tting away from the subject, so I'll return to
it. What I can say to you, to convince you, is that the vices from
which you suffer ought to be ascribed by you neither to us nor to the
government. They are due to the imperfect organization of our social
system: _qui multum probat, nihil probat_, one loses himself through
excessive caution, lacking what is necessary and having too much of
what is superfluous."

"If you admit those defects in your social system," replied Isagani,
"why then do you undertake to regulate alien societies, instead of
first devoting your attention to yourselves?"

"We're getting away from the subject, young man. The theory in
accomplished facts must be accepted."

"So let it be! I accept it because it is an accomplished fact, but
I will further ask: why, if your social organization is defective,
do you not change it or at least give heed to the cry of those who
are injured by it?"

"We're still far away. Let's talk about what the students want from
the friars."

"From the moment when the friars hide themselves behind the government,
the students have to turn to it."

This statement was true and there appeared no means of ignoring it.

"I'm not the government and I can't answer for its acts. What do
the students wish us to do for them within the limits by which we
are confined?"

"Not to oppose the emancipation of education but to favor it."

The Dominican shook his head. "Without stating my own opinion, that
is asking us to commit suicide," he said.

"On the contrary, it is asking you for room to pass in order not to
trample upon and crush you."

"Ahem!" coughed Padre Fernandez, stopping and remaining
thoughtful. "Begin by asking something that does not cost so much,
something that any one of us can grant without abatement of dignity
or privilege, for if we can reach an understanding and dwell in peace,
why this hatred, why this distrust?"

"Then let's get down to details."

"Yes, because if we disturb the foundation, we'll bring down the
whole edifice."

"Then let's get down to details, let's leave the region of abstract
principles," rejoined Isagani with a smile, "and _also without stating
my own opinion,_"--the youth accented these words--"the students
would desist from their attitude and soften certain asperities if
the professors would try to treat them better than they have up to
the present. That is in their hands."

"What?" demanded the Dominican. "Have the students