in the country called barangay headed by a rajah or a datu. Annotation of Morga’s “Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas” and others... o Rizal wanted to write a history to disprove the allegation of the friars that our ancestors were savage and uncivilized people. o He knew that such statements were a product of bigot views of a race who are proud of their heritage. o He also wrote many articles for the La Solidaridad to counter the attacks of Fr. Rodriguez on the Noli, generally entitled “Cuestiones de Sumo Interes.” o Wrote a pamphlet entitled “La Vision del Fray Rodriguez,” using the penname “Dimasalang.” o This satire was written to ridiculed the standpoint of Fr. Rodriguez on the immorality of the Noli Me Tangere o Also wrote “To the Women of Malolos” in which he encouraged the women to pursue their education and not merely blind followers of the friars. o He contributed articles to the Trubners Record, related to Asian Studies such as the “Two Eastern Fables,” and “Specimens of Tagala Folklore.” Rizal decided to leave London to see the Paris Universal Exposition. The Paris Universal Exposition of 1889 Paris was bursting with excitement in preparation for the Universal Exposition of
Tourists from all parts of the world moved to the city. Rizal arrived here via train together with other passengers speaking various languages. Inns, hotels and boarding houses were all filled and fully booked for the event. Their rates grew sky high.
In Paris, he continued his research at the Biblioteque Nationale to check on Morga’s book. He also spent time with his friends; and visited the Boustead family at Rue de Bassins. While in the Paris, Rizal also attended the inauguration of the Eiffel tower that was headed by French President Marie François Sadi Carnot. The tower was built by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel and was constructed at the beginning of 1887 to 1889. The Kidlat Club o Rizal organized a social group with his fellow Filipinos in Paris by the end of March 1889, he called it the Kidlat Club. o It was a temporary society to simply unite the Filipinos here in Paris during the International Exposition. o While touring the exposition, Rizal and Juan Luna attended the American Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. o The show featured the proud, powerful, and brave Indians headed by Sitting Bull, a former Indian Chief. o Realizing that the Indians are proud and brave, Rizal and Luna decided to rename the Kidlat Club and adapt the name “Indios Bravos” as Filipinos was also referred as “Indios” by the Spaniards. Jose Rizal, Juan Luna and Felix Hidalgo joined a painting competition. Felix Hidalgo won the first prize while Luna won the second prize. White Christmas in Paris o December 25, 1889 was a cold winter in Paris. o Rizal and Jose Alberto planned to have a delightful Yuletide dinner. o They had fried chicken, rice, and vegetables o Shortly after New Year, Rizal went to London, then back to Paris again. o On January 28, he went to Brussels, Belgium on the reason that he can’t stay in Paris any longer for it was too expensive. Better in Brussels In Brussels, Belgium: o Lifestyle was more affordable o Beautiful o Architecturally impressive Rizal boarded at the Jacoby residence o Owned by Suzanne and Catherine Jacoby o They had a 17-year-old niece named Suzanne Thill o They were delighted with Rizal’s presence Rizal and Suzanne spent a lot of time together. Affectionate sentiments were developed between the two, but Rizal didn’t pursue whatever he feels towards Suzanne. While in Brussels, Rizal spent most of his time trying to finish El Filibusterismo, the sequel of Noli Me Tangere. He gave Valentin Ventura a sculpture “The triumph of Science over Death” (The naked woman). El Filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed) o Noli Me Tangere, exposed the cancer present in the society by presenting the condition of the country under the Spanish oppressive rule. o While the El Fili is a call for a revolution, the last resort and ultimate solution against Spanish oppression. Wrote several chapters of the novel El Filibusterismo Wrote articles sent to the La Solidaridad Sent letters to family and friends Spent part time working in a medical clinic Had gymnastics, target practice and fencing. La Solidaridad o A fortnightly newspaper that serves as the official voice of the Propagandists, founded by Graciano Lopez Jaena o Heralded the demand of the illustrados to push for reforms in the Philippines. o Editor-in-Chief of La Solidaridad
