History, The Anarchists and the Social Revolution - Interviewing Salvador Torrents in Australia by Campio Carpio

Foreword ---- Salvador Torrents was one of numerous Spanish anarchists that found refuge
in this distant continent of Australia following numerous chapters of rebellion and
struggles for Justice throughout the history of the Iberian Peninsula. ---- Until death,
they all remained faithful to their libertarian ideals, constantly contributing and
planting the seed of anarchism with the hope that one day it would flourish. --- Salvador
Torrents, was born so it is believed, in 1885 and began his libertarian militancy at a
young age in the township of Matar?. In 1903 along with Abelardo Saavedra, Jos? S?nchez
Rosa and Mariano Castellote, he participated in the first anarchist meeting held in the
town. He further contributed in establishing the anarchist group ?Nueva Semilla? New Seed
as well as the ?Ateneo Obrero? of Matar?.

Following the events of July 1909, he exiled himself in France. He was forced to return to
Spain and in approximately December 1915 he elected to migrate to Australia. He settled in
Essendon, Melbourne for a brief period finally establishing himself in the coastal
township of Innisfail, Queensland. In either late 1919or early 1920 he was joined by his
compa?era Teresa and daughter Paz Universal (translated into English the name signifies
Universal Peace)

.In early 1950, compa?ero Campio Carpio, a recognized and respected writer in the Hispanic
libertarian journals interviewed compa?ero Torrents via correspondence. This interview was
published in a booklet form in 1975 by the Spanish anarchist publishing collectives of
Militando from Sydney and Ravachol from Melbourne, it was printed in Melbourne by Ravachol
Press.


The Anarchists and the Social Revolution

Translated from Spanish to English by Vicente Ruiz (hijo)


1975 Introduction

The current resurgence of the anarchist movement around the world could not avoid
influencing the youth of the last discovered continent. The bi-lingual anarchist
publication ?Acracia? is distributed in all major cities such as Melbourne, Brisbane and
Sydney as well as other large townships around the country, together with ?Nosotros? which
is a Spanish literary and informative magazine. In addition, the editorial group
?Ravachol? is publishing quite a number of brochures and booklets with ideological and
noble contents. Some of these being ?The Place of Anarchism in Socialistic Evolution? by
the great Kropotkin; ?The Principles of Humanism? by the Romanian-Uruguayan Eugen Relgis
and ?La Revoluci?n Social Espa?ola? (The Spanish Social Revolution) by Ram?n Liarte.
Recognition must also be given to the printing collectives of Strawberry Press, Slash/
Asterisk* and Ravachol Press who have assisted with their artistry in the layout process,
as well as their labor in operating the presses.

A result of this dedicated labor is the new appearance of the magazine ?Militando?, which
in turn is encouraging other publishing initiatives of our ideals within our own shores as
well as around the world. The times in which we live, demands of us, a conscious and
constant effort by every single one of us, of both social and cultural assimilation to
ensure that the revolutionary process we so desire is not halted. Such is the
responsibility that civilization has given individuals who crave a better world.

Complementing this activity, we present, ?The Anarchists and the Social Revolution?, an
interview achieved via correspondence by compa?ero Campio Carpio with this most esteemed
and late compa?ero Salvador Torrents, an anarchist pioneer of the Iberian East that with
his exemplary life style and actions contributed to the rebirth of the anarchist militancy
in Australia.


The anarchist movement is a valuable movement because of its militants, no matter where
one finds them. There are compa?eros that eagerly follow the difficulties of the
activities and situation of our movement in every corner of the world. Speaking different
languages and of different cultural backgrounds our ideal finds us with a common ground,
although we may take different paths, our purpose is the same. No problem is alien to us
nor is any principle of rebellion foreign to us. We feel in unison the throbbing of our
restlessness to the rhythm of events happening around us in anticipation for the
revolution that we advocate.

Compa?ero Salvador Torrents, who originated from the Catalonian region of Spain, passed
away 4 years ago in Australia. He would have been in his 70's but his views, analysis and
opinions of the fundamental problems of our society belonged with the youth, and I do not
mean that conformist youth that accepts events as inevitable incidents and subsequently
watch historical facts pass by as a ?fait accomplie?. Torrents could see in that
conformist youth the product of the capitalist system, which was building, strengthening
and defending with all sorts of control and censorship the State, against the
revolutionary spirit that quivers within the proletariat around the world.Taking into
account the experience gathered by compa?ero Salvador Torrents through his years of
activism, we shall endeavor to utilize his views and opinions to stimulate the younger
generations into studying and analysing the social problems inherent within the capitalist
system, and at the same time expose some of the purest libertarian ideological thoughts.


