Another circumstance
strongly roused the old man's wrath. It appears that in those
days the insertion of theatrical puffs formed a considerable
source of newspaper income; and yet young Walter determined at
once to abolish them. It is not a little remarkable that these
earliest acts of Mr. Walter--which so clearly marked his
enterprise and high-mindedness--should have been made the subject
of painful comments in his father's will.
Notwithstanding this serious opposition from within, the power
and influence of the paper visibly and rapidly grew. The new
Editor concentrated in the columns of his paper a range of
information such as had never before been attempted, or indeed
thought possible. His vigilant eye was directed to every detail
of his business. He greatly improved the reporting of public
meetings, the money market, and other intelligence,--aiming at
greater fulness and accuracy. In the department of criticism his
labours were unwearied. He sought to elevate the character of
the paper, and rendered it more dignified by insisting that it
should be impartial. 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.
Pages:
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248