- 1st - Graciano Lopez Jaena
- 2nd - Marcelo H. Del
- 3rd - Dr. Jose Rizal o Contributors of La Solidaridad
- Mariano Ponce
- Eduardo De Lete
- Jose Maria Panganiban
o Paciano and brothers-in-law Antonio Lopez and Silvestre Ubaldo were exiled to Mindoro o Manuel Hidalgo was earlier exiled to Bohol Rizal felt guilty about these sufferings of his family and town mates Spain’ hate on him had turned to his loved ones Rizal decided to return home no matter what the dangers are He confided to Marcelo H. Del Pilar his death wish He expressed his readiness to die if it would do good to his family and country o He called himself “Laong-Laan” (Ever Ready) Frustrations in Madrid Rizal went to Madrid to bring his protest the injustices done by Gov. Weyler and the Dominicans Frustrated in Madrid o Rizal even asked his comrades in Asociacion Hispania-Filipina to assist him o Asked the Spanich media: La Justicia, El Dia, and El Gobo to publish the article about the issue to exert pressure on the government o Del Pilar and Dominador Gomez helped him too Panganiban dies Called “Avenger of Filipino Honor” Born in Mambulao, Camarines Norte on February 1, 1863 A good friend and co-worker of Rizal Was Bicolandia’s greatest contribution to the Propaganda movement Wrote articles for La Solidaridad, under the pen names Jomapa and J.M.P. Rizal wrote the “Eulogy to Panganiban,” whom he admired as an energetic patriot who had pure love for his country Duel for Nelly’s Honor August 1890 – Rizal had a heated argument with Antonio Luna Reason: Luna made tactless remarks about Nelly, the girl he had courted but chose Rizal Rizal was offended by Luna’s remarks and attempted to attack him The two exchanged words Rizal challenged Luna to a duel Luna was offered to choose between a pistol and a saber, he chose the saber Luna realized his mistake and asked forgiveness from Rizal, who accepted the apology Almost Another Duel, for His Family’s Honor Wenceslao Retaña, a pro-friar journalist, made disrespectful remarks against the Rizal family and the Calamba tenants in the anti-Filipino newspaper, La Epoca He wrote that the family and tenants deserve what happened to them for failing to pay the Dominicans their land rents Upon reading the article, Rizal sent a message to Retaña challenging him to a duel in whatever weapon he would choose, anywhere and anytime Retaña immediately made a public retraction and an apology to Rizal and his family End of Eleven Years Engagement He received a letter from Leonor Rivera, his girlfriend for 11 years, informing him that she was getting married It pained his heart greatly, he still loved Leonor despite having courted girls before He grew pale and sickly having been jilted by Leonor In his letter to Blumentritt, he accused Leonor of infidelity Galicano Apacible, a UST friend, consoled him by saying that there are many girls in the world o Informed Rizal that the daughter of Pi y Margall, was deeply in love with him, ready to marry him Leonor Rivera finally got Married Leonor was mad at Rizal for having been very quiet She still loved Rizal, her decision to marry was not because she no longer loved him but because she thought that Rizal no longer loved her Eleven years of waiting was too long, Leonor lamented on the fact that Rizal didn’t bother to see her
Leonor married Henry Kippng, an Englishman in Manila The Leader of All Filipinos In a banquet at Calla de Atocha, some Filipinos proposed for the creation of a movement to bind the colony together A leader called “Responsible” would be the official representative of all Filipinos abroad Rizal felt he would be the rightful person, others thought otherwise They endorsed Marcelo H. Del Pilar’s candidacy In the 1st^ meeting, Eduardo de Lete presided Rizal was in favor of the creation of a new movement Del Pilar objected because to him they already have the La Solidaridad and the AHP to take care of the said objectives, his argument was overruled A committee was formed to draw the statutes Rizal and Del Pilar became the two candidates They both wanted to withdraw The