yohn IV. Cary.
baloo before the courts. He had a dislike for the mere time-server. Yet he was opti mistic in his thoughts and life, rather than pessimistic. The trend of his thoughts was along serious lines. He was sincere and candid, but not eloquent. He had a matter-of-fact way of going at things, methodical and un tiring in his labors, and relied more on care ful research and preparation, for his legal victories, than on the inspiration of the moment. But opposing counsel rarely sur prised him. His "habit " of being prepared admirably fitted him for the wise, safe and careful counselor which he always proved to be. A great corporation and the conserva tive business public prefer such a lawyer to mere spread-eagleism or "brilliancy." The latter are not safe counsel and have little in fluence before a court of thoughtful judges. And it is, after all, before the courts of last resort, before the bench of eminent judges, where the final and full measure of the truly great lawyer is taken. It was before such courts, both state and federal, that Mr. Cary passed for his real value. He was sincere and honest with the courts. He was a true officer of them. He did not mis lead them. He attempted to assist them in arriving at correct conclusions, and, there fore, at just judgments. In the honest exer cise of the judicial function, courts appreci ate such assistance, for, like the rest of humanity, the courts are but fallible at best. Nevertheless, they welcome the lawyer of Mr. Cary's quality, for his candor, his legal ability and his professional poise. He was
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more than a mere workman, serving his em ployer; he was a master builder of that legal structure which is to serve as a guide and an inspiration for generations which are yet to enter this noblest of professions. But Mr. Cary was more than an eminent lawyer, counsel for vast corporate interests. He was a good citizen and a public-spirited man. He served his Milwaukee constituents in the common council of the city and was a member of the assembly in 1872. He was also the Democratic candidate for Congress, and received the complimentary vote of his party for United States Senator. Although not a conspicuous public man, as that term is usually understood, he never failed in the performance of his public duty as a citizen, and he took a lively and intelligent interest in local public affairs. But it was not his ambition to be the idol of the rabble. His thoughts and feelings would revolt at the doubtful honor. It has been suggested that it is, perhaps, too soon after his death to place an exact estimate of Mr. Cary's position among the eminent lawyers of this country. His proper place is, undoubtedly, among the great cor poration attorneys of the Northwest. This seems to be conceded. If these lawyers are as eminent as elsewhere, then he is the peer of the best of his class. They are as emi nent. It is our belief that the ultimate judgment of his contemporaries will place Mr. Cary as the great corporation lawyer of the Northwest without a superior in this par ticular branch of the law during his time in this country.