"Countrymen: On my return from Spain I learned that my name had been
in use, among some who were in arms, as a war-cry. The news came as a
painful surprise, but, believing it already closed, I kept silent over
an incident which I considered irremediable. Now I notice indications
of the disturbances continuing, and if any still, in good or bad faith,
are availing themselves of my name, to stop this abuse and undeceive
the unwary I hasten to address you these lines that the truth may
be known.
"From the very beginning, when I first had notice of what
was being planned, I opposed it, and demonstrated its absolute
impossibility. This is the fact, and witnesses to my words are now
living. I was convinced that the scheme was utterly absurd, and,
what was worse, would bring great suffering.
"I did even more. When later, against my advice, the movement
materialized, of my own accord I offered not alone my good offices,
but my very life, and even my name, to be used in whatever way might
seem best, toward stifling the rebellion; for, convinced of the ills
which it would bring, I considered myself fortunate, if, at any
sacrifice, I could prevent such useless misfortunes. This equally
is of record. My countrymen, I have given proofs that I am one most
anxious for liberties for our country, and I am still desirous of
them. But I place as a prior condition the education of the people,
that by means of instruction and industry our country may have an
individuality of its own and make itself worthy of these liberties. I
have recommended in my writings the study of civic virtues, without
which there is no redemption. I have written likewise (and repeat
my words) that reforms, to be beneficial, must come from above,
that those which come from below are irregularly gained and uncertain.
"Holding these ideas, I cannot do less than condemn, and I do condemn,
this uprising,--as absurd, savage, and plotted behind my back,--which
dishonors us Filipinos and discredits those who could plead our
cause. I abhor its criminal methods and disclaim all part in it,
pitying from the bottom of my heart the unwary who have been deceived.
"Return, then, to your homes, and may God pardon those who have worked
in bad faith.
Jose Rizal.
"Fort Santiago, December 15th, 1896.
The Spanish judge-advocate-general commented upon the address:
"The preceding address to his countrymen which Dr. Rizal proposes
to direct to them, is not in substance the patriotic protest
against separatist manifestations and tendencies which ought to
come from those who claim to be loyal sons of Spain. According
to his declarations, Don Jose Rizal limits himself to condemning
the present insurrectionary movement as premature and because he
considers now its triumph impossible, but leaves it to be inferred
that the wished-for independence can be gained by procedures less
dishonorable than those now being followed by the rebels, when the
culture of the people shall be a most valuable asset for the combat
and guarantee its successful issue.
"For Rizal the question is of opportuneness, not of principles nor of
aims. His manifesto might be summarized in these words: 'Because of
my proofs of the rebellion's certainty to fail, lay down your arms,
my countrymen. Later I shall lead you to the Promised Land.'
"So far from being conducive to peace, it could advance in the
future the spirit of rebellion. For this reason the publication of
the proposed address seems impolitic, and I would recommend to Your
Excellency to forbid its being made public, but to order that all
these papers be forwarded to the Judge Advocate therein and added to
the case against Rizal."
"Manila, December 19th, 1896."