Sir John Karslake, one of the most accomplished advocates of
his day, died on Tuesday evening. He was only in his sixtieth year, but for the last seven years he had been incapaci- tated from the pursuit of his profession by total blindness. His career up to the time when it was cut short by this terrible calamity had been one of unclouded success. The son of an emi- nent solicitor and the grandson of the greatest of conveyancers, he started with great advantages, of which his fine physique and considerable intellectual resources enabled him to make the utmost. For many years he divided the leadership of the Western Circuit with the present Lord Coleridge, and he also secured a large share of the best commercial practice in London. In politics he was a Conservative, and held the office of Solicitor and Attorney-General in Mr. Disraeli's two Adminis- trations. His Parliamentary experience, however, was short, and not particularly distinguished, and he will be best remem- bered for his extraordinary forensic powers. Without being eloquent, he had a peculiarly persuasive style, had few rivals in the art of cross-examination, and was withal, what so many of the successful advocates of the Common-law Bar are not, a well-read and accurate lawyer. His fine sense of professional honour and his unvarying geniality and kindness made him beloved, and ten years ago there was no man for whom a brilliant judicial career was more confidently predicted. Dis sailer visum.
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