The development of Philippine politics

THE PERIOD OF PROPAGANDA (Continued)

63

fate, I shall die blessing it and longing for the dawn of its
redemption.
If Rizal was famous when he came in 1887, he was
even more famous on his second return (June, 1892) after
publishing his El Filibsterismo, Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas and his articles in La Solidaridad, and after his valiant support of the Calamba people.
There was evidently another reason why he wanted
to return. Before this time he had held aloof from all organizations; he had been a mere propagandist, a scientist,
a poet, a philosopher. The organizing and political part
of the campaign was done by del Pilar. Now he wanted
to play a new role, he wanted to direct the work of nationalism in person. Upon his arrival he was visited by prominent Filipino leaders. The first to visit him were Timoteo Paez and Pedro Serrano, and he invited them and
through them the prominent leaders to the house of one
Ongjungco. At this meeting, (1) he talked of patriotism,
unity and nationalism. It was followed by another meeting,
more interesting still. Others who went to hear him were
Apolinario Mabini, Moises Salvador, and Andres Bonifacio.
He spoke of the rights of the Filipinos by natural law, of
the political rights which they should have. The time had
come to think of the country's redemption. Organization
was necessary. Hie asked them to join the Liga Filipina,
which he really founded, because he was the author of the
Estatutos or the constitution. The objects of the Liga were
as follows:
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 instruction, agriculture, and
commerce.
5. Study and application of reforms.
Motto: Unus instar omnium (i. e., one like all)
Rizal was evidently entering upon a new role. He
went to the provinces to preach the same doctrines: unity,
(1) taa, o. pp. 245-24&