The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1892-03-04
A Change for the Worse.

He then had erysipelas in the face in
addition to nervous prostratiOn. He
grew considerable worse for some time
after taking to his bed, but was better
on Wednesday. Yesterday, however,
there came u change for the worse.
Senator Cullom, who visited Mr..
Springer, said the patient was in de-
spondent mood, and at times fighty in
manner. These symptoms, the physi-
clans told Mr.. Cullom, indicated the
fact that the disase had reached the
brain, although they were not strongly
enough marked to be beyond the posi-
bility of doubt. If it should prove true
that the brain is affected, the physicians
stated, there is no reasonable hope of re-
covery. Mr.. Springer himself, the sem
ator said, seemed to be expecting the
worst.
Mr.. Springer's Career.
Hon. William NJ. Springer was born
in Sullivan county, Ind, on May 80,
1886 His family removed to Jackson
vile, Ind, when he was 12 years of age,
Here he prepared for college under a
private instructor. He first entered the
Illinois college, and in the spring of
1856 entered the State University OF In
diana, whore he remained for two years,
leaving to return to Illinois and begin
the study of law.
Mr.. Springer was admitted to the bar
in 1860, and the same year was a candi-
date on tie Democratic ticket for Il seat
in the state legislature. The year fol-
lowing he settled in Springfield, ILL., and
engaged in the practice of law. Re
turning from Il two years trip in 1870,
he was elected to represent Sangamon
county in the Illinois legislature.
III 1874 Mr.. Springer was elected to
congress from the Twelfth district and
has since retained his seat. In Decem-
ber, 1870, few days after he had first
taken his seat, he created sensation by
offering resolution declaring again t
any third term for the president. Only
eighteen members OF the house had the
courage to vote against this resolution,
and through its triumphant passage
Springer bounded at once into general
notice.
In December, 1876, Mr. Springer was
made by Speaker Randall one of the
committee on the part of the house TO
count the electoral vote. Another mat
ter in which he gained much notoriety
in the early part of his congressional
career was i'll connection with the bill
granting 81 800, 900 TO the Centennial ex-
position. 1t was Mr.. Springer who in-
trudnced the amendment making this
sum loan, aud after tine exhibition was
over he followed the money up until lie
got every cent ef it back III the treasury.
1t is impossible to follow Mr.. Springer
through all the notable episodes in his
congressional career. lie has taken
prominent part in all the great and little
issues that have come before the hoaae
during the period OF his service in that
body. In 1890 he chaInpioned the cause
OF the Venezuelan government So stoutly
IN its resistance to the payment of the
famous Venezuela claims that Two years
later he received from President Guz-
man Blanco the decoration OF the third
class of the order OF the Bust Of the
Liberator
III the fall of 1883 Mr.. Springer be-
came a candidate for the speakGrship,
and wrote to the Democratic delegation
from Illinois placing his candidacy in
their hands" The delegation forthwith
held meeting and unanimously con-
cluded that it would be inadyisable to
present his name 10 the caucus. When
the time for Mr.. Cleycland's Inaugural
tion approached another disappointment
was III store. Ali the Democratic mem
bers of the general assembly of Illinois
united in signing q memorial to the
prehident-eleCt, asking the appointment
Of Mr.. Springer as secretary of the in
terror: but Mr.. Cleveland turned deaf
ear to this appeal.
His struggle for the spealtership Of the
present house, his selection as leader of
the house and his vigorous opposition to
the Mckinley bill need no recapitula-
ton at this time.