The foundations of knowledge and reason influenced writers, philosophers, and citizens alike to question the legitimacy of such rule. ... Mimicking the scientists" curiosity, philosophers questioned the basic workings of government and society and in doing so gave rise to the Age of Enlightment. ... One newspaper editor wrote in question of the distribution of wealth: "The is a growing number of Beggars and wandering poor in the streets of the city How often have our streets been covered with Thousands of Barrels of Flour for trade, while our near Neighbors can hardly procure enough to make a ...