FRANKLIN GIVING PART OF HIS BREAD TO A POOR WOMAN
Philadelphia, 1723
As has been the case with many journalists, his calling speedily brought him into political relations, for he was chosen to be the official printer of the Colonial legislature; and thereafter for fifty-nine years was seldom out of some form of public employment. Thus established as a kind of public character, Franklin set himself to improve both city and Colonial governments.
In 1737, he was made postmaster of Philadelphia, and caused great surprise by his prompt and accurate financial accounts.
DR. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
From a painting by Duplessis in 1778. The original, in the Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, is believed to be the best likeness of Franklin
Benjamin Franklin also organized himself into the first Good Government Club on record. Backed by at least half the press of the city (for he owned one of the two newspapers), and unanimously supported by the postmaster, he demanded a regeneration of the city. Eventually, he succeeded in dispossessing the old constables, who served in rotation, and in securing a police force, paid for that special service. He organized a fire company, which not only operated its hand engine when necessary, but carried materials for covering and protecting goods. He was also the first of many exasperated persons to criticize the Philadelphia pavements.
When later elected member of the Common Council, and then an Alderman and also a local Justice of Peace, Franklin, like some other good Philadelphia citizens, became rather apathetic. Nevertheless, these honors were not unwelcome, for he said of himself: “I shall never Ask, never Refuse, nor ever Resign an office.” By this time Franklin was involved in the public life of the colony. In 1736, he obtained the office of clerk to the General Assembly, which he continued to hold for many years.
