He boldly stated his views on public affairs, bringing his strong and original judgment to bear upon the political and social topics of the day.

He carefully watched and closely studied public opinion, and discussed general questions in all their bearings.
He thus invented the modern Leading Article.

The adoption of an independent line of politics necessarily led him to canvass freely, and occasionally to condemn, the measures of the Government.

Thus, he had only been about a year in office as editor, when the Sidmouth Administration was succeeded by that of Mr.Pitt, under whom Lord Melville undertook the unfortunate Catamaran expedition.

His Lordship's malpractices in the Navy Department had also been brought to light by the Commissioners of Naval Inquiry.