rule of election: the winner must garner 2/3 majority vote 1 st^ balloting – Rizal was ahead but not enough 2 nd^ and 3rd^ balloting – same results The next day, Del Pilar was absent The results didn’t change Rizal grew impatient and announced his withdrawal from the race Ponce asked Lete, Sandiko, Luna and others to shift their votes to Rizal Dominador Gomez spoke in behalf of the Pilarists saying they changed their votes for the sake of unity Rizal was voted unanimously, he gave his admonitions to the group in his acceptance speech He blamed Lete for the election fiasco, and expressed disappointment with Del Pilar He said that it would have been disappointing news to the nationalist movement in Manila to know that Rizal was defeated because he was the acknowledged leader back home A Biarritz Interlude Rizal went to see Nelly in Biarritz He finally decided to marry Nelly Boustead Conditions made by Nelly’s father: o Abort all travels abroad and stay with Nelly o Practice medicine and stay away from politics o Become a protestant before marriage Rizal decided to back down, thinking he wasn’t ready to answer the given conditions set by Nelly’s father Printing of the El Filibusterismo February 1891 – Rizal went back to Brussels to edit and revise the nove; End of May 1891 – it was ready for printing Brought the novel to Ghent because printing was cheaper there No financial aid was sent by the Centro de Propaganda He had spent all his money for the printing cost He only received P100 from his countrymen as part of his allowance He was abandoned by the society after just a month He was consoled by the financial help given by Valentin Ventura The novel was printed at F. Meyer van Loo Press He gave the original manuscripts to Ventura Rizal Resigns Before leaving for Manila: o Sent a letter of resignation as a contributor of the La Solidaridad o Sent a message to his compatriots of his decision to give up his political leadership and fight on his own He quickly visited Nelly to bid goodbye He will go back to the Philippines to take care of his family’s problems He boarded the SS Melbourne, a ship from Marseilles bound to Hong Kong o He was with the company of many friars including Fr. Volunteri Rizal in Hong Kong November 20, 1891 – Rizal arrived in Hong Kong His friends welcomed him, including Jose Ma. Basa He established his residence at D’Aguilar St. Rednaxella Terrace on top of the seaman’s bar He put up a medical clinic there A few days before Christmas, his father, brother and Silvestre Ubaldo arrived Later, his mother and sisters Lucia, Josefa and Trinidad also arrived
o Domingo Franco (Felipe Real) – mason and shoe keeper o Jose A. Ramos (Socorro) – engraver, printer, and owner of Bazar Gran Bretana o Ambrosio Salvador – gobernadorcillo of Quiapo, mason o Bonifacio Arevalo (Harem) – dentist and maosn o Deodato Arellano – brother-in-law of Del pilar, and civilian employee of the army o Ambrosio Flores (Musa) – retired lieutenant of infantry o Agustin Dela Rosa – bookkeeper and mason o Luis Villareal – tailor and mason o Faustino Villaruel (Ilaw) – pharmacist and mason o Mariano Crisostomo – landlord o Numeriano Adriano (Ipil) – notary public and mason o Estanislao Legaspi – artisan and mason o Teodoro Plata – court clerk and mason o Andres Bonifacio – warehouse employee o Apolinorio Mabini (Katabay) – lawyer and mason o Juan Zulueta – playwright, poet, and government employee Elected officers: o President: Ambrosio Salvado o Secretary: Deodato Arellano o Treasurer: Bonifacio Arevalo o Fiscal: Agustin Dela Rosa Aims of La Liga Filipina:
- To unite the whole archipelago into one compact, vigorous, and homogenous body
- Mutual protection in every want and necessity
- Defense against all violence and injustice
- Encouragement of instruction, agriculture, and commerce
- Study and application of reforms Motto: Unus Instar Omnium (One Like All) Governing body of La Liga Filipina: o THE SUPREME COUNCIL:
- the governing body which has control over the whole country
- composed of the president, secretary, treasurer and fiscal o PROVINCIAL COUNCIL:
- formed in every province
- shall have command of the Popular Chiefs o POPULAR COUNCIL:
- formed in every town
- only shall have command of the members Duties of La Liga members:
- Pay monthly dues of ten centavos.
