The case of Senor Ferrer, who is to be tried
before a Spanish Court-Martial, has aroused sympathy in many parts of Europe. In Paris, in particular, urgent demands are being made by M. Anatole France and others for his acquittal. Senor Ferrer has done good educational work, we believe, and has spent his fortune on founding what is called the Modern School. Such an institution of course excites the fury of the Clerical Party. We must make every allowance for that. Although the man Morral, who threw the bomb at King Alfonso three years ago, was known at the Modern School, no other connexion between him and Senor Ferrer was proved. Senor Ferrer calls himself an Anarchist, we understand, but he is said to be a man of singularly gentle habits. He is only a philosophical Anarchist. All these things naturally incline us to sympathy, but we must remember nevertheless that men of humane action who would not go within a mile of a bomb themselves are sometimes the active cause of violence in others. The Spanish authorities believe that Senor Ferrer incites the notorious anarchy of Barcelona. It is impossible that the British Government should dictate to Spain her treatment of Senor Ferrer. All that English- men hope—and we believe that their feeling has its influence in Spain—is that the trial shall be an impartial one in an open Court. If it were not, the Spanish Government itself would be the greatest sufferer in the long run.
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