[139] Flat-horned buffalo, the beast of burden in the Philippines. [140] Page 49. [141] Page 56. [142] These and the succeeding particulars are communicated or verified by friends that knew him in Madrid at this time, had been in the university with him or observed him later. [143] In a letter to the present authors. [144] See Appendix A. [145] Mr. Canon; also Craig. [146] The letter will be found in a later chapter. [147] Craig, p. 165. On Retana’s return from the Philippines he became connected with “La Politica de España en Filipinas,” an organ of reaction and most furiously opposed by “La Solidaridad.” From 1895 to 1898 he was the chief editor of this virulent sheet, which was undoubtedly maintained by the friars as their mouthpiece in the capital. Compare Blair and Robertson, Vol. LII, p. 164. [148] Retana, p. 195. [149] For a collection of astounding facts bearing upon the disregard of this part of the oath reference may be had to Foreman, “The Philippine Islands,” pp. 202–204. [150] Chap. IV and X. [151] As will appear later, this was either prevision or a knowledge of governor-generals so accurate it is almost phenomenal. [152] Chap. XI. [153] Chap. XVIII. [154] Convento: priest’s house. [155] Chap. XXX. [156] Chap. XXVII. [157] Chap. XXXIII–XXXV. [158] Chap. XXXIX. [159] Retana, pp. 194–195. He dwells with sympathy upon Rizal’s unselfish devotion to his family. [160] Craig, pp. 172–174; Retana, pp. 231–233. [161] Craig, p. 182; Retana, p. 235. [162] They bear the same date, June 20, 1892. Retana, p. 243. [163] Retana prints the Spanish original at p. 243. [164] Dr. Craig’s translation, pp. 176–179. [165] Craig, p. 179. [166] Craig, p. 182. [167] The Economic Society of Friends of the Country was established by Governor-General Basco in 1780. It was about as radical, revolutionary, and dangerous as Despujol himself. [168] It appears that the first members he enrolled were friends of his in the masonic lodge, which probably gave rise to the story that La Liga Filipina was a masonic organization. Rizal had been warmly welcomed by his brother masons at Manila and was pleasantly astonished to find the lodge so large and flourishing. The Constitution of the Liga declared these to be its Ends: 1. To unite the whole archipelago into one compact, vigorous, and homogeneous body. 2. Mutual protection in every want and necessity. 3. Defense against all violence and injustice. 4. Encouragement of industry, agriculture, and commerce. 5. The study and application of reforms. The motto was “Unus instar omnium.” (One like all.) [169] The idea of such a society originated with José Maria Basa, one of the remarkable Filipinos then refugees in Hong-Kong. He mentioned it to Rizal and suggested a constitution, which Rizal, with his trained intellect, quickly formulated.