It is in order that each one of you may have, through this free government which we have enjoyed, an open field and a fair chance for your industry, enterprise, and intelligence; that you may all have equal privileges in the race of life, with all its desirable human aspirations.
In an address to soldiers, Lincoln defines the purpose of free government as providing every individual with an open field and fair chance for success and equal privileges in life.
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More from Abraham Lincoln
Grant that he desires the elective franchise, will he not attain it sooner by saving the already advanced steps towards it, than by running backward over them?
I am considering, and shall not fail to act when satisfied that action will be proper.
Unlike a case of war between independent nations, there is no organized organ for us to treat with,--no one man has authority to give up the rebellion for any other man.
I do the very best I know how--the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end.
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