- Obey blindly and promptly every order emanating from the Council or the Chief.
- Inform the Council of whatever they note or hear that has reference to the Liga Filipina.
- Preserve the most absolute secrecy in regard to the decisions of the Council.
- Help another member in the case of need or danger.
- Each member shall adopt a new name of his own choice.
- Help recruit new members.
- Treat everyone with respect. Rizal’s Arrest and Banishment July 6, 1892- when Rizal went to Malacañang to resume his interviews with the Gov. Despujol, the latter showed him several printed leaflets allegedly discovered under the pillow of his sister Lucia. These were entitled “Pobres Frailes” (Poor Friars) which bore the name of the author P. Jacinto. A satire exposing the fabulous wealth of the friars contrary to the vows of poverty. Reasons for Rizal’s Deportation o Rizal published books and articles abroad which showed disloyalty to Spain which were anti-Catholic and anti-friar o Found bundles of incriminatory leaflets which satirized the friars o Published and dedicated his novel El Filibusterismo to the three martyred “traitors” o Between July 14 and 15, 1892 – under heavy guard, Rizal was brought to the steamer CEBU to be brought to Dapitan o The captain of the ship was Capt. Delgras, who upon arrival in Dapitan on July 17, turned him over to Captain Ricardo Carnicero, the Dapitan Commandant
o Rizal would stay here until July 31, 1896, a period of four years. The Dapitan Exile (1892-1896) Rizal lived as exile in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte, under the aegis of the Jesuits. He was abundantly fruitful with varied achievements: o Practiced medicine o Pursued scientific studies o Kept his literary works o Enhanced linguistic acumen o Established a school for boys o Promoted community development projects o Invented a brick-making machine o Engaged in farming and commerce Conditions for him to stay at the Parish Convent: o Publicly retract errors committed vs. the Church and the government o Perform church rites and make general confessions o Conduct himself as a model Christian and man Friendship with Capt. Carnicero o Rizal refused to abide with the conditions set by the Jesuit Society. o He preferred to stay at the Casa Real, the official residence of the commandant, Capt. Carnicero, his warden. o A new friendship developed between them. o The relations between Carnicero (the warden) and Rizal (the prisoner) were warm and friendly. o Carnicero realized that Rizal was not a common felon, nor a filibuster. o He gave good reports on his prisoner to Gov. Despujol. o He gave him complete freedom to go anywhere, reporting only once a week at his office. o Rizal on his part, admired the kind, and generous Spanish Captain. o He wrote a poem, entitled “A Don Ricardo Carnicero,” on August 26, 1892 on the occasion of the captain's birthday. o They even shared in buying a Lottery Ticket No. 9736 that won second prize worth P20,000 which was divided between the 3 of them: Capt. Carnicero, Jose Rizal and Francisco Equilor. o They divided the prize and got P6, each. Rizal gave P2,000 to Jose Ma. Basa in Hongkong, the rest was used to buy farm lands in Talisay, Dapitan. Birth of the Katipunan o Right after Rizal was deported to Dapitan, the Liga members had a meeting to discuss the future of the organization o The group of patriots was divided into two factions:
- The Los Compromisarios – those who are conservative members of the La Liga Filipina and still willing to demand reforms and compromise with the Spanish government.
