Springer, William McKendree 1836-
Jurist; born in New Lebanon, Ind., May 30, 1836; graduated at Indiana University in 1858; admitted to the bar in 1859 and practised in Springfield, Ill.; member of Congress in 1875-95. On Dec. 15 of the former year he introduced a resolution in the House declaring “the precedent of retiring from the Presidential office after the second term has become a part of our republican system, and any departure from this time-honored custom would be unwise, unpatriotic, and fraught with peril to our free institutions.” It is believed that the adoption of this resolution by 233 yeas against 18 nays largely contributed to the loss by President Grant of a third nomination in 1876. Judge Springer was chief-justice of the United States court of appeals in 1895-99, but resumed law practice in 1900.