Salvador Torrents, whom regularly contributed articles in our journals,was a self-educated
labourer able to grasp from the libertarian ideology allthe constructive concepts it has
and incorporate them into the melting pot of clashing ideological and social thoughts. The
new generations have in this persona the example as to how the continuous social
injustices around the world cannot delay the forthcoming Social Revolution.

With this in mind, we ask compa?ero Torrents:

Compa?ero, your historical experience, would have made you aware and alert to the
deviation towards social democracy by certain individuals from within our ranks, declaring
it as the lesser of all evils. Thus considering our future as a revolutionary movement
which we all eagerly desire; should we as anarchists accept such a transition as an end
result or, should we oppose such a stance by implementing the path of direct action as
proposed by the founders of the First International and its adherent organisations, which
historically has proven to be the logical course of action?

In the 50 years or so that I have been reading the writings of numer-ous and varied
illustrious exponents of our ideology, each one of them has projected their individual
point of view. There are innumerable differences amongst them regarding the most
appropriate path to overthrow the capitalist system and establish a libertarian society.
Yet,they have no doubt; that such a goal can only be achieved through a revolution. A
revolution that we ourselves must accomplish, revitalising ourselves, without waiting for
the day that it may erupt, we need to act now, on a daily and hourly basis. Demonstrate
that when put to the test,we, as anarchists are capable to live by the ideals that we
advocate.

During the last War, various monarchs believed they had the divine blessing to rule
eternally and yet had to prepare their suitcases in order to escape the inevitable. The
collapse of the Russian Empire and its new authoritarian regime, can only teach us a good
lesson. What could happen should the third world war erupt? With the cunningness and
cruelty of aspiring generalissimos on one side; and the apathy of the people whom always
await the arrival of the so-called liberators on the other; it is extremely difficult to
make a judgement on what may transpire in times of semi prosperity should there be another
carnage.

History could very well repeat itself or on the other hand, the promotersof the carnage
may find that their venture could backfire.

As anarchists, we must be alert and use all our knowledge and energyto reveal our
reasoning in opposing such criminal ambitions by never deviating from our principles; we
seek to live in freedom, without generals, politicians or bishops no matter which playing
field they may come from.

What could we as anarchists do, so that today's youth -used as canon fodder for wars and
misguided by politicians of all persuasions- develops an awareness and consciousness
accepting the responsibility as members of the human race to struggle in defence of their
lives and that of humanity by ensuring the advancement of the revolution?

The Australian youth is overwhelmed with the virus known as sport,which also embraces 90%
of the population. Should you try to put an end to this illness, you are looked upon as a
mad old man, out of touch with the reality of life. We must not make a distinction between
the old and the young. When coming to terms with the principles of anarchism the age of a
person is of no significance. Planting the seed of rebellion is our task and I am sure
that this seed will eventually eradicate each and every conflict as well as those
political drones whose only interest is to maintain their privileges.

How do you see the confrontations by the Spanish anarchist movement encompassed within the
CNT-FAI -against the apathy of the world's reformist workers organisations, the lack of
interest shown by the capitalistic United Nations as well as the social democracies of the
world with regards to the continuous struggle against Franco's nazi fascist regime- in an
endeavor to establish a society of free Iberian producers?

The militants of the CNT-FAI have proven to be quite capable in putting into practice the
theories they have always promoted. The Iberian revolution was a praiseworthy event,
during which thousands of magnificent compa?eros lost their lives. The capitalist nations,
hypocritically and blatantly, did whatever they could to crush the revolution.


Reactionary forces will always find mercenaries to accomplish their ambitions.

When at the beginning of the last century (19th century) , a series of rebellions erupted
throughout Spain against the savage Ferdinand VII,the King of France, representing the
European monarchies sent to Spain the army of the One hundred thousand children of Saint
Luis, commanded by the Duke of Angoul?me to destroy the liberal movement. It would be
ignorant not to think that history could not repeat itself for a third time.

One will find the patriotism of the capitalists wherever a profit is to be made. In order
to establish a society of free producers, the good will of a group or the inhabitants of a
locality is not good enough, you also require the support of numerous other regions that
are willing to sup- port, encourage and further develop such an initiative. Modern times
have taught us that when the neighbour's house is in flames, our house is also runs a
risk. Had Spain been left alone with its tragedy, its inhabit-ants would have found the
appropriate solutions to their problems, because they had the knowledge and understanding
of the principles of freedom and justice in order to position the revolution on a road of
continuous progress.

Workers must belong to the sindicato.1, not only to gain improvements that are often
erroneous deceptions, but principally to educate themselves so that when the time is ripe
they are able to break away from the capitalist system, thus have the knowledge and
ability to organize production in a free society.

