Mr. VAN BUREN said that this question had been one on which he had felt considerable doubt, not being a military man. The gentleman from Maine, [Mr. Chandler] deserved great credit for the vigilance with which he detected, and the spirit with which he opposed, any expenditure which was not required by the wants of the country. And if he [Mr. V. B.] thought the office unnecessary, he would join him with pleasure. He had come to the Senate with doubts as to the course which he should take; but the view which the gentleman from Pennsylvania had taken, had convinced him that the office could not safely be abolished. Although his impression had been that he should vote for abolishing the office, his opinion had been so completely changed by the arguments of the Senator from Pennsylvania, that he should give his vote against the motion to recommit.