I go for all sharing the privileges of the government, who assist in bearing its burdens. Consequently, I go for admitting all whites to the right of suffrage, who pay taxes or bear arms (by no means excluding females).

The quote by Abraham Lincoln reflects his belief in expanding the right to suffrage (voting rights) to all individuals who contribute to the government through taxation or by bearing arms (military service). Lincoln is proposing that those who assist in supporting the government, whether financially or through military service, should be granted the privilege of participating in the political process. Importantly, he specifies that this includes females, suggesting that women, too, should have a right to vote if they are contributing to the nation in meaningful ways.

Lincoln’s statement highlights his evolving views on civil rights and participation in government. Although the quote comes from a time before women’s suffrage was realized, Lincoln is expressing a forward-thinking stance on inclusivity in the democratic process. By linking the right to vote to contributions such as paying taxes or serving in the military, he advocates for a form of merit-based suffrage that acknowledges the contributions of individuals regardless of gender, race, or other typical barriers.

The origin of this quote is rooted in Lincoln's presidency during the Civil War. At the time, there were significant debates about who should have the right to vote, especially as the nation grappled with issues of slavery and civil rights. Lincoln’s position in this quote reflects his commitment to a more inclusive democracy, particularly as the war emphasized the contributions of different groups to the nation’s survival and future.

In essence, Lincoln’s quote advocates for a broader and more inclusive democracy, where individuals who contribute to the nation’s defense and welfare, including women, are granted the right to vote. It highlights Lincoln’s belief in the fundamental fairness of giving citizens the ability to have a voice in their government based on their contributions, rather than excluding certain groups due to outdated societal norms.