- The Separatists – patriots who wanted to launch an armed rebellion to achieve independence from the colonizers. o On July 7, 1891, the Katipunan was founded on Azcarraga St. (C.M. Recto) in the house of Deodato Arellano. o Founders of KKK were:
- Andres Bonifacio
- Teodoro Plata
- Ladislao Diwa Rizal-Pastellas Religious Debates o Fr. Pablo Pastells sent Rizal a book Sarda advising the latter to refrain from being proud and too judgmental o Rizal’s letters revealed his anti-Catholic ideas caused by the abuses committed against his family and people o He criticized the friars for using their religious authority to oppress and abuse other people o He said that individual judgment is a gift from God, and everyone should use it to light his way; that self-esteem if used moderately, saves man from unworthy acts o He argued that pursuit of truth has different paths, thus, religions may vary, but they all lead to the light o Fr. Pastells tried to win back Rizal to the fold of Catholicism
o She is adopted by Mr. George Taufer, who later became blind o The two came to the Philippines to have Mr. Taufer’s eyes be cured Dapitan Writings o “Himno a Talisay” (Hymn to the Talisay Tree) – hymn/poem written in tribute to a tree to which a town was named after; where Rizal often stayed. Rizal and his students have always used the talisay tree as a meeting place. In gratitude, the students would always sing the hymn. o “Mi Retiro” (My Retreat) – depicts Rizal’s life as an exile in Dapitan o “Canto del Viajero” (Song of the Traveler)
- poem celebrating his renewed opportunity to travel abroad and end of his exile in Dapitan Week 11: 1896 Revolution, End of Dapitan Exile to Arrest, Trial and Martyrdom The Philippine Revolution (1896) 1896 – the Cubans revolted against the Spaniards 1896 – the Filipinos also staged their revolt against Spain The Filipinos thought that it would be advantageous for them because Spain would have divided attention and strength April 1896 – In a Montalban cave, Bonifacio and the Katipunan decided to start the revolution May 2, 1896 – Dr. Pio Valenzuela was sent by the KKK Supreme Council to convince Rizal in Dapitan to join and lead the Katipunan, him being the recognized leader and savior of the Filipinos Rizal did not adhere to the idea of KKK, he believed that the KKK would fail Reasons why they would fail according to Rizal:
- The KKK does not have enough weapons to fight against the fully equipped Spaniards
- The KKK members do no have enough skills and training to fight a professional army tested in war
- The KKK hierarchy lacks credibility which would result to confusion in the chain of command Rizal’s advices when declaring revolution:
- The enemy has allies which necessitates that the revolutionaries must have foreign aid to ensure sufficient funds
- Naval ships are needed, especially in an archipelago like the Philippines for communication purposes
- Rizal believed that it was not yet time for a revolution
- It must not be based solely on the basis of sentiment and burning passion
- It must be launched on the context of the ability to succeed in the end
- If the revolution is the last resort, it must be prepared for another five to ten years to ensure victory
- He advised Valenzuela to seek the leadership of Antonio Luna, a man of military expertise
- The KKK must also seek the financial support of the Japanese End of Rizal’s Exile Rizal applied as a volunteer war physician to the Cuban reviolution to end his Dapoitan exile His letter was finally approved after months of waiting July 31, 1896 – he left Dapitan together with Josephine, Narcisa, three nephews and a niece on board the Steamer España Arrival of España in Manila was delayed The Isla de Luzon had left Rizal was told to wait for the Isla de Panay which will arrive in 28 days He was transferred to the Castilla, manned by Enrique Santalo, where he would wait for another 26 days Rizal Stranded in Manila Aboard a launch Caridad, some KKK members sneaked in and made a last-ditch attempt to rescue Rizal Jacinto introduced himself and told Rizal he would be rescued Rizal politely refused the offer saying he knew what he was doing The 1896 revolution Inside the Castilla, while waiting for the arrival of the Isla de Panay, the Katipunan was discovered On the 26th^ of the month, Bonifacio and the rest of the KKK raised the “Cry of Pugadlawin,”
