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Though the streets of Philadelphia are well laid out, they are not paved. For this reason, they remain dusty in the dry weather and form quagmires during rains. Even the sidewalks stay dirty due to the dust from the street. Franklin attacks the problem step by step. First, he insists that sweepers be hired to keep the sidewalks clean. Then, he suggests the levy of a tax to pave the streets of the city. Franklin introduces the bill into the Assembly, which passes it without problem. The Assembly also approves lighting the streets. Franklin designs the lamps that are used to light the streets. Similarly in London, Franklin proposes ways to keep the streets clean. The streets can be swept clean before the shops are open and mud can be carried away in covered carts. One single gutter must run in the center of the street, where the mud can wash away.

Notes

Franklin's practical outlook and ironic humor in understanding human nature and issues relating to daily life add spark to the above incidents. He engages the readers on a dull subject by using an amusing tone. He proves he is a very practical man who can come up with suggestions to cleverly solve social problems.

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