I am sympathetic towards the cooperative movement, not in order to save a couple of cents
but because I lived it, I experienced it during my youth, in Matar?, in order to better
defend ourselves against the capitalist system and to educate ourselves in how to self
manage without the need of the State. Our movement has suffered from the lack of
administrators, due to the absence of adequate preparation. It is true that during the
period 1936-39 very capable individuals evolved from within our ranks, but we have to
prepare ourselves for tomorrow and replace of all those that died.
____________________________________________________

1. Translators' note: I have refrained from translating the word sindicato to union. The
term sindicato has a completely different connotation to what is understood by the word
union. It was within the environment of the sindicato that the majority of Spanish workers
were taught to read, write and were encouraged to further their self education, thus the
materialistic aspirations of new members would soon be transformed into a revolutionary
spirit.
=============================================================

We have to start somewhere, an example is the Ateneo Obrero (the libertarian community
center) or as compa?ero Garcia Pradas explains it in number 5 of ?Cenit? when referring to
the various community initiatives being undertaken in Britain, all of which contribute to
the development of a consciousness.

What I believe to be the best way to accelerate the pace towards emancipation is the
Rationalist School as proposed and established by Ferrer and Faure and which in a similar
manner, is implemented by the anarcho-syndicalist movement with its educational courses.
The seeds sown by them have yielded good results, for it was from that environment that
illustrious representatives and exponents of anarchism sprung,and believe me we need lots
of them.

The ignorant and gullible masses are easy prey for the illusionist representatives of
politics and religion just as they are for the exploitation of man-by-man. We, ourselves,
have to work towards the revolution from this very instant. Let the politicians and
capitalists kill each other. We are anarchists. We have to promote our ideals, unmasking
all the fake saviours whose only desire is to become the new masters. We should not and
cannot be accomplices to the crimes of the social democracies. We have seen, no matter
which country it is, that the immediate task by these manipulative and shrewd individuals
is to crush the rebellious spirit, and in the long term, they become the new autocrats and
executioners. This, we have seen so many times that we would be more than stupid to accept
them. There are many recent examples.

How do you see the immediate future for anarchism and what course of action should we as
anarchists take - when confronting the possibility that the next global war for control of
the World could well be between the two ideological forces of bourgeois and communistic
capitalism?

Observing what is happening around the globe, I firstly have to notice the recent
electoral results in Australia, what a disgrace and it is moving backwards rather than
forward, for this nation has chosen the most conservative government one could think of.
In the name of democracy, political propaganda took a holiday in order to prepare for war
and declared communism to be within the law so as that it could be a respectable ally.
Using this as a reference one cannot be very optimistic. Nevertheless, not every country
is Australia. History is a great teacher. The Franco-Prussian War gave birth to the
glorious Paris Commune, which, though stifled in blood, it left revolutionary roots that
no tyrant could extinguish.

The advocates of capitalism try to lull the workers who unfortunately do not always rebel,
thus being able to abduct the worker's children using them as canon fodder, exterminating
them with their wicked ventures, and preventing them from being free individuals. Working
class internationalism is as necessary as the daily bread.

Your years of activism, would have helped you conceive an opinion of a future after the
collapse of the francoist regime?

Looking at the future through my own experience of life, I must recognize that the basic
conditions of humanity have somewhat improved. Regardless, there still are large sectors
of the population dissatisfied with the system of exploitation they are subject to, and
consequently they are the ones undermining the foundations of the present social system.
As time passes by, the number of discontented people increases. They may delay the
collapse of the current system but it is inevitable.

Although I live in Australasia, I am aware of the constant shove the discontented
Spaniards are giving the inauspicious regime which oppresses them, defying Franco's wrath
and the so called democratic nations witnessing their fate with the same cynicism as
Hitler did,certifying the slaughter that the executioner inflicts upon those heroic
workers. Hitler lost the war, but won peace. The legacy of the fields of death is not in
Belsen, Dachau or Buchevald; it is everywhere.Yesterdays' heroes of freedom today bear the
trademark of the democracies that we as anarchists know so well.

Many direct descendants of Don Quixote, willing to risk their lives defending the freedom
of the world are still found in that Iberian peninsula. Moreover, those compa?eros, all
worthy representatives of the C.N.T., never submit an invoice for their deeds. Their
destiny is far beyond that of self-interest. Their mission is to precipitate the social
revolution, and this encourages both the elderly and the young ones.


As a final question, could you tell us, which has been your most satisfying experience
during your long and respectable years as a militant?

