It may be safely assumed that facility of communication is one of the most potent elements of human progression and development, hence any obstacle to mobility, however small, becomes a bar to progress, and should, if possible, be removed.
It becomes immediately evident therefore, that the rectangular system of streets is, by itself, defective in consequence of the angles which it opposes to diagonal communications.
Great merit has been awarded Win. Penn for his prescience in planning this city of Philadelphia, but whilst that plan might answer admirably the requirements of a village, it is very inappropriate to a city of this magnitude. As a matter of history, Penn's letter of instructions to his three commissioners, appointed to execute his designs, will be read with interest.
They were " to seek out a spot on the Delaware River where it is most navigable, high, dry and healthy, where ships may best unload without litering, and where there is good soyle fox" provisions.
" Having found such a place, lay out ten thousand acres contiguous to it in the best manner you can, as the hounds of said towne; that no more land be laid out until this is taken up ; which is the best both . for comfort, safety and traffic.
'" Be sure to settle tile figure of the towne so as the streets may be uniform down to the river.
"Let the place for the store house be on the middle of the key, which will yet serve for market and state house too, only let the house built be as much upon a line as may be.
" The distance of each house from the creek or harbor should be in my judgement a measured quarter of a mile, at least two hundred paces, because of building hereafter streets downward to the harbor.
" Let every house be placed, if the person pleases, in the middle of its piatt, as to the breadth way of it so that there may be ground on each side for gardens, orchards or fields, that it may be a greene country towne which will never be burnt, and always be wholesome.
" Given at London, Sept. 15, 1681.