The suicide of Sir W. Tindal Robertson—due to a sudden
outburst of insanity—which took place at Brighton on Sunday, creates a vacancy in the Parliamentary repre- sentation of the borough. The death of the late Member seems especially sad when we remember that he was totally blind, and that up till a day or two ago be was carrying on the struggle against his infirmity, apparently with the courage and pertinacity displayed by Mr. Fawcett. It seems that the deceased had of late been suffering greatly from depression of spirits brought about by hypochondriasis. On one or two occasions, he said something to his medical attendant about "not being able to stand it any longer ;" but on Saturday last, when it was suggested by Dr. Elborough Scatliff that he had better have himself placed under control, Sir Tindal Robertson replied that he was sorry he had made remarks which were capable of being construed into an intention of self- destruction, and that he would control himself in future. Indeed, so little suspicious was his whole manner, that the doctor felt reassured. Sir Tindal, it must be added, was in the habit of taking a sleeping-draught, and it was suggested at the inquest that he committed the act while still under its influence.
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