which marked the start of the Philippine revolution Rizal expected this to happen Last Voyage Abroad August 30, 1896 – Rizal finally received the letter of Gov. Blanco, expressing his congratulations and recommendation September 3 – aboard the Isla de Panay, he left for Spain The ship proceeded to Singapore His co-passengers Pedro and Periquin Roxas escaped, and he was encouraged to do the same He refused because he didn’t want to become a fugitive Rizal and The Katipunan The discovery of the KKK led to the uncovering of its secrets Bulk of documents were uncovered Many of these documents implicated Rizal to the KKK Pictures, copies of Nole and El Fili were also found Documents declaring Rizal as the KKK honorary president were also found Spanish authorities learned that Rizal was used as a rally cry of the members He was regarded as their true leader and hero These documents, together with many letters and testimonies form those arrested led to the conclusion that Rizal was part of the revolutionary group Rizal’s Arrest As per instruction of Gov. Blanco and the prodding of Manila Archbishop Bernardino Nozaleda, Rizal was ordered arrested and detained inside the ship September 30, 1896 – Capt. A. Alemany followed the order and kept Rizal in his cabin during the remainder of the trip October 6 – the ship reached Barcelona Rizal was imprisoned at the Montjuich detention cell Eulogio Despujol, the former Philippine governor who banished him to Dapitan visited later that day October 7 – Rizal was transferred to a new ship, the SS Colon bound for Manila Rizal’s Final Homecoming Rizal kept records od the Philippines since he left for Barcelona He was implicated by the Madrid newspaper t the bloody revolution He though of coming home to confront his accusers and vindicate his name Few friends form Europe and Singapore tried to help Rizal escape his present predicament Ma. Regidor and Lopez sent a telegram to Atty. Hugh Fort asking him to file a writ of habeas corpus on Rizal’s behalf Chief Justice Lionel Cox denied the writ for lack of jurisdiction The Investigation and Trial Preliminary Investigation (arraignment) o November 20, 1896 – the preliminary investigation on Rizal began o During the five-day investigation, Rizal was informed of the charges against him before Judge Advocate Colonel Francisco Olive o He was put under interrogation without the benefit of knowing who testified against him o Presented before him were two kinds of evidence: documentary and testimonial o There was a total of fifteen exhibits for the documentary evidence o Testimonial evidences were comprised of oral proofs by;
- Martin Constantino
- Aguedo del Rosario
- Jose Reyes
- Moises Salvador
- Jose Dizon
- Domingo Franco
- Deodato Arellano
- Pio Valenzuela
- Antonio Salazar
- Francisco Quison
- Timoteo Paez o These pieces of evidence were endorsed by Colonel Olive to Gov. Blanco o Blanco designated Capt. Rafael Dominguez as the Judge Advocate assigned with the task of deciding what corresponding action be done
o To supplement this, Rizal read his own defense which he wrote in his cell in Fort Santiago Rizal’s Defense o According to Rizal, there are twelve points to prove his innocence:
- As testified by Pio Valenzuela, Rizal was against rebellion
- He had not written a letter addressed to the Katipunan comprising revolutionary elements
- Without his knowledge, his name was used by the Katipunan; if he was really guilty, he could have escaped while he was in Singapore
- If he was guilty, he should have left the country while in exile; he shouldn’t have built a home, bought a parcel of and or established a hospital in Dapitan
- If he was really leader of the revolution, the revolutionists should have consulted him
- He did not deny that he wrote the by- laws of the La Liga Filipina, but to make things clear, the organization was a civic association, not a revolutionary society
- After the first meeting of the La Liga Filipina, the association banished because of his exile in Dapitan, thus, did not last long
- If the La Liga was reorganized months later, he had no idea about it
- If the La Liga had a revolutionary purpose, then Katipunan should have not been organized
- If the Spanish authorities found his letter having bitter atmosphere, it was because in 1890 his family was being persecuted resulting to their dispossession of properties and deportation of all his brothers-in-law
- He lived an exemplary life in Dapitan – the politico-military commanders and missionary priests in the province could attest to that
