The development of Philippine politics

62 THE DEVELOPMENT OF PHILIPPINE POLITICS

On the other hand, there are many individuals, filled with
hope and ambition who perhaps all might be happy were I
dead, and then I hope my enemies would be satisfied and
stop persecuting so many entirely innocent people. (1)
The other letter was addressed to his countrymen. It
read in part:The step which I am taking, or rather am about to take,
is undoubtedly risky, and it is unnecessary to say that I
have considered it some time. I understand that almost
every one is opposed to it; but I know also that hardly
anybody else comprehends what is in my heart. I cannot
live on seeing so many suffer unjust persecutions on my
account; I cannot bear longer the sight of my sisters and
their numerous families treated like criminals. I prefer
death and cheerfully shall relinquish life to free so many
innocent persons from such unjust persecution.
I appreciate that at present the future of our country
gravitates in some degree around me, that at my death
many will feel triumphant, and, in consequence, many are
wishing for my fall. But what of it? I hold duties of
conscience above all else, I have obligations to the families
who suffer, to my aged parents whose sighs strike me
to the heart. I know that I alone, only with my death, can
make them happy, returning them to their native land and
to a peaceful life at home. I am all my parents have, but
our country has many, many more sons who can take my
place and even do my work better.
Besides I wish to show those who deny us patriotism
that we know how to die for duty and principles. What
matters death, if one dies for what one loves, for native
land and beings held dear?
If I thought that I were the only resource for the policy
of progress in the Philippines and were I convinced that
my countrymen were going to make use of my services, perhaps I should hesitate about taking this step; but there are
still others who can take my place, who, too, can take my
place with advantage. Furthermore, there are perchance
those who hold me unheeded and my services are not utilized,
resulting that I am reduced to inactivity.
Always have I loved our unhappy land, and I am sure
that I shall continue loving it till my latest moment,
in case men Prove unjust to me. My career, my life, my
happiness, all have I sacrificed for love of it. Whatever my
(1) Cralg, Lineag. Life and Labore of Jo" Rizal, up. 177-178.