What “encumbrance” is discussed in paragraph 19?

From the text:

Some persons of a desponding spirit are in great concern about that vast number of poor people, who are aged, diseased, or maimed, and I have been desired to employ my thoughts what course may be taken to ease the nation of so grievous an encumbrance.

The speaker says that many people are tired of or don't want the needy of society. It is as if the poor, aged, diseased.....are purposely ruining the city for everyone simply by existing. Remember that this is a satirical piece.