I am Josep Feliu, worker in the fan factory owned by the Colominas, son of Joan Feliu and father to Joanet Feliu.

I was born 44 years ago in the Cabanyal, a short time after my father began work at the silk factory owned by the Colominas, the same family who my son and I work for now. I owe my name, Josep, to José Peris y Valero, as my father, a lifelong republican, named me in his honor. When I was young, I myself was a part of the Democratic party led by Guerrero and Sorní, and I assisted in the Glorious Revolution of 1868 and the construction of Valenci’s barricades in 1869. I hoped to see the establishment of the Republic and the Canton of Valencia in 1873, but the hope for self governance ended in destruction. !For thirteen whole days, general Martínez Campos bombed Valencia! And the same thing happened when he rebelled against the Republic a year later in Sagunto. Since then I’ve drifted away from politics, since it only brings me headaches, betrayal, and problems with the authorities. Although I must say, it seems that with the help of Blasco Ibañez, republicanism might finally return to a state of unity and prestige.

I’ve worked my whole life in the Colomina fan factory, but my postion seems to be in danger now. We’re on strike to shorten our 11-hour workdays and improve our salaries, but we’ve been going like this for five months and the resistance money we saved up from the dues of the laborers union we formed is running out. Maybe we should just give up and go back to work.