I have had several extraordinary experiences although the most satisfying one was when in
Matar? we celebrated the first anarchist meeting, some 48 years ago. Amongst a few friends
and acquaintances, I was able to collect a few pesetas to cover the expenses for this
event, which, for me, is unforgettable. The orators we selected were some of the best that
we could choose in those years.

The meeting was a great success. Most of those who attended had no other opinion of
anarchism and anarchists except for the one conveyed to them by the priests, capitalists
and politicians. With proficiency and simplicity, the speakers presented our ideas. I
remember them as if it were yesterday: Saavedra, Rosa S?nchez, Gonz?lez Sol? and Ojeda, as
well as the veteran bricklayer Mariano Castellote. Despite the years that have elapsed,
many of the issues raised are as vivid in my mind as if the event had just occurred.
Anarchists and sympathizers from the region attended and we were able to initiate contact.
Amongst these were my intimate friends and compa?eros Vilagrassa, Compte, Vehils and the
veteran Casanovas, whom like me, is in Australia. As a result of this meeting, a few of us
got together and formed the group ?Nueva Semilla?(New Seed). We organized numerous other
events with speakers who came from Barcelona, including Leopold Bonafulla, Romero, A.
Loredoand the unforgettable first-rate Teresa Claramunt. How many wonderful and emotional
moments I can recall spending at the ?Ateneo Obrero? of Matar?, premises from which we
wanted to fix the problems of the world! There we debated and argued with passion and it
was in that environment where we became anarchists. Those passionate debates attracted the
interest of young people, many of them joining our ranks and becoming radiant advocate of
our ideals.

The events of July 1909 gave reason for those gatherings. We took an active part during
those days and there we saw the true face of the oppressor, humiliated when the people
unleash their fury in defense of justice.

From there, so as not to fall into the clutches of law and order, I had now to cross over
to France, with no money, no knowledge of the language, without craft or trade, only able
to work as a laborer and looked upon at all times as an undesirable, the same as today's
?rojos? refugees. Great credentials if you wanted to make your life somewhat easier. In
Toulouse, I met several compa?eros, forced, like me, to cross into France. I remember the
demonstrations outside the Spanish Consulate upon hearing of the authorities' intentions
to assassinate Ferrer, a crime carried out with the blessing of the worlds' conservative
forces. Just like today. I do not know what is so bad, so gruesome or so odd about the
Iberian workers, because when ever we try to get our heads just above the water level all
the jackals from heaven and earth join forces and descend upon us.

Whilst in France I received a letter from my father advising me of the birth of my first
daughter. He sent me a cutting of her hair. We named her Paz, in memory of Ferrer's daughter.

Memorable times I have spent in France, debating and discussing with friends the problems
of the revolution thus forgetting our dilemmas as refugees. I recall some of those
discussions with the then federal Republican Bruno Llad?. The last time I saw him was in
the Barcelona Prison, he had been a member of the Sabadell Strike Committee. Po,was
another that debated issues with me, he too was from Sabadell.

Another emotional experience I had was early in 1915 when, along with compa?eros Corney
and Gabalda, we visited to the old compa?ero Anselmo Lorenzo. Having knocked, his daughter
opened the door and smiling asked; ?you wish to see the grandfather?? She took us to his
study. The maestro took us in with kindness and affection.

We spoke about every topic you could think of, although the main theme was the war. We
however could not comprehend anarchists supporting the war, just like Kropotkin. Lorenzo
said: ?If it were not for these poor legs, today I would go to Madrid to deliver a lecture
expressing our opinion about the war?.

It was quite common in those days, to read articles written by Lorenzo in both
?Solidaridad Obrera? and ?Tierra y Libertad?. One may formulate a judgment about an
author, but to meet him in the flesh and have the opportunity to talk with him only
reinforced my opinion of him.

Whilst in France I also met E. Armand who published ?L ' Unique?,and I met Sebastian
Faure, Ma??, Costa, Ballesteros as well as Tom?s. During a visit to the editorial offices
of ?Le Libertaire? I had the opportunity to meet with P. Martin, whom with his thick beard
reminded me of compa?ero Anselmo Lorenzo, he also had the same opinions as the old veteran
from Barcelona with respect to the war, the anarchists and the social revolution around
the world.

After France I elected to move to Australia because it reminded me of the old England
where persecuted compa?eros found refuge.

Compa?ero Salvador Torrents concludes with the following sentence:

And here I am, indulging every so often with pills of encouragement after reading articles
in our journals about the courageous, rebellious and anarchistic Iberian Peninsula.

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Edited, Published and Produced by: Acracia
with the co-operation of Grupo Cultural de Estudios Sociales de Melbourne August 2012

Bron : a-infos-en@ainfos.ca