The other day I was reading some anarchist writings, specifically the literature of a famous feminist socialist-anarchist Emma Goldman. She wrote an extensive essay on a famous Spanish rebel by the name of Francisco Ferrer. Ferrer was part of a band of rebels led by a well known soldier who had become disillusioned with the royal crown of Spain and believed that government should be elected by the people. Ferrer would later write much on the topic of republics and the supposed divine right of kings. In summation, to my surprise, the soldier that led the band of rebels to sack the royal house at Madrid was General Manuel Villacampa, a past relative of mine. The band of rebels failed but their reputation lived on and General Villacampa was sentenced to life in jail, where he died. Personally, I am very proud of General Villacampa and his courage to stand up to the supposed divine right of kings. This interesting find lends to my respect for my family's name.
"Francisco Ferrer was not only a doubter, a searcher for truth; he was also a rebel. His spirit would rise in just indignation against the iron régime of his country, and when a band of rebels, led by the brave patriot General Villacampa, under the banner of the Republican ideal, made an onslaught on that regime, none was more ardent a fighter than young Francisco Ferrer. The Republican ideal,--I hope no one will confound it with the Republicanism of this country."
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