The additional regiments, however, were to be disbanded as soon as peace should be concluded with the Indians; and the President was authorized to discharge, or to forbear to raise, any part of them, "in case events should, in his judgment, render his so doing consistent with the public safety." [Sidenote: Opposition to the increase of the army.] This bill met with great opposition.

A motion was made to strike out the section which authorized an augmentation of force.

By those who argued in favour of the motion, the justice of the war was arraigned, and the practicability of obtaining peace at a much less expense than would be incurred in its further prosecution, was urged with vehemence.

An extension of the present frontier was said not to be desirable, and if the citizens of the United States were recalled within their proper boundaries, hostilities would cease.

At any rate, it was an idle waste of blood and treasure, to carry the war beyond the line of forts already established.