Francisco Ferrer; his life, work and martyrdom, with message written ...

8 Francisco Ferrer,
Our unfortunate friend, indeed, is a proof of the truth
of his opinions, because he was in his country one of the
pioneers of the mode of instruction in the future.
At dinner-time on the table was a hlsi; dish containing
rice and chicken—chickens are cheap in the Spanish
country—and Ferrer said to me laughingly. "Let me
help you well, because there are no more dishes besides
this one."
The conversation during- dinner was chiefly carried on
by his brother Jose, about the farm, potatoes, onions, etc.
understood quite well the origin of the saying of
Then I
their friends. Francisco's friends said, "He is a fanatic
about his schools" ;
Jose friends said, "He is a fanatic
about his ground and his potatoes." Certainly they were
two fanatics, but their fanaticism could never le like that
of the capitalists and priests, who only desire money and
power.
Nevertheless, one brother has been dispossessed of his
farm, and the other martyred by the blind vengeance of
priest and capitalist.
In the afternoon we went to the cultivated piece of
land, and again the conversation turned on "our" schools.
Ah! this noble fanatic, always thinking of the welfare of
others.
"I have an idea," he said suddenly, taking me by the
arm, "merely a dream, even Soledad does not know it.
You know," he added, "that I intend to extend my publishing
business, and to establish in Barcelona another
'Modern School,' better than that which was closed years
ago, furnished with the most modern material and with a
staff who have improved their knowledge in Paris.
Afterwards, and this is my dream, I should like to build
here a country house, where the teachers of our schools
could enjoy their last years. Do you think the place is
nice Look at these beautiful views, the trees, the sea,
and over all plenty of sun. It is only a dream," he said
sadly; "I do not know if it will be possible or not. One
finds so many difficulties in carrying out educational work
in a country where the priests are in power !"
At five o'clock we entered the cottage to take tea, an
English tea, which reminded me of my first stay in this
country last year.
The brother Jose and his wife were in Australia for