- If according to the witnesses the speech he delivered at Doroteo Ongjunco’s house had inspired the revolution, then he want to confront these persons. If he really was for the revolution, then why did the Katipunan sent an unfamiliar emissiary to him in Dapitan? It is so because all his friends were aware he never advocated violence The Final Verdict o The military court remained indifferent to the pleads of Rizal o After a short deliberation, he was sentenced to be shot in musketry until death at 7 o’ clock in the morning of December 30, 1896, at Bagumbayan Field (Luneta) o The decision was submitted to Gov. Polavieja who immediately sought the opinion of Nicolas de la Peña, the latter found the verdict just and final o Two days later the governor general signed the court’s decision and ordered Rizal’s execution Dr. Jose Rizal’s Final Hours Upon hearing the court’s decision, Rizal already knew that there’s no way that his destiny would be changed Rizal knew that this was his end and had accepted his fate Captain Rafael Dominguez, at 6 o’ clock in the morning of December 29, 1896, read before him the official notice of his execution, scheduled the next day Rizal was immediately transferred to the prison chapel where he spent his last hours on earth Inside the chapel, Rizal busied himself by writing correspondences to friends and family bidding everyone farewell Conversing with his Jesuit priests friends He had a lot of visitors, arriving one or two after the other Fr. Miguel Saderra Mata – the Rector od the Ateneo Municipal, arrived in the prison early in the morning Fr. Luis Viza – came with Fr. Mata, the priest to whom Rizal asked for the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus which he made during his stay at Ateneo
Fr. Antonio Rosell – another friend of Rizal who gladly eaten a fine breakfast with him, returned in the afternoon to resume his talk with Rizal Lt. Taviel de Andrade – Rizal extended his appreciation for Andrade’s services as his defense counsel Fr. Fredrico Faura – had prophesied earlier rather comically that Rizal would lose his head for writing Noli Me Tangere, and the latter “congratulated’ the priest for being right Fr. Jose Villaclara – Rizal’s former teacher in Ateneo, ate lunch with him Fr. Vicente Balaguer – accompanied Fr. Villaclara, ate lunch with Rizal as well Santiago Mataix – contributor in the El Heraldo de Madrid Teodora Alonzo – Rizal knelt before his beloved mother, begging for forgiveness and understanding, the mother and son were separated by the strong grip of the prison guard Trinidad – arrived when Teodora left the chapel. To her, Rizal handed down an alcohol cooking stove and whispered that something was inside it (turned out to be his last piece, the Mi Ultimo Adios, written in a small piece of paper) Gaspar Castaño – fiscal of the Royal Audencia, had a good conversation with Rizal Late at night, around 10 o’ clock, a retraction letter prepared by Archbishop Bernardino Nozaleda was presented to Rizal The Retraction He rejected it for being too long Fr. Balaguer showed another draft form Fr. Pio Pi Rizal liked it but wanted some parts of which be changes By 11:30PM, Rizal wrote and signed the retraction letter in which he renounced the mason movement Witnesses to this event were Juan del Fresno (Chief of the Guard Fetail) and Eloy Moure (Assistant of the Plaza) Text of Rizal’s Retraction: I declare myself a Catholic and in the religion in which I was born and educated I wish to live and die. I retract with all my heart whatever in my words, writings, publications, and conduct has been contrary to my character as son of the Catholic Church. I believe and I confess whatever she teaches and I submit to whatever she demands. I abominate Masonry, as the enemy which is of the Church, and as a Society prohibited by the Church. The Diocesan Prelate may, as the Superior Ecclesiastical authority, make public this spontaneous manifestation of mine in order to repair the scandal which my acts may have caused and so that God and people may pardon me. Jose Rizal La Vas Española, December 30, 1896 Juan del Fresno Eloy Maure Retraction Controversy/Anti-Retractionists’ Contention o If Rizal was a Catholic before he died, why them was he not given a Catholic burial? Where is the death certificate? o If Josephine Bracken were married before the former’s execution, where is the marriage certificate? o Where are the books the Rizal signed? o There is an allegation that the retraction document was a forgery o Senator Rafael Palma, a former President of the University of the Philippines and a prominent Mason, argued that a retraction is not in keeping with Rizal’s character and mature beliefs o He called the refraction story a “pious fraud” o Historians, such as Augustin Craig, Gregorio Zaide, Ambeth Ocampo, Joaquin, Leon Maria Guerrero III, and Nicolas Zafra of UP stat that the retraction document was deemed authentic by Rizal expert, Teodoro Kalaw. o They also refer to the 11 eyewitnesses present when Rizal wrote his retraction, signed a Catholic prayer book, and recited Catholic prayers, and the multitude who
