This story is one that combines the key themes of memory, time, and change, as the author revisits the city and comments upon the way that he remembers it and how it has changed since he was last there. In a sense, White tries to capture the spirit of New York and what makes it such a buzzing metropolis, and the quote posted above is an excellent example of this.
To summarize his point, Lawrence avows that people should not have to beg for food to eat. Food, shelter, and fire should be free for everyone. Mankind must regain its composure concerning the financial aspect of life before we start killing one another over it.