He thus conferred the greatest public service upon literature, the drama, and the fine arts, by protecting them against the evil influences of venal panegyric on the one hand, and of prejudiced hostility on the other.
But the most remarkable feature of The Times that which emphatically commended it to public support and ensured its commercial success--was its department of foreign intelligence.

At the time that Walter undertook the management of the journal, Europe was a vast theatre of war; and in the conduct of commercial affairs--not to speak of political movements--it was of the most vital importance that early information should be obtained of affairs on the Continent.

The Editor resolved to become himself the purveyor of foreign intelligence, and at great expense he despatched his agents in all directions, even in the track of armies; while others were employed, under various disguises and by means of sundry pretexts, in many parts of the Continent.

These agents collected information, and despatched it to London, often at considerable risks, for publication in The Times, where it usually appeared long in advance of the government despatches.
The late Mr.Pryme, in his 'Autobiographic Recollections,' mentions a visit which he paid to Mr.Walter at his seat at Bearwood.

"He described to me," says Mr.Pryme, "the cause of the large extension in